We spend a lot of time and effort on ensuring our hair is hydrated, protected, and as healthy as can be, but to maintain and even achieve healthy hair, we must first have a healthy scalp. Think of your scalp as a beautiful garden growing healthy, plump produce, if it become dry or the soil is weak, then the crop will fail. The scalp is quite similar in this regard, unfortunately though an unhealthy scalp can seem to appear out of nowhere sometimes…and can be a nightmare to bring back to full health.
There are many concerns that effect the scalp with everything from stress to iron levels determining how strong it will be. Below are some of the most common concerns I am asked about, and some information on how you can treat them.
Hair Fall
This is the topic we are probably asked about the most, especially in the last two years as people either recover from Covid, or the stresses it has created in their lives. Hair fall can not always be stopped especially if it is hereditary. What we can do though is offer scalp supports that will keep your hair as healthy and full as we can for as long as possible. In the best-case scenarios, people can come back from excessive hair fall and return to their former glory, but really you are best to speak to your doctor/dermatologist and assess what care is best for you as an individual. You may find your hair fall is linked to a vitamin deficiency, or you could just be using too much dry shampoo. In the meantime, there are lots of cosmetic options to help stimulate micro-circulation, clarify blocked follicles, and encourage a healthy and active scalp.
One of my all-time favourites is Nioxin, there is something for everyone in this range, but what I particularly love about it is it works beautifully into your day to day routine as a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in combo and is so easy to use. Don’t get confused with the Scalp Moisturiser though, lots of people think this is a hair conditioner (it will make your hair feel good) but it is designed to be massaged into your scalp to bring balanced hydration and micro-stimulation.
Dandruff
What a lot of people don’t realise about dandruff is that it is a type of scalp infection or microbial attack on the scalp. It will often continue to worsen as people confuse wet dandruff for oily scalp, and dry dandruff for dry scalp, but there are some differences.
With wet dandruff it can be flaky, sore to the touch, not fresh looking even after washing, and often there will be an unpleasant smell from your scalp, especially the underneath.
Dry dandruff is a little trickier to tell apart from dry scalp, but it often has a yellow tone to it and can appear in larger flakes rather than little flecks.
A good treatment for this is exfoliation, but don’t exfoliate if your scalp is open or raw as it will cause you pain and irritate the sore skin. However, if you can use it, exfoliation will remove follicle clogging build-up, visible flakes, and if you use a pre-biotic and pro-biotic one like Alfaparf Scalp Rebalance Dandruff Gentle Exfoliating Scrub which will help to fight for scalp balance and harmony. This will work best when used with Alfaparf Scalp Rebalance Dandruff Purifying Low Shampoo.
Leave your products to sit on your scalp for several minutes to allow the active ingredients time to work.
Sensitive scalp
This is when your scalp can flair up, be reactive to new products, and may also be sore to the touch, it is important to be gentle with this scalp type, but not to ignore it. Gentle massage is important to encourage healthy blood flow and avoiding silicones will help prevent build-up and tightness of your scalp. Avoid using very hot of very cold water on it, only tepid water and try to use a soothing shampoo like Kerastase Specifique Dermo Calm to help fight against scalp discomfort and prevent build-up.
Oily Scalp
Another common concern oily scalp is the bane of some peoples lives, especially when they feel they can’t go from washing their hair first thing in the morning, to attending an after-work event without layering their scalp in dry shampoo, or even more painful…going home to wash it.
The introduction of Salicylic Acid, in products such as Redken Amino-Mint Scalp Shampoo can help to balance oil production in the scalp and leave your roots feeling refreshed, light, residue free, and full of bounce.
It is also important to use lightweight, silicone free conditioners like Pureology have to offer to prevent product build-up on your scalp. Be sure to also keep your water tepid as heat, although it may feel good, will increase oil production from the sebaceous gland.
Dry Scalp
Finally, dry scalp is our last concern to touch on, and the way I like to tackle this is with hydration; hydrate your scalp, hydrate your body, and reap the benefits of nourishing your scalp back to health. Increasing your daily water intake can really help here, but frequently applying a hydrating mask, like Kérastase Specifique Masque Hydra-Apaisant Treatment will help to give instant relief to the discomfort of dry scalp, such as itch, tightness, pain and flakiness. This is a silicone free mask that has amazing soothing properties to give you comfort, movement, elasticity, and suppleness helping to nourish and hydrate tired scalp and hair.
Hydration is key here and will help fight dry scalp quickly and effectively.
I hope you found some helpful tips in here and if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch via one of our social channels, and we will be happy to help in any way we can.
Fiona O’Connor
Head Educator, Haircare Department
