Is a healthy scalp the key to your next great hair day?
Want amazing-looking hair? Paying a little more attention to your scalp health may be the secret to unleashing your hair’s true potential.
Just a few years ago, most people’s understanding of scalp care didn’t extend beyond using anti-dandruff shampoo.
Times have certainly changed, and now everything from scalp scrubs to scalp therapy brushes are commonplace.
So what’s behind the spike in scalp care?
For one, more people are better educated about the relationship between scalp health and hair condition.
Hair and scalp specialist Kay Fitzgerald is happy to see scalp care getting recognition in the beauty community.
“I think people really underestimate the role scalp plays in the overall condition and health of our hair, but now there’s more awareness and accessibility to tools that promote scalp health,” Kay says.
Director of hair clinic CRLab Australia, Stuart Lawson, agrees.
“Our clinic’s philosophy is based on a healthy scalp equates to healthy hair,” Stuart says.
“In general, scalp health is overlooked compared to the likes of skin care, however the importance of scalp care is growing and the term scatial – facial of the scalp – has even become popular in some countries.”
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How to improve your scalp health
Stuart says scalp health should be individualised, and involves different product and treatment recommendations based on the underlying issues of each scalp.
“You need to consider the goals of the client; oily scalps require a different approach to dry, dandruff-prone scalps,” Stuart says.
“Hair loss such as androgenic alopecia may require a different protocol again so a consultation and scalp analysis is required to understand what may be best suited to the individual.”
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How to care for your scalp at home
Something as simple as a weekly scalp scrub may help reduce product build-up, while regularly massaging the scalp with a scalp therapy brush promotes blood flow.
“Correct scalp care is proven to improve hair health by increasing hair anagen cycles and increasing hair shaft diameter,” Stuart says.
“Scalp conditions such as high oil or dandruff can hinder hair growth by obstructing the hair follicle growth.
“Treating these scalp anomalies can certainly improve hair growth.
“Furthermore, certain products and treatments will stimulate the hair follicle and improve growth whilst reducing the progression of some hair loss conditions.”
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How the professionals tackle scalp health
Mild scalp conditions like dandruff can be reduced with at-home scalp treatments, but more advanced concerns like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis could benefit from being looked at by a scalp specialist such as a trichologist.
“Scalp conditions or hair loss causes are often multifactorial and consequently, a combination of products and treatments are typically the optimal approach to achieve the best outcomes,” Stuart says.
“Sometimes there can be underlying conditions causing the condition such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, some prescription medications, diet, lifestyle, genetics, and so forth, so it’s important to understand the individual’s full history to help achieve the best result.”
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More on hair care:
- The ombre hair trend is back with a fresh new twist
- Why recession-proof hair is the budget-friendly trend you’ll love
- How to deal with dandruff
Written by Beauty Editor Charlotte Brundrett
