Like our complexions, your scalp is susceptible to change, which causes many hair woes. With the rise in scalp-specific products, a multi-step routine is no longer restricted to the face. Our guide to a healthy, happy scalp is the first step to glossy, strong hair for life, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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Bought about by the recent pandemic, hair loss is one of the top beauty concerns, and it’s directly related to poor scalp health. Skin aesthetician and cosmetologist Dr Geetika Gupta believes, "We now have serums, exfoliators, natural oils, rinse-off and leave-in products that inspire people to develop a multi-step routine for their scalp as well." As we embrace our vaccinated future, there is a greater emphasis on our appearance; and scalp care is just as important as a good skincare routine. Here are the top concerns, and the products help.
Scalp stress
Stress causes inflammation in the body, leading to flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis, causing our bodies to release the hormone cortisol. This hormone regulates how our hair follicles and skin function as well, large amounts of this hormone can cause the hair follicle cells to undergo apoptosis, meaning they die and make our hair fall out prematurely - hence the rise in hair loss.
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Leave-in Root Treatment, $52.
If your hair is lacking fullness, this root treatment will sort that. Charged with skin-loving caviar, rich in hair-loving proteins and amino acids, this treatment is also stacked with vitamin B5 and C, silica, clover flower and kelp extract, sunflower seed and magnesium ferment. If you called this the Rolls Royce of hair-boosting scalp treatments - you would be bang on.
Scalp ageing
The skin on the scalp ages just as fast as the skin on our face. Becoming dryer, the cell turnover also slows down, increasing flaky skin and causing congested hair follicles, which can stunt hair growth and cause general dullness.
Umberto Giannini Scalp Scrub, $25.
Is a flaking scalp is driving you mad? This skin-reviving scalp scrub is packed with natural exfoliants from superfruit enzymes and micro-grains of walnut shells. With 97 per cent natural ingredients and zero nasties, this scrub will help soothe and heal scalp issues and get your hair looking its most glorious.
Product overload
Easy to do with a busy lifestyle, so if you are guilty of overloading your hair with styling products - especially dry shampoo to help stretch out that blow-dry, it can cause product buildup on the scalp. Clogging up hair follicles, and stopping any new hair growth, it’s an easy fix with a clarifying, anti-dandruff shampoo.
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo, $80.
Stacked with salicylic acid, to gently remove any skin or product build-up, while soothing dandruff, or a flakey scalp, not only is the latest addition to the Oribe collection of shampoo safe for colour-treated hair, it offers UV protection as well - it’s genius.
Hormonal imbalance
Fluctuating hormones are part of life; from switching birth control to pregnancy and menopause, each phase has the potential to disrupt the body’s natural balance. These fluctuations can send the skin's oil glands into overdrive, including those on our scalp. Hello, greasy roots, or lifeless-looking locks. More severe is seborrhoeic dermatitis (a red, scaly skin). This is an easy fix with a nourishing scalp conditioner and regular scalp massage to help oil production and support hair growth.
Kerastase Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum, $87.
For anyone experiencing hair loss this serum was designed to strengthen weak hair and prevent breakage. Enriched with a potent combination of Aminexil, which stimulates blood flow to the scalp, while edelweiss, caffeine and ginger root extracts, help re-anchor hair follicles and boost growth. Use this jelly-like serum each morning, as a six-weekly intensive scalp treatment.
Treat your scalp from the inside out
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, nuts and seeds and plant oils, can help nourish your skin and hair. Vitamin deficiencies can be detected through blood work, and while they are uncommon if you follow a strict diet, including vegan, it's worth checking in with your health professional to see if supplements can help boost hair growth and skin radiance.
CLINICIANS REVITALISE CAPSULES 30’S, $45.
We believe in that old adage, you are what we eat - and dull-looking, thinning hair reflects your overall health. That’s because the natural keratin (a protein found naturally in hair, skin, and nails), declines as you age. This clever supplement is formulated with KeraGen-IV® keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep's wool, which not only strengthens hair, it helps anchor hair follicles in the scalp, which means less fall.
That will strengthen, protect and boost growth.