Are you experiencing a dry and flaky hairline? If the answer is yes, let’s explore some possible reasons. A dry scalp is certainly irritating when you know why it’s dry and more irritating is when you don’t. However, it is something that your hair can hide when it is not on the hairline. The hairline, however, brings a different challenge. It is out front for people to see. It is time to pay attention to various things that may be the cause. A good way to approach this is by reflection. What are you doing or applying, on or near the hairline? We can go over a few questions below.
Have you introduced a new product to your scalp?
If you decide to try a hair or scalp product you never used before, one or more of the ingredients could be it. Begin to make it a practice to read the ingredients of every new product before purchase. I know the ingredients list is really small, but, do your best to read it. It may make the difference in knowing if you should use it on your head or not. Additionally, if it is a new cleanser or shampoo be sure to rinse it out thoroughly. One rinse many times is not enough.
Have you introduced a new product to your face?
Yes, we love a good facial cleanser or skin softener, but, what is in it? We know that some astringents and other products can be harsh. So, be mindful before using. While applying these products we tend to sweep right over the hairline and fail to rinse it off the hairline. It is an unconscious action that can cause irritation. The product will dry and remain on the area until it is washed off.
**Tip: Here is a tip regarding rinsing the scalp and face. Invest in a filter for your faucets. Hard water can be quite irritating to the skin. Another option is to use distilled or spring water to rinse.
Are you moisturizing?
First thing first, it is important to know the way to moisturize is the addition of water. Water must be in a product or simply mist/spritz the scalp, then apply oil or grease to the scalp. What I personally do after spritzing my scalp with water is gently massage a very small amount of oil on my hairline and proceed to oil and massage my scalp. I go back to make sure and give my hairline a little massage as well.
If you are asking, “What about the natural sebum the scalp already produces?” Well, the sebum may not be enough to moisturize the scalp. Yes, the scalp produces sebum to help with keeping the scalp from getting dry. However, we cannot count on it to moisturize our scalp. Sebum within itself can become problematic in the areas of excess production and lack of production. We will have to visit the issues and remedies in a future article. The one thing to know is sebum over-production or lack thereof can cause scalp flakiness.
Are styling too tightly?
Here is where I suggest that a change of hairstyle is in order. If you are using your muscles to pull your hair up or back in a sleek bun or ponytail please stop. Loosen up your grip and explore various loose buns and ponytails. I love messy buns myself. Okay, moving on. Avoid tight braids. While what I call “pulled styles” are nice. They are also nice and nasty. They look nice, but, will break your hair off and cause harmful conditions such as traction alopecia. A good note is to be aware that not only can the hair at the hairline become damaged. The hair at the nape can also break from those tight buns and ponytails.
Allow me to share a remedy for a dry hairline
Since my approach to caring for your hair is Ayurveda, my recommendation is all-natural. Before providing the remedy, It is important to know what not to do.
Here is what not to do
~ No Scrubs - Scrubs can cause micro tears furthering any issues
~ Do not raise the flakes with a comb or your fingernails
~ Do not apply any product with alcohol as an ingredient
~ Make certain not to rub
Try these remedies (Before trying these do a skin spot test)
Be Gentle
~ Pure Neem powder mixed with a small amount of olive oil and plain Greek yogurt. Apply the mask to the areas. Let sit under a plastic cap for 20 minutes, massage to loosen and lift flakes, and rinse. Neem oil does not have the best fragrance, but, it is gentle.
~ Pure Amla powder mixed with aloe vera juice mixed with a couple of drops of tea tree and lemongrass essential oils. Mix to a pudding consistency and apply. Follow the remaining steps as above.
Be sure to dry the area after washing your hair or face. I hope this helps. Let me know if you tried either remedy and how it helped.
Be good to yourself and others.
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