We all know that scalp care is the new skincare—dandruff, dry skin, product buildup, and excess oil are just a few of the concerns you may experience with your scalp, and they’re far more common than you might think… But even if you can’t relate to any of the above, it’s just as important to keep your scalp hydrated and clean as it is the rest of your skin. After all, a healthy scalp equals heathy hair, and healthy hair is able to grow thicker, longer, and faster.
When it comes to building a routine specifically to address scalp issues, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a simple five-step haircare routine focused on all things scalp.
1. Start with a pre-shampoo treatment
Pre-shampoo treatments are powered by clarifiying ingredients which work along your scalp and through your hair to break down product buildup, soothe irritation, and remove excess dry skin. Basically, they allow you to hit a hard reset on your scalp in as little as fifteen minutes. Good Dye Young’s Pre-Wash Weekly Detox & Scalp Treatment feels cooling and soothing (perfect if you have an itchy scalp!), and also helps to stimulate hair growth.
2. Use an exfoliating shampoo
Rather than just opting for a regular shampoo, if your scalp shows signs of imbalance (such as excess oil, buildup, and dry flakes) choose an exfoliating one instead. You’ll get a much more thorough deep cleanse and won’t have to worry about your shampoo leaving any unwanted residue. Bouclème’s Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo does just that, while also keeping both scalp and hair hydrated.
3. Give your scalp a massage
To boost the benefits of your shampoo, massage it in using a brush for some extra exfoliating action. This is the best way to loosen and lift stubborn buildup from the scalp – and will help to give your roots some extra lift and bounce too. Try the Hairburst Scalp Stimulating Massage Brush – it’s easy to use and thanks to its flexible bristles, won’t snag in thick or curly hair.
4. Apply a soothing tonic
Your haircare routine needn’t end as soon as you’re out of the shower. Just as you’d moisturise your skin after cleansing, now’s the time to calm and rehydrate your scalp with a soothing tonic. By BEAUTY BAY’s Soothe + Calm Scalp Tonic contains oat, glycerin, and prebiotics, so it simultaneously helps to add moisture, strengthen your scalp’s skin barrier, and calm any irritation, all while continuing to gently exfoliate away dry skin and dandruff (thanks to salicylic acid).
5. Keep your scalp soothed & hydrated
Washing and exfoliating your scalp can cause dryness, so don’t neglect hydration. Consider introducing a calming and moisturising scalp serum into your daily routine. Philip Kingsley’s Overnight Scalp Barrier Serum is perfect for soothing any irritation that occurs – and also helps to nourish and moisturise hair in the process.
