Many people are well aware of the benefits of protecting their skin during the harsh months of winter, but few people give much thought to protecting the scalp, which is arguably the most delicate skin on the human body. Why is winter scalp care so important? Just as a house needs a strong foundation, healthy hair requires a healthy foundation. The scalp is the hair's foundation, since it contains the follicles, blood vessels, and sebaceous glands that are responsible for healthy hair.
Here are five tips that will help ensure proper scalp care throughout the winter.
1. Proper hydration is essential. Many skin care experts will agree that most conditions, including dry scalp, can be greatly improved by keeping the body hydrated. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily can help prevent most skin and scalp conditions stemming from dehydration.
2. Decrease shampooing frequency. Frequent shampooing can strip away the oil which is produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. This oil is necessary to protect the scalp from moisture loss. Just as a lip balm creates a barrier between the lips and the elements, sebum (the oil secreted by the scalp) creates a protective barrier between the scalp and the elements. Shampooing 2-3 times per week is frequent enough to keep hair clean, without stripping the scalp's precious oils.
3. Keep it covered. Wearing a hat will protect the delicate scalp from the ravages of the winter wind. The wind, not the temperature, is the main culprit when it comes to dry scalp. Cold winds have a chapping effect on the skin, and this includes the scalp.
4. Use alcohol-free styling products. Since the scalp is drier during the winter, the worst thing someone with a flaky dry scalp can do is to use styling products with a high alcohol content. Alcohol will dry out the skin and dry up the scalp's oils.
5. Massage your scalp. Gently massaging the scalp will stimulate blood flow, which will improve the condition of the scalp and hair. Decreased blood flow in the scalp will result in itching, flaking, and a host of other problems. A healthy scalp should be slightly pink in color. If your scalp is white, this is usually an indication of poor blood flow.
These five tips will keep the scalp healthy year round, but are especially important during the dry and harsh months of winter.
1. Proper hydration is essential. Many skin care experts will agree that most conditions, including dry scalp, can be greatly improved by keeping the body hydrated. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily can help prevent most skin and scalp conditions stemming from dehydration.
2. Decrease shampooing frequency. Frequent shampooing can strip away the oil which is produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. This oil is necessary to protect the scalp from moisture loss. Just as a lip balm creates a barrier between the lips and the elements, sebum (the oil secreted by the scalp) creates a protective barrier between the scalp and the elements. Shampooing 2-3 times per week is frequent enough to keep hair clean, without stripping the scalp's precious oils.
3. Keep it covered. Wearing a hat will protect the delicate scalp from the ravages of the winter wind. The wind, not the temperature, is the main culprit when it comes to dry scalp. Cold winds have a chapping effect on the skin, and this includes the scalp.
4. Use alcohol-free styling products. Since the scalp is drier during the winter, the worst thing someone with a flaky dry scalp can do is to use styling products with a high alcohol content. Alcohol will dry out the skin and dry up the scalp's oils.
5. Massage your scalp. Gently massaging the scalp will stimulate blood flow, which will improve the condition of the scalp and hair. Decreased blood flow in the scalp will result in itching, flaking, and a host of other problems. A healthy scalp should be slightly pink in color. If your scalp is white, this is usually an indication of poor blood flow.
These five tips will keep the scalp healthy year round, but are especially important during the dry and harsh months of winter.
Originally published by Marlin Bressi on the Yahoo Contributor Network
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