Why scalp care could be the answer to your healthiest ever hair

Say hello to beauty’s latest buzzword - ‘scalp care’. Far from an empty trend, scalp care is the latest must-have beauty ritual for good reason. With stress levels and pollution rising side by side, many of us are feeling the effects on our scalps. But how much attention do you pay to your scalp? Chances are, it’s not as much as you should.

We’ve probably all suffered from a dry scalp and know how unpleasant it can be, yet we still tend to neglect this area. But looking after our scalp health could actually be transformative for a number of reasons, including the ultimate healthy hair.

So, what is scalp care?

Scalp care is looking after your scalp in the same way you would the skin on the rest of your body. Just like skin everywhere else, your scalp can be prone to dryness, oiliness and sensitivity. Taking care of its hydration levels and using targeted formulas will help your scalp thrive (which in turn helps promote your health’s hair).

As Anna Ayres (Co-Founder and CEO of Rahua) explains, “Scalp care is an extension of skin care. By taking care of the scalp with healthy plant-based products; and incorporating healthy practices like regular scalp massage and not over shampooing you will set the stage for a balanced microbiome and strong, healthy, happy hair.”

Why is scalp care important?

Ever suffered from an itchy scalp or dandruff? Haven’t we all? Looking after your scalp is a good preventative measure against those dreaded white flakes. 

As The Nue Co explains, "Our scalp health is integral to the quality of our hair. An unhealthy scalp can lead to hair loss, hair breakage and lack of hair growth. The scalp is home to a complex and delicate host of microbes, which forms your scalp microbiome. When healthy and diverse, this can act as a protective shield however, when out of balance its protection against environmental stressors like pollution is weakened which can induce hair loss and scalp irritation. Prebiotics are essential to supporting a healthy microbiome, which is why we use two different prebiotic ingredients in our topical scalp treatment Supa_Thick - it helps to leave roots refreshed and nourished."

Why are natural ingredients better for scalp health?

Harsh ingredients (like silicones) found in the majority of hair care products can often do more harm than good. While they help to give you an instant feel of soft shiny hair, these ingredients can cause build up on your scalp and hair, preventing the normal healthy cell renewal integral to scalp health. Natural is the way to go if you’re interested in investing in scalp care.

How do you care for your scalp?

It’s easier than you think to incorporate scalp care into your daily routine.

It starts with brushing your hair regularly to stimulate the hair follicles and helping to distribute natural oils and moisture throughout your scalp and hair.

John Masters Organics Vented Paddle Brush

How often you should wash your hair is hotly debated, so we’ll leave it for you to decide what works for you. But in terms of optimum scalp health, washing your hair regularly (especially if you live in a high-pollution area) is pretty important. These natural formulas are specially targeted at your scalp health and are free from any harsh ingredients that might irritate it:

Fushi Scalp Soother Herbal Shampoo

John Masters Organics Shampoo & Conditioner for Dry Scalp with Zinc & Sage

Fushi Scalp Soother Conditioner

How often should you exfoliate your scalp?

While it will depend on the sensitivity of your scalp and your hair care routine (i.e. if you use a lot of styling products you should do this more often), we advise exfoliating once a week to keep your scalp clean and clear.
These are some of our favourites:

Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo

Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub

John Masters Organics Scalp Exfoliating Scrub with Sugar Cane & Tea Tree Oil

What treatments are there to care for your scalp?

The good news is, the answer is loads! From targeted serums to nourishing oils, to scalp-specific SPF, we have everything you need to keep your scalp in tip-top shape:

Boucleme Dry Scalp Serum

Rahua Founder's Blend Scalp & Hair Treatment

The Nue Co SUPA THICK Scalp Treatment

Learn More

Your Guide to Natural Hair Care

How can menopause affect our health?