Healing Scalp Imbalance: Part One - 5 Contributors to Chronic Scalp Distress

Does your scalp often feel dry, oily, tight, or flaky? 

Feels like you’ve tried everything to find relief?

You’re not alone.

One of the top concerns new guests express during their first visit at Rare Earth Hair Studio is scalp imbalance. In my experience as a curl specialist, I have found that doing less, and keeping things simple, is where true lasting relief is found and where healthy, vibrant hair growth from roots to ends begins.

Before we dive into specific products and care practices during Part Two, let’s discuss some of the most common, but often overlooked factors, that contribute to scalp imbalance. Plus, some things you can implement immediately to help support your skin return to harmony. 

Diet: The scalp can offer us clues as to what’s happening internally in the body (often a major component driving inflammation, dehydration, and excessive oil). Consuming a balanced, whole food-focused diet rich in minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, plant and/or animal based protein, and nourishing fats helps support optimal health to the entire body, in turn supporting a strong and healthy hair and scalp.

Stress: Supporting your emotional and spiritual well-being is just as, if not more important, as nourishing your physical vessel. When the body is under stress, especially when chronic, the last thing it cares about is hair, skin, and nails - its entire focus is on survival! In our current global climate, it’s understandable that we are almost constantly in some state of stress or anxiety. That’s why now more than ever it is important that we are nurturing our spirits. Try to carve out time during your day to connect with yourself, your community, and our beautiful Earth - call your friend on the phone, go on a walk, make some art, enjoy a book - whatever it is that helps your soul feel nourished and alive. Incorporating herbal support from tea and adaptogens can also be wonderful support. Learn more about those here.

Wash Frequency: A common myth surrounding haircare is that the more you wash, you will “dry out” or “strip” the hair and scalp. When using harsh products, or products not designed for your hair type, yes washing with those frequently can have a negative effect. In truth, however, washing infrequently is a major contributor to skin dehydration and bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Regular cleansing helps avoid buildup from products, the environment, and sweat and sebum clogging hair follicles and promotes deeply hydrated hair and skin.

Aim to cleanse and condition at least 1x/wk week. If you find that after a few days your scalp becomes itchy, oily, or dry that is your body signaling you need to cleanse more often. A healthy wash frequency for many is 2-3x/wk. 

Product Choice: Many products marketed towards those with curly hair contain high concentrations of low-quality oils, butters, silicones, and synthetic fragrance. They may smell good, temporarily make your hair feel smoother, or have it look a little shinier. But overtime, use of these products buildup on the hair, creating a barrier to hydration - which then often leads to clogged hair follicles, skin sensitivity, excessive frizz, etc. When cleansing, I recommend using gentle, botanical cleansers and conditioners. With every New Guest and Signature Scalp Facial appointment at Rare Earth Hair Studio, I offer a personalized curl care lesson with product recommendations that will best support your hair goals.

Air Drying: Fungus and bacteria thrive in warm, dark, damp, environments. To help promote scalp healing, it is crucial that your scalp maintains air flow and is not left wet for extended periods of time. Even if you don’t feel like fully styling your hair on wash day, sitting under the hooded dryer or diffusing root area until dry will make a huge difference in your scalp health and expedite the healing process.

Stay tuned for Part Two where we dive into products and a routine for your healthiest hair and scalp yet!