Scalp care has traditionally been seen as the dull and least fun aspect of haircare. But in recent years, there’s been increasing interest from consumers on how to cultivate a healthy and well-maintained scalp. Market research experts have observed that searches for scalp care advice have soared, averaging 162,000 plus monthly on Google, and growing each month. Subsequently, we’re now plugged into trichologists like @enitanhaircoach and @thecurlid who are using their online platforms to spread the importance of good scalp care using fun, digestible messaging via Reels and TikToks. But why is scalp hygiene such an integral part of a healthy hair regime?
“It’s really important that we have a healthy environment for our hair to grow to its full potential,” explains Samantha Stewart MIT, consultant trichologist and co-founder of Curl iD. “Our scalp is home to yeast and bacteria that, for the most part, live in harmony, but occasionally this microbiome can become unbalanced and lead to irritation and scaling.”
The root of the problem
So, what’s the first step we can take to avoid these common problems? “Always ensure that the hair and scalp are washed regularly. This will make sure that the scalp microbiome is kept at a healthy level,” Samantha advises. “When washing, avoid scratching the scalp with fingernails. A gentle but thorough massage of the scalp with the pads of the fingers is all that is needed.”
Using traditional shampoos and conditioners as part of your healthy hair routine is fine, but if you are experiencing common scalp problems like dryness, irritation and flakiness, it may be time to invest in products specifically formulated for scalp care. In recent years cult brands have emerged like Healthy Hair Studio, Cantu List and Kristin Ess, which produce products addressing the key issues related to the scalp. Additionally, brands like Briogeo, Aveda and Philip Kingsley have launched offshoot collections specifically designed for scalp concerns.
Make it an inside job
Trichologists and other experts are really keen to drive home the message that making healthy food choices is one of the most significant things we can do to balance our bases. Samantha Stewart, suggests that a rich and varied diet should be added into what we consider a healthy hair regime.
“A diet rich in antioxidants and omegas will help to protect the scalp as it grows,” she says. “This can help to decrease internal inflammation that can cause scalp irritation. Antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, leafy greens, avocados and berries are great, in addition to foods rich in omegas 3 and 6 such as walnuts, almonds and pecans. Flaxseed oil, chia seeds and oily fish are good options too.”
When to seek help
If you’re embarking on a scalp care regime and feel you haven’t made any progress or, worse still, your scalp seems continually blighted by disorders like dryness, flakes and dandruff, it might be time to seek the help of a professional trichologist.
“The signs that you need to look out for are scaling, which can present itself as yellow, white or grey scale,” Samantha Stewart informs us. “This scale may be firmly or loosely attached. If the scalp is very itchy, constantly scratching the area can cause hair breakage. It is essential to seek advice from a licensed professional if you are suffering from any of the above signs, as using the incorrect treatment could cause a mild scalp condition to become aggravated and lead to more long term damage such as breakages and in some cases thinning or significant hair loss.”
Brands to bookmark
Castor oil, and in particular, Jamaican black castor oil is having quite a moment. Now you can incorporate the much-loved ingredient into your all-round daily beauty regime.
Cleanse
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Sofn’free Anti-Dandruff Moisturising Braid Oil, £2.99
Grow
Featured image credits: Photography by Michael Young. Hair by Melissa Timperley. Make-up by Faye HJ Cumberbatch. Styling by Rubina Vita Marchiori.
