As much as people worry about the appearance and health of their skin, so do people worry about the health of their hair. Hair (and the scalp) comes in as many varieties as skin type, condition and colour. Just as we have a unique prescription for our skincare, each unique head of hair needs special care.
General Tips
Whatever hair type you have, it is important to follow a few basic principles to keep your hair and scalp in good health. These include:
- Avoid products with sodium laureth or lauryl sulphate. These are foaming agents that can dry out and cause skin sensitivity in many people.
- Always wash and condition your hair. Shampoo cleans the dirt, oil and products away. Conditioner puts back vital moisture to the hair, as well as making clean hair more manageable.
- Never go to bed with wet hair or put wet hair up. This can lead to scalp irritations which may require prescription medication to treat.
- Limit the amount you wash your hair. Washing your hair everyday can dry out the scalp. Hair does not need to be washed everyday if it isn’t physically dirty or very sweaty – every few days is fine.
- Try to keep heat styling, products and harsh dyes to a minimum. This can damage the hair itself, as well as irritate the scalp.
- Swap and change your hair styles, and try to avoid wearing your hair in a tight pony tail all the time as the tension can lead to hair loss.
Sensitive Scalps
Sensitive, itchy scalps are a common concern amongst dermatology patients. Some people experience sensitive skin conditions on their scalp including dandruff and psoriasis. There are specialty shampoos on the market to assist with these conditions. If itchiness, flakiness or redness is a concern to you, speak to your GP who can arrange an appointment with a dermatologist.
Hair Dye
When using a new hair dye, always patch test a small area behind your ear 24 hours before applying the product. Some of the chemicals used in hair dyes are common allergens and can damage the scalp easily.
Hair Loss
If you are experiencing hair loss, always speak to your GP who can arrange an appointment for a dermatologist for you. In the mean time, use very gentle products and avoid harsh heat or chemical treatments with may exacerbate the condition.
Further information
If you have any questions about your scalp and hair health or wish to book an appointment with our dermatologist. For specialist hair care contact us today!
