How to Keep Your Scalp Healthy

By Michelle Thames · Published January 17, 2017

Going into 2017, I promised myself that I would continue to take really good care of my hair. Over the years of being natural, my scalp has been one of my main problem areas when it comes to caring for my natural hair. I have a somewhat sensitive scalp and it tends to dry out, especially during the winter months. In order to keep my scalp healthy, I have implemented these practices to help fight my problem areas.

Use gentle products

My scalp tends to be really sensitive, so I use products that are gentle on my hair and scalp. When choosing products, I like products with ingredients that won’t irritate my scalp. I tend to stay away from harsh sulfates because they are drying on my hair. I also avoid mineral oil and petroleum, because they clog my pores and irritate my scalp.

Shampoo regularly

I shampoo my hair regularly as part of my hair regimen. I know some curly girls like to co-wash more often, but I find that my hair and scalp do not respond well to exclusively co-washing.

Tea tree oil

I have been using tea tree oil since I first started my natural hair journey. I have a dry scalp and dandruff, and tea tree oil helps to keep that issue at bay. Tea tree oil acts as an antifungal that helps to kill the bacteria that causes dandruff. Tea tree oil also effectively moisturizes the hair and scalp. It gets rid of dead skin cells and dirt on the scalp, creating a favorable environment for healthy hair growth.

Massage scalp

Massaging your scalp has many benefits in keeping your scalp healthy like stimulating your scalp to improve circulation and helping to reduce stress. If you want to promote hair growth, you should consider a scalp massage on your next wash day.

Clay treatments

Bentonite clay treatments act similar to a clarifying shampoo. When I use a clay treatment, my hair is left feeling smooth, full, and shiny. Dirt, product buildup, and toxins can build up over time from the environment to styling products. After a bentonite clay treatment, my hair always feels extra clean and my curls pop. It also helps to detoxify my scalp

Less tension

I like to put the least amount of tension on my scalp to help keep it healthy. I don’t like to create styles that place heavy tension on my edges and scalp. I tend to practice low manipulation styling like twists and high buns for a scalp healthy. Buns are usually my best friend, because they help me refrain from styling too much and excessively touching my hair. Less tension means less breakage and more length retention. So for those with hand-in-hair syndrome, try to lay off touching your hair so much.

What practices do you have in place to help keep your scalp healthy?