Itchy scalp, dry scalp, flaky scalp, dandruff… These conditions can be embarrassing and frustrating. They can also spell trouble for your hair’s health. But you can still achieve a healthy scalp this winter. With a few simple changes to your hair routine and the expert advice and care of your stylist here at Deseo Salon & BlowDry, your healthiest scalp is within reach before the holidays.
A Healthy Scalp Gives You Healthier Hair
For years, the focus in the hair care industry and beauty marketing has been on the hair itself. What products make your hair the shiniest, the fullest, the bounciest, the softest? Do you shampoo and condition every day, every other day, or once a week? How much heat is too much heat? And so on. Rather than focus on just the hair, experts now recognize that your scalp matters, too.
To understand the importance of scalp health, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how hair grows. Each hair sprouts from a tiny hair follicle in the scalp, and each follicle produces sebum, or oil. If a follicle gets clogged with dead skin cells, dandruff, or too much oil, it will negatively affect the hair itself. Follicles could even stop producing hair altogether, leading to hair loss.
But if your hair grows from healthy, clean hair follicles, it will be healthier. Dry, unhealthy follicles produce dry, unhealthy hair.
Tips to Keep Your Scalp Healthy
Having a healthy scalp this winter can be easy, especially if you have the right tools and hair care routine. Follow these tips to restore your scalp’s health and keep it protected during the coldest part of the year.
1. Brush your hair every day.
Brushing daily can remove dead skin cells and keep them from clogging your hair follicles. It also helps move oil down the hair shaft and away from the scalp. This also discourages buildup. Develop the habit of a solid one- or two-minute hair brushing session every morning and evening. A natural bristle brush is more effective than one with nylon or plastic bristles.
2. Wash your hair every two or three days
Unless you have a compelling reason to shampoo daily, most experts recommend every other day or every three days. Overwashing can strip away natural oils that contribute to healthy hair. Too much time between washes can also be a problem. It may lead to a buildup of hair products, oil, and dead skin cells. If you need to wash your hair daily because of the climate, your work conditions, or your general activity level, choose a sulfate-free shampoo. These are less likely to strip natural oils from your hair or cause dryness on your scalp.
3. Exfoliate your scalp.
Most of us exfoliate our faces regularly. But the idea of exfoliating the scalp is a foreign concept to many. Scalps need exfoliation for the same reason that our faces do: to remove dead skin cells, product buildup, and excessive oils. Products like Kérastase’s Gommage are designed to give your scalp a healthy reset. This particular product uses microgranules of apricot seed to help stimulate circulation on the scalp.
4. Watch for signs of dandruff.
Once your scalp has begun showing an outward sign of distress like dandruff, you know it’s time to act. Dandruff can be caused by many different things. The list includes dry skin, oily skin, irritated skin, a negative reaction to a product, and more. The bottom line is, when you start seeing dandruff flakes, your scalp is telling you it needs help. Experts recommend getting a product that is specially formulated to treat dandruff. Our salon recommends Oribe’s Serene Scalp line, an award-winning collection of dermatologist-tested products.
5. Be extra vigilant during the winter.
The cold weather here in Denver can wreak havoc on the scalp. Dry air and extreme temperatures can make your hair more prone to breakage. Winter is a good time to add in an advanced scalp serum like Kérastase Initialiste which is designed to strengthen and grow stronger hair fibers. Give your head a little extra TLC for a healthy scalp this winter. Try a deep conditioning treatment to stop your hair from drying out.
Book an appointment with us today for a personalized consultation with our expert stylists. We will help you develop the right routine for your unique needs. Deseo Salon & BlowDry is Denver’s choice for luxury and style, and we can help keep your hair luxurious all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is scalp health important for hair growth and overall hair health?
Hair grows from tiny follicles in the scalp, and each follicle produces the oil needed to keep hair moisturized and healthy. If a follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, dandruff, or excessive oil, it negatively affects the quality of the hair that grows from it, producing dry, weak strands. In severe cases, clogged or unhealthy follicles can even stop producing hair altogether, contributing to hair loss. A clean, healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.
How often should I wash my hair for a healthy scalp?
Most experts recommend washing hair every two to three days for optimal scalp health. Overwashing strips the scalp of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and compensatory overproduction of oil. However, going too long between washes allows oil, product buildup, and dead skin cells to accumulate and clog follicles. For those who need to wash daily due to lifestyle or climate factors, using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is the best approach to minimize dryness.
What is scalp exfoliation and why is it important?
Scalp exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess oils from the scalp, similar to exfoliating the face. Without regular exfoliation, buildup can accumulate and clog hair follicles, contributing to dandruff, itchiness, and impaired hair growth. Kérastase’s Gommage is a scalp exfoliant that uses apricot seed microgranules to gently remove buildup while stimulating circulation, giving the scalp a healthy reset.
What causes dandruff and how can I treat it?
Dandruff can result from many factors, including dry skin, oily skin, irritated or sensitive skin, or a negative reaction to a hair product. When the scalp begins flaking, it’s signaling that it needs targeted care. Products specifically formulated for dandruff, such as Oribe’s Serene Scalp line, which is dermatologist-tested and award-winning, are recommended for addressing the underlying causes and restoring a balanced, comfortable scalp.
Does brushing hair every day help with scalp health?
Yes, daily brushing is beneficial for scalp health in two key ways. It helps dislodge and remove dead skin cells before they accumulate and clog follicles, and it helps distribute the scalp’s natural oils (sebum) down the hair shaft, reducing buildup at the roots and nourishing the mid-lengths and ends. Using a natural bristle brush, rather than nylon or plastic, is more effective at this and gentler on the scalp.
What scalp care steps are especially important during winter in Denver?
Colorado’s cold, dry winters can significantly stress the scalp, extreme temperatures and low humidity increase the risk of dryness, breakage, and irritation. Adding a scalp serum such as Kérastase Initialiste can help strengthen hair fibers at the root level during this season. Deep conditioning treatments are also recommended to prevent the hair from drying out. Scheduling a professional scalp consultation at Deseo Salon & BlowDry is a great way to develop a personalized winter scalp care routine.