Is it true that a clean scalp promotes hair growth? In a nutshell, yes! A damaged scalp can result in a buildup of sweat, grime, and excess oil around the hair cuticle, preventing healthy hair growth from penetrating the follicle.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful hair. We spend so much time worrying about our hair, but our scalp is often overlooked. So, what can you do to improve the health of your hair and scalp? A rigorous regimen can completely transform your locks. Below are the best practices to exfoliate and nourish your scalp and common mistakes to avoid:
Purchase a scalp scrub: Scrubbing your scalp can alter flaky, dry and greasy scalps. Buy a scrub free of sulphates, silicones, and parabens and loaded with natural exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, germs, and excess oils, preventing flakes and restoring a clear and healthy scalp.
Once a week, use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. Massage gently into the scalp and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rising.
Here is a DIY scrub you can make at home:
Coffee and Sea Salt:
Ingredients:
Two tablespoons of coffee powder
Two tablespoons of Himalayan sea salt
Two teaspoons of lemon juice
Three tablespoons of hemp oil
Make a paste-like mix with the ingredients and part your hair in sections to scrub your hair. Massage the scrub onto your scalp for at least 5 mins and then rinse off and follow with a gentle shampoo.
Why it Works: Both coffee and sea salt have potent exfoliative properties that benefit the scalp by scouring away product residue and impurities while boosting circulation and preventing hair fall. While hemp oil nourishes and stimulates hair growth from the root, lemon juice prevents dandruff and leaves one with smooth and shiny hair.
Oatmeal and Brown Sugar:
Ingredients:
Two tbsp of finely ground oatmeal
Two tbsp of hair conditioner
2 tbsp of powdery brown sugar
5 to 10 drops of hemp oil
Make a paste-like mix with the ingredients and part your hair in sections to scrub your hair. Massage the scrub onto your scalp for at least 5 mins and then rinse off and follow with a gentle shampoo.
Why it works: The dynamic combination of oatmeal and brown sugar in this scalp scrub not only exfoliates the scalp and improves blood circulation in the scalp, but it also supplies the much-needed moisture required for new hair production—the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp oil help to prevent scalp infections.
Nutrients and Conditioners
Companies are developing hair-retention supplements that use a botanical, all-natural approach. However, a lot of your purchases can be an unnecessary surplus. You'd do well to focus on eating a varied diet rich in natural, whole foods like those that contain vitamins A, B, C, and E (leafy greens, sweet potatoes, berries, nuts), fatty acids (nuts, avocados, fish), and proteins (eggs, almonds, beans). If you take a supplement, pick one that promotes healthy hair by focusing on the scalp. Along with supplements, there is also an abundance of hair conditioners in the market. Please read the ingredient list and ensure it matches your hair requirements because not all work well. A nourishing conditioner can do wonders for your scalp's health, restoring it with the necessary nutrients to grow new and healthy cells. In addition, it would help to regularly massage your scalp with conditioners or oils for blood circulation. You can even invest in some overnight leave-on conditioners for that extra nourishment. Ensure that the conditioners you purchase are toxins-free and have the necessary ingredients.
Serums and tonics
The primary goal of these products is to increase blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which strengthens and better anchors hair from the get-go. In addition, some scalp serums and tonics aim to reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT, the hormone by-product that can shrink your follicles). In contrast, others seek to restore a healthy balance in oil production, eliminate inflammation and fungus, remove dead skin cells, or reset the scalp's pH. The versatility of these items makes it simple to locate one that addresses your concerns or completes your current scalp care routine.
Avoid:
Over washing -You strip away naturally produced oils.
Over conditioning: Making your hair "oily" faster can also lead to the breaking of the hair shaft because of the excess moisture.
Colouring: Almost all hair colour is done by using bleach on your hair which is also really bad for the scalp. Try using a herbal alternative or colouring your hair without bleach if you can. FYI- dyeing your hair without bleach may not show the desired colour. Consult with your hairstylist before making decisions.
Using Excessive Heat: Use a heat protector spray or serum when using curling or straightening tools on your hair. Remember that the sun also causes damage to your hair, so use heat/spf protective serums even if you are going out in the sun.
To know more about Hampa products that can tackle hair loss, visit https://hampawellness.in/collections/hair-care
Hampa = Wholesome Nutrition. All Hampa products use Hemp and other natural ingredients to heal and rejuvenate to achieve our brand mission of bringing you a variety of hemp-based personal care, therapeutic, and nutritional health products that are sustainably sourced and scientifically supported.