Healthy Hair Starts at the Scalp

Whether you wear it short, to your shoulders, or full Rapunzel, you probably go to great lengths to take care of your hair. It’s a big part of both our outward appearance and our inner confidence. But with all this focus on having beautiful hair—there are literally entire aisles dedicated to it at the pharmacy—it’s the scalp that needs our attention when things get ugly up there.

Think of the scalp as the soil for your garden of tresses—the layers of skin beneath your mane that nurture roots and protect follicles, giving them a healthy environment for growth. If your scalp feels dry, itchy, flaky or oily, or you’re noticing hair breakage or loss, it’s probably a sign from above. You want strong, healthy hair? Here are 5 easy ways to take better care of your scalp.

SHAMPOO AND CONDITION REGULARLY

Cleansing with shampoo and conditioner is one of the best ways to give your scalp some love. But what you use and how often you wash is entirely up to you…and your scalp will tell you if it’s working. Avoid products with chemicals like parabens that can be absorbed into your skin. Instead, reach for our CBD Shampoo And Conditioner that’s rich in phytonutrient CBD, essential oils and active botanicals. Next, figure out your routine. Not washing enough can lead to buildup that clogs follicles and leaves hair greasy, while washing every day might strip your scalp of natural oils and lead to dryness and flaking. Experiment a little to see what works best for you—and your scalp.

THROW SOME SHADE

On your scalp, that is. We all know the benefits of reducing our skin’s exposure to direct sunlight. Now think about what part of you is out there, unprotected, all day long. So, if you’re planning on being in the sun for a while, just pop on a hat. A spritz of sunscreen will also work up there, but be sure to wash it out later. Another option is to find some shade if possible.

GET A MASSAGE

No, not the deep Swedish variety, or one that leaves you covered temples-to-toes in hot oil. A scalp massage can work wonders to stimulate the area, and the best part is you can do it yourself. Aside from massaging naturally when you wash your hair, set aside 5-10 minutes once a week for an at-home scalp massage. You can even add a few drops of our CBD Oil as you massage—CBD, as you may already know, has a host of wonderful skin-enhancing benefits.

EAT HEALTHY

It sounds obvious, but it’s worth a reminder. A diet chocked full of essential fatty acids and omega-3s, zinc, protein and iron can help increase and maintain your scalp’s moisture levels, while improving the look and feel of your locks. Processed food will only make the scalp healing process more of a, um, process.

STRESS LESS

In addition to helping your Ability To Focus and getting a Better Night’s Sleep, lowering your stress can improve scalp health. Here’s the heady science: the stress hormone cortisol affects the function of hair follicles in the scalp. Too much of it can disrupt their cycle and cause hair loss. Also, chronic stress can cause oxidative stress, which increases the likelihood of skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis. So meditate, take a break from social media, exercise more—whatever it takes to help you stress less.