Treatment and tips for ensuring a soothed scalp and healthy, happy hair.
1. Treatment for a sensitive scalp
If you suffer from a red, itching, burning, prickling or flaking scalp, it's important you treat it with a shampoo formulated specifically for sensitive scalps. If not, your regular shampoo may prove too harsh due to the detergent-based formula, and it risks aggravating the symptoms.
2. The benefits of a gentle, soothing shampoo for hair
Just because you're treating your scalp, doesn't mean you have to forget your hair. A soothing shampoo designed not to irritate your scalp also has benefits for your hair fibers. Regular shampoo contains sulfates, whereas scalp-sensitive shampoos have reduced, or sulfate-free formulae. Why? Beacause sulfate can be responsible for sensibilisation of scalp.
The opposite result may also occur: when hair lacks natural oils, the epidermis stimulates more production, which causes excess sebum, aka grease.
3. Other tips and tricks to avoid a sensitive scalp and unhappy hair
Usually, when your scalp isn't happy, neither is your hair. Sensitivity and damage to the hair fiber can be the result of everyday factors. Temperature, for example, plays a large role in the health of your hair and scalp. The sun can frazzle hair and, if you forget to wear a hat, you risk burning the sensitive skin on your scalp. Ouch. Likewise, cold winter wind and rain are terrible for the condition of your hair, and can quickly cause scalp sensitivity if you move from hot to cold temperatures too rapidly.
Diet is also an important element when it comes to glossy hair and a soothed scalp. What goes into your body then shows on the outside. You can tell that - if you've over-indulged during the holidays and it shows on your skin - chances are it'll soon be apparent on your scalp and hair too. It's all about balance!
Many of us rely on styling tools every day as part of our morning routine, but they can be harmful to hair and the scalp beneath it. While you'll realize pretty quickly if you've burnt your skin (that hurts!) or hair (that stinks!), often the long-term damage goes unnoticed for months, and the quality of your hair gradually deteriorates. Avoid using heating products as much as possible, and always apply heat-protectant beforehand. As for your scalp, just make sure you stay well away from the roots!
