Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp. If you have hair or scalp ailments, consider the following tips to change your habits and promote scalp health.

Protect your scalp from the sun. Especially if you have thinning hair or baldness, you need to protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf, applying a spray-on sunscreen, or using hair products that contain sunscreen (Check the label for the ingredients Octyl Salicylate/PABA)

Be careful with dyes and chemical treatments. Before using hair dye or chemical products on your hair (which can cause burns or allergic reactions), do a skin test by rubbing a bit of the dye on the skin inside your elbow or behind your ear. Check for a rash after 48 hours to be sure it is safe for your skin. You can also protect the scalp by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly before applying any chemicals. Be sure to follow package instructions. If possible, go to a professional for these chemical hair treatments.

Consider scalp treatments for ailments such as dryness, thinning hair, dandruff, or other hair and scalp conditions. These issues can be caused by poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, drugs and medication, or damage from chemical hair treatments. Most salons offer professional scalp treatments involving the application of oils to the scalp to revitalize and stimulate scalp cells and hair growth. Treatments can also be purchased online for home use.

Get a scalp massage. Scalp massage increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the head, stimulating the scalp and hair follicles. You can receive a massage at a salon, purchase and use a scalp massage hairbrush, or do it yourself as you shampoo, using your fingertips to rub firmly in small circles against your head.

Maintain a healthy diet. Your hair and scalp need proper nutrients, such as protein, complex carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Eating whole, unprocessed foods, such as fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, will help your follicles and scalp cells receive nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, omega 3 acids, and vitamins A, biotin (B7) and B12.

Use proper hair products. If you have dandruff, which may be caused by a fungus, obesity, poor diet, stress, or other factors, use a dandruff shampoo daily.

Avoid these ingredients in shampoos and hair products, if possible. They can be very harsh on your hair and scalp. If your shampoo contains one or more of these ingredients and you suffer from scalp or hair ailments, consider switching products.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
• TEA Lauryl Sulfate
• Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
• Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)

Consider hair restoration options. If you continue having problems with your hair or scalp, consider what FDA-approved hair restoration treatments might be available.