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Discover the Best Healthy Scalp Routine for Strong Hair

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Medically Reviewed by
Dr Kalyani Deshmukh Published Date:
Updated: 9 September 4:57 AM


Dr. Deshmukh is an MD (Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy) with more than 4 years of experience. She successfully runs her own practice and believes that a personalized service maximizes customer satisfaction.

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If you’re curious about what the best scalp treatment for hair growth is, the answer is simple: a consistent scalp care routine. This includes exfoliating, nourishing, and maintaining a clean environment so your hair follicles can thrive.

Most people focus their care on hair strands, ignoring scalp health, which is the root cause of hair thinning and slow growth. The scalp is not just skin under your hair; it's an active tissue that affects every phase of your hair's life cycle. 

Your scalp reflects deeper aspects of your health. Factors like hormonal imbalances, poor diets, and chronic stress can all show up as itchiness, dandruff, or increased hair fall. By nourishing your scalp, you can create a foundation for healthy and strong hair.

 

Why Scalp Health Matters for Hair Growth?


Your scalp health affects your hair growth, how long it stays in the growth (anagen) phase, and its overall strength. 

Here’s why scalp health is important: 

  • Each hair follicle receives nutrients and oxygen from the blood vessels in the scalp. A disruption in this blood flow can slow or even stop hair growth. 

  • The scalp has beneficial bacteria, viruses, and fungi (the hair follicle microbiome) that play an essential role in maintaining your scalp health. This microbiome protects hair against harmful bacteria and environmental factors like UV radiation, it keeps inflammation in check, and reduces infections and scalp disorders. An imbalance in this ecosystem due to the use of harsh products or buildup can lead to scalp irritation and affect hair growth. 

Scalp issues that can affect growth:

  • Sebum, dead skin, and product residues can clog hair follicles, which eventually leads to slow hair growth and even increased hair fall.

  • Conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis are directly linked to increased hair loss and cuticle damage. 

  • Hormone imbalances, deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin D, or zinc) may show up as flaking or oily scalp even before actual hair fall becomes visible.

Healthy hair is a by-product of good scalp health. Research confirms that improving scalp condition not only enhances hair growth but can even reverse your bad hair quality caused by poor scalp health.

 

Signs Your Scalp Needs Treatment

Pay attention to these signs that indicate your scalp may need care:

  • Dry, flaky, or visible dandruff

  • Itchy scalp 

  • Tenderness or sensitivity while combing

  • Oily and sticky scalp

  • Greasy roots

  • Redness or bumps 

  • Sudden or patchy hair thinning

  • Inconsistent hair growth 

To see a pattern, it's best to track your symptoms over a few weeks. If you experience these symptoms regularly, it may be time to reassess your hair care routine and consider getting scalp treatments.

 

Mistakes to Avoid in Scalp Care 


Making these mistakes can make scalp buildup or hair fall worse. 


Dos 

Don’ts

Use sulfate-free shampoos as they are mild on the scalp. 

Don’t scratch or aggressively rub your scalp, as this can cause irritation and damage.

Apply oil on a clean scalp to avoid clogging of your pores. 

Avoid using styling products frequently, as they can weigh down your hair and clog the scalp.

Exfoliate scalp once a week with gentle ingredients. This keeps your scalp clean and balanced.

Don’t leave hair products in overnight unless specified, as they may cause buildup.

Allow hair to air dry before tying it; tying wet hair damages hair bonds and makes them more prone to breaking.

Refrain from constantly touching your scalp, as the dirt from your hands can transfer and cause problems.

Use lukewarm water to wash hair; it effectively cleans your hair and also keeps your scalp moisturized.

Don’t over-wash your hair, as it can strip the scalp of its natural oils. This leads to dryness and imbalance.

 

 

Healthy Scalp Routine


It’s important to have a healthy scalp routine and follow it regularly. You don’t need to invest in expensive treatments for healthy hair.

