What’s in a healthy scalp? Why, healthy hair of course! When your scalp is healthy, new hair regrowth happens effortlessly. If you’re unhappy with your hair, your scalp may be the reason. Here are 5 tid-bits about scalp health I tell everyone.

1. Your scalp is part of your skin.

Our skin is our largest organ, and it covers our heads too. If you have oily skin, chances are you have an oily scalp. If you have dry skin, it’s likely you have to deal with flakes on a daily basis. The way you would deal with oily skin is the same way you would deal with an oily scalp:

• Less frequent washing

• When you do wash, use lukewarm water

• Don’t over-scrub

• Moisturize, so the skin doesn’t have to over-produce sebum (oil)

The way you would deal with dry skin (or a dry scalp) is by exfoliating the skin first, and then moisturizing it. I used to recommend a clarifying shampoo for all my clients who suffered from flaky scalp, and suggest they use a hydrating conditioner directly on their scalp.

That worked like a charm for anyone with psoriasis and flaky scalp.

Recently, I switched to using Hairstory New Wash, and it’s all I recommend now. The cream cleanses and hydrates in one step.

The silicone brush exfoliates the scalp and massages the follicles to promote healthy hair growth. There is no dryness and the hair and scalp are left super hydrated.

2. Hair oils may or may not work

I know, I know. We love oiling our hair. I love oiling my hair, and that’s because my hair has gotten pretty damaged recently, and I want to feed it all of the moisture I can in the world. Oils, though, may not always be the answer.

There is no guarantee that they work. But if it makes you feel good to oil and massage your hair (no kitchen oils, please!!) then go for it.

3. Brushing your hair at night is key to healthy hair

Whether you have a normal, oily or dry scalp, brushing your scalp with a boar bristle brush can dramatically change your hair quality. Brushing the scalp, not so much the hair, removes excess debris, dead skin cells and distributes the natural oils throughout the hair.

This is especially important for anyone with curly or dry hair. Curly hair strands are shaped differently from straight hair, and the natural oils don’t get distributed the same. So give your hair a little TLC and brush for at least 15 minutes every night. For curly hair, brush before your wash day.

4. Don’t over-wash or under-wash your hair

Over-washing our hair (think: every day) can lead to over-drying your scalp and your hair. On the other extreme, there are people who stretch their washes to once a week or more, which can also be a bad idea. Debris, dirt, oil and dry shampoo residue sits on the scalp and stops the follicles from growing. The hair literally cannot escape.

Dirty hair attracts more dirt. A balanced washing schedule is key to healthy hair.

5. What you ingest is very, very important for scalp health

If you’ve ever taken a supplement and watched your hair grow, you’re not alone. It could have been zinc, iron, or collagen. My clients show me their fascinating results every time they sit in my chair and I notice their new, shiny hair growth.

“I’ve been taking fish oils and collagen,” they tell me, and I nod in approval.

You would notice the results within three months of taking a skin, hair and nail supplement; your skin being the first to show signs of health.

I’ve been taking medical-grade Bend supplements for 3 months and have noticed a dramatic difference in my hair growth, skin elasticity and overall scalp health.

Remember — your scalp is part of your skin, so your skin supplements double as scalp supplements too!