Get ready to take onboard and absorb some of the most effective scalp care tips. If you want to show off your crowning glory beyond a summer season, you’d better be good to what lies beneath. Sun, salt water and chlorine can all punish your scalp, leaving it dry and itchy and draining the luster from your locks. Here’s how to keep your scalp healthy and your hair looking its best while you savor the season.
Practice Sun Smarts Towards Your Scalp Health
With skin cancer rates “significantly” on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control, most of us have gotten the message to slather our faces and bodies with sunscreen. (The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30, reapplied every two hours.) Find non-toxic and reef-friendly sunscreens for the body HERE.
But we may be skipping our scalps, says Dr. Rebecca Kazin, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
“Women don’t realize that even if they have a full head of hair, their part is prone to sunburn and potential skin cancer,” says Kazin. Ditto for spots where your hair may be thinning or your hairline is newly exposed by a summer ponytail or short haircut.
Hair UV Protection Products
Here are some of the best hair UV protection products. They are effective in shielding your precious locks from the damaging and drying effects of the sun.
COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist, Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Reef-Safe, Ocean Salted Sage, 2 Fl Oz
For a quick way to protect your hair from the extended sun exposure, use this COOLA mist.
It is Reef-Safe and ads broadspectrum SPF for hair and scalp.
Drybar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shots, Pack of 4, 0.5 Ounces Each
This is a must-have for anybody who spends long time at the beach or outside in the sun. Super-concentrated treatment penetrates to the hair fiber for long-lasting moisture, leaving hair soft, shiny, and detangled.
• Apricot Kernel Oil deeply hydrates, focusing on the driest areas of each strand. Promotes scalp health by preventing dryness and flakiness.
• Sage Leaf Extract provides long-lasting moisture and improves hair texture. Extract wraps around the cuticle, providing a film that reflects light for a high-gloss finish.
Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist 4.6 Ounces
An excellent spritz for your hair to protect from overheating and sun 's rays.
• Marula Oil coats hair strands to deliver protection from heat with a satin, frizz-free finish.
• Fire Tulip Extract protects against heat, leaving hair looking healthy and restored.
• Heat-Activated Rice Protein strengthens hair to protect it against the drying and damaging effects of heat styling.
Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protector Frizz Fighter 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
Use this hair care formula for the protection against UVA and UVB rays. Look what it's gotten inside!
• Artichoke leaf extract prevents dehydration and protects hair cuticles in high temps
• Polymer complex protects against heat from hot tools and helps to temporarily seal split ends
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer, 8.5 Ounce
Use this formula before you style up your hair. And when you are at the beach for too long, add a dab into your hair as well.
A blend of 6 oils creates an effective UVA and UVB filters to protect your locks from damage.
Coconut Heat Protection Spray - Leave-in Hair Protect Treatment for Dry Hair, Anti-Frizz, UV Protection, Anti-Static, Heat Defense, Add Shine and Body - 10 Benefits Styling Product - 8.45fl.oz
This COCONUT HAIR REPAIR TREATMENT hydrates dry and damaged hair, prevent split ends, frizz and static caused by styling and humidity.
Revitalizes dull hair, adding body, volume and shine.
Soleil Shield Sun Protection Finishing Spray - Hair Sunscreen - Hair Color Protection Spray - Organic Hair Sunscreen - Leave In Hair Treatment - Hair Shine Spray - Organic Leave In Conditioner
Give your locks a finalized look with this ORGANIC protective coat of Soleil.
This hair sunscreen will protect your hair from overdrying and damage.
Sun Bum Curls & Waves Detangler | Vegan and Cruelty Free Moisturizing Hair Treatment for Wavy and Curly Hair | 4 oz
This special vegan blend uses Kukui Nut Oil and Monoi Coconut Oil to protect your hair from damaging UV rays and shield your locks from becoming dull, brittle, frizzy and discolored.
Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray | Vegan and Cruelty Free Hair Protecting Spray for All Hair Types | 6 oz
Use before blow drying or when using heat styling tools.
Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers 6-pack (3 medium/3 large)
These self-grip rollers roll easily into hair, create mega-lift and volume, and remove gently without pulling or tugging.
Klorane Nourishing Mango Oil - Dry Hair Oil, Waterproof, UV Protecting Spray, Paraben, Sulfate, Silicone Free
Use this UV protective spray on the hair before you go into the sun for a prolonged time. It is free of sulfates and silicones that dry and damage your hair's cuticles and follicles.
Scalp Skin Care Suggestions from Dermatologist
To avoid a greasy head, soak a cotton-tipped swab in sunscreen and run it along vulnerable areas.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat (not a paparazzi-tempting V. Stiviano visor!). Many versions now have built in SPF.
Get a skin checkup from your dermatologist at least once a year, and watch any moles for changes that could indicate deadly melanoma. (The American Cancer Society predicts that 32,000 melanomas will be diagnosed in women this year.)
Make your hairdresser or colorist a scalp scout. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers a free “Heads Up” training program to help stylists recognize troublesome symptoms.
Hair Brushes for Optimal Blood Circulation in Scalp
Great scalp care tips would be incomplete without a quality hair brush.
Some of the best hair brushes you could use in your daily hair care is the ones with boar bristles. Without causing any tear or split ends, your hair would receive an optimal brushing. Besides, your scalp skin will get gentle, yet so effective stimulation from a brush.
Depending on my daily needs, I use both cushion and round brushes. The latest favorites come from Nick Stenson collection. Each brush has a collection of boar bristles and nylon bristles. This combination of bristles allows to do two important functions for your scalp and hair health.
First, natural fiber bristles absorb and redistribute hair oils from the root along the entire length of each hair strand. It smoothes and lengthens the hair. Besides, your natural sebaceous oil protects the hair from damage and UV rays as well.
Second, nylon bristles help natural boar bristles to comb through more thoroughly, gliding into the midth of the hair tangles. Natural fibers of the boar bristles help to keep brushing smooth, without an overload of static electricity.
Check out my favorite Curious oval cushion brush by Nick Stenson HERE. For a limited time in July 2021, when you buy any Curious hair brush, receive a frees set of hair clips by Nick Stenson. They are gorgeous!
Read up on more hair care tips and how to do scalp facial at home for the best spa-quality treatment ever.
Food for Healthy Scalp Skin
Your hair and scalp need plenty of lean protein and a variety of nutrients to stay supple and strong, says New York nutritionist Marjorie Nolan Cohn, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Throw some salmon, skinless chicken, lean beef or veggie burgers on the grill for some perfect summer protein. Other nutritional headliners for warm-weather appetites:
Seafood: Smoked salmon, sardines, and shellfish such as oysters, clams, mussels and crabs can deliver zinc and essential vitamins, as well as lean protein.
Low-fat dairy: Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are loaded with follicle-friendly protein and vitamins.
Salad-worthy fruits and veggies: Try vitamin-rich cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries, fresh carrots, tomatoes and baby spinach, as well as that year-round favorite, sweet potatoes.
Olive and flaxseed oil, walnuts, almonds and avocados: Use these in dressings, marinades and salads. All pack lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which help our bodies produce the natural oils that condition the scalp.
Practical Tips for Your Healthy Scalp
Flaky, dry scalps can have numerous causes, ranging from year-round conditions like dandruff – an inflammatory reaction to yeast – to seasonal hazards such as poison ivy, bug bites or over-exposure to pool chemicals and salt water.
Check out this post for soothing homemade hair mask that works for dandruff as well.
In response, Kazin suggests the following scalp care tips.
Don’t scratch your scalp. It might worsen the condition and invite infection. Slap an ice cube on the afflicted spot to fool the nerve endings and block the itch.
Pick the right shampoo to sooth the scalp skin. If you’ve got showers of white flakes, use an over-the-counter dandruff product. If you’ve been swimming in the ocean or pool, choose a salt- and sulfate-free shampoo. And next time, wet your hair before hitting the beach to limit absorption of salt and chlorine.
Check out these soothing and anti-frizz natural hair care products for women.