Daily Scalp Care

  • Brush your hair gently

  • Massage your scalp, as this helps increase blood flow

  • Avoid tight hairstyles as they pull your hair and cause tension

  • Wash your hair with lukewarm water

  • Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently dry your hair 

Weekly Care

  • Use natural products like rice flour, herbal neem powder, and/or brown sugar scrub to exfoliate your scalp  

 

Natural & Professional Scalp Treatments 


Your scalp also needs regular care to stay hydrated and healthy. Natural remedies can help a lot when it comes to everyday scalp maintenance, but sometimes you need professional treatment as well for better hair growth. Let’s take a look at both. 

Natural Scalp Treatments for Hair Growth

Here are some natural scalp treatments: 


1. Aloe Vera and Neem Paste

Aloe vera has a lot of enzymes that help with inflammation and calm the scalp while also improving the scalp for healthy hair follicles to grow, all of which are necessary for new hair growth. 

Neem, on the other hand, kills fungi and bacteria, which makes it great for getting rid of dandruff and itching.  So both os these together work to bring balance back to the scalp and make your hair roots stronger. Mix fresh aloe vera gel with neem powder to make a paste. Apply it to your scalp for 20-30 minutes and then rinse. 

2. Tea Tree and Rosemary Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural anti-microbial that unclogs pores and helps reduce flakes. Rosemary oil improves circulation to the follicles, promoting new hair growth, and also helps balance the scalp microbiome. To use, mix a few drops of each oil with jojoba or coconut oil (carrier oil) and gently massage it into your scalp.

3. Bhringraj or Castor Oil Massage

Ayurveda calls bhringraj the ‘king of herbs,’ and people have used it for centuries to prevent hair fall and improve hair growth. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid in it, which improves circulation and also nourishes hair follicles, both very important for new hair growth. 

Getting a massage with any one of these oils once a week can relax your scalp, improve blood flow & also stimulate your hair follicles.

3. Make a DIY Scalp Scrub with Brown Sugar, Coconut Oil & Lemon

A gentle scalp scrub can help git rid of dead skin cells, product buildup, and clogged hair follicles. Brown sugar gently exfoliates the scalp, while the coconut oil moisturizes the hair, and the lemon juice cleans the scalp and helps keep the dandruff away. 

To make the scrub, combine one tablespoon of brown sugar, one tablespoon of coconut oil & a few drops of lemon juice together. Gently rub this mixture on your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse. 

 

Professional & Advanced Scalp Treatment

If natural remedies are not working well, professional scalp treatments can help with hair loss and also promote new hair growth effectively. These treatments are usually conducted by dermatologists and trichologists: 

1. Microneedling 

A derma roller is used for microneedling on the scalp, featuring hundreds of tiny needles. The tiny needles make cuts on the scalp, which helps boost collagen and also improve blood flow to the follicles. Microneedling in combination with using 5% minoxidil every day has shown a significant improvement in hair growth. 

2. Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) 

This treatment involves drawing a small amount of your blood, which is then processed in a machine that separates the plasma from the rest of your blood. The plasma-rich portion, which contains growth factors, is then injected by a doctor into areas experiencing hair loss, helping to stimulate hair growth and improve follicle health. 

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser therapy is considered when topical treatments and medication won't work. It is a safe and effective way to increase hair growth, it helps stimulate hair follicles, improves blood circulation, and also reduces inflammation. 

4. Redensyl-Based Serums 

Redensyl is a relatively new plant-based ingredient that is said to target stem cells in hair follicles. It penetrates much deeper than oils and other treatments and awakens the dormant follicles, helping new hair grow while also improving its texture and thickness.

Many people look for redensyl before and after pictures online, and studies as well as real-life reviews show that using it regularly can stop hair loss and make hair look thicker within 3-6 months. 

 

Diet and Nutrients that Support Scalp Health 


Sometimes the health of your scalp has more to do with what you eat than the products you use or your habits. A dry, flaky scalp, slow hair growth, or even early hair thinning are signs indicating that you are not getting enough of some nutrients from your diet. 

Here are some important nutrients for a healthy scalp and their food sources: 

1. Biotin 

This vitamin is known for preventing hair loss & promoting new hair growth. If you are looking for sources that contain natural biotin for hair growth, you need to add egg yolks, nuts, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes to your diet. Seeds like sunflower, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are examples of biotin-rich seeds for hair growth.

If you’re curious about what the best scalp treatment for hair growth is, the answer is simple: a consistent scalp care routine. This includes exfoliating, nourishing, and maintaining a clean environment so your hair follicles can thrive.

