Did you know that the length, lustre and overall health of your hair largely depends on the skin that covers your head – aka the scalp?
And with the scalp not always being seen as a particularly ‘sexy’ category when it comes to hair care, unfortunately we aren’t always educated enough to know that often, our scalp conditions are at the very root of our hair concerns.
Luckily, leading hair care brand, Head & Shoulders recently enlisted a leading dermatologist to weigh in on the scalp care routine you never knew you needed – right down to exfoliating your scalp weekly.
Below, Dr Leona Yip, a leading dermatologist and alopecia specialist, gives her top five tips to ensure a happy, healthy scalp.
1. Do not wait until hair starts to look greasy before washing it
Dr Yip generally recommends shampooing regularly every two to three days, while also using a hair conditioner. Hairs trap moisture, heat and sweat that can aggravate scalp problems. Some individuals may need daily washing, and some others less frequently. This variation depends on scalp greasiness, sweat production, exposure to pollution, hair cosmetics build-up, and the presence of scalp conditions e.g. dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
2. Use a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner
Scalp and hair are healthiest in their naturally slightly acidic (lower pH) environment. Many commercially available scalp products are alkaline, which is harsh for our scalp and hair. Using a pH-balanced shampoo helps to prevent scalp dryness, flaking and aggravation of existing scalp conditions e.g. dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis etc. It also helps to reduce hair friction and frizz and seals the cuticle to increase hair softness and shine.
3. Exfoliate your scalp once or twice a week
Exfoliating helps to improve skin cell turnover and prevents build-up of skin cell debris and sebum on the scalp surface. Use chemical exfoliants e.g. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) instead of physical scrubs that can be abrasive to the scalp skin barrier. Scalp massage with gentle brush bristles is fine to use, and this may also help improve blood flow throughout the scalp.
One hair brush that is great for exfoliating the scalp is the Lady Jayne Salon Pro Scalp Brush. By simply using this brush on the scalp, it stimulates pressure points, where studies show that such stimulation reduces symptoms of depression, feelings of boredom, and positively influences anxiety levels. And so, not only are you feeling instantaneous results, the increased circulation of blood also provides organic nutrition for a healthier foundation to strengthen hair follicles and roots, helping yield lush locks.
4. The less fragrance the better
Most scalp products contain fragrances that commonly cause skin sensitisation and allergic contact dermatitis. These scalp reactions can develop quickly or even months down the track with regular use. Plant-based fragrances and essential oils in scalp products marketed as “natural” or “organic” are not better or safer and are actually more allergenic than synthetic fragrances.
5. Always sun protect your scalp
Our scalp is equally subject to sun damage, sunburn and skin cancers like skin elsewhere. Always have a broad brim hat on when outdoors, as it is difficult to apply sunscreen on the scalp. People with thinner hair and more exposed scalps should be more vigilant with sun protection for the scalp. Hair damage from UV exposure is also one of the commonest causes of poor hair condition and premature hair aging.
Product recommendations
Head & Shoulders Supreme 0% Purify & Volume Shampoo & Conditioner is a duo featuring advanced anti-dandruff technology with no added parabens, silicones or colourants. The premium shampoo and conditioner deeply cleanse and nourish hair and scalp without the added nasties, leaving healthy and flake-free hair, while protecting scalp.
Lady Jayne Salon Pro Scalp Brush is perfect for gentle massage of the scalp. Massage helps to increase microcirculation and blood flow to the scalp, creating a foundation for healthy hair.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum is a AHA and BHA infused rinse off serum that helps to clarify the scalp while removing product build-up, excess oil, dead skin and pollution for a cleaner, more healthier-looking scalp.
Less is More Herbal Scalp Relief Shampoo is a shampoo that clarifies, soothes, rebalances and helps alleviate scalp irritation. The shampoo has aromatic benefits, with 100% certified organic essences such as tea tree, rosemary, niaouli and vetiver.
Nioxin System 1 Scalp & Hair Treatment for Natural Hair with Light Thinning is a treatment that refreshes the scalp and increases hair volume. This volumising leave-on treatment helps to provide thicker-looking hair by increasing the fullness of each hair strand.
Wella Professionals Invigo Balance Clean Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a soothing shampoo that combats dandruff and removes visible flakes from the scalp, leaving hair feeling cleaner, moisturised and relieved.
Malibu C Scalp Kit nourishes the scalp while improving the strength of hair. The kit soothes dryness and improves the appearance of the scalp. It contains 100 per cent vegan and gluten free ingredients to remove mineral build up.
GROW Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub is formulated with natural sea salt and peppermint oil. This scrub will effectively eliminate impurities whilst invigorating and purifying, leaving the scalp balanced and restored.
Green People Irritated Scalp Shampoo & Conditioner is a stimulating shampoo and conditioner for normal/oily hair and itchy scalps. It helps to relieve an itchy scalp and may help to reduce dandruff and stimulates circulation in the scalp, while delivering soft, manageable hair.
Goldwell Dualsenses Scalp Specialist Soothing Lotion is a lotion for sensitive scalps. It instantly soothes and conditions sensitive scalps.
JUSTICE Professional Scalp Treatment Shampoo is a shampoo that combines cleansing and moisturising agent pro-vitamin B5 to leave the hair full of shine and bounce.
Davroe Anti-Dandruff Lotion Spray is a lightweight leave-in treatment that reduces dandruff and flaking, while eliminating itchiness and redness. It also cools and relieves the scalp instantly.