If we paid half the amount of attention to our scalp as we did our skin we’d all probably have really healthy hair, just sayin’. Let’s be honest, scalp care doesn’t often feature high on the self-care to-do list, but it really should. Why? Because if our scalp is healthy, so is our hair – and we don’t know about you, but we’re always chasing those enviably shiny, voluminous locks. Here’s what you need to know about scalp health according to our Hairhouse experts, and how to give your scalp the love it deserves.
Why does a healthy scalp equate to healthy hair?
Good question! Let’s get to the root of it. Scalp health is a trend we should all get on board with, and for good reason according to Hairhouse expert, Erin. “The length, level of shine and overall health of your hair depend on the skin that covers your head – simple as that,” she explains. Think of your scalp like soil in a garden (stay with us) and your hair as the lettuce seedlings you just planted in your veggie patch last week. Healthy soil means healthy plants – and the same goes for your scalp and hair. Right, garden analogies aside, each one of our hair follicles produces oil via the sebaceous gland – how much it produces varies from person to person. To give your follicle the best chance of growing healthy hair it needs to be free from dead skin, oil and product buildup – all of these things will have an impact on the quality of hair growth. We don’t want to alarm you, but if a follicle becomes permanently blocked or obstructed, it may give up on producing hair at all. What a waste of a follicle! Just like the skin on our face and body, the scalp is made up of cells that divide and continually work their way to the surface before shedding – so it’s essential those excess dead skin cells are removed by brushing, washing or weekly exfoliation.
Our pick for weekly exfoliation would have to be Virtue’s Scalp Exfoliating Treatment – it’s a whipped crème infused with rice beads and fruit enzymes, for dual action exfoliation, Kalahari melon and jojoba oils to balance moisture levels and Alpha Keratin 60ku® to repair hair with each use. It’s a great choice for all scalp types and those who colour or chemically treat their hair. You’ll win extra points if you work the treatment in using our Scalp Stimulating Therapy Brush – it helps to promote hair growth from the root by increasing blood circulation in the scalp. Oh, and it feels like receiving one of those indulgent head spas you’re seeing all over your Tiktok #fyp at the moment.
Hairhouse expert Erin says don’t be scared to shampoo regularly. “A clean and healthy scalp equals a better head of hair – so
frequently is key,” explains. “Shampooing loosens ‘dead’ hairs, removes dead skin cells, bacteria, sweat, oil, pollution and odours. Many people shy away from washing their hair if they see an increase in their hair falling out, blaming the action of shampooing, but shampooing simply loosens ‘dead’ hairs which were always going to fall out anyway.” she says.
What’s your scalp type?
In the same way we categorise skin types, our scalps have a type too. To figure out what yours is, and to take care of it effectively, you can keep an eye out for a few things. If you notice dry or flaky skin on your pillow or your scalp feels itchy, you’ve most likely got a dry scalp. If you’re constantly in a battle with the oil build-up in your roots, you have an oily scalp.
What can lead to an unhealthy scalp?
According to Hairhouse’s Hair and Beauty Advisor Dearna, scalp health can often come down to the types of products you’re using. “People need to understand that some products can clog your pores or interfere with that natural hair growth process – you can even experience hair loss due to using incorrect products,” she explains. “Some of the telltale signs of an unhealthy scalp are an overly oily scalp, an extra dry scalp or if you’re losing a lot more hair than usual.” She suggests eliminating talcum-based products as these can build up and block follicles. “Generally I recommend sulphate- or paraben-free hair products – avoid anything that leaves too much of a coating on the hair. The aim is to eliminate chemical build up.”
Where do you start with a scalp routine?
There are plenty of scalp products out there, so we don’t blame you if you feel a little overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of our Hairhouse experts. They’re in a store or salon daily answering your questions in real time – consider them your scalp saviours. The key is to figure out what your scalp needs to keep it happy. Try De Lorenzo’s Tricho Scalp Treatment Balm if you’re experiencing irritation, dryness and that annoying itchy feeling. Oily types, we see you – try incorporating Muk’s Hard Muk Oily Scalp Shampoo into your shower routine. It helps eliminate scalp oil that can lead to lank, greasy hair and even controls oil production over time. Dearna’s go-to pick for rebalancing the scalp is
Alaparf’s Semi Di Lino Scalp Rebalance Balancing Low Shampoo which, as the name suggests, brings back its natural balance, free from excess oil. “Micellar shampoos are great too. Anything that purifies and cleanses without stripping is key,” says Dearna.