Scalp care is often overlooked. Learn why a balanced, nourished scalp is essential for preventing common scalp and hair concerns.
Marisa Plescia
Vice President, Society of Cosmetic Chemists; Founder, FemChem Beauty
Many people tend to overlook scalp care, placing all their attention on hair care instead. They often invest in shampoos, conditioners, serums, and other haircare products with the goal of making their hair look shinier, stronger, smoother, etc. While these products may improve the appearance of hair, they often ignore the very foundation from which healthy hair grows: the scalp. A neglected and overlooked scalp can lead to a range of issues, including dandruff, itchiness, excessive oiliness, and even hair thinning or loss. Prioritizing scalp health is essential not just for preventing these concerns but also for promoting long-term hair vitality.
The importance of scalp health
Your scalp is more than just the surface your hair grows from; it’s skin, and like all skin, it’s a complex organ made up of multiple layers and specialized structures such as sebaceous (oil) glands, blood vessels, and most importantly, hair follicles. The hair follicle, especially, is the essential structure of the scalp. It contributes to hair health, as the hair follicle’s role is to grow hair. The scalp skin contains, on average, an estimated 90,000 to 150,000 hair follicles. Additionally, the scalp, like all skin, has a unique microbiome that is essential to maintaining its overall health and balance. This community of microorganisms plays a crucial role in protecting against harmful bacteria and supporting a healthy environment.
When the scalp is not in optimal health — lacking proper hydration, a balanced microbiome, or good blood circulation — it can lead to a range of uncomfortable issues and conditions for the scalp, as well as hair growth and maintenance.
Often, the scalp sends signals when something isn’t right. Tuning into these signs can help you catch imbalances early and restore your scalp to a healthier state.
Signs of an unhealthy scalp
An oily scalp, for example, can be a symptom of imbalance. Dryness, imbalanced microbiome, hormonal changes, and even poor scalp hygiene can trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, the natural oil that helps protect and moisturize the skin. Dryness can be caused by overwashing your hair or cold weather. The scalp skin will try to compensate by producing more oil to re-moisturize and protect itself. This can lead to greasiness, buildup, and irritation. Redness, itchiness, and flaking may also follow.
One of the most common scalp conditions, often resulting from various scalp imbalances, is dandruff. It is characterized by the presence of white or yellowish flakes of dead skin that shed from the scalp. While not harmful, dandruff can be persistent and may lead to discomfort or self-consciousness. A key contributor to dandruff is an imbalance in oil production, which can create an ideal environment for the overgrowth of Malassezia, a naturally occurring yeast that lives on the skin. Malassezia feeds on the scalp’s natural oils and breaks them down into substances that can irritate the skin, triggering inflammation and accelerating skin cell turnover. This rapid shedding is what causes visible flaking. In addition to flakes, dandruff may also cause itching, redness, irritation, or a tight, dry sensation on the scalp. Maintaining a balanced scalp microbiome and regulating oil production are essential steps in preventing and managing dandruff effectively.
More seriously, chronic scalp issues can contribute to hair thinning and excessive shedding. All the signs of unhealthy scalp, such as inflammation, poor blood circulation, oily scalp, dry scalp, and imbalances in the scalp’s microbiome, can all contribute to weakened hair roots and increased hair fall. The hair follicles become damaged, and their ability to function properly and grow healthy hair is impaired. When your scalp is healthy, your hair has the best possible environment to grow and thrive.
The good news? Many of these scalp-related issues are not only manageable but also preventable. By listening to what your scalp is telling you and giving it the attention it deserves, you can create an optimal environment for both your scalp and hair health.
