Lecture Notes: Healthy Hair and Scalp Care

Importance of Hair and Scalp Health

• Healthy hair complements overall appearance.
• Hair condition is part of the "glow-up blueprint pyramid" (third tier).
• Common hair concerns: split ends, dryness, dullness, dandruff, oily scalp, damaged hair.
• Scalp health is crucial for healthy hair.
• Many hair issues stem from scalp problems.

Anatomy of the Scalp and Hair

• Hair grows from individual follicles in the scalp, producing sebum (oil).
• Sebum keeps scalp and hair moisturized and protected from infections.
• Clogged follicles can lead to poor hair growth or hair loss.
• Scalp renews and sheds dead skin cells regularly; removal through brushing, washing, exfoliation is essential.
• Scalp is an extension of facial skin - more delicate and renews twice as fast.
• Healthy scalp = healthy hair.

Scalp Types

Oily Scalp

• Overactive sebaceous glands produce excess oil.
• Hair looks oily within 48 hours of washing.
• Visible oil, occasional dandruff due to bacteria thriving in oily environments.

Dry Scalp

• Underactive sebaceous glands produce insufficient oil.
• Dry, itchy scalp with powdery dandruff flakes.
• Oil buildup takes 5+ days.

Combination Scalp

• Varies between oily (top of head) and dry (sides/back).
• Can lead to dry, frizzy hair with an oily scalp.

Sensitive Scalp

• Prone to itchiness, irritation, and reactivity.
• Oily scalp with occasional burning, redness, bumps, or folliculitis.
• Reacts to seasonal changes and chemical processes.

Common Scalp Issues

Oily Scalp

• Frequent need for washing; itching due to dead skin cells.
• Sebum production affected by weather, hormones, and washing frequency.
• Balance is key to a healthy scalp environment.

Dry Scalp

• Lack of moisture leads to dryness and flakiness.
• Triggered by cold, dry air, or harsh hair products.

Dandruff

• Distinct from dry scalp; caused by seborrheic dermatitis (oily, red, scaly skin).
• White or yellow oily flakes.

Hair Loss or Shedding

• Shedding: temporary increase in hair fall (>100 strands/day), often due to stressors.
• Hair loss: growth stops due to genetics, medication, hairstyles, etc., requires addressing underlying cause.

Scalp Care

• Importance of maintaining a healthy scalp for overall hair health.
• Proper cleansing with gentle shampoos, considering scalp and hair type.
• Avoiding direct application of hair products to the scalp.
• Massaging the scalp to stimulate blood flow and soften skin cells.
• Different care tips for oily, dry, sensitive, and combination scalps.

Hair Washing and Conditioning Routine

• Start with detangling hair before washing.
• Proper application and rinsing of shampoo and conditioner.
• Avoid hot water; use lukewarm water instead.
• Gentle drying techniques to avoid breakage and damage.
• Use hair oils/serums at appropriate times based on hair condition.

General Hair Care Tips

• UV protection for scalp and hair.
• Use heat protectant before styling.
• Consider a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
• Embrace heatless styling methods to reduce heat damage.
• Regular trims to maintain healthy hair ends.
• Align hair care products with hair porosity level.

Identifying Hair Type and Porosity

• Quiz to assess health status, porosity, and curl type of hair to guide care routine.

Final Thoughts

• Consistency and proper technique are key to maintaining scalp and hair health.
• Tailor hair care routine to specific scalp and hair needs for the best results.