Why Scalp Health Matters
A healthy scalp provides the foundation for healthy hair. Think of it like soil for plants - poor scalp conditions can impair even transplanted follicles.
The Healthy Scalp Environment
An optimal scalp is:
- Clean but not over-stripped: Free of excess oil and buildup
- Well-moisturized: Not dry, flaky, or irritated
- Good circulation: Blood flow delivers nutrients to follicles
- Balanced pH: Natural acidity protects against infections
- Free of inflammation: Inflammation can damage follicles
Washing Your Scalp
Proper technique matters
Frequency
- • Most people: 2-3 times per week
- • Oily scalp: May need more frequent washing
- • Dry scalp: Less frequent, focus on conditioning
- • Post-transplant (healed): Resume normal frequency
Technique
- • Use lukewarm water (not hot)
- • Massage shampoo into scalp with fingertips (not nails)
- • Circular motions stimulate blood flow
- • Rinse thoroughly - residue can cause irritation
- • Condition the lengths, not the scalp
- • Pat dry gently - don't rub vigorously
Recommended Shampoos
Products that support scalp health
Ketoconazole Shampoo (Nizoral)
Anti-fungal with mild anti-DHT properties. Use 2x weekly. Evidence supports hair loss benefits.
Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Less stripping of natural oils. Good for daily/regular use. Look for pH-balanced formulas.
Pyrithione Zinc Shampoos
Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Good for dandruff and scalp conditions. Some evidence for hair benefits.
What to Avoid
- • Harsh sulfates (SLS) - can irritate and dry scalp
- • Heavy silicones - can cause buildup
- • Alcohol-based products - drying
- • Strong fragrances - potential irritants
Scalp Massage
Regular scalp massage may improve blood circulation to hair follicles. While evidence for hair growth is limited, it's relaxing and has no downsides.
Technique
- • Use fingertips, not nails
- • Apply gentle to moderate pressure
- • Work in circular motions across entire scalp
- • 5-10 minutes, several times per week
- • Can do while washing or with oil treatments
Common Scalp Issues
How to identify and treat them
Dandruff
- Cause: Often yeast overgrowth (Malassezia)
- Treatment: Ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide shampoos
- Note: Inflammation may affect hair health - worth treating
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Cause: Inflammatory skin condition
- Treatment: Medicated shampoos, sometimes prescription steroids
- Note: Can occur around transplanted areas - see doctor if persistent
Dry Scalp
- Cause: Overwashing, harsh products, dry climate
- Treatment: Less frequent washing, gentle products, hydrating oils
- Note: Different from dandruff - requires different approach
Oily Scalp
- Cause: Overactive sebaceous glands
- Treatment: Regular washing, avoid over-touching, clarifying shampoo occasionally
- Note: Overwashing can paradoxically increase oil production
Sun Protection
- • Scalp can burn - especially in thin/balding areas
- • Post-transplant, protect healing scalp from UV
- • Wear hats or use scalp-safe sunscreen
- • Chronic sun damage can harm hair follicles
Diet and Scalp Health
An anti-inflammatory diet supports healthy skin, including the scalp:
- Omega-3s: Fatty fish, walnuts - reduce inflammation
- Zinc: Oysters, pumpkin seeds - supports skin health
- Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds - antioxidant for skin
- Water: Hydration affects skin moisture
- Limit: Excessive sugar, processed foods
Complete Your Aftercare Knowledge
Scalp health is one part of the aftercare equation.