If you have been using a variety of hair products for men and still cannot seem to grow healthy, shiny hair, then maybe it’s time to take a closer look at your scalp. Unhealthy, damaged scalp can feel itchy and tense, extremely dry or, on the contrary, excessively oily. It is an unpleasant condition in itself but it can also lead to a series of other, more alarming problems, such as slower hair growth, hair thinning or even hair loss. Luckily, there are a few things you can pay attention to if you want to improve your scalp’s condition and achieve a good basis for fabulous, thick and strong mane. Introduce these few, simple yet effective changes in your lifestyle for the best results:
Exfoliate
The buildup of dead cells and dirt creates a perfect environment for excess growth of bacteria and clogs your hair follicles, which can lead to dandruff and other skin conditions. To get rid of dead skin and scales, exfoliate weekly. If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, consult your doctor, as you may need to exfoliate more, i.e. two or three times a week. Just make sure not to exfoliate more often than three times a week, as it can irritate and dry your skin. You can buy exfoliating shampoos at the store or create a homemade cosmetic by adding some sugar or baking soda with tea tree oil to your regular shampoo. These gentle scrubs can also help you get rid of any product buildup in your hair.
Choose a good shampoo
For daily hair care choose a gentle, herbal shampoo with natural ingredients. Avoid products which contain SLS as it can irritate your skin. Consult a dermatologist to identify your skin type and choose a shampoo that can help you fight specific problems characteristic for your skin condition, and can help you successfully heal your scalp. You can also rinse your hair after every wash with apple cider vinegar or chamomile tea to soothe irritation. Try to wash your hair no more often than every 2-3 days to prevent dryness and itchiness but don’t go too long without cleansing as excess oil can lead to hair loss.
Use sun protection
Long exposure to the sun can cause damage of the delicate skin on your scalp or even lead to skin cancer. Remember to wear a hat if you’re planning to stay in the sun for extended period of time, and in the summer months always look for shampoos with UV protection. Remember also about good conditioners which will help restore vitality to your hair after being subjected to so much heat.
Watch your diet
Just like proper hair care requires healthy diet, your scalp will also be grateful if you nourish your body with the right foods. Diet full of vitamins and protein will help you maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Incorporate daily portions of fruits, vegetables (especially sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, or green peas), fish, eggs, brown rice and nuts to look and feel healthier. Switch coffee to green tea as the presence of polyphenols in it can help you maintain a healthy scalp.
