Great Ways to Get a Healthy Scalp and Make your Hair Longer

You want longer, healthier hair? Perhaps you should look into how well you’re treating your scalp. If your scalp feels dry, itchy, or excessively oily, you might have some room to improve when it comes to scalp care. Having a healthy scalp is key for optimizing your hair growth, since healthy hair growth can be affected by an overly dry scalp or a scalp clogged with excess oil and dead skin. If you want healthier, thicker hair, it’s important to keep your scalp in the best condition possible. Follow these healthy scalp tips to promote healthier hair!

Have a proper cleansing routine

For a healthy scalp, wash every two to three days. If you wash your hair more often, you’re at risk of drying out your scalp. Washing your hair less often than three to four times per week can cause an unhealthy buildup of oil and dirt on your scalp, which can clog follicles and may slow hair growth. 

Eliminated flakes

Dandruff is a tell-tale sign that your scalp needs some TLC. And a distressed scalp may grow brittler and more unmanageable hair. If you notice dandruff in your hair or on your clothing, talk to your doctor about using a scalp treatment specially formulated to clear up dandruff. 

Adding any Supplement

Taking supplements can help hair growth. Adding a supplement with the right balance of vitamins can help you achieve maximum lengths. Look for a formula made for hair, skin, and nails that has biotin, silica, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, and omega-3. And if you didn’t love summer enough already, here’s the cherry on top of that ice-cream sundae: Hair and nails grow at a faster rate during the warmer months.

Incorporating More Omega 3

Your hair is affected by what you eat. If you suffer from a dry scalp, try incorporating more omega-3 and fish oils into your diet. Vegans should also make sure to supplement their diet with protein and iron for maximum hair health.

Exfoliate Regularly

Your scalp needs exfoliation. Just like you exfoliate the skin on your face, your scalp can also benefit from a good scrub. Fusco suggests adding a few spoonfuls of sugar to your shampoo to help get rid of dead skin cells, using the pads of your fingers to work the mixture in. Always avoid using your fingernails when scrubbing, however—this aggressive technique can lead to unintentional scabbing. For heavy buildup, try a salicylic acid shampoo once a week.

Use Conditioner

And it could use some conditioner, too. “Many women don’t use conditioner on their scalp because they’re afraid to clog pores or weigh down fine hair,” Fusco says. But just like your face requires moisturizer, your scalp benefits from hydration. Just make sure your conditioner is noncomedogenic, so that you can actually use it from roots to ends. Fusco also recommends adding a drop of oil to your leave-in conditioner for extra moisture.

Protect your Hair

from the sun can damage your scalp skin and exacerbate hair thinning. And the less hair you have, the greater the risk of UV damage. When you’re outside for prolonged periods of time, make sure to wear a hat or apply a sunscreen specially formulated for scalp protection.