Everything You Need To Know About Scalp Care

- How To Treat Itchy Scalp
- Dry Scalp Treatment
- Does Your Scalp Need Sun Protection
- 5 Step Scalp Care Routine
How To Treat Itchy Scalp
One common cause of itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis or what is commonly known as dandruff. It can be caused by different culprits such as fungus, dry scalp, too much oil buildup, allergy from products, or you have a medical condition. This can be very itchy and annoying when you have it, so what do you do to get rid of it?
- Oily hair: try shampooing more frequently using an anti-dandruff shampoo with pyrithione zinc or salicylic acid
- If you used a new product and you think you might be allergic: scan the label for the ingredients and discontinue use if you see any allergen
- Fungus: this is caused by a fungus called Malassezia and can be treated using OTC anti-dandruff shampoo or an antifungal ointment and topical drug prescription.
DIY Home Treatment
- Using Tea Tree Oil: Add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo bottle, shake and mix, then massage to your scalp and lather for 3 minutes daily for 3-4 weeks.
Note: Tea tree oil should be diluted with shampoo and not applied directly on scalp to avoid irritation.
- Aloe Vera: Apply natural aloe vera gel to the scalp and hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with a gentle shampoo
- Hemp Shampoo: Massage onto the scalp thoroughly and rinse
Dry Scalp Treatment
People with dry scalp would know how frustrating it is to fight off flakes on your scalp. Dry scalp happens when there is little oil or moisture that causes the skin to get irritated and flake off. Although experiencing this may be irritating, it is easily treated. Here are some ways to do so:
- Avoid harsh and strong products that can strip off your natural oil.
- Take 1-2 drops of jojoba oil and massage onto the hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with a gentle shampoo
- Use a moisturizing hemp conditioner
- Use aloe vera and let it sit on the scalp for 20-30 minutes before rinsing
- Take your LxH hair and scalp care supplements
Does Your Scalp Need Sun Protection
Another thing we often forget about is that our scalp needs protection from the sun too. Although our hair helps in shielding our scalp from the harsh rays of the sun, your scalp still needs extra protection when you are staying under the sun for too long. One way to do this is to wear a protective hat (some hats have UV protection material). Aside from being cute, they can help you lessen the chances of getting your scalp sunburnt. Moreover, let’s not forget to use sunscreen on our scalp especially if you are going to the beach or staying too long under the sun. You can use sunscreen sticks or powder to protect you from scalp sunburn and skin cancer.
5 Step Scalp Care Routine
Much like the skin, the scalp needs its own routine too to keep it healthy and free from fungus. Here is our 5-step scalp care routine to guide you on how to take care of your scalp health.
Step #1: Exfoliate
There are two ways you can exfoliate – physical or chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation involves scrubs that often have beads, sugar, or salt that help manually remove dead skin and dandruff by applying and scrubbing it onto your scalp in a circular motion.
Meanwhile, chemical exfoliation involves using hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. This method only involves applying the product onto the scalp and letting it do its job in sloughing off flakes and dandruff. After rinsing, you can observe less dandruff.
Step #2: Massage with oil
Massaging your scalp and hair with oil such as diluted tea tree oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil can not only help soften your hair but hydrates the scalp. This is perfect for people with dry flaky scalp since it can help bring back moisture.
Serums with almond oil can help moisturize the dry scalp while chamomile can help with inflammation. For itchy scalp, peppermint oil is a great solution to relieve itchiness and soothe the scalp.
Step #3: Shampoo regularly
If you have a dandruff problem, make sure to use an anti-dandruff shampoo or one with tea tree oil as an ingredient. Shampooing hair regularly can remove excess oil and product buildup. Consider your scalp health before choosing the right haircare product. For dry scalp, choose one that helps moisturize and hydrate your scalp. A little steam in the shower is great to open up the hair cuticle and help your hair products get absorbed better, however, you should try to avoid extremely hot showers.
Step #4: Make seasonal changes
If you are going out under the sun, remember to put a sunscreen stick or powder on your scalp especially on your parting line to avoid getting sunburn. Remember that the hair and scalp need different care every season. During chilly weather, the scalp tends to get drier. Meanwhile, the summer heat can make your scalp sweat more and cause it to be more prone to dandruff. Consider changing your hair products to fit what your hair and scalp need.
Step #5: Take your supplements
Supplementing with Biotin can help you restore your hair and scalp health back. Check out this LxH Strawberry Flavored Biotin Gummy Vitamins for overall hair, scalp, skin, and nail support.