Do Deep Conditioners Help Scalp Health?
Deep conditioners are amazing for the hair; they provide deep, long-lasting hair nourishment, moisture, and protection to help you reach your goals. But can they do anything for your scalp? That’s what we’ll be examining in this article. By the end, you’ll know more about what deep conditioners can and cannot do and be better equipped to promote scalp health. Let’s get right into it!
Deep Conditioners Can Help Scalp Health
The first thing you should know is that deep conditioners are not usually formulated for your scalp. They are intended to improve the health of your hair and are primarily applied to your mid-lengths and ends for that purpose. In fact, people often avoid applying deep conditioner to their roots and scalp since it can make their roots flat and oily (among other things).
With that being said, certain deep conditioners are made for both the scalp and the hair. In these relatively rare cases, they can be used on the scalp and may moisturize, detoxify, or otherwise help your scalp. Just know that these deep conditioners are the exception rather than the norm.
Don’t Apply Deep Conditioner to Your Scalp by Default
Chances are you look at a deep conditioner’s packaging before purchasing it. If you don’t, we strongly encourage you to do so. If the packaging doesn’t say something like “scalp health,” “scalp mask,” or “scalp conditioner,” don’t apply it to your scalp. It’s generally understood that these products are for the hair and won’t necessarily do your scalp much good.
So, it’s best not to waste the deep conditioner (and consequently your money) by applying the product to your scalp. Plus, you could deal with any of the following issues as well:
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Oily scalp
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Scalp buildup
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Scalp irritation
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Flat roots
Of course, you’re not guaranteed to experience these issues, but there’s a chance you could.
Can a Deep Conditioner Get Rid of a Dry Scalp?
Your deep conditioner may be able to get rid of dry scalp. That is, if you can get your hands on one that tackles this problem. In this case, you’d apply the product all over your hair and scalp and leave it on for the amount of time indicated on the packaging. Rinse thoroughly and proceed with the rest of your hair care routine.
How to Care for Your Scalp
The best way to care for your scalp will depend on the specific scalp issue you’re dealing with. If you are dealing with eczema, adding a dandruff shampoo or salicylic acid to your hair routine can help. Scalp psoriasis responds well to salicylic acid, coal tar, and medicated shampoos.
You can try shampoos containing pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole for dandruff. Scalp dryness may be remedied with topical moisturizers like aloe vera, ointments, and oils like tea tree and coconut.
It’s also important to keep your scalp clean.
If, at any point, you’re dealing with a scalp issue you don’t know how to fix, reach out to a dermatologist in your area for a consultation. They can examine your scalp and formulate a plan for tackling it.
So, there you have it – deep conditioner is not usually for your scalp. But some specialized deep conditioners can help with scalp issues; just remember that they’ll be clearly labeled. Before you go, we invite you to check out Daily Dose, a top leave-in conditioner with hair-loving ingredients your hair may be missing, like aloe vera, fatty alcohols, protective silicones, and more. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair!
Author: Andrea Reyes
Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.