by Kristen Moore

Created on: September 23, 2010   Last Updated: September 26, 2010

Considering that the scalp is not even a visible part of the body, it is easily forgotten. However, it is important that you care for your scalp properly. The scalp is the basis of all hair growth; if you want a healthy head of hair, you must take care of your scalp.

Cleansing the Scalp

Firstly, you must learn how to keep your scalp clean and hygienic. Remember that when you wash your hair, you should focus more on the scalp than on your actual hair. Dirt and oil build up on the scalp throughout the day. Therefore, a daily cleansing is mandatory. As you wash your hair, use your fingers to scrub the entire area of your scalp. As you rinse the shampoo away, the remaining shampoo that washes through should be enough to cleanse your hair. Do not focus on scrubbing your hair; this will just lead to impossible tangles. Remember that shampoo is for your scalp and conditioner is for your hair.

Caring for an Oily Scalp

If your hair often looks dull, listless and greasy at the end of the day, chances are that you have an oily scalp. There are a few things you can do to combat this problem. First of all, make sure that you cleanse your hair every single day, never skip one. Secondly, purchase a good clarifying shampoo. These are shampoos that are specifically designed to remove every last trace of dirt, oil and product build-up. They are wonderful for cleansing an oily scalp; however, they might be a bit too harsh for daily use. If you purchase a clarifying shampoo, you might want to limit use to only once per week.

Caring for a Dry Scalp

A dry scalp can cause just as many issues as an oily one. If you suffer from a dry scalp, it might be apparent because of itching, flaking skin and dandruff. To combat this issue, try purchasing a creamy, moisturizing shampoo. You can still wash your hair everyday if you have a gentle enough shampoo. If you suffer from the daily embarrassment of flaking, try purchasing a dandruff shampoo. These are formulated to treat dry, flaking scalps. If your scalp issues persist even after this, it might be time to visit a doctor.

Overall, caring for the scalp is not too difficult of a task. It just takes a minimal amount of work and dedication. Lastly, if you are going out in the sun, make sure that you apply some sunscreen to the part in your hair. After all, there is nothing worse than a sunburned scalp.       

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