Try scalp massage, which can increase blood flow, says Kazin. Do your own or enlist a significant other. If your scalp seems dry, use a dab of anti-inflammatory tea tree oil.
Check this detailed post for a list of essential oils to use for itching scalp and dandruff.
Condition your scalp skin. Apply a treatment under your bathing cap while you swim.
108 thoughts on “Give Your Scalp the Royal Treatment – Scalp Care Tips”
Loving the tips in this post for sure and such great products listed above too. A good hat is something I need to pick up too.
Melissa,
Thank you.
Yes, wearing a cover for upper head is the right way to begin protection of your scalp and hair.
I have the Bumble and Bumble spray which I love, I need to get my hands on this primer!
Natalie,
The Bumble brand is really good in protecting our scalp and hair. They make some truly unique products for this purpose.
I have never thought about using UV protection on my head aside from a hat. Thanks for all the great information!
Luna,
I am so happy I could play a small part in your self-care!
I have not ever thought about needing UV products for your scalp but it makes so much sense! Thank you for these tips, I clearly need to take better care of my own hair.
Jupiter,
Just knowing a bit more than an average person can save your life.
Scalp care is important. Keep it covered, protected and cared for.
Thank you for your great comment.
I sometimes suffer with a dry and itchy scalp which then makes it flaky. I will have to look at giving some of these products a try!
The products featured are some of my favorites. They are made of non-toxic ingredients and have efficacy for the hair health.
These are great tips and fantastic products! I will be sure to look into these more and use some tips on my scalp. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Lavanda.
Yes, these are some of my top products that positively affect hair care, growth and protection.
Great hair starts with a healthy scalp. Thank you for the tips.
Alita,
So welcome, GRL!
I am loving this post and lots of the products listed here I have never tried but would love to.I am checking them out next sop thanks for sharing!
Melissa,
You are so welcome!
Glad you may have some use of the products and information in this post to support your self-care.
Our scalp is one part of our body we don’t pay much attention to. I never thought about the hairbrush before reading.
Lisa,
Ditto.
Scalp is neglected like the feet are.
But they are some of the important parts of the body.
Kudos to you that you protect your scalp.
Great products! I always try to make sure my head is covered when I spend a long period of time outdoors. Scalp SPF is sooo important too for beach days!
Tammy,
You are a rarity!
Yes, do cover the hair with a hat to protect your scalp and hair from any disease or unpleasant syndromes.
These are amazing amazing options! Thank you so much…I don’t take a lot of care of my scalp to be honest, I know I should and I will. Thank you for the reviews, they’re awesome.
Karen,
Welcome you are!
These products are some of my top choices to positively affect the health and well-being of the scalp.
Great tips here. I always try to use gentle hair care products and avoid products that contain sulfates, or alcohol.
Beth,
You’re on the right path. Non-toxic is the key for me as the beginning factor.
Hair care is pretty important; but the REAL secret to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. There some really interesting products for that as well! I’ll have to check them out! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ditto, Whitney!
So happy that this post may support your efforts in hair care.
What an informative and helpful post. Those are some great points and will definitely keep them in mind.
Lyanna,
Scalp health is widely underestimated. Taking care of it could truly make a huge, visible difference in a woman’s well-being and looks.
This is such a great read. I had no idea about the types of food that are best for a healthy scalp.
Yanitza,
Food choices are an amazing way to keep your body and well-being in tip-top shape.
great tip, because I have noticed my hair getting a lot drier by sunbathing in combination with swimming pools
Renata,
Exposure to the sun and pool chemicals does its harmful job on the hair and the scalp.
Protecting them from the damage is the number one thing to do, especially if you live the climate with the summer all-year-round.
great products! I would love to check it out as well. my scalp is my weak spot and I always pay attention to it
Lyosha,
It’s great that you do pay attention to your scalp health.
Wearing a hat in winter and cold weather also has a positive on the scalp and hair health.
Great tips about protecting your skin and scalp from the sun. I should get a skin checkup from your dermatologist as I never heard such a thing before
Amy,
Dermatologist trip is always a plus to have at least annually. In those parts of the world where we experience the sun all year round, it should be more frequent.