Most people focus their care on hair strands, ignoring scalp health, which is the root cause of hair thinning and slow growth. The scalp is not just skin under your hair; it's an active tissue that affects every phase of your hair's life cycle. 

Your scalp reflects deeper aspects of your health. Factors like hormonal imbalances, poor diets, and chronic stress can all show up as itchiness, dandruff, or increased hair fall. By nourishing your scalp, you can create a foundation for healthy and strong hair.

 

Why Scalp Health Matters for Hair Growth?


Your scalp health affects your hair growth, how long it stays in the growth (anagen) phase, and its overall strength. 

Here’s why scalp health is important: 

  • Each hair follicle receives nutrients and oxygen from the blood vessels in the scalp. A disruption in this blood flow can slow or even stop hair growth. 

  • The scalp has beneficial bacteria, viruses, and fungi (the hair follicle microbiome) that play an essential role in maintaining your scalp health. This microbiome protects hair against harmful bacteria and environmental factors like UV radiation, it keeps inflammation in check, and reduces infections and scalp disorders. An imbalance in this ecosystem due to the use of harsh products or buildup can lead to scalp irritation and affect hair growth. 

Scalp issues that can affect growth:

  • Sebum, dead skin, and product residues can clog hair follicles, which eventually leads to slow hair growth and even increased hair fall.

  • Conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis are directly linked to increased hair loss and cuticle damage. 

  • Hormone imbalances, deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin D, or zinc) may show up as flaking or oily scalp even before actual hair fall becomes visible.

Healthy hair is a by-product of good scalp health. Research confirms that improving scalp condition not only enhances hair growth but can even reverse your bad hair quality caused by poor scalp health.

 

Signs Your Scalp Needs Treatment


Pay attention to these signs that indicate your scalp may need care:

  • Dry, flaky, or visible dandruff

  • Itchy scalp 

  • Tenderness or sensitivity while combing

  • Oily and sticky scalp

  • Greasy roots

  • Redness or bumps 

  • Sudden or patchy hair thinning

  • Inconsistent hair growth 

To see a pattern, it's best to track your symptoms over a few weeks. If you experience these symptoms regularly, it may be time to reassess your hair care routine and consider getting scalp treatments.

 

Mistakes to Avoid in Scalp Care 


Making these mistakes can make scalp buildup or hair fall worse. 


Dos 

Don’ts

Use sulfate-free shampoos as they are mild on the scalp. 

Don’t scratch or aggressively rub your scalp, as this can cause irritation and damage.

Apply oil on a clean scalp to avoid clogging of your pores. 

Avoid using styling products frequently, as they can weigh down your hair and clog the scalp.

Exfoliate scalp once a week with gentle ingredients. This keeps your scalp clean and balanced.

Don’t leave hair products in overnight unless specified, as they may cause buildup.

Allow hair to air dry before tying it; tying wet hair damages hair bonds and makes them more prone to breaking.

Refrain from constantly touching your scalp, as the dirt from your hands can transfer and cause problems.

Use lukewarm water to wash hair; it effectively cleans your hair and also keeps your scalp moisturized.

Don’t over-wash your hair, as it can strip the scalp of its natural oils. This leads to dryness and imbalance.

 

Healthy Scalp Routine


It’s important to have a healthy scalp routine and follow it regularly. You don’t need to invest in expensive treatments for healthy hair.

Daily Scalp Care

  • Brush your hair gently

  • Massage your scalp, as this helps increase blood flow

  • Avoid tight hairstyles as they pull your hair and cause tension

  • Wash your hair with lukewarm water

  • Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently dry your hair 

Weekly Care

  • Use natural products like rice flour, herbal neem powder, and/or brown sugar scrub to exfoliate your scalp  

  • Once a week, use oils like coconut, bhringraj, or rosemary to massage your hair

 

Natural & Professional Scalp Treatments 


Your scalp also needs regular care to stay hydrated and healthy. Natural remedies can help a lot when it comes to everyday scalp maintenance, but sometimes you need professional treatment as well for better hair growth. Let’s take a look at both. 

