The Complete Guide to Scalp Health: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It

Are you wondering why everyone's talking about scalp health? It's not becaue it is suddenly important. It's always been important. Thankfully, the skin care and hair care industry are finally giving one of the most important areas of our skin the attention it needs.

Whether you're curiosity regarding scalp health arose from hair loss, premature greying, or scalp flakes, it brought you here. First, we're sorry you're experiencing this. However, it makes us thankful that we can give you the tea on everything you need to know to keep your scalp and hair in tip top shape.

A quick scalp terminology cheatsheet before we get started...

Hair Follicle: Your hair follicles, which are responsible for hair growth, are deeply connected to your scalp's condition. When these follicles become compromised due to various factors, it directly impacts your hair's health, growth rate, and appearance.

Sebum: AKA natural oils produced by your body to moisturize your scalp and hair.

Oxidative Stress: The body's inability to sufficiently counteract sources of "oxidation," like skin conditions, aging, and permanent hair dye coloring.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules that directly damage cellular structural membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA.

Understanding Your Scalp: The Foundation of Healthy Hair

Let's dive into the fascinating world that sits right on top of your head - your scalp! While it shares some traits with the rest of your skin, it's got its own unique personality, starring those thick, impressive hair follicles (unlike those tiny baby hairs elsewhere on your body).


Picture your scalp as magical garden soil and each hair as a precious plant. Just like you can't expect roses to bloom in sandy desert soil, you can't expect gorgeous locks without giving their foundation some serious TLC.

Each follicle beneath your scalp is like a mini production line, determining everything from thickness to color, while its personal oil dispenser (the sebaceous gland) works as a built-in conditioner system.

When these systems are in balance - not too oily, not too dry - and your scalp's microbiome (think tiny defenders) is healthy, you're giving your hair the best chance to thrive. Remember: happy scalp = happy hair!

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Signs of a Healthy Scalp vs. Common Issues

As I mentioned, a healthy scalp should feel comfortable, without feeling too oily or too dry. But it doesn't stop there. Here's what to look for:

  • Your scalp feels comfortable - no itching, burning, or tight sensations
  • When you touch it, it's smooth without bumps, scabs or rough patches;
  • It should look pale pink to light beige (depending on natural skin tone) with clear part lines unobscured by buildup;
  • There is visible redness, inflammation, flakes, or scaling;
  • There is no strong odor (if you detect a funky smell, that could signal an imbalanced microbriome); and of course
  • Healthy Hair Growth!

On the other side of that coin, some common issues of the scalp include:

  • Buildup of dead skin cells and hair care products
  • Excess oil production (Your shouldn't feel greasy within hours of washing or have greasy roots by end of day)
  • Dry scalp vs dandruff (two distinct conditions requiring different treatments)
  • Itchy scalp and irritation
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Signs of thinning hair

What Negatively Affects the Scalp

1. Oxidative Stress

Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a significant role in scalp health and hair growth. When free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) form on the scalp from such things as UV rays, chemical treatments or even aging, it can cause damage like:

  • Slower hair growth or premature hair loss. Eek!
  • Changes in hair texture and thickness
  • Potential for premature graying
  • Dandruff and psoriasis.

2. Lifestyle

Your scalp's condition isn't just about what you put on it. Several lifestyle factors can affect your scalp health:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Sudden weight loss (while weight loss programs like Ozempic and Mounjaro haven't been linked directly to hair loss, the sudden weight loss has caused many users to experience hair loss and thinning.
  • Childbirth or menopause
  • Over-processing of hair
  • Exercise habits
  • Diet and nutrition

Essential Steps for a Healthy Scalp

1. Regular Scalp Exfoliation

Scalp exfoliation is like giving your head's garden a good spring cleaning. Here's the scoop:
Your scalp naturally sheds dead skin cells, just like the rest of your body. However, these cells can get trapped by:

  • Product buildup (think dry shampoo, styling products, conditioner residue)
  • Natural oils (sebum)
  • Environmental debris (dust, pollution)
  • Sweat

When this stuff hangs around too long, it can:

  • Clog your hair follicles (imagine trying to grow a plant through concrete!)
  • Throw off your scalp's natural microbiome balance
  • Create an environment where unwanted bacteria or fungi might thrive
  • Make your hair look flat and greasy faster
  • Potentially lead to scalp issues like dandruff or itchiness

Here's the next important bit of information and don't shoot the messenger. Your regular shampoo likely isn't doing the job. Most shampoos are dual-action shampoos, which means they cleanse and -hydrate, -volumize, -smooth. Get my drift? They do more than one thing, which means they are only doing a so-so job of cleaning your scalp and hair of all that sweat, oil, dead skin and product buildup.

It's important to incorporate a clarifying shampoo and/or scalp exfoliating scrub (liquid or physical) into your routine. If you wash your hair one or twice a week, then you want to shampoo twice.

  • First, with a clarifying shampoo
  • Second, with your dual action shampoo.

This will not only adequately cleanse your scalp and hair, but eliminate any odor, buildup and excess weight.

