The secret is out! Scalp health is the key to building strong, healthy hair over 40.
Our scalps deserve just as much (if not more) attention as our strands do.
Your hair grows from individual follicles on your scalp, so it is essential for your scalp skin to be strong and moisturized.
If your scalp isn’t properly cared for, your hair quality may suffer.
Below you will find five tips to support your scalp’s hair-building functions.
Why Is a Healthy Scalp Important?
Healthy hair starts at the roots. The surface of our scalp has around 100,000 follicles, from which hair grows.
The follicles also create an oily substance, called sebum.
Sebum is responsible for moisturizing and protecting the scalp skin.
Scalp health is directly related to your hair follicle health and hair building functions.
A healthy scalp is free from itchiness, irritation, sun damage, and hair loss. To support a healthy scalp, follicles must be clean and clear of oil, dirt, and buildup.
5 Tips To Support Your Scalp’s Hair-Building Functions
1. Exfoliate Your Scalp
Oil, dirt, dead skin cells and hair products build up on your scalp and block your hair follicles.
Scalp build-up can cause skin irritations and disrupt the hair-growth cycle.
A scalp exfoliator, used once or twice a week, will help clear scalp debris and unclog your pores. Exfoliate your scalp by gently massaging the product into your hair using circular motions.
A good scalp exfoliator, like the one from Better Not Younger, contains activated charcoal and lactic acid to ensure the scalp is left clean and clear.
Additional ingredients to seek out in a scalp exfoliator include birch extract, apple cider vinegar and aloe vera. Exfoliating your scalp will help you maintain healthy follicles to support hair growth.
2. Massage Your Scalp
Massaging your scalp is the easiest and most relaxing way to improve your hair’s health. Scalp massages are known to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
The act of massaging your scalp stretches the cells of your hair follicles, which promotes thicker hair growth.
Additionally, increased blood circulation to the scalp helps your follicles derive the essential nutrients to support a healthy hair-growth cycle.
To massage your scalp, you can use your fingertips or use a scalp-massaging device that imitates your fingertips.
3. Use Gentle Hair Products
Nourish and replenish your scalp by using gentle, chemical-free hair products.
Hair products that contain chemicals, like sulfates and alcohols, strip sebum from your scalp.
Sulfates are included in shampoo formulas to create a lathering effect. Although you want to thoroughly clean your scalp, sulfates are harsh on your skin.
Often times, in response to your natural oils being removed from your scalp, your sebaceous glands produce even more oil.
An overproduction of sebum can result in greasy roots and an irritated scalp.
Next time you’re looking for a new hair product, consider choosing a sulfate-free formula with moisturizing, clarifying ingredients.
4. Feed Your Scalp from the Inside Out
A well-balanced diet goes a long way in supporting the scalp’s hair-building functions. As you age, the body doesn’t synthesize collagen and vitamins the way it used to.
Consuming a varied, nutrient-packed diet will provide your scalp with support to fortify strong hair growth.
Firstly, omega-3 fatty acids are vital to growing strong hair. Omega-3 fatty acids deliver proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and increase circulation in the scalp.
They also prevent hair follicle inflammation, which is a common cause of hair loss.
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, avocados, nuts and seeds.
Other vitamins to support hair-building functions include vitamin A, B, C, and E, iron, and zinc. You may also supplement your diet with a daily multivitamin to boost your hair’s health.
5. Brush Your Hair Correctly
Take advantage of your scalp’s natural oil! Sebum protects your hair from moisture loss and environmental damage.
The sebaceous glands produce natural oil that gives hair its elasticity and shine.
By brushing your hair, you distribute oil from your scalp to your entire hair-shaft. Daily brushes help your tresses stay moisturized from root to tip.
Keep in mind, you never want to tug your hair with a brush. Aggressive brushing can lead to hair thinning by pulling out your hair and causing breakage.
To practice safe, gentle brushing, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair and a paddle brush or boar bristle brush on dry hair. It may seem like a minor detail, but proper brushing techniques are crucial for scalp health.
Conclusion
Healthy hair starts with the scalp! Scalp-care should be a non-negotiable part of your hair-care regimen.
By following these 5 tips to support the scalp’s hair-building functions, you may achieve longer, healthier hair for years to come.