FIGHTING SCALP DRYNESS – Moisturising versus Oiling

 

 

 

Hello Ladies

Scalp dryness is a common problem amongst so many ladies and I believe so many of us routinely oil our scalp because we believe it is essential for hair growth and to prevent scalp dryness.

In this post I will give a brief overview on our scalp structure, causes of scalp dryness and how to prevent it.

 

SCALP STRUCTURE

Like the skin on our bodies, the skin on our scalp has three layers which are the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the top layer and is the part that we see hair growing out of.
Our scalp is naturally moisturised from within by water being pushed up to the epidermis from the deeper skin layers. Our skin also produces a natural oil called sebum. The sebum reaches the surface of our scalp through our hair follicles. Sebum’s function is to stop our skin from becoming excessively dry by preventing moisture loss.

 

CAUSES OF SCALP DRYNESS

Common causes of scalp dryness include

• Not drinking enough water.
  If you are not drinking enough water, your body will send the water that you do consume to your vital organs first. Drinking enough water will ensure that an adequate amount is sent to your scalp helping to keep it hydrated from within.
• Insufficient sebum production
  The amount of sebum our scalp produces can be affected by various things such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, medications, skin diseases, a poor diet etc. Whatever the cause, insufficient sebum production leads to moisture being lost or evaporated from our scalp quicker than a person who produces adequate amount of sebum resulting in dryness.
• Using Harsh Products or Reaction to Ingredients in Products
  Harsh ingredients in hair products can leave the skin on our body and scalp feeling dry.  Also please remember that some people just react to certain ingredients even if it is a natural or organic product.
• Build up of shed skin, dirt and product residue
  The skin on our scalp (like the rest of our body) sheds and flakes off, however if we do not clean our scalp regularly to remove shed skin, product residue and dirt build-up, it will simple pile up on our scalp leading to dryness, itching and other scalp problems.

 

RELIEF FOR SCALP DRYNESS

1. Drink Up
   Consume enough water and have a balanced diet so that you give your body what it needs to moisturise and keep moisture locked in.
2. Clean Up
   Ensure that your scalp is cleaned regularly either by using a gentle shampoo, co-washing or other means. The aim is to remove build up and actually moisturize your scalp skin externally by bringing it into direct contact with water. This is actually the best way to externally moisturise your scalp. Remember oils do not moisturise, they help to seal/lock in moisture.
3. Experiment with New Products
   It may be that the products you are using might be harsh for your scalp or perhaps your skin simply does not react well with some ingredients in your products. If possible you can try other well recommended brands or an alternative natural product, eg switching from coconut oil to olive oil.
4. Light Oiling
   If you find that despite regular cleansing (and using gentle products) your scalp still feels dry, it may be that your scalp may not be producing sufficient sebum to keep the moisture locked in. If this is the case a very small amount of a very light oil such as Jojoba oil can be applied to your scalp and massaged in. If like me you have heard rave reviews about a very heavy oil like JBCO ( Jamaican Black castor Oil) and would like to apply it on your scalp I would advise that you either use very little at a time or can dilute the thickness using jojoba or maybe coconut oil.

Scalp oiling is NOT necessary for hair growth.
Our scalp is designed to be moisturised naturally, if you do have dry scalp despite or simply out of habit feel the need to oil your scalp it is okay to do so HOWEVER try to use natural oil that a light and do not apply so much that you clog your hair follicles.

 

 

MY SCALP & I

Depending on how busy I am, I apply oil to my scalp once a week but I do this as part of my scalp massage rather than to fight dryness.

I have gone through periods when I have not applied oil to my scalp for months but my scalp and hair is fine because I keep it clean and moisturised.  In the picture above my scalp has not been oiled for one month.
My scalp only becomes dry and itchy when I haven’t washed or cleaned it for 2 weeks +, i.e. when it is dirty.

I hope you have found this post informative and helpful.  Do you oil your scalp? If yes do you do it out of habit or to combat scalp dryness.  Share your experience ladies.

The next post will be a hair update post.  My regimen basically went out the window ad I have some explaining to do.

Come back soon

x

Lade

Learn | Change | Grow