It starts at the scalp

written by Lyssandra Guerra, co-founder & wellness advisor

You've probably spent more time thinking about your hair than your scalp. Most of us do. We focus on the style, the product, whether we're losing it or keeping it. But here's the thing nobody talks about: your hair is only as healthy as the skin it grows from.

Your scalp is kinda like soil. If your lawn is depleted, has compacted dirt, then you can’t grow strong hair. 

That 3-in-1 body wash…

shampoo and conditioner you grabbed may be making your scalp feel some type of way - dry, overly oily. Many commercial shampoos contain harsh sulfates that strip away natural oils, leaving your scalp dry, irritated, and overcompensating by producing even more oil. 

The same goes for crap quality styling products. Gels, pomades, and waxes can build up on your scalp, clogging hair follicles and creating an environment where the hair can’t thrive. If you're using product daily, you need to be rinsing it out well—which brings us to the next point.

Hair Washing…

Here's where people fall into two camps: those who shampoo every single day, and those who... don't. Both extremes can harm your scalp.

Washing too frequently strips your scalp of essential oils, triggering it to overproduce sebum (that's the oil). Not washing enough lets oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and product build up, which can lead to dandruff, irritation, and clogged follicles.

This one is a biggie — Washing with really hot water (yeah yeah I know it feels frickn amazing) is drying to the skin near the follicle and can cause breakage — warm is great, cold is great!

The sweet spot is one to two times per week, depending on your hair type, activity level, and how much product you use. Your scalp will tell you what it needs if you pay attention. If you’re using natural, plant-based products that contain nutrients you don’t need to worry too much as those are helpful to your health.

food…

Your scalp is skin. And like the skin on your face, it responds to what you put in your body. A diet lacking in essential nutrients shows up in thinning hair, dryness, and a lackluster scalp environment. Healthy hair requires a balanced diet rich in quality protein (none of that processed stuff), biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. These nutrients are essential for hair growth, strength, and follicle health; deficiencies can lead to thinning or breakage. So eat your veggies, friends!

Hydration matters too. If you're dehydrated, your scalp is dehydrated. Drink water.  

And of course, your lifestyle choices…

Stress, sleep, and circulation all play bigger roles in scalp health than most realize.

Chronic stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding and thinning. Poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation, which affects everything from oil production to hair growth. And poor circulation means fewer nutrients reaching your scalp.

You can increase circulation by improving blood flow and reducing stress. Even something as simple as a scalp massage while you're in the shower can stimulate circulation and promote healthier hair growth.

A simple thing to start today

If you take nothing else from this, start here: stop using hot water on your scalp.

It's the easiest change to make, costs nothing, and has an immediate impact. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and finish with a cool rinse. Your scalp will be less irritated, your natural oils will stay balanced, and your hair will look healthier almost immediately.

Your scalp is where it all begins. Treat it right and your hair will show up stronger, healthier, and ready to grow.