How to Unclog Hair Follicles

One of the biggest culprits of clogged follicles is the body’s production of sebum. Different people produce different levels of sebum. When sebum is produced, sometimes it can combine with dirt, dead skin cells or even chemical residue. Once this happens, it can gain access to your follicles, causing the hair follicles clogged.

It is normal for one to have dead skin cells and a bit of dirt on the scalp. These do not automatically lead to clogging of the follicles. However, use of strong chemicals on the scalp can be detrimental and lead to clogging.

It is not easy to notice when only a few hair follicles are clogged. Consequently, most of it goes untreated. But when this happens, it leads to hair loss. If you feel that your hair loss is as a result of clogging of the hair follicles, below are a few tips and tricks you can use to remedy the situation.

Take a shower

Make sure to have a bath in the morning. This reduces the production of sebum. According to research done in Tokyo to establish whether using soap and water on the skin had any effect on sebum production, it was found that subjects who bath in the morning record a lower amount of sebum.

Use Retinoids

Retinoids are a type of prescription drug derived from vitamin A. It has been found that this treatment works to promote cell growth and also fight clogged hair follicles by preventing it from occurring. Retin-A and Differen are two well-known retinoid medications for acne. They are also known as Tazarotene, Adapalene or Tretinoin.

There are times when the clogged follicles can lead to acne breakout. When this happens, the retinoids treatment can be used along with oral antibiotics. This helps to unclog the hair and eliminate the bacteria causing the acne. The antibiotics also help to reduce inflammation.

Use Clarifying shampoo

When you wash your hair using shampoo, you strip it of important natural oils which help to add shine and volume to it. Therefore, it is advisable to shampoo your hair at most thrice a week. This offers a balance in terms of having clean hair and also preventing hair damage caused by the harsh chemicals in hair. When washing your hair, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo. This is a type of shampoo that doesn’t contain conditioner. This shampoo helps to easily get rid of styling resins that accumulate on your scalp and cause follicle clogging. It also helps to get rid oil build-up on the hair and scalp.

Use Noncomedogenic Products

Hair follicles can be clogged as a result of using hair shampoos and moisturizers that are meant to reduce dandruff and itching. Use of oil-based moisturizers is also highly discouraged. Fortunately, there are numerous products that do not cause clogged hair follicles. When you are purchasing hair products, look for products labeled Noncomedogenic. This is a term used to describe hair products that have been formulated to prevent blocking of the hair follicles.

Essential Oils

If you want to promote hair growth, use essential oils on your scalp. These oils are known for stimulating the scalp and promoting continuous growth of hair from the follicle. Massaging essential oils into your scalp helps with blood circulation in the scalp and follicles. This reduces the production of sebum on your scalp without causing scalp dryness.

Essential oils are great scalp cleansers that come with a ton of additional benefits. For instance, lavender oil makes for an excellent antibacterial that helps soothe irritation and gives the scalp a relaxed feeling. Moreover, it has a great scent. You can try out different essential oils and even try mixing them to find the perfect balance for your scalp.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a product that comes with many health benefits. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and boasts a pH level that comes close to that of the human hair. When you use it on your hair, it returns the scalp to the ideal acidity levels which promote healthy hair growth.

Rub some apple cider vinegar through your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and repeat this at least once a week.

Check Your Diet

You can unclog your hair follicles by watching what you eat. Consumption of unhealthy, greasy foods is bad for your hair. These foods make your scalp oily, which then leads to clogging. Replace unhealthy foods with foods such as nuts, fish and seeds. Ensure you're consuming fiber-rich foods to avoid a clogged digestive system, which will affect your body to get rid of waste and toxic. These toxins will try and find a way to exit the body as oily sebum. This causes your hair follicles clogged and also acne.

It is advisable for you to hydrate adequately and eat healthy meals. When you are eating healthy, hair growth will occur naturally.

If home methods to remedy the situation have proven futile, you may need to see a doctor. Through a health assessment, the doctor will be able to figure out the problem and offer medical solutions to your clogged hair follicles. If you are experiencing a burning sensation or consistent itching, it is advisable for you to visit a dermatologist. A health professional is best placed to address your hair concerns like loss.