Top Clarifying Shampoos & Scalp Exfoliators

  • O&M Original Detox Clarifying Shampoo - MANEPRINT

    Original Mineral Original Detox Shampoo

    This clarifying shampoo by Original Mineral is one of MANEPRINT's bestsellers. Not only because it's conscious. It does the job and smells amazing.

    $34.00

    LEARN MORE 

  • Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

    This gentle yet effective clarifying shampoo is specially formulated for curly girls and guys. It detoxes your curls of excess product build up to ensure you maintian bounce. and elasticity.

    $21.99

    LEARN MORE 

  • Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub

    This Keepin it Clean winner and amazing smelling scalp scrub removes dead skin, build up, oil, dirt, and sweat setting the stage for a healthy scalp and spa-like experience.

    $42.00

    LEARN MORE 

  • juliArt Liquid Exfoliating Shampoo

    This chemical exfoliating shampoo uses salicylic acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid to remove build up from the scalp. Great for those with curly hair or don't prefer salt or sugar based exfoliators.

    $60.00

    LEARN MORE 

2. Choosing the Right Products

Think of your scalp like your face - not everyone needs the same skincare routine! Let me break down why picking the right scalp products is super crucial:

Your Scalp's Unique Personality:

  • Each scalp has its own oil production levels
  • Different microbiome balance
  • Various sensitivity levels
  • Unique environmental challenges (like hard water or humid climate)

Using the wrong product is like wearing someone else's prescription glasses - it just won't work. For instance, if your scalp is oily and you use heavy moisturizing products your follicles get clogged faster and your hair looks greasy sooner. Not to mention it could lead to scalp acne or fungal issues. Eeek!

On the other hand, if your scalp is dry and you use harsh clarifying products, it can trigger overproduction of oil to compensate or it may cause itchiness and flaking.

Not to worry...getting it right means:

  • Your scalp stays balanced and healthy
  • Your hair grows better
  • You need fewer products to fix problems
  • You save money by not buying products that don't work

Start with understanding your scalp type (oily, dry, sensitive, or combination) and choose products specifically formulated for your needs. And remember - what works for your bestie might not work for you!

Here's our Go-Tos by Scalp Type

  • For Oily Scalps

    Rahua Classic Shampoo

    Rahua's Classic shampoo controls over- production of sebum while delivering a spa-like palo santo scent. For excessive oil production, go with juliArt Oil Balance Echo System.

    $36.00

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  • Pureology Nanoworks Gold Shampoo - MANEPRINT

    For Dry Scalps

    Pureology Nanoworks Shampoo

    The holy-grail shampoo when experiencing dryness and an itchy scalp, as it comes packed with ultra-hydrating marula oil for soothing skin and hair-strengthening complex Keravis for coating strands with moisture.

    $50.00

    ADD TO CART 

  • For Sensitive Scalps

    juliArt Hair Loss Sensitive Soothing Shampoo

    Pair with juliArt's Liquid Exfoliating Shampoo and juliArt Sensitive Soothing Restorer for best results.

    $60.00

    ADD TO CART 

  • For Dandruff

    Oway Purifying Hair Bath for Oily Scalps

    Oway attacks causes of oily dandruff with their Purifying line. Love it as one of our most conscious options.

    $42.00

    ADD TO CART 

3. Protection from Environmental Damage

Think of your hair like your favorite jacket - leave it out in the elements unprotected, and it's gonna show wear and tear! Environmental damage is no joke: sun exposure can fade your color and weaken strands, pollution particles cause dullness, chlorine strips and dries, salt water dehydrates, hard water leaves mineral buildup, and weather extremes can make your hair brittle or frizzy. But don't worry - you can fight back! Protect your scalp by:

  • Using products with UV protection;
  • Consider natural oils with SPF properties;
  • Install a shower filter for hard water;
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming;
  • Deep condition weekly.

Remember: Prevention is way easier than repair when it comes to environmental damage, so think of these steps like putting on sunscreen - a little protection goes a long way!

The UV Protection Arsenal

  • KITSCH Shower Filter

    Protect your scalp, skin and hair from the gook in your pipes by installing a shower filter.

    $39.99

    ADD TO CART 

  • Cult & King Tonik Scalp and Hair Purifier

    Provides UV protection while balancing scalp pH.

    $40.00

    ADD TO CART 

  • Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier

    Protects the hair from UV rays while moisturizing your strands. Perfect before swimming or skiing.

    $34.00

    ADD TO CART 

Conclusion

Your scalp is like the soil in a garden - when it's healthy and happy, beautiful things grow! Just like you wouldn't use the same fertilizer for cacti and roses, your scalp needs products and care that match its unique personality.

Keep an eye on how your scalp reacts to different treatments (it's actually pretty good at sending signals when it's not happy), and don't be afraid to switch things up if something's not working. After all, your scalp is as unique as you are, and giving it the specific TLC it needs is the secret sauce to getting that hair of your dreams.

Written by Natalie Palomino

Written by Natalie Palomino

Natalie Palomino is a Master Stylist, Hair Expert and Founder of MANEPRINT. When she's not creating beautiful hair transformations in California or Idaho, she's sharing her healthy hair care tips to our clients around the world. Follow her @nataliepalomino.co

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