6 reasons why Scalp Care is as important as Skincare

If your complexion is in bad shape, you do something about it. Think cleansing, toning, moisturising, Masks, facials, Leave-In-Treatments – the works. But because our scalp can’t be seen, we tend to take the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach.  

The result? Product build up, congestion, oiliness, odours, and dryness.  

All the Haircare and Salon trims in the world are pointless without kickstarting your Hair Care journey at the scalp.  

Here’s how to get started on your Scalp Health routine:  

Cleanse your Scalp  

• Stimulating the scalp will improve blood flow to the area benefiting healthy hair growth. 

• A scalp surface free of product build up so the hair follicle can be free from any dead skin, hair product residue, and oil, which can reduce the risk of hair thinning and loss.  

• When cleansing your scalp, don’t wash your hair with hot water as this can exacerbate dryness. Instead, use warm water and a shot of cool water at the end if you can tolerate it. This soothes the scalp and seals the hair cuticle, locking in hydration.  

• By using your fingertips, not the palms, to cleanse the scalp, you are further stimulating the area removing debris, and promoting blood flow.  

• Flip your head over in the shower and get into the back and sides of your scalp. These areas often get overlooked yet are the first to build up sweat and trap oils.  

• Use a pre-Shampoo cleanser. Like a ‘double cleanse’ for your scalp, a pre-wash cleansing treatment goes to work to remove dead skin cells and sebum. Look for a product packed with antioxidants to get the good nutrients right into the follicles too.  

• Try Pure Walnut Scrub Hair & Scalp Re Wash Treatment to gently remove dead skin cells, exfoliating and detoxifying the scalp before shampooing.  

Exfoliate your scalp   

• Manual scalp exfoliation can be done with your fingertips, gently moving in circular motions around the scalp to boost stimulation and blood flow to the area, but to get in and remove dead skin cells, sebum, and dandruff, a Scalp Exfoliator product is key.  
• Always look for a Scalp Exfoliator that contains anti-fungal active ingredients to fight scalp peeling and a blend of probiotics and prebiotic active ingredients to balance bacterial flora of the skin in balance.
• Try Alfaparf Semi di Lino Scalp Rebalance Exfoliating Scrub. Containing restorative, anti-fungal active ingredients, probiotics, and prebiotics to promote healthy bacterial flora of the scalp skin.

Hydrate your scalp

• As with your complexion, dry skin results in a dull, flat appearance. If left on the surface, dry skin can combine with natural oils resulting in clogged follicles which can have a negative effect on hair growth, so you need to keep the area not only cleansed, but well moisturised. 

• Using a Shampoo designed to hydrate the scalp is essential as normal Shampoos may contain ingredients that dry it out further. Introduce a Scalp Care Shampoo into your Hair Care routine as a first step, but if symptoms persist, it may be caused by a fungal infection and will require medication.  

• Try Virtue Flourish Shampoo and Conditioner which protects, and repairs thinning hair caused by Scalp concerns. The Conditioner contains a unique sulphate-free green tea and probiotic blend to further calm the area.  

De-stress your scalp 

• Stress can create a spike in cortisol, which can prove a key factor behind slowing hair growth hormones. Combined with an already unhealthy scalp, this can significantly affect healthy hair growth phases, leading to hair loss and thinning hair. 

• Rest and sleep are vital steps to reducing cortisol levels. The first step is to ensure your slumber is not only comfortable but also gentle on thinning or weakened hair and an irritated scalp. A silk pillowcase is always a good idea here to reduce friction and grabbing of the hair, and it’s also soothing on the scalp if you have shorter hair.  

• If your hair growth rate has been affected by stress, introduce a Shampoo designed to help hair growth. Look for one that contains clinical proteins designed to nurture a healthy scalp environment and promote thicker, fuller hair growth.  

• Avoid sulphates, parabens, and any nasty chemicals in your Shampoo and Conditioner if you are struggling with thinning hair or stress-related scalp irritation. Like with your skin, flare-ups need a gentle approach so keep your products vegan when you can.  

• Try Shhh Silk Pillowcases which create a non-drag surface for hair that is vulnerable and a gentle landing for scalps that are prone to sensitivity.  

Calm your scalp  

• An extra step for added hydration in skincare is a Serum, and the same goes for your scalp. If your scalp is feeling itchy, tight, and uncomfortable, Scalp Serums help to balance scalp skin pH - which promotes healthy hair growth - whilst calming inflammation, itchiness, dryness, and scalp. 

• Inspect your scalp regularly by parting your hair in areas that are feeling itchy or dandruff is appearing. This can be notable around the temple, behind the ears – where sweat and oils can build up – and at the base of the head where oils get trapped. Apply a Hair Serum directly to these areas to soothe and calm any irritation.  

• Try Kevin Murphy Scalp Spa Leave-In Serum. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum offers immediate relief for scalp sensitivity leaving it feeling fresh and hydrated.  

Use a Scalp Mask  

• Like when we get skin flare-ups caused by seasonal changes, hot to cold temperatures can also wreak havoc on your Scalp Health. Coming into Spring, consider introducing a Scalp Mask into your routine to rejuvenate from the roots, treating dandruff triggers (think cold outdoor winds and warmer indoor temperatures) to relieve scalp dryness and itchiness.  

• Look for a Scalp Mask that contains active and natural ingredients so that dead skin cells can be sloughed away but then botanicals can go to work to relieve itchiness and irritation around the hair follicle.  

• Swap out your Conditioner once a week and use a Scalp Mask after shampooing instead. Apply the Scalp Mask from roots to ends and leave in for five minutes before rinsing to activate the botanicals. 

• Try The Bondi Boost Dandruff Treatment Mask, containing active Piroctone Olamine and Botanical extracts Burdock Root that provides immediate relieve for dandruff and discomfort.