The lowdown on scalp care

2024-04-25 - with Hannah Britt

When was the last time you thought about your scalp? I believe we divide into two camps. First, those who have had issues with their scalp – dandruff, irritation et al – and therefore prick up their ears at the mention of scalp care. Then those who have lived a blessed existence with no scalp problems whatsoever.

I am part of the former crew, and as a result, I am pleased scalp care is booming. Indeed, videos for scalp care have been watches an incredible 2.6 billion times and counting on TikTok.

So let’s break it down. What exactly is it?

Why is a healthy scalp important?

Your scalp is skin, and an extension of your face. You exfoliate, hydrate and care for your face… why stop at your hairline?

“Your scalp is a living tissue that supports your hair follicles and the hair that emerges from them,” says Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “When in good condition, strands are given a healthy base from which to grow.”

Is my scalp healthy?

A healthy scalp is easily forgotten, meaning there will be no itchiness, tightness or irritation. How does yours feel today?

What does an unhealthy scalp mean?

“If your scalp is unhealthy, then hair growth can be hindered. A flaky scalp can cause hair loss,” says Anabel.

“If your scalp is clean, roots will be bouncy and shiny. A build-up of oils can weigh down strands and make them appear dull and limp.”

THE EXPERT’S GUIDE TO A HEALTHY SCALP Step one: CLEANSE

Frequent shampooing will keep your scalp clean and healthy. You wouldn’t leave days between washing your face or underarms, so why would you do this to your scalp?

Step two: TONE AND EXFOLIATE

Like your face, your scalp can benefit from daily toning and weekly exfoliation. This is especially true if you have a scalp condition, such as dandruff.

Just as you would use daily targeted products to address an issue with facial skin, you should use products with targeted active ingredients to treat your scalp when it gets unbalanced.

Step three: HYDRATE

Moisturised skin is comfortable skin, and the same goes for your scalp. So choose products – masks, shampoos, conditioners and leave-on treatments – that provide a moisture boost.

TOP PICKS Best for… MENOPAUSE

Charles Worthington MenoPlex Scalp Serum, £12.99 (Superdrug), has been designed with mature skin in mind, to counteract the drying effects menopause has on the scalp and reduce hair fall.

Best for… EXFOLIATION

Ffor Purify Scalp Serum, £26 ( fforhair.com), contains lactic and glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells, as well as moisture-boosting niacinamide and glycerine.

Best for… HYDRATION

Straand Crown Companion Cleansing Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, £24 (Sephora), locks in moisture before you shampoo with nourishing trio squalene, rosemary extract and jojoba oil.

Best for… BUDGET

Noughty Caretaker Scalp Soothing Tonic £9.99 (lookfantastic.com), is a leave-in treatment designed to soothe irritation and reduce itching, with oat extract and bisabolol.

Best for… DANDRUFF

Philip Kingsley Clearer, Calmer Scalp Collection, £92 (philipkingsley.co.uk), contains all you need to combat flakes and irritation: with a shampoo, plus conditioner, toner and serum.

Best for… EVERYDAY

Neal & Wolf Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, £18.95 each (nealandwolf.com), deliver daily hydration to hair and scalp with a powerful blend of betaine, argan oil, panthenol, and shea butter.