The scalps of men and women have their own characteristics: generally, men's scalps are oilier, while women's scalps tend to be drier. Women often use styling tools and products more frequently and change the color and length of their hair more often. Therefore, women's scalps require special care. The condition of the scalp largely determines the appearance of the hair itself. If the follicles do not receive enough nutrition and the skin is dry and dehydrated, the strands are likely to be brittle and lifeless. The scalp provides natural hydration and nourishment to the hair. Therefore, taking care of its condition is very important. In this article, experts will help you understand how to care for your scalp to avoid dandruff and other problems and maintain beautiful and strong hair.
Regular and Proper Hair Washing
It seems that we all know how to do this perfectly, and there's nothing complicated about it. However, even the usual process of cleansing has its nuances.
Wash your hair when it gets dirty. Some people still believe that extending the time between washes will make the hair "get used to it" and not become greasy as quickly. However, this is not true. The frequency of washing does not change the activity of the sebaceous glands, and oiliness will not decrease. You might even provoke the appearance of dandruff: sebum is an excellent medium for the Malassezia fungus. Some people need to wash their hair every day, while others do it 2-3 times a week – the frequency varies for each person.
Avoid using very hot water. The optimal choice is warm water at a comfortable temperature: this way, you won't provoke excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.
Lather your scalp and roots twice. It is difficult to remove all impurities the first time, especially if you constantly use styling products or have an oily scalp. This advice is especially relevant for those who do not wash their hair every day.
It's better to foam the shampoo in your hands first. Don't apply the product directly to your head – first, pour a little shampoo into your palms and lather it. This makes it easier to distribute it throughout your hair. Don't rub your hair – just gently massage your scalp and then spread the foam along the entire length.
After shampooing, use additional care products. This can include a conditioner, mask, or balm – whichever you prefer. They help nourish, hydrate, ease detangling, and make hair shiny and silky by smoothing the cuticle scales.
Use Appropriate Care Products
Scalp care products for women differ from those for men, so it's not advisable to buy products designed for the opposite sex. As mentioned earlier, male and female scalps have their own characteristics: using a product for men is likely to dry out your scalp and hair. Also, don't choose shampoo, conditioner, mask, and leave-in products based solely on fragrance, packaging design, or price. It's important that they match your hair and scalp type and address any issues you may have.
If you frequently style your hair with a hot dryer, straightener, or curling iron, don't forget to use heat protection products. They will protect your hair from drying out. If possible, avoid hot styling. Dry your hair using the cold air setting, simply straightening it with a brush, and reserve the curling iron or straightener for special occasions.
Consulting with a professional hairdresser can also help you choose the right products for your specific hair and scalp needs. For specialized advice and treatments, consider visiting a hair salon, where experts can provide personalized recommendations.
Maintain a Proper Diet
A balanced diet is the key to a healthy scalp and hair. Proper nutrition ensures that the skin and hair follicles receive enough vitamins, micro and macro elements, and other essential nutrients. If you are concerned about excessive dryness of your scalp, pay attention to your water intake: it's important to drink enough clean water every day.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Compared to men's, women's skin is more delicate and sensitive. Ultraviolet exposure can provoke dryness, increased sebum production, and as a result, irritation and dandruff. Therefore, in warm weather, always wear hats to protect your scalp from excessive heat.
Change the Location of Your Parting
This may seem completely insignificant – how can the parting affect the condition of the scalp? But it actually can. The fact is that this area of the skin is most exposed to external factors. First and foremost, this concerns the sun. Yes, we use SPF products to protect our faces and bodies from ultraviolet rays, but the scalp, which is very delicate and sensitive, also needs protection. Hair provides some protection, but not in the area of the parting. To mitigate the effects of the sun and other negative factors, simply change the location of your parting by a few millimeters each week. Visually, no one will notice the changes, but it will help protect your scalp.
Many people pay maximum attention to their hairstyle, forgetting about the scalp, yet it is the condition of the scalp that determines how beautiful the hair will be. A hair and scalp specialist (trichologist) can tell you even more about proper scalp care for women. If you are concerned about the condition of your hair and cannot find suitable products, consult a specialist.