The smell of your scalp is something that suddenly bothers you. Even if you think you are keeping your scalp clean, have you ever noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your pillow or hat? In fact, the male scalp produces more sebum than the T-zone of the face, making it more prone to odor. In this issue, we will introduce the four main causes of scalp odor, solutions, and recommended products for improvement.
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Increased sebum and bacteria and their impact on the body
Excessive secretion of sebum & oxidation causes a distinctive bad smell
“Excessive washing because the scalp is too sticky or excessive washing with too strong shampoo. Have you been washing your scalp excessively because it is sticky, or using shampoo with too much detergent? In fact, this action may be causing “inner dryness,” which is the source of the odor. Excessive washing removes even the ” moisturizing factors of the stratum corneum ” that protect the scalp. The brain then judges that ” the scalp is becoming dry and dangerous,” and as a defense response, orders further sebum secretion in a rebound manner. It is scientifically known that excessive degreasing by surfactants deprives the scalp of moisture, resulting in excessive sebum production. In addition, the hastily produced immature keratin easily flakes off to form ” wet dandruff,” which becomes a new food source for bacteria. The scalp is said to have twice as many sebaceous glands as the T-zone. The secreted sebum itself is odorless, but when it mixes with sweat and fatty acids and oxidizes, it changes into a unique and unpleasant odor. Careful hair washing” may be creating a vicious cycle of sebum and oxidation.
Malassezia bacteria increase bad odor!
Fatty acids, shampoo residue, and dust on the hair are excellent food for the indigenous bacteria present on the scalp. Malassezia, a type of fungus that exists on everyone’s scalp, is the main culprit behind the odor and inflammation. If styling products are not thoroughly removed, or if the scalp is stuffy from wearing a hat for long periods of time, this fungus can multiply explosively. When Malassezia bacteria feed on sebum and multiply rapidly, they break down the sebum and release an irritant substance called ” free fatty acids. This substance attacks the scalp, disrupting turnover and mixing with oxidized sebum to produce the so-called “old oil smell.
Hormonal imbalance weakens the scalp
A stressful lifestyle, such as sitting at a desk all day or extreme diet The scalp environment also worsens if the patient is living a stressful life, such as sitting at a desk all day or following an extremely restricted diet. First, stress causes the secretion of the steroid hormone “cortisol,” which in turn promotes the secretion of “male hormones ( androgens). Male hormones have the powerful effect of enlarging and activating sebaceous glands, and the prolonged secretion of cortisol reduces the barrier function of the scalp. In this “weakened scalp,” even the slightest irritation from bacteria or dirt can easily cause inflammation and odor.
Causes of Scalp Odor 4: Chronic Sleep DeprivationNegative Spiral Caused by Stagnant Turnover and Deteriorated Blood Flow
Continued sleep deprivation prevents the secretion of growth hormone, which repairs scalp damage, thus causing turnover to stagnate. This causes the scalp to become constantly greasy, and old keratin accumulates on the scalp and mixes with sebum, resulting in a dramatic increase in oxidative odor. In addition, lack of sleep causes excessive sympathetic nerve activity, which disturbs the autonomic nervous system and stagnates blood flow. This stops the supply of nutrients to the scalp and causes “desertification,” a hardening and fibrosis of the scalp.
How to care for your scalp to fight off scalp odor at its root?
Here is a timeline of care steps that can improve scalp odor with just a little bit of awareness. Surprisingly simple things can reduce odor, so we urge you to make it a habit starting today.
Brush and thoroughly pre-wash before shampooing
Brushing is something that people with long hair do, but men with short hair should also incorporate it before shampooing. Brushing not only combs the hair but also lifts dirt from the scalp that is clogged in the pores, so brushing before shampooing can enhance the effectiveness of the shampoo. If you are using styling products that are too strong to brush even after wetting your hair, you may want to apply a treatment or conditioner before shampooing to make it easier to brush. It is also essential to pre-wash with lukewarm water before shampooing. It is said that pre-washing alone removes about 70% of dirt from the scalp. If there is too much sebum in the shampoo, there is a risk that it will not lather well enough to fully extract its cleaning power. Pre-washing generally takes 2~3 minutes, and brushing at the same time is also an option.
