How to Take Care of Your Scalp + Why It’s Important

Are you desperate for longer, shinier, healthier hair? When was the last time you thought about the health of your scalp? Often neglected, the scalp is the foundation from which your hair grows. Simply put, healthy hair begins at the scalp.

But how do you know if your scalp is in need of some extra TLC? Dryness, itchiness, irritation, and dandruff are all signs of poor scalp health. Excessive fallout and thinning hair are also major red flags.

So, how do you take care of your scalp? Why is scalp care important? Here’s everything you need to know, including the best scalp care routine for healthier hair.

Why Scalp Care is Important

It may surprise you to hear that the skin on your scalp is very similar to the skin on your face. The main differences are that it’s a bit thicker, has more oil glands, and of course, it contains hundreds of thousands of hair follicles. 

Each hair follicle grows an individual strand of hair. The sebaceous glands in each hair follicle also produce sebum, which helps to condition the hair strands and surrounding skin. Those with a dry scalp produce less sebum, while those with an oily scalp produce more.

The health of your scalp has a direct impact on the health of your hair because each follicle goes deep into the scalp. The scalp and hair follicles have their own microbiome. An imbalanced scalp microbiome can lead to issues like dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, and more.

Not only that, but these scalp issues are also linked to thinning hair, hair breakage, reduced shine, and rough hair texture. Unfortunately, poor scalp health can also lead to premature hair loss, which can become permanent if scalp conditions go untreated.

Characteristics of a Healthy Scalp

When the scalp is healthy, there are no signs of redness, irritation, dryness, flakiness, or buildup. It’s not inflamed or tender to the touch. A healthy scalp is easy to take for granted, simply because it’s comfortable and has no visible or physical issues.

Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp

The signs of an unhealthy scalp are not so easy to ignore. They include:

• Itchiness, redness, or inflammation
• Burning, irritation, or pain
• Extreme oiliness or extreme dryness
• Excessive oil production
• Dandruff or flakiness
• Bumps or even sores on the scalp in some cases
• Excessive fallout or thinning hair

Causes of an Unhealthy Scalp

Unfortunately, many of the things we encounter on a daily basis can contribute to an unhealthy scalp. Things like poor eating habits, exposure to toxins and extreme weather, and stress play a major role.

But one of the leading causes of poor scalp health is product buildup on the hair and scalp, accompanied by the use of irritating ingredients that strip away essential moisture. Parabens, alcohol, and sulfates are the most common culprits.

Harsh cleansers and overwashing can lead to dryness, irritation, and flakiness, but infrequent washing can also allow product, dirt, and oil to build up on the scalp. This leads to clogged hair follicles, inflammation, and possibly even poor hair growth. Finding the right balance is key.

How to Take Care of Your Scalp

The same basic principles that apply to facial skincare also apply to scalp care. Shampooing often enough to keep the scalp clean and free of dirt, oil, and buildup is vital. And just like your skincare routine, your scalp care routine should reflect your scalp type. 

If your scalp is dry, you’ll want to be especially careful to avoid overwashing, choose gentle hair care products and protect it from harsh elements. If your scalp is oily, avoid harsh shampoos that can strip away the natural oils and trigger even more oil production. 

All scalp types should prioritize hydration because a dehydrated scalp is more prone to issues. Here are our top tips for promoting scalp health, no matter what scalp type you have:

Choose Honey-Infused Hair Care Products

Honey is a powerhouse of beneficial nutrients and therapeutic properties for both the hair and the skin, making it an ideal choice for natural scalp care. Honey-Infused hair products are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that protect, nourish, and soothe the scalp.

Avoid Sulfates and Parabens

Making some simple changes to your hair care regimen can make a big difference in the health of your scalp. Choose gentle hair care products that are free of parabens and sulfates. 

Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip away the natural oils in your hair and scalp. Not only do they dry out the hair and scalp, but they also leave the scalp more prone to issues. Products that contain parabens can make existing issues worse, resulting in damaged hair and an inflamed, itchy, irritated scalp.

Boost Hydration Inside and Out

Your scalp’s natural oils aren’t always enough to keep it hydrated, especially in harsh climates. Using a Honey Infused Scalp Treatment is essential for keeping the scalp hydrated and moisturized, but it’s also important to hydrate your scalp from the inside out by drinking plenty of water every day.

Protect Your Scalp from the Sun

Just like the skin on your face and body, your scalp is also prone to sun damage, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat, applying SPF directly to the scalp, and avoiding the sun during the middle of the day. 

Using a heat protectant with a UV filter like our Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray is also a great way to protect your hair and scalp against damaging UV rays.

Eat a Healthy Diet 

There’s no question that eating a healthy diet can improve your overall health, and that includes the health of your hair and scalp. A diet that’s rich in Omega-3s, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality protein can make all the difference. 

The Best Scalp Care Routine for Healthy Hair

The best scalp care routine starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. For the best results, choose products that are free of parabens and sulfates, like Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner, which are suitable for all hair types.

Our Honey Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner are ideal for hair and scalp health because they are formulated with Mirsalehi Honey to effectively cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the hair without weighing it down. They also help to maintain the natural moisture balance in your hair and scalp.

Follow up with our Honey Infused Scalp Treatment twice a week to tackle recurring scalp issues, moving toward one weekly application once your scalp concerns subside. This concentrated serum balances the scalp’s microbiome with the powers of Mirsalehi Honey.

Gisou’s Honey Infused Scalp Treatment contains our proprietary Mirsalehi Honey Bee Garden Oil Blend and five natural scalp targeting active ingredients that tackle itchiness, oiliness, dryness, flakiness, and inflammation. Consistent use results in healthier, fuller, shinier hair and a hydrated scalp that’s free of irritation.

Healthy Hair Begins With a Healthy Scalp

The journey to healthy, shiny, voluminous hair begins with a healthy scalp. Your scalp deserves the same care and attention as your hair or the skin on your face and body.

Give your scalp the extra TLC it needs with our Honey Infused Scalp Treatment. Supercharged with 99% natural ingredients, this intensive formula will reset and revitalize your scalp and help you achieve your healthiest, shiniest hair yet!