But these products and suggestions for clothes and hats are a great way to protect our skin and hair from radiation and damage.
I can’t wait to try these products!
Rachel,
All the products I use in my posts have been vetted by me personal experience and research.
Nothing harmful or toxic is in these formulations.
But always check the ingredients label when buying your personal care products.
This is all such great advice! And wonderful recommendations too. Thanks for sharing!
Heidi,
You’re always welcome.
Great that we can learn from each other’s research and writing.
I had no idea that mango oil was good for the scalp. I’m a fan of caring for my hair, but never thought to look after my scalp as well. I live in a tropical area and the sun does impact my scalp a lot because I sweat often and I’m in the sun a lot.
Fatima,
Trying out new things for the sake of our scalp and hear health is amazingly paying off. Mango oil application just once a week could do wonders.
These are some great tips and products. I definitely need to look in to some of those products. I could really use some good scalp products.
Kathy,
All the products have been through my personal rigorous scrutiny.
It’s hard to go out nowadays without a hat. The sun can literally burn your hair so these hair care tips and scalp care treatment is a must.
Kathy,
You said is so amazingly simply and with brevity. I try to protect my hair and scalp at all times.
I’ve started doing scalp treatments a few years ago, I love them! I do it once a week and my hair just keeps growing healthy and shinny!
Claudia,
You are an exception to the masses.
It is not a common knowledge and practice that we pay attention to the scalp health.
But when we do, the beautiful hair becomes an excellent motivator to continue with regular scalp treatments for hair growth and health overall.
I really need to watch out for my scalp health. I’m so glad you recommended these products.
The hair care and, specifically, scalp care products, do play a key role to our overall health. Take it or leave it.
I need to remind myself to do this more too!
She is right, our heads are covered with hair and we don’t always realize they need protection too 🙂
I also use the coconut based shampoo, it is helpful and make my hair so silky.
Sambo,
It is so vital to figure out our hair and scalp hair routine.
I would love to use this. My scalp can get so dry this time of year.
Kita,
This is one of the best products out there. The results are palpable and visible.
I have been more worried about my scalp and trying to take care ever since a haircut a few weeks ago. I had a head spa and the hair stylist said I had a bad scalp. I will try to use these products as I want to take better care of my scalp
Amy,
The scalp and hair care are not a rocket science. However you need to experiment and find the products that work for you.
Plus, do pay attention to the Ingredients list. More often than not, stellar ingredients are surrounded with toxic ones.
Yes, many of us remember to protect our skin, but we forget to protect our hair. I use a spray-on sunscreen for my hair every day.
Sally,
Right on the topic. There are some really awesome products for sun protection for our scalp and hair.
I never take specific care of my scalp only my hair. I know that the sun and chlorine can take it’s tole on the scalp so these products make sense
This is great info. I find that my scalp issues change with the seasons and have much more issues in the fall and winter with dryness
Thank you for this informative post. PEOPLE, listen! I had skin cancer (basal cell) from sun exposure. IT IS NOT FUN. And it left a deep ditching scar. Don’t forget your scalp, and please, ladies, if your man shaves his head, especially – high SPF!!
Sandy,
Thank you for making a huge statement with sharing your personal experience.
Sun protection is always a must even for our hairy or hairless heads.
Head pieces these days are the easiest way to protect our skin on the head. The hats come in so many designs and colors that anybody can easily pick the best for themselves.
You have some great tips.My scalp has been super itchy and dry this winter.
Dana,
Give a try to some of the tips. So worth it for the sake of your scalp health!
Such great ideas. So important to protect from the sun. I also like the mask idea as a scalp treatment
Monique,
the tips for scalp protection are ignored by many.
What I learned form my personal experience is that taking care of hair and scalp ensures our overall health and great hair, too.
Great advice! I want to try those hydrating shots!
Jennifer,
I like the Dry Bar products. They are versatile and effective.
I never even thought about needing to take care of my scalp. Thanks for the awesome info!
Krysten,
Posts like this one prompt us to take a closer look at those areas of our lives where the attention is most needed at the moment.
