Scalp Care Tips You Need To Know
Wellness has become such a big movement and rather than focusing purely on aesthetics, the beauty industry is thinking more holistically about how we care for ourselves. Skincare is already overtaking makeup in our beauty routines and scalp care is about to do the same. Layering on the hairspray and avoiding shampoo is no longer enough! In 2020 you need to invest in your hair routine, and that includes some products that are dedicated to your scalp.
If this is the first time you’ve thought about your scalp then let’s fill you in on some basics. Your scalp produces oil and sheds skin cells just like the rest of your skin, except that it’s trapped under your hair. As a general rule, your scalp will be the same as the rest of your skin, for example, if the skin on your face is more oily then it’s likely your scalp will be the same.
In the quest for a healthier scalp, the first step is to ensure you’re removing all that excess oil along with any product buildup. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week is a good option but scalp exfoliation is even better and will stimulate your hair follicles at the same time. Whether you manually exfoliate or use a liquid exfoliator, like Glycolic or Salicylic acid, it’s important that you’re cleansing your scalp. Salicylic acid-based products are also great at tackling dandruff as they have anti-inflammatory properties.
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp concerns but contrary to popular belief it’s actually caused by having an overly oily rather than dry scalp. The white flakes are shed skin cells and excess sebum that clump together and buildup on the skin. Switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo and washing your hair every 1-2 days can help to keep the flakes at bay but it’s something you’ll need to keep on top of.
If these steps sound too time consuming, there are a few quick ways you can make your hair routine more scalp friendly. For example, switching to a boar bristle brush which carries the oil from your scalp down the lengths of your hair. This will give your ends more nourishment while helping to shift the buildup from your scalp. Sleeping with wet hair is also a no-go! Malassezia, the fungi that naturally occurs on your scalp can buildup and lead to conditions like dandruff and dermatitis as your hair is wet and warm. This bacteria can not only build up-on your scalp but on your bedding too, leading to breakouts and irritated skin. Eek!
Along with these, it’s a good shout to add some scalp-friendly products into your routine that will do the work for you. We’ve popped a few of our favourites below to get you started…
Briogeo Scalp Revival Treatment
Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Treatment uses tea tree and charcoal to gently cleanse your skin and remove any product buildup. It’s also formulated with witch hazel to regulate oil production and aloe to keep your skin hydrated, offering an all in one solution to your scalp care needs. You need to apply 1-2 drops of this to clean hair, in neat sections and directly onto your roots.
goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
This is a pretty unusual shampoo in that it’s whipped and has more of a creamy texture, making it really easy to apply. It’s formulated with pure Himalayan pink salt, moringa and rosehip oil to deeply cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp. They recommend using this once a week and following with your favourite conditioner.
Dr. Hauschka Hair Revitalising Hair and Scalp Tonic
This revitalising tonic is perfect for adding shine to your hair while calming and moisturizing your scalp. It’s also made with Rosemary, borage and horse chestnut to invigorate and nourish your hair follicles. You’ll need to apply this to your scalp regularly and massage it into your skin before blow-drying your hair.
OUAI Oily Scalp Supplement
These hair supplements treat your oily scalp from the inside out! They’re made with green tea extract which helps to regulate sebum production, niacin to cut down oil production and biotin to support hair growth. You’ll need to take them for a minimum of 90 days but expect strong, healthy and grease-free hair once you get there.
Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment
If you have a dry or itchy scalp then this will be a total lifesaver. Made with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3, it soothes and relieves dry skin while being fast-absorbing. It’s a great pick me up that you can use every day as it won’t buildup on your scalp.
