The team at Adore Beauty shares their tips on maintaining a healthy scalp, for glossy, beautiful hair.
Taking care of your scalp is just as crucial as skincare, a concept that's not exactly revolutionary. However, the idea of integrating skincare principles into your haircare regimen? That's a game-changer. This movement began in Japan and has since exploded onto the Australian beauty landscape, spurred on by the popularity of Japanese head spa videos on TikTok and captivating scalp camera footage.
But scalp care goes beyond just enhancing your hair's appearance. In episode 52 of Adore Beauty's award-winning podcast, Beauty IQ Uncensored, Dermatologist Dr. Leona Yip explained the significance of maintaining a healthy scalp. According to Dr. Yip, there are four primary factors that contribute to scalp health issues.
1. Scalp Barrier Dysfunction
"What this means is if the oil seal on the scalp (made up of barrier proteins and lipids like ceramides), if that's not working properly, the scalp tends to be prone to dryness, flaking and some irritation. And that can lead to conditions like scalp eczema."
2. Immune-mediated inflammation
This can lead to "conditions such as scalp psoriasis.
3. An abnormality in the scalp microbiome balance.
This could lead to conditions like scalp dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis.
4. Sun damage
This is something a lot of people don't tend to think about. Lots of people don't think about wearing hats, and it's really important because the sun can cause generalised redness on the scalp that can be stingy, burning or itchy. It can also cause sunspots and skin cancers in the longer term.
When looking for scalp care or how to care for a dry scalp, Dr Yip recommends finding products with ingredients such as ceramides (natural skin lipids), salicylic acid as well niacinamide (vitamin B3) which also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ok, so we know what to look for when shopping with the best scalp care ingredients in mind, but what should we avoid?
If your scalp is already experiencing any sort of irritation, Dr Yip suggests avoiding products with essential oils and fragrances and looking for ones that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. She also advises steering clear of thick and greasy formulas as they can "clog the skin pores and hair follicles on the scalp that can lead to acne and folliculitis."
For those of us who are still wrapping our heads around scalp care, here's a step-by-step so you can recreate the Japanese head spa experience at home.
Step 1: The pre-shampoo treatment or exfoliating scrub
The process begins with an exfoliation treatment to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and product build-up from the scalp. This revitalises your scalp and ensures the other products in your routine can penetrate the skin and hair better. Apply your scrub or treatment to damp, detangled hair and massage it with either your hands or a scalp brush. The head massage not only feels great, but it also stimulates blood flow while helping lift and remove dead skin cells and other build-up.
Treatments and Scrubs
STRAAND The Miracle Worker Prebiotic Scrub - $28
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 250ml - $71
Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment 150ml - $80
Davines NATURALTECH Purifying Dandruff Treatment Gel 150ml - $46.95
Scalp brushes
Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager Onyx Black - $24.15
Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager - $55
Coco & Eve Pro Youth Scalp Massager - $21
Step 2. Shampoos
After your treatment has been rinsed out, follow it up with a shampoo. Adding a shampoo that clarifies, detoxifies or purifies into your haircare routine can help to balance your scalp, reduce any itchiness and further remove stubborn product buildup. Instead of pouring shampoo directly onto your hair, gently emulsify it between your palms and then massage the mixture into your roots. Rinse thoroughly and then follow with a conditioner or conditioning treatment to hydrate your ends.
STRAAND The Crown Boost Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Conditioning Treatment - $24
Davines NATURAL TECH Purifying Scalp Shampoo 250ml - $46.95
KEVIN.MURPHY Scalp Spa Wash 250ml - $50.95
Step 3: Scalp Serums
Scalp serums are concentrated treatments designed to target a specific concern, promote a balanced scalp, and provide the optimum environment for hair growth. They're leave-in treatments that are usually applied directly onto the scalp when your hair is dry — those instructions can vary though, so make sure you look at the recommendations for your specific scalp serum. To apply, gently massage a few drops into your roots.
STRAAND The Crown Fix Prebiotic Serum - $28
VIRTUE Topical Scalp Supplement - $85
Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-supplement Scalp Serum 90ml - $91
Anti-dandruff:
Kérastase Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum 90ml - $91
Hair fall support:
Kérastase Genesis Fortifying Anti Hairfall Serum 90ml - $91
Dry scalp:
Kérastase Specifique Potentialiste Balancing Scalp Serum 90mL - $91
Oily scalp tips:
The natural oils produced by our scalp help our hair and scalp stay strong, healthy and protected but too much may signify an imbalance. Here are some tips to rebalance your scalp and help navigate oily hair.
- Avoid overwashing and shampoos that contain Sulphates, Propylene Glycol, Silicones, and artificial fragrances that may be harsh on your scalp.
- Avoid touching your hair as much as possible.
- Remove buildup with exfoliants and clarifying shampoos for a deeper clean.
- Change your pillowcases regularly.
- Use products created for oily hair — we've created an 'oily hair tag' to help you when shopping.
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