Tips for Deep-Cleaning Scalp
And Hair
A periodic deep-cleaning of
the hair and scalp
is needed to remove contaminants that may cause scalp or
hair problems. Many scalp problems are the result of oiliness, buildup from
conditioner, shampoo, styling products and even minerals or deposits in water.
This buildup can lead to serious scalp problems. To understand more you’ll need
to understand the anatomy of the scalp and hair as well as the process of deep
cleaning.
Anatomy of The Scalp And
Hair
Understanding the biology of the hair and scalp is important. The outermost layer of the
scalp is thick and hair bearing. It contains numerous sebaceous glands and because
of this, it is a common site for cysts. Hair itself, is comprised of a protein that’s
called keratin. Each follicle attaches the shaft into the skin by a bulb at the
base. Here living cells grow and divide causing hair’s three growth phases;
anagen, catagen and telegen. Because of the large frequency of cellular growth
there are plenty of opportunities for blockage and buildup. Cells may get
blocked from shedding, leading to problems such as dandruff and individual
shafts may go limp or brittle with buildup of material.
Hair and Scalp Conditions
Affected
Dandruff is an ongoing mild
inflammation of the scalp, which results in scaly skin that may be itchy and
flake off. The technical name is seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp acne is the same
condition as acne of the face and body. Overuse of products with styling can
cause over-oily skin or scalp acne. The solution is often as simple as proper
cleansing of the scalp.
Hair Care
Skin is kept clean by
removal of the dead skin cells in order that bacteria, viruses and toxic
material don’t build up and breed problems. Another factor in good scalp health
is
maintaining a proper pH. The slightly acid pH of the sebum and the pH of sweat glands combine to create an “acid mantle.” This is the
skin’s protective layer. Washing hair and stripping away too much of this can
leave the hair and scalp unprotected. This is the reason for using shampoo as
opposed to body soap on the hair. Shampoos are formulated to have a pH that is
aligned with the natural pH of the human body. Conditioners are formulated to
add extra protection against environmental damage, both can leave behind
residues.
Deep Cleaning
First, use a hot oil
treatment to massage your scalp and loosen any excess flakes of dried
skin. It
will also help to protect the hair follicles and your scalp from strong clarifying
shampoos. Shampoos with salicylic acid, zinc, pyrithione zinc or coal tar (often used as a treatment for scalp psoriasis) are
excellent for deep cleanses.
Follicleanse has zinc and
herbal extracts that are developed specifically for removing build-up and
re-energizing with minerals and vitamins helpful for improved scalp and hair
health. They provide
deep-cleaning action that leaves hair and scalp fresh and clean.
You don’t need to take the shampoo down the entire shaft but focus on the scalp
and the suds travelling over the rest of your hair will be enough to clean
without overly drying your strands out.
Though your scalp will feel
refreshed your actual hair will likely be thirsty. Make sure to use a deep
conditioner the length of your hair to seal in moisture. If you have
dandruff trouble then don’t grease your scalp or the additional oil can further the
agitation. The best step for a deep clean is to stick to a schedule. You don’t
want strip your head and hair too often, but most will recommend weekly
depending on product use.
Recommended Products
Deep-cleaning your hair and scalp can refresh and cleanse...often avoiding problems. There are some products
which attempt to maintain the slightly acid pH and treat conditions like itching,
dandruff or acne. One of those is Vinegar Rinse Cleanser by Just Natural Skin
Care. For men, try Men’s Science Daily Shampoo. If you find it necessary to
treat scalp acne or dandruff, try using a scalp exfoliator, like Keils Deep
Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment.
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