10 Secrets to a Healthy Scalp (Revealed by the Experts!)

What are the signs of a healthy scalp, and what can you do to ensure that you are taking the proper care of it? Continue reading this article to learn more.

When we talk about the health of your hair, one important aspect that we shouldn't ignore is the scalp, the care of which is often underestimated. However, this is where the true foundation of hair health lies - and in this article, we will unravel the secrets and tips for a healthy scalp.

So, if you are looking for the best tips on how to have a healthy scalp as revealed by the experts, just continue reading:

What are the signs of a healthy scalp?

Understanding the signs of a healthy scalp is essential for ensuring a good foundation for strong, shiny, and voluminous hair. Some of the main signs include balanced moisture, minimal irritation, normal oil production, and lack of unpleasant odors or visible dandruff.

Let's take a look at the details:

• Consistent moisture - a healthy scalp should neither be too dry nor too oily - it has to feel comfortable and well-hydrated.
• Minimal irritation - if you feel redness, itchiness, or any sort of irritation, it could mean that your scalp is not in good shape.
• Normal hair shedding - it is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day; however, if you are suffering from excessive amount of hair shedding, there could be an underlying issue. 
• Unpleasant odors - a healthy scalp shouldn't have any kind of odor. If you feel an unpleasant smell, this could indicate the presence of bacteria or fungi, which are associated with scalp issues.
• Steady hair growth - if you experience consistent and steady hair growth, this is usually a good sign about the health of your scalp. Average hair growth should be between 0.5 and 1.7 cm per month (0.2 - 0.7 inches).
• Balanced oil production - as we mentioned earlier, the balance of natural oil production is essential for shiny and nourished hair. Hair that's too oily may lead to excessive washing, which can cause damage in the long run.
• Flexible skin - try tugging on your hair gently - if the scalp moves slightly with the hair follicles, this is usually a sign of good elasticity and a well-nourished and hydrated scalp.
• Lack of dandruff - dandruff is a common phenomenon that affects 50% of adults - however, this is often a sign of an imbalanced scalp. A healthy scalp is usually free from flakes and dandruff.
• Tension or pain - if you experience any kind of tension, pain or discomfort on your scalp, this can be a sign of an underlying issue. Your scalp should feel relaxed and comfortable, meaning that blood circulation is optimal. 

10 secrets to a healthy scalp  

Now that you have a good understanding of how a healthy scalp should look and feel, let's take a look at some of the best ways on how to have a healthy scalp and monitor its signs:

1. Eat a balanced diet

It probably won't come as a surprise, but having a balanced diet full of healthy foods is absolutely essential for ensuring overall scalp and hair health. After all, health starts from the inside out!

Food plays an essential role in hair health - an adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins allows the hair follicles to function optimally, reducing inflammation and producing new hair cells. 

Aim for whole foods such as leafy greens, eggs, berries, meat, avocado, legumes, nuts, and seeds - and you will for sure notice a difference in the long run!

2. Drink enough water 

In the same train of thought, drinking enough water is another great way to ensure that you are delivering proper hydration to your hair, skin, and organs. Water plays a key role in transporting essential nutrients to the hair follicles through the bloodstream.

A well-nourished scalp fosters healthy hair growth. Mayo Clinic recommends drinking about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men or about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women.

3. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner

On top of hydrating on the inside, hydrating on the outside is also important to enjoy a healthy scalp. Dehydrated skin (which includes the scalp), is more prone to irritation, itching, and flakiness.

For optimal hydration, we recommend the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Shampoo & Conditioner Duo - made with tourmaline powder, parkii butter, 10 amino acids and argan oil, this powerful duo ensures proper hydration and shine for your scalp and hair.

4. Add a hair serum to your hair routine

Another great way to achieve a healthy scalp is to add a nourishing hair serum to your hair care routine, such as the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum. This plant-based product harnesses the power of four core plant extracts - rosemary, alfalfa, malilto and hops - to stimulate the scalp and alter the composition of the hair follicles. 

For the best results, use it two times a day by applying it directly to your scalp. 

5. Implement regular scalp massages

Doing gentle, regular scalp massages is another excellent way to enjoy a healthy scalp. Massages stimulate blood flow, ensuring that hair follicles receive a rich supply of oxygen and essential nutrients. 

