It really does begin with what’s underneath. The voluminous, luscious locks you have been dreaming about all start with the skin on your head; otherwise known as your scalp. Scalp health may be odd to talk about if you are not rocking the bald look, but it is nonetheless essential for encouraging healthy hair growth.  

Each strand of hair on your head comes from an individual follicle that surfaces on your scalp. If your head is a garden, these follicles are where your flowers of hair are growing from. Therefore, it is important to keep them clean and clear. Individual follicles also produce sebum, or oil, and the amount of oil produced will vary from person to person. However, if this oil, dead skin, or dandruff block follicles, this will have an impact on your hair growth.  

The scalp is made up of cells that continuously divide and shed, and it is important that you get rid of these shedding dead cells by washing and brushing your hair. However, this is not to say that you should over-wash, as washing your hair too frequently can strip your scalp and hair of the oil and moisture it needs to grow. Most specialists recommend washing your hair every other day at most, and if possible, even waiting a few days between shampooing.  

So, what can you do to improve your scalp health? Just like your face, your scalp could benefit from an occasional exfoliation. Something as simple as adding a few teaspoons of sugar to your shampoo to help get rid of dead skin cells could help clean your follicles. If you find that you need a product more intense, you could invest in a salicylic acid shampoo to use once a week. Secondly, don’t shy away from using conditioner on your scalp to ensure it stays hydrated. Simple steps like taking daily vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth can also help keep your scalp moisturized and balanced.  

Coming back to the garden analogy, your scalp is like the soil for your hair to grow from. It is the foundation for your hair and provides the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. If you dream of having hair like Rapunzel, start with your scalp!