Natural Scalp Treatments for Hair Growth

Here are some natural scalp treatments: 

1. Aloe Vera and Neem Paste

Aloe vera has a lot of enzymes that help with inflammation and calm the scalp while also improving the scalp for healthy hair follicles to grow, all of which are necessary for new hair growth. 

Neem, on the other hand, kills fungi and bacteria, which makes it great for getting rid of dandruff and itching.  So both os these together work to bring balance back to the scalp and make your hair roots stronger. Mix fresh aloe vera gel with neem powder to make a paste. Apply it to your scalp for 20-30 minutes and then rinse. 

2. Tea Tree and Rosemary Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural anti-microbial that unclogs pores and helps reduce flakes. Rosemary oil improves circulation to the follicles, promoting new hair growth, and also helps balance the scalp microbiome. To use, mix a few drops of each oil with jojoba or coconut oil (carrier oil) and gently massage it into your scalp.

3. Bhringraj or Castor Oil Massage

Ayurveda calls bhringraj the ‘king of herbs,’ and people have used it for centuries to prevent hair fall and improve hair growth. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid in it, which improves circulation and also nourishes hair follicles, both very important for new hair growth. 

Getting a massage with any one of these oils once a week can relax your scalp, improve blood flow & also stimulate your hair follicles.

4. Make a DIY Scalp Scrub with Brown Sugar, Coconut Oil & Lemon

A gentle scalp scrub can help git rid of dead skin cells, product buildup, and clogged hair follicles. Brown sugar gently exfoliates the scalp, while the coconut oil moisturizes the hair, and the lemon juice cleans the scalp and helps keep the dandruff away. 

To make the scrub, combine one tablespoon of brown sugar, one tablespoon of coconut oil & a few drops of lemon juice together. Gently rub this mixture on your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse. 

 

Professional & Advanced Scalp Treatment


If natural remedies are not working well, professional scalp treatments can help with hair loss and also promote new hair growth effectively. These treatments are usually conducted by dermatologists and trichologists: 

1. Microneedling 

A derma roller is used for microneedling on the scalp, featuring hundreds of tiny needles. The tiny needles make cuts on the scalp, which helps boost collagen and also improve blood flow to the follicles. Microneedling in combination with using 5% minoxidil every day has shown a significant improvement in hair growth. 

2. Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) 

This treatment involves drawing a small amount of your blood, which is then processed in a machine that separates the plasma from the rest of your blood. The plasma-rich portion, which contains growth factors, is then injected by a doctor into areas experiencing hair loss, helping to stimulate hair growth and improve follicle health. 

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser therapy is considered when topical treatments and medication won't work. It is a safe and effective way to increase hair growth, it helps stimulate hair follicles, improves blood circulation, and also reduces inflammation. 

4. Redensyl-Based Serums 

Redensyl is a relatively new plant-based ingredient that is said to target stem cells in hair follicles. It penetrates much deeper than oils and other treatments and awakens the dormant follicles, helping new hair grow while also improving its texture and thickness.

Many people look for redensyl before and after pictures online, and studies as well as real-life reviews show that using it regularly can stop hair loss and make hair look thicker within 3-6 months. 

 

Diet and Nutrients that Support Scalp Health 


Sometimes the health of your scalp has more to do with what you eat than the products you use or your habits. A dry, flaky scalp, slow hair growth, or even early hair thinning are signs indicating that you are not getting enough of some nutrients from your diet. 

Here are some important nutrients for a healthy scalp and their food sources: 

1. Biotin 

This vitamin is known for preventing hair loss & promoting new hair growth. If you are looking for sources that contain natural biotin for hair growth, you need to add egg yolks, nuts, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes to your diet. Seeds like sunflower, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are examples of biotin-rich seeds for hair growth.

2. Iron 

Iron makes it possible for your follicles to get the oxygen they need to grow strong hair. So if you have low iron levels, you might notice a lot of hair shedding. Iron is found in lentils, spinach, and red meat. 

3. Zinc 

Zinc helps protect your hair follicles & keeps your scalp healthy. Zinc can be found naturally in shellfish, nuts, and lentils. 

4. Vitamin D 

It plays a role in making new hair follicles and supports your hair growth cycles. Vitamin D can be found in fortified cereal, fatty fish like salmon, and egg yolks. 