They also help distribute natural oils (sebum) across the scalp. This ensures that the hair and scalp maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing dryness or excessive oiliness.

6. Avoid washing your hair with hot water

If you want to have a healthy scalp, avoid washing your hair with excessively hot water at all costs. Hot water will not only strip away the natural oils produced by your scalp (which are essential for a proper moisture balance) but may also weaken the hair shaft and make it more prone to breakage.

In addition, excessive temperatures may exacerbate existing scalp conditions, such as eczema or dandruff. Instead, opt for lukewarm or cold water when washing your hair to prevent dryness and retain natural oils.

7. Dry your hair with a tourmaline hair dryer

Drying your hair with a regular hair dryer may irritate your scalp and strip off the natural oils of your hair, especially if you are not paying attention to the temperatures. 

Instead, opt for a tourmaline dryer such as the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer.

Made from the gemstone tourmaline, as well as a proprietary combination of heating elements and components, this product boasts negative ion conditioning technology - which seals in the natural moisture of your hair, providing effective results and minimizing damage for a healthy scalp. 

8. Practice stress management

Did you know that stress can highly affect the health of your scalp? That's because it triggers the release of hormones (such as cortisol), which can stimulate the sebaceous glands on the scalp to produce more oil.

This excess oil may contribute to various issues, as well as exacerbate already existing scalp conditions. In addition, chronic stress is associated with a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, where a significant amount of hair prematurely enters the resting phase. This can result in noticeable hair shedding and thinning.

9. Protect your hair from the sun 

Ensuring proper protection for your hair from the sun is essential if you want to enjoy a beautiful, healthy scalp. That's because the scalp (just like your skin!) is susceptible to sunburn caused by prolonged sun exposure and harsh UV rays. 

The radiation from the sun can cause redness, irritation, as well as peeling on the scalp, which will feel anything but comfortable. On top of that, UV rays can significantly damage the skin cells on your scalp, potentially causing premature aging, dryness, and an increased risk of skin issues.

So, make sure to avoid peak hours, and always wear a hat when going out. You can also use a product such as the NuMe Watch Me Werk Thermal Heat Protectant, which protects your hair from the absorption of UVA and UVB rays.

10. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs

The excessive use of harsh chemicals is one of the worst things you can do if you want to maintain scalp integrity. If possible, limit chemical treatments such as perms and relaxers, hair dye, bleaching, keratin treatments, and more.

The same things apply to your day-to-day hair routine products as well - make sure to only use hair products made from natural ingredients and without parabens and sulfates. Check NuMe's full hair care line here. 

FAQ

How can I make my scalp healthy?

To foster a healthy scalp, prioritize gentle cleansing with a sulfate-free shampoo, maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, stay hydrated, and indulge in regular scalp massages to boost circulation.

Protect your scalp from sun exposure, limit chemical treatments, and manage stress for optimal well-being. 

What should your scalp look like?

A healthy scalp appears balanced—neither excessively oily nor dry. It should be free from redness, irritation, or visible flakes. The hair follicles are firm, and the skin moves slightly when gently tugged.

Comfortable temperature, minimal shedding, and a lack of foul odors signify a well-maintained scalp. 

What are 3 common scalp conditions?

Dandruff, characterized by flaky skin, is a common scalp woe often due to yeast overgrowth. Scalp psoriasis leads to red, scaly patches, triggered by an overactive immune response. Seborrheic dermatitis results in oily, inflamed skin, causing redness and persistent itching.

Proper care and targeted treatments can alleviate these conditions for a healthier scalp.

How do you check scalp buildup?

To check for scalp buildup, part your hair and visually inspect the roots. Look for white or yellowish flakes, indicating product residue or dandruff. Run your fingers along the scalp; a sticky or gritty texture may suggest buildup. If hair feels greasy despite washing, excess oil buildup is likely.

Regular cleansing with a clarifying shampoo and gentle exfoliation can help manage and prevent buildup, ensuring a healthier scalp.

How do I exfoliate my scalp?

To exfoliate your scalp, use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a mix of sugar and shampoo. Apply to damp hair, massage in circular motions using fingertips, and focus on areas with product or oil buildup.

Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner. Limit exfoliation to once a week to maintain a balanced and healthy scalp.