How to Tell If You Have a Healthy Scalp (and What to Do If You Don't)

Healthy hair starts at the root, and that includes giving VIP treatment to your largest organ: your skin. A nourished scalp means happy skin and healthier, faster growing strands. So, how can you tell if your scalp is healthy? If you're using OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub and OUAI FINE, MEDIUM, and THICK Shampoos and Conditioners, you're one step ahead of the game. 

As for the must-know healthy scalp tips, we tapped Penny James, IAT Trichologist and owner of Penny James Salon in NYC. FYI, a trichologist is someone trained in the medical and cosmetic study and practice concerned with the hair and scalp. Keep reading as Penny breaks down the symptoms of an unhealthy scalp and remedies for an itchy, flaky, or oily scalp. 

The Ideal Scalp pH Level

Our skin's pH level is between the range of 4.2 to 6.5 . Most women show greater variation in pH to men. A pH level of 2 is very acidic and a level of 12 is very alkaline. A good shampoo will be balanced at 5.5 pH, the ideal level for the scalp. A healthy scalp means healthy hair, and that is a barometer to your overall health. If your hair is limp, dry, not growing, or falling out there is something going on with your health.

Symptoms of an Unhealthy Scalp

When you’re feeling like your hair is falling out, your scalp is itchy, your hair texture has changed, your scalp is always oily, or you cannot control the flakiness, it’s time to see a trichologist. A huge misconception is that a dry scalp is the cause of flakes or itching but in fact this common condition is often seen in people with oily skin and scalp. You’ll know when it’s time to see a trichologist if you can’t go without washing your hair every day, and by the end of the day your hair looks lanky and is stuck to the head. This is caused by over-active sebaceous glands, known as Seborroeic Dermatitis. Seborroeic Dermatitis can be corrected by the use of a scalp balancing mask, although it may be the cause of a hormonal imbalance. So your first stop is a trichologist then an OBGYN. Seborroeic Dermatitis as well as scalp psoriasis, an comfortable itching or burning sensation, are conditions that often need medication to treat, but a change in diet can be helpful in combating the effects. 

Causes 

Wearing the same hat too often often, stress, diet, hormones and not shampooing your scalp enough are all causes of an itchy, flaky, or irritated scalp. Shower water temperature does not affect the pH of your scalp. If the temperature is too hot, however, it can be harmful and if too cold, might not clean the hair well.

If you’re using lots of hair and scalp products, like dry shampoo, colored powder, heavy oil, and leaving them to build up for a week or more then you’re running the risk of your follicles getting so clogged up that a nasty skin reaction on the scalp will form. In extreme cases, the hair will start to fall out. This is why it's very important to keep your scalp healthy. Avoid any harsh soaps that leave hair feeling dry and formulas that contain silicones as they coat the hair shaft and over time lead to product build up.

When the scalp feels tight and sore, the style you’re wearing—a tight pony tail, tight extra long braids, extra long hair extensions—can be to blame. To make the problem go away stop doing all of above, and see how your scalp feeling in a few days time. If your scalp reaction isn’t the cause of color/bleach or a shampoo then it’s time to see a trichologist to determine what the underlining problem is. 

Solutions to a Healthy Scalp

While it’s very rare that a flaky scalp will cause hair loss, if there is excessive itchiness and flakiness that is left untreated, it can lead to hair loss in extreme conditions. When you notice that your head is itchy for a few days, change your shampoo right away. Shampoo your scalp very well with a medicated shampoo. If this does not correct the problem then book an appointment with a trichologist to get a professional opinion.

As for shampooing correctly, it’s important to thoroughly wet your hair as it will allow you to use less shampoo. Using warm water, run your fingers through your hair as the water is flowing over it, then pour a quarter-size shampoo into the palm of your hand, rub hands together to get product all over hands then place both hands onto your wet scalp and hair. Massage the shampoo well into the scalp then rinse and repeat if necessary. I know many like the feeling, but it’s not a good idea to scratch the scalp with your fingernails as it can cause irritation. Instead, massage the scalp with your fingertips. Small circler movements will do the trick.

You can also really upgrade your shower routine with the Scalp Scrubber. This tool promotes hair growth by stimulating the follicles for hair that looks longer and healthier. It can be used on wet or dry hair, but we recommend cleansing with Detox Shampoo and using the Scalp Scrubber to gently massage your scalp, helping to get your hair nice and sudsy before rinsing out. This will also help remove any oil or product buildup and leave your scalp and hair feeling amazing.

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