5. Omega-3s 

These are healthy fats that make strands thicker, shinier, and stronger overall. Flaxseeds and walnuts are full of omega-3s. 

In addition to focusing on essential nutrients, it’s important not to overlook the basics like staying hydrated (aim for atleast 2-3 liters of water per day) and managing stress, as both can impact your hair health. 

Stress hormones can disrupt your hair growth cycle, but practices such as yoga, meditation, or simply going for a walk daily can help reduce stress and improve hair health over time.

 

Postpartum and Weight-Loss-Related Scalp Stress


Both postpartum and sudden weight loss can affect your scalp and hair health. This is how: 

Postpartum

After giving birth, your estrogen levels drop quickly. This sudden drop in estrogen causes heavy hair fall or shedding, as well as scalp dryness and sensitivity. But you don't need to worry because postpartum hair loss is common and is reversible. 

Oiling your hair with soothing oils can help with a sensitive and dry scalp, and using a biotin shampoo for hair growth can help strengthen roots and promote new growth. So if you want your hair to look fuller, a volumizing shampoo can also be one of the best shampoos for postpartum hair loss.

After Sudden Weight Loss 

A sudden weight loss and lack of nutrients can affect your scalp health. Because of the rapid drop in nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc, your scalp can become dry and itchy, and you might also notice hair loss. So if you have dropped a lot of weight in a short amount of time, add foods like eggs, seeds, and berries to your diet to boost collagen and to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. More importantly, find out ways to thicken hair after weight loss with both diet and topical treatments.

 

FAQs 

 

1. How often should I exfoliate my scalp?

Exfoliating once a week works best for most people. However, if you have an oily scalp or a lot of product buildup, you can do it twice a week. 

2. Is an oil massage or a scalp serum better?

They both work in different ways. Traditional oils like bhringraj or castor are some of the best ayurvedic treatments for hair loss because they improve blood flow and keep it moisturized. On the other hand, modern serums can help with issues like slow growth and dryness. You can use both of them at different times for a more complete routine.

3. Can clogged pores lead to permanent hair loss?

Blocked hair follicles can slow down hair growth and cause temporary hair shedding, too. The good news is that once your scalp is clean and balanced, your hair does grow back, so it's more of a temporary hair loss that can easily be fixed.

4. How long before I see results from a scalp routine?

You really have to be patient when it comes to hair growth. Most of the time, people notice less itching and hair loss after 4 to 6 weeks of regular care. It can take 3 to 6 months to see visible hair growth and better hair texture.

5. Should I use hot water or cold water to wash my scalp?

Neither too hot nor too cold water is ideal. If you are wondering how to clean your scalp for hair growth, it's best to use lukewarm water, because using cold water might not clean your hair as well, and hot water could dry it out.

 

Conclusion 


In the end, a good, healthy scalp is the first step to having healthy hair. Taking care of your scalp doesn't mean spending money on expensive hair products; it's about making simple and consistent changes to your routine. Make sure your scalp is clean, healthy, and stress-free.

So, if you’re wondering what the best scalp treatment for hair growth looks like? It's a combination of supporting it from the inside with the right nutrients and stress management, and from the outside with weekly exfoliation, oiling, and switching to gentle hair products. 

Keep your scalp clean and healthy to create a stress-free environment for your hair to grow. For best results, it's important to find the right balance between internal factors, such as diet and stress management, and external hair care habits. Even small changes, when done right, over 4-6 weeks, will start to give you results. 

Want to know exactly what your hair and scalp need? Try the Traya hair test. Traya uses a three-science approach that combines dermatology, Ayurveda, and nutrition to make personalized hair loss plans that target the root cause for effective results.

 

References

 

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The claims and results mentioned are based on multiple internal studies and customer research surveys that Traya has conducted with a statistically significant sample size of users who were under expert observation and guidance

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Traya conducted an internal study over both men and females facing hair fall and 93% saw results* after using the complete Traya treatment consistently for a period of 5 months. This study was conducted in December 2022. 

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Traya contains hair growth actives like minoxidil and DHT blocker which are FDA approved to treat hair fall. These are completely safe for human use, but it is possible that certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some individuals.

 

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