Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp — and common problems like dandruff, dryness, and rapid hair loss indicate that you should pay attention to your scalp and might need to swap in a few scalp treatment products. With simple hair routine changes, you'll be able to ensure that your scalp and hair stay balanced.
Some of those common scalp issues are "pretty typical, but over time can contribute to larger issues like hair loss if combined with other factors such as stress, hormone imbalances, bad hairdressing habits, and excessive exercising," Chavilla Martin, a California-based trichologist says.
If you are experiencing those symptoms, make sure to “hydrate your body and hair. Contrary to popular belief, [you should] wash and condition your hair at least every other day with a sulfate-free shampoo,” Bobby Spence, a certified trichologist based in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area recommends. “Hair contains a quarter of water. So with the more water your drink and the more you wash your hair, you are nourishing your roots and follicles from the inside out.”
To combat a dry scalp, Dr. Kari Williams, a trichologist who also doubles as a celebrity hairstylist, recommends essential oils "The molecules are small enough to penetrate into the cuticle, and they absorb really well into the skin without clogging any hair follicles," she says. "The oils will enhance moisture." Other ingredients, such as pumpkin seed oil, yucca root extract, saw palmetto, biotin, and apple cider vinegar, also work to restore hydration without stripping your hair of the moisture it craves, according to Dr. William Yates, a Chicago hair loss specialist, and hair replacement surgeon.
Ahead, see the trichologist-recommended products that contain those very ingredients, and more.
