Scalp Care Can Help Unlock a Better Head of Hair. Here’s How to Do It Right.
Any good farmer waters his soil and fertilizes his crops. And if you want a healthy, vibrant head of hair, you should apply the same logic to your scalp. If things are too dry or too oily, it can lead to dandruff and scalp inflammation, which creates a suboptimal environment for your hair follicles. But with proactive nourishment and balancing measures, you can ensure a soothed scalp and in turn improve growth conditions for those precious follicles.
“The foundation of healthy hair lies in the scalp—even those with full heads of hair,” says Arran Isherwood, a specialist at the U.K.’s FUE Clinics. “Neglecting your scalp health can lead to many issues that may affect not only the hair but also your own wellbeing.” Isherwood identifies the following key arguments for maintaining a healthy scalp—not that we expect anyone to want an unhealthy scalp. But rather, these are the matter-of-fact benefits you’ll get from taking a proactive approach to scalp care.
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The Benefits of a Healthy Scalp
Scalp care optimizes growth: While hair loss isn’t directly linked to scalp health (in terms of follicle-diminishing factors), those follicles still need nourishment as well as a balanced environment to grow, says Isherwood. “Regular cleansing and proper hydration ensure that follicles are free from dirt and oils, creating the perfect environment for hair to grow thick and strong.”
Scalp care minimizes dandruff and inflammation: There are many scalp conditions that are unsightly and/or uncomfortable, and proactive regimens can prevent these things. “Dandruff is often caused by an overly dry or oily scalp,” notes Isherwood. So target the condition that seems right for you—either a nourishing and hydrating one for dryness, or a toning and fungal-fighting one for excess oil.
Scalp care supports the hair you have: “A healthy scalp encourages the production of natural oil that protects and moisturizes your strands,” says Isherwood. “This contributes to softer, more manageable hair and minimizes breakage.”
These are the easiest ways to boost your scalp’s overall wellness, according to Isherwood.
Don’t Shampoo Daily—and Use a Mild One When You Do
Prioritize hydrating, nourishing, sulfate-free shampoos, says Isherwood, but don’t use them every day. “Over-washing can strip the scalp of natural oils,” he explains. Try to build a cadence of washing when your hair actually needs it, perhaps every second or third day, and rely on a simple rinse in between.
Best Shampoo: Vitabrid C12 Scalp+ Shampoo
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Try “Co-Washing”
Daily conditioner is a great way to rinse excess buildup between shampoo uses, while also nourishing strands and scalp alike; this strategy is called “co-washing” though you can also buy conditioning-focused co-washes that help very slight cleansing abilities.
Best Co-Wash: Hairstory New Wash Original
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Take Care of Your Dandruff
Isherwood also advises having an anti-dandruff shampoo at the ready (like one with antifungal ketoconazole) for those moments where you may need to manage flaking or inflammation. Don’t use those as your primary shampoo, however.
Best Dandruff Shampoo: Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole 1% Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
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Use a Low-Level Laser Therapy Device
LLLT is one of the best ways to improve circulation to the scalp, and directly boost hair growth at the same time. It is becoming increasingly more accessible with at-home devices, too—especially since some clinical costs can be upwards of $1,000 monthly.
“The lasers boost blood flow to your hair roots, bringing in more oxygen and nutrients, encouraging hair follicles to start growing again,” explains Isherwood. “LLLT also calms things down in your scalp. If there’s any inflammation, LLLT helps soothe that and creates a better environment for your hair to grow in.”
Read more about our favorite LLLT device for at-home use, the Bauman Turbo Laser Cap.
Best At-Home LLLT Device: Bauman Turbo Laser Cap
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Ask Your Doctor About Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the two most commonly “prescribed” treatments for hair loss (though technically, it is available over the counter in topical form). You might know it as Rogaine; basically, when applied to the scalp, it opens up the blood vessels and improves nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. While its scalp benefits don’t extend too far beyond that (though, let’s reiterate that it is extremely effective for restoring hair fullness), minoxidil’s ability to boost circulation here is terrific for overall scalp nourishment. You can also get oral minoxidil by prescription from your doctor, or through telemedicine sites like Roman. Be careful to follow the daily dosage recommendations with that, since that orl drug (Loniten) is technically for high blood pressure and needs to be taken in more trace amounts for the cosmetic benefits.
Best Minoxidil Treatments: Roman Oral Minoxidil
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Roman Topical Minoxidil 5%
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Exfoliate and Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Who doesn’t love a scalp massage? And why aren’t more guys self-administering one when they shampoo or condition? “These massages promote blood circulation to the hair follicles, ensuring that they receive the essential nutrients and oxygen,” says Isherwood. “Again, increased circulation supports healthier hair growth.”
You can also buy a silicone scalp scrubber for a more vigorous scrubdown, or even invest in a topical scalp scrub to rid of dead skin and deliver nourishing, toning ingredients straight to the dome. “Over time, dead skin cells and residue from hair products can build up on the scalp, potentially blocking hair growth,” Isherwood explains. “Using a mild exfoliating scalp treatment or a scalp brush helps to get rid of these impurities, ensuring that your hair follicles are free to grow without obstruction.”
Best Topical Scalp Scrub: R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub
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Best Scalp Scrubber: Briogeo Scalp Revival Scalp Scrubber
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Optimize the Rest of Your Health
One of the best ways to support scalp health, hair health, and overall wellness is to simply make more healthy decisions on a daily basis. “Just like the rest of your body, your scalp needs hydration and proper nutrients to support the overall health of your scalp and hair,” Isherwood says. “Drinking enough water and incorporating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin and zinc (found in eggs, nuts, seeds and wholegrain), nourishes the scalp from the inside out, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.” Plus, all this talk about improving circulation and nutrient delivery to the scalp means nothing when you aren’t actually ingesting those nutrients as needed.
One terrific supplement for scalp support is Nutrafol, which also has ingredients like saw palmetto to counter the hormonal byproduct (dihydrotestosterone, or DHT) that shrinks hair follicles.”
Best Men’s Hair and Scalp Supplement: Nutrafol Hair Health Supplement for Men
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Along with that, try to get quality sleep (7 to 8 hours nightly), and cut back on things like alcohol, processed foods, sugary foods, smoking, drug use, and so forth. Stay physically active, and do your best to minimize stress. “Finding ways to manage stress, whether through exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies, can make a positive impact on your scalp health and overall well-being,” says Isherwood.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
While a sunburn won’t fry your follicles per se, it will create an inflamed and inhospitable environment for those follicles until things heal up. So don’t take any risks with UV exposure. “Wearing a hat or using a scalp sunscreen can provide an extra layer of defense, preserving the health of your scalp and hair,” Isherwood adds.
Best Scalp SPF: Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35
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