Krysten,
Sometimes posts life this one is all we need to take the next step.
Glad it piqued new angle at which we look at our hair.
This is fantastic! I think we all don’t think of our scalp all that much.
Wren,
More often than not, people do not think about the scalp health, just of hair health. But these two are so interconnected.
Guilty one here. Hehe. I often forget about my scalp care, thanks for reminding.
Nikki,
Never late to add to your personal and hair care routine!
I should try bumping up my nutrition to help with my scalp’s health. I have always struggled with dry scalp. I will check out your other post too on the home made hair mask.
Monica,
Yes, nutrition is at the top of the list, I would say, when we want great-looking, healthy hair.
But also our lifestyle habits, climate, products we use do affect the well-being of our hair.
I’ve got a ton of posts on hair from which we all could learn and discover new things about our hair and how to care about it.
What great tips! My wife could use these lists to take care of her scalp. Thanks for this!
Ryan,
You, too, could benefit from the above tips.
I have used Coola sunscreen so I am happy that they made the list. I will have to try the Coola hair care product
Tara,
Yes, these are the top of my list, and I am scrutinizing every product’s ingredients list before any purchase.
It is important to read the ingredients before you buy. That way I can avoid ones that are good ones
My scalp needs all the help it can get. Especially when it’s cold out.
Heather,
The first thing to look at would be whether you are wearing a hat during winter or any cold time of the year. Cold zaps life out of our hair.
You know, I always forget my scalp. I focus on all the other aspects of my hair, but I never remember to take care of my scalp. Which makes no sense because that’s where the hair comes from!
Brianne,
True, we take some things for granted and forget about them.
That is why the posts like this one help us to take a notice of something that can make a difference to our well-being.
I enjoy having my scalp massaged it relaxes me and calms me.
Leira,
And it gets a better blood flow and lymph movement. Scalp massaging is a must for every day!
such amazing tips. Other than the occasional dandruff shampoo, I have completely neglected my scalp I am afraid.
I had never even thought about the bit about vulnerable spots on one’s head getting too much sun exposure! Such a good point. I’ve been meaning to get a summer hat or two, now I definitely have to go do that, and soon! Thank you!
I didn’t realize you could get a skin check up from the dermatologist once a year. That’s a good tip, and I bet it’s covered on insurance too.
That is awesome that the Skin Cancer Foundation offers a free “Heads Up” training program for hair stylists. Great way to help their clients out!
Oooh! I like this. As you get older, things start to come apart. Even scalp health. Very cool post! I will definitely eat more yogurt!
I do my best to try to remember to wear a big hat when I am outside for a long time. Like when we are on the boat or at the beach.
I noticed our water makes my hair dry and scaly so we added softener and since then it has gotten better. These are awesome tips because I never thought of taking care of my scalp that way.
Great advice. Hey your scalp needs to eat too, I get it, Thanks
Oh how I hate hats–let me count the ways. Even as a baby I would yank them off! I happen to agree that they should be worn but—-As for sunscreen I don’t go out in the sun very often anymore unless I’m in my car –I have yet to find one that I am not allergic to. Imagine putting on sunscreen only to find out that you got sunburned more then if you hadn’t!
Wow, some great advice on how take care of your scalp. I try to wear a hat on really hot days.
Our scalp also takes a great amount of heat so it’s just right that we pamper it too and protect them.
Dandruff. I hate dandruff! it’s a big problem for me and it seems like nothing solves the issue.
Great tips! I have a dry and irritated scalp and even had prescription shampoos and still haven’t found anything that works.
This is great info to keep in mind. I always make sure my kids are covered, but I am not always great at doing it for myself.
I have such an itchy scalp and have to do stuff all the time to help it. thank you for the tips.
You’re right! I have never given the slightest thought to my scalp when I’m applying sunscreen. It’s time to make a few changes! Thanks for the reminder.
Great tips, I need to implement these to my daily routine.
I have a floppy sunhat I wear when I garden. Its really teh best all around solution. I’ve never put sunscreen on my scalp before that definitely would be greasy.