How to build a scalp care routine
In recent years, we have seen a rise in the release of scalp care products. More and more brands have started launching products specifically for the scalp, and there is a good reason for this. Hair grows from the scalp, specifically from the dermal layer. Research has shown that unhealthy scalp conditions such as dandruff can cause hair loss. Good scalp health is therefore essential to maintain hair growth and combat hair loss. This is why you need a good scalp care routine. But what does that consist of?
1. A shampoo
Key Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein: to help improve hair elasticity and strength.
I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but if you want to take care of your scalp, you should probably start by keeping it clean. Keeping your scalp clean will help you prevent dirt from clogging the hair follicles. Furthermore, shampooing your scalp helps prevent sebum buildup on the scalp, therefore reducing the chances of developing scalp acne. However, it is important to choose the right shampoo. To me, this is a shampoo that foams easily and cleanses without stripping your hair and scalp of their natural oils and moisturizing factors. A tip would be to try to avoid shampoos with SLS, or at least limit the frequency at which you use them. Although they have excellent cleansing properties, they cleanse a bit too well. SLS-based shampoos tend to dry and strip the scalp of its natural moisturising factors, leaving the scalp dry.
2. An Exfoliant
Key Ingredients:
2% Salicylic Acid(Chemical exfoliant)
1% PANTHENOL: helps to hydrate and moisturize hair
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin. Poor exfoliation can lead to clogged hair follicles due to the buildup of dead skin cells and dirt, creating a suitable environment for bacteria such as P. acnes to grow. The combination of clogged hair follicles and bacteria causes inflammation and