A Relaxed Scalp Leads To Healthier Hair

The scalp isn’t just another area of skin on the body; it has special characteristics that make it hospitable to growing hair.

• The scalp has numerous sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural oil that lubricates the hair.
• The scalp contains the follicles that grow long terminal hairs. At the base of each follicle is the erector pili muscle that causes the hair to “stand on end.”
• Skin on the scalp is thicker than on any other part of the body and is directly attached to the epicranius, a major muscle that covers the skull.
• Blood circulation to the scalp nourishes the hair follicle and helps it grow healthy hair.

Environmental and emotional stress can cause the scalp muscles to contract, leading to poor blood circulation and headaches. When the nourishing blood supply to the hair follicles is limited, hair may not get the nutrients it needs to grow healthfully.

The best way to keep the scalp muscles loose and the blood flowing is through regular scalp massage.

You don’t need to go to an expensive salon or hire a masseuse to give you regular scalp massages, although it sure would be nice! Instead, you can easily practice do-it-yourself massage that can noticeably improve your hair’s condition and growth.

1. Put your hands on either side of your head and use your thumbs and fingers to make small circles. Don’t forget to include the forehead and back of the neck. Try to move the skin around as much as you can (without rubbing your hair) to really get the blood flowing.
2. Grab your hair at the roots and gently tug, then release.
3. With your hands on either side of your head and hands over your ears, gently squeeze your skull for several seconds then release.

For added relaxation, combine your massage with aromatherapy (a candle, essential oils, incense) and soft music. With regular massage, you should begin to notice a change in your hair’s condition within three months, the time it takes for new hair growth to reach the surface.

Scalp Problems To Watch For

The skin on the scalp is susceptible to redness, scaling and swelling from a variety of conditions. If you notice any of the following symptoms, be sure to contact a dermatologist for treatment.

Psoriasis symptoms: very red skin covered by white scale. Skin bleeds easily when scratched. Treatment options: creams containing tar, salicylic acid, zinc sulphate, anthralin or corticosteroids; ultraviolet (UV) therapy.

Pityriasis Amiantacea symptoms: Thick white scale that clings to the base of the hair. Treatment options: creams containing salicylic acid and tar.

Seborrheic Dermatits (“Cradle Cap” in infants) symptoms: redness, oiliness, greasy yellow scales and itching. Treatment options: frequent shampooing; creams containing sulphur, salicylic acid or resorcinol.

Lichen Simplex symptoms: white scale on a red base, normally located near the nap of the neck. Severe itching. Treatment options: topical steroid creams and camphor.

Dandruff symptoms: non-inflammatory scaling. Treatment options: tar and salicylic acid creams, medicated shampoos.

Tip: The scalp is susceptible to sunburn because it’s the part of your body that’s closest to the sun. Before spending time outdoors, comb a sunscreen product or leave-in conditioner with Benzophenone-4 through your hair, concentrating on the scalp and ears. Better yet, wear a head covering whenever you spend time in direct sunlight.