5 Layers of Scalp- How to Keep it Healthy

Wanting thick luscious hair, that is easy to maintain and does not give you too much worry, is almost everyone’s dream. We try different products recommended by different friends, hoping that something works. But if you go deeper and start to understand the layers of the scalp anatomy, it can help you make better decisions.

Scalp Layers

Tips to maintain scalp

The scalp plays a vital role in keeping your head safe. It forms a physical barrier that protects the skull from any material damage and infection-causing pathogens. It secretes sebum that can help retain moisture and prevent the external elements from causing any harm. It’s like a thin natural helmet for your head.

The scalp is made up of five layers:

• Skin
• Connective tissue
• Epicranial Aponeurosis or Galea Aponeurotica
• Loose Areolar connective tissue
• Pericranium

Skin –

This is the outermost layer and the only one visible to the naked eye. It contains sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles. It is basically the scalp layer from which your hair grows out. Sebaceous glands are found in high concentration and secrete oil or sebum. This coats the scalp and the hair strands, protecting against any dirt and bacteria.

Connective tissue –

This forms the second layer of your scalp below the skin. Hair follicles often extend into this layer and it encloses nerves, lymphatics and vascular supply to the scalp. It is a dense fatty layer that forces the blood vessels to adhere to it. In case of injury, it does not allow constriction which is why you tend to bleed excessively when cut on your scalp.

Galea Aponeurotica –

This is a strong and static connective tissue that is securely attached to the layers above. This prevents any stretching of the scalp and is especially useful during surgeries. The primary focus is to connect the Occipitalis and Frontalis muscles. The Occipitalis is found at the back of your head and the Frontalis is found on your forehead. These muscles work in tandem to help you with your facial expressions. If you want to raise your eyebrows or have a forehead frown, these muscles come into play.

Loose Areolar connective tissue –

This is a flexible layer on scalp that separates the above three scalp layers from the bottom most. It is made up of a network of reticular fibres, elastic tissue and collagen, allowing the upper layers to easily slide over the pericranium. It is an important cog in the mobility of your scalp and even contains various blood vessels including emissary veins. This makes it a slightly dangerous layer as it is vulnerable to the risk of infections, which can spread through the emissary veins into the cranium that houses your brain.

Pericranium –

This fine membrane is the innermost layer of your scalp and the outer layer of your skull. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue that is attached tightly to the Calvarial bone of your skull. It also contains vascular supply which is important for the underlying structures. There are two distinct layers of the pericranium – the outer fibrous and the inner cambium. During any kind of damage, the cambium layer develops osteoblasts that are essential in the healing process.

How should you take care of your scalp?

It is important to manage your scalp and take care of it on a regular basis unless you want scalp infections that can even be the cause of dandruff. Here are some scalp care tips that can help you in a daily basis :

• Massage your scalp regularly:

  It seems like something your grandmother would say but massaging your scalp can increase blood circulation to the scalp, which brings oxygen and nutrients that promote healthier hair. You can try essential oils like Argan oil that help in moisturising your scalp and is also an option on how to get rid of dandruff.

• Don’t let the scalp dry out:

  as this can cause damage to your outer layers and allow infections to rise. Deep conditioning your hair and scalp can take care of this problem. It will also untangle your hair and restore the natural flow of oils down your strands. It repairs the moisture barrier on your scalp and hair, allowing for a return to normal.

• Use shampoos regularly and incorporate conditioners into your regimen:

  These products can help you regulate your hair strength and keep a control on bacteria build-up. Try the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Smooth and Silky, which combines both elements to soften and restore your hair.

• Reduce the use of heat styling products.

  Using blow-dryers and straighteners too often can severely damage your scalp. Also, the use of harsh chemical products on your hair and scalp can be disastrous for the health of your scalp layers.

• Excessive oily scalp:

  oily scalp and hair can be a welcome mat for infections and bacteria. This oily scalp can lead to inflammations and dandruff, which can damage your lower layers as well. Using a clarifying scalp shampoo once in a while, can help you reset the amount of oil on your head. You can also try the Head and Shoulders Neem shampoo, that works to get rid of dandruff causing germs on your head.

• Improve your diet and your stress levels:

  Stress releases hormones that constrict the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, while creating fluctuations in your oil production.

• Protect your scalp from harmful UV rays, dust and pollution.

  These can aggravate other conditions that might be emerging on your scalp.

• Exfoliate your scalp:

  Clean your scalp to get rid of any germs and excess product, by using natural combinations of fenugreek seeds, aloe vera, honey, vegetable oils, etc.

This should lead you down the path of informed decision-making when it comes to your scalp and hair. Everything is related to each other within your body and understanding this connection helps you get rid of that worry you carry for your scalp.