After my two recent podcast episodes of the Hair Like Hers podcast, featuring holistic pediatrician Dr. Ana Maria Temple and Abby Tai, a holistic dietician and eczema specialist, I learned so much more about the true causes of any kind of recurring or chronic scalp conditions and new kinds of preventative measure we can take. Not sure if you have any scalp conditions you should be worried about? You should take note if you experience any of the following: random occasional flare ups, itchiness, redness, flaking, scaling, excessive oiliness, dry flaking, psoriasis and eczema. I have seen too many clients over the course of my career who were either oblivious to their scalp conditions or simply didn’t believe whatever excessive itchiness or random flaking they experienced really mattered. Well it does. It really matters. Our scalp is an extensions of our face, except it can easily cover any imbalances under our hair. We panic at the sign of any rash, flakiness or breakout on our faces, but tend to neglect the importance of keeping the scalp clean and balanced. Our scalp is responsible for growing healthy hair for as long as we possible can. It becomes unable to do so if it’s constantly under stress from irritation, build-up or scratching.

I’d like to share a few clean and natural ways to help clear out any kind of scalp issues by balancing the skin itself and getting ahead of damaging the actual hair your grow in the future. 

1. A few things to consider before topically applying anything. 

The majority of our immune system lives in the gut. You can start by speaking to your integrative specialist or doctor about performing a gut and stool test. They can decide the best protocol going forward that could be populating your gut with healthy bacteria with food and supplements. 

Theres also oral bacteria that studies have shown overlap with gut bacteria. Any kind of infection in our teeth or gums can travel into our bloodstream and wreak havoc on your gut and digestion. 

2. Ingredients that can help clear scalp eczema or psoriasis.

Two most common ingredients that are found in topicals, and even shampoos are zinc pyrithione and salysilic acid. The former contains antibacterial and antifungal properties and the latter is excellent at banishing flakes and regulated oil secretion. 

3. Natural remedies with magical powers.

Common natural antifungal essential oils are rosemary, neem and lemon oil. These should be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil used as a 10 minute pre-shower treatment. Another great concoction I live by is apple cider vinegar diluted in water and used as a rinse in the shower before you shampoo your hair. Severe eczema on the scalp makes the skin alkaline and ACV can bring the pH level back down since it’s acidic. These can bring instant relief while you do the work on the inside which takes more time. 

4. Things to avoid to help with itchiness or flaking of the scalp.

The biggest culprits that you want to stay away from are products containing artificial fragrances. Anything with the word fragrances in the ingredients list contains hidden irritating ingredients that are toxic and able to exacerbate skin conditions. Instead, switch to natural body, skin, hair and home cleaning products. 

In terms of food, sugar is commonly found to trigger skin issues as it creates inflammation in the body and that includes certain high sugar fermented food like kombucha. 

All in all, don’t let any scalp issue linger. Most mild scalp conditions can easily be rectified by either cleansing more effectively or frequently while others also require a deeper commitment of cutting certain foods from your diet. You shouldn’t have to live with embarrassing flaking or uncomfortable itchiness. 

Let me know if you’ve given any of these a shot.

Healthy hair (and a happy life) starts with a healthy scalp.

Shab