Scalp ageing is real–your scalp bears the brunt of whatever damage you inflict on your hair, whether from too much heat or too many chemicals. Did you know that it also ages far faster than you think–about 6 times faster than your face? That's why caring for your scalp is crucial to maintain a healthy mane.
And since, getting shiny, healthy-looking hair is an elusive quest most of us are constantly on, and while we turn to a host of products that promise to get us those gleaming, strong locks, we often don't address the root cause of unhealthy strands–our scalps. Here's how to prevent scalp ageing and care for your scalp straight from the pros.
The cause
"Just like the rest of our body, our scalp ages too, even faster than our face. As we grow older, the production of collagen and elastin in our scalp slows down, and the oil glands produce less sebum. This leads to a thinner scalp that has less elasticity. As a result, with time, the scalp cannot absorb moisture like before and gets dehydrated faster," says Shweta Sahni, National Education Manager, L'Oréal Professionnel India. Environmental aggressors, chemical hair treatments, heat styling, poor lifestyle habits like smoking, and high-stress levels all work to make our hair more prone to breakage, which damages the skin of our scalp. "Additionally, scalp-related problems like infections, acne, dryness, and dandruff can also trigger an accelerated scalp ageing process," she says.
The first steps
"The first step is awareness about scalp ageing, and the second key is to keep the scalp hydrated. Hydration helps the scalp skin maintain moisture and pH balance that delays ageing. Most people focus on the strands because they are visible and you can touch and feel the hair strands, unlike your scalp," explains Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant and Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinic. She advises starting with proper nutrition and daily exercise. "Your diet should contain iron, zinc, niacin, essential fatty acids, selenium, Vitamin A, D, and E, biotin, proteins, folic acid, amino acids, and antioxidants. If you don't eat, the body becomes protein deficient, which affects the scalp and hair first," she says. Kapoor also believes your daily exercise routine should include 30 minutes of walking or strength training.
The cure
Dr. B L Jangid, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, SkinQure Clinic, cautions against opting for self-medicating remedies that can be products containing steroids, which do more harm than good if not used under the correct supervision. He recommends getting any scalp issues or underlying conditions like thyroid, liver, or kidney diagnosed and treated immediately. "Avoid products that irritate your skin and consult a dermatologist before using hair colour or dye. Massaging your scalp can improve blood circulation, and don't discount the benefits of yoga and other distressing therapies for your scalp," he adds.
"Keep your scalp clean by using a gentle shampoo twice or thrice a week, and don't over-wash your hair. A scalp serum can help blood circulation, while a scrub can help exfoliate and remove dead skin. Essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, or lavender can reduce inflammation if you massage a few drops into your scalp with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive," says Vipul Chudasama, Founder and Educator, Vipul Chudasama Academy & Salon. He suggests avoiding harsh chemicals like sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and parabens and recommends switching to natural and organic products. And, of course, limiting the use of heat styling tools or hot water, keeping your scalp protected from harmful UV rays, using the right scalp and not just hair-specific products, and avoiding too tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp can also go a long way in keeping your scalp healthy.
Here's a list of products that will protect your scalp