Q. What products do you recommend for brushing before shampooing?A. AVEDA 'paddle brush' for dry hair
AVEDA’s famous ” Paddle Brush ” is a favorite of many professionals. The most distinctive feature of the brush is its cushioning designed not to put pressure on the scalp. The air holes in the base sink into the scalp, softening the touch to the scalp and dramatically increasing the massaging effect when brushing. The wide surface catches hair firmly and promotes blood circulation by comfortably stimulating the scalp while untangling tangled hair. It also helps to lift out sebum clogged in the pores and assists in the cleansing effect of subsequent shampoos. Just by adding this product to your daily routine before bath time, you can help prevent odor and hair loss.
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sebum To control overproduction, the necessary amount of sebum must be maintained. First of all, we need to stop ” scrubbing ” and review our cleaning agents to master the correct way of washing the scalp. It is important to avoid shampoos containing petroleum-based surfactants that are too aggressive, and to choose products with ” amino acid-based cleansing ingredients. Amino acid-based products protect moisture and maintain the natural “mild acidity” of the scalp. By removing only dirt without destroying the barrier function, it can stop the dryness alarm to the brain and calm excessive sebum secretion. It is also recommended to thoroughly lather the shampoo in the palm of the hand before applying it to the entire scalp. Some hair-specific part models and beauticians make use of a face-washing net to create a dense lather before shampooing, so if you want to wash your scalp while gently working it, try this practice.
Q. Which amino acid-based shampoo do you recommend?
Aesop’s hair care products, which are designed for urban lifestyles, are attractive because they combine functionality with a great fragrance. The ” Aesop Shampoo ” contains ingredients such as frankincense ( frankincense ) and panthenol, which gently cleanses the scalp and hair with a creamy lather. The mild cleansing power of the amino acid-based formula prevents scalp dryness, while Aesop’s unique herbal and woody fragrance will reset the day’s fatigue and stress.
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Q. What products do you recommend to further cleanse the scalp?
THREE, with its focus on natural ingredients, is a brand that makes the most of the power of plants in scalp care as well. The “Essential Scents Scalp Deep Cleanse” contains a rich blend of essential oils and is characterized by its ability to remove stubborn sebum and styling oil clogged in the pores as if it were dissolved out. The essential oil fragrance makes you want to take a deep breath, turning bath time into a time of ultimate relaxation.
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Quickly dry your scalp with a hair dryer that dries quickly
After bathing, do you leave your hair to dry naturally or just towel dry because “it’s too much trouble”? The scalp is wet, and the barrier function is impaired and the humidity is high. What we need is a high-performance hair dryer with a large air volume for ” quick drying. By using the power of air rather than heat to blow moisture away, thermal damage to the scalp can be minimized, and hair can be dried without leaving any room for bacteria to multiply. To increase efficiency as a daily-use item, investing in a tool that dries hair all at once is a prerequisite for odor control.
Q. Which dryer do you recommend?A.Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Shine Hair Dryer Champagne Rose (HD16 AS)
The Dyson Supersonic Nural™ Shine is the latest Dyson product to revolutionize the concept of scalp care. Its greatest feature is its built-in ” Nural™ Sensor,” which measures the distance to the scalp and automatically adjusts the air temperature. Even when it is close to the scalp, the air temperature is maintained at a constant 55°C, which is considered optimal for preventing thermal damage. This prevents excessive heat from drying out the scalp and lowering the barrier function, while the overwhelmingly large air volume instantly disperses moisture. It is truly a hair dryer created for scalp care that simultaneously solves the two main culprits of odor: bacterial growth caused by freshly dried hair and excessive sebum production caused by heat drying.
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Caring for Scalp Odors 4: Preventing Scalp Desertification with Heat and VibrationUse of Easy Brushes and Head Massage Appliances to Promote Blood Circulation
“Desertification,” in which the scalp becomes hardened due to poor blood circulation, and“sludge,” a state of sebum stain accumulation, can be simultaneously A shortcut to solving this problem is the introduction of high-tech beauty appliances that reproduce professional procedures. In particular, use products with a warming function to gradually warm the scalp, dilating blood vessels and restarting stagnant blood flow. At the same time, the sonic vibration physically lifts oxidized sebum that is embedded deep in the pores. This double action of ” removing dirt while warming up “ will be the strongest solution to break the root cause of the odor.
Q. Which head spa brush do you recommend?A.Levätä 'scalp spa brush'
There is a limit to how much you can do with your fingers alone to scrub out the dirt deep in the pores and oxidized sebum that is a breeding ground for scalp odors. The Levätä Scalp Spa Brush, named after the Finnish word for “rest,” is the perfect tool for the job. The main features of this brush are its ergonomically designed shape that fits comfortably in the hand, and its silicon prongs that are exquisitely hard enough to firmly grip the scalp without damaging it. When used during shampooing, it lifts up and removes sebum stains and styling product residue from pores that cannot be reached with fingertips, thereby physically eliminating the source of odors. In addition to in-bath cleansing, it can also be used for out-bath scalp massage. By loosening stiffened scalp and promoting blood circulation, the scalp environment itself can be improved, and a face-lifting effect can also be expected. It will turn your daily bath time into an exquisite head spa experience and lead you to a clean scalp.
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A. What head massage appliances do you recommend?
The ” Needle Head Spa EMS ” from mysé, a company by YA-MAN, a pioneer in beauty equipment, is a perfect choice. The most distinctive feature is the use of a 9mm-long needle-shaped brush. The silicone brush, with its pointed tip, reaches directly into the scalp, scraping dirt from deep pores that cannot be removed by shampooing alone. In addition, the brush is equipped with an EMS function that stimulates muscles, in addition to a firring motion that replicates salon techniques. The scalp, which has become stiff and ” deserted,” is forced to move by electric stimulation, and blood circulation is promoted by loosening it up as if plowing the soil. It is truly a high-tech gear for adult men.
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Utilize stress-free moisturizing products, bedding, and services
The last thing to start with is caring for the autonomic nervous system, which is the command center for maintaining the scalp environment. This means relaxing the brain and body, which have become tense under stress, and resuming blood flow. In order to make the parasympathetic nervous system dominant, it is also effective to physically relax the scalp by using head spas known as ” Goku no kimochi. By sending a signal from the brain to the entire body that “it is okay to relax,” the logistical network of blood flow is normalized.
Moisturizing after bath time is also effective. By externally supplying hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other essences to the unprotected scalp after shampooing, the brain is taught that “there is enough moisture,” and the defense reaction of trying to compensate with one’s own sebum is physically suppressed. This eliminates inner dryness at its root.
The hygiene of the “pillowcase,” which is in constant contact with the scalp during sleep, which accounts for about one-third of the day, is also an indispensable element in odor control. Selecting a high-quality pillowcase not only physically suppresses steam and bacterial growth caused by night sweats, but also eases the stress of falling asleep due to its comfortable feel against the skin, and improves the recovery efficiency of the autonomic nervous system.
Q. What inner dry care products do you recommend?A.SHISEIDO MEN 'Medicated Scalp Tonic'
It is ” Medicated Scalp Tonic ” from SHISEIDO MEN, a proudly Japanese global brand. This medicated tonic, which was developed based on Shiseido’s many years of dermatological research, is not only effective in promoting hair growth and regrowth by activating hair matrix cells, but is also highly effective in preventing dandruff and itching, which are the main causes of scalp problems. Its light texture instantly blends into the scalp and supports the barrier function by delivering moisture deep into the stratum corneum without leaving any sticky residue. It breaks the vicious cycle of excessive sebum secretion caused by dryness. The brand’s distinctive floral green fragrance is also a distinguishing feature. It covers the unpleasant smell of the scalp while creating a sophisticated and clean feeling.
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Q. What pillowcase would you recommend?
The finest ” silk pillowcases ” are produced by the Japanese lifestyle brand Foo Tokyo. Silk, which is composed of the same proteins as human skin and hair, is also known as “second skin” and absorbs and releases moisture 1.5 times better than cotton. Its greatest advantage is that it absorbs and releases night sweats quickly, making it difficult for the scalp to become stuffy and preventing the creation of a hot and humid environment favored by odor-causing bacteria. In addition, since there is very little friction between the fibers, physical damage to the hair and scalp caused by tossing and turning is also prevented.
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