The scalp is a part of the body that is often overlooked. However, the health of your hair depends on its condition. With a few observations, it's possible to determine if your scalp is healthy and, if it's not, to adopt appropriate care. What are the signs of a healthy scalp? It's time for you to take the test.
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The signs of having a healthy scalp.
Summary
- Sign #1: A healthy scalp is not irritated
- Sign #2: A healthy scalp does not emit a bad odor
- Sign #3: A healthy scalp does not become overly greasy too quickly
- Sign #4: A healthy scalp does not have dandruff
- Sign #5: A round hair follicle indicates a healthy scalp
- Sign #6: Minimal hair loss is a sign of a healthy scalp
- Sign #7: Healthy hair is indicative of a healthy scalp
Published July 31, 2023,
updated on July 17, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
6 min read
Sign #1: A healthy scalp is not irritated.
Several signs visible to the naked eye can indicate whether a scalp is healthy or not. First, check if your scalp is prone to inflammation. If this is the case, you should notice redness in the form of patches or diffused areas, accompanied by itching. Scalp irritations can have several causes, the most common being hormonal imbalance and bacterial or parasitic colonization. If your scalp does not appear red and does not itch, that's a good initial sign.
Sign #2: A healthy scalp does not emit a bad odor.
A healthy scalp does not emit a bad odor. Such odors are often a sign of fungal growth on the surface of the skin and may indicate a fungal infection. Fungal infections often come with red, swollen patches on the scalp, and sometimes itching. In case of a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional so they can prescribe an appropriate antifungal treatment.
Sign #3: A healthy scalp does not become overly greasy too quickly.
It's also worth noting that a healthy scalp does not become oily too quickly. The hyperseborrhea , or the excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, is often due to a high level of androgen hormones such as testosterone, which is present in both men and women, although in smaller quantities in the latter.
Testosterone operates under the influence of an enzyme, the 5-α-reductase, to transform into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates the activity of the sebaceous glands. Therefore, individuals with highly active 5-α-reductase are more prone to hyperseborrhea. Fortunately, this condition can be controlled through the regular use of purifying treatments.
Sign #4: A healthy scalp does not have dandruff.
The absence of dandruff signifies a healthy scalp. The dandruff appears as a result of an acceleration of skin renewal associated with abnormal desquamation. The epidermal cells, not being mature enough, remain clumped together and detach in excessive white clusters, forming dandruff.
Several factors or combinations of factors can cause dandruff, including parasitic colonization by fungi Malassezia, excessive sebum production, or individual susceptibility. The proliferation of dandruff can be reduced with a dandruff treatment.
Sign #5: A round hair follicle indicates a healthy scalp.
A quick analysis of the hair follicle can reveal the condition of a scalp. To do this, one simply needs to pluck a hair from the head, making sure not to miss the bulb. If the latter is well-rounded, it's a sign of a healthy scalp. On the other hand, if it's small and shriveled, it could be a case of afolliculitis.
This refers to a benign skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed due to excessive sebum production, genetic predispositions, or bacterial colonization. Folliculitis typically causes irritation, itching, and lesions on the scalp. After being diagnosed by a doctor, it is treated with topical care or the administration of medications.
Sign #6: Minimal hair loss is a sign of a healthy scalp.
It is natural to lose a few hairs every day, as this is part of the natural hair cycle. Each hair has its own life cycle that begins with a growth phase (anagen), continues with a resting phase (catagen), and ends with the loss of the hair (telogen). Generally, we lose between 50 and 150 hairs per day. Beyond this, the loss is considered abnormal and it could be a case of alopecia.
A simple test to identify abnormal hair loss is to run your hand through your hair, spreading your fingers like a comb. If more than ten hairs remain on your fingers, it is likely a case of abnormal hair loss. In this situation, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who can assess the severity of the hair loss and provide advice.
Sign #7: Healthy hair is indicative of a healthy scalp.
Healthy hair stems from a healthy scalp. Thus, hair analysis is another indicator of the scalp's condition. To assess the health of a hair strand, these two criteria are typically evaluated:
The Porosity of a Hair Strand : The cuticle, which is the outer part of the hair fiber, of a healthy hair strand does not have any gaps between its scales and is generally not porous. To verify this, place a few strands of hair, taken from different parts of your head, into a glass of water. If they float on the surface, they are not porous and are therefore considered to be healthy. On the other hand, if they sink, it's a sign that they are damaged.
The elasticity of a hair strand : A strong and healthy hair strand can withstand between 5 and 10 grams and is highly elastic. To test its elasticity, take a strand of hair, pull on its ends, then release one side. If it bounces back, this indicates that it is healthy. If it breaks easily or remains static, it's a sign that it lacks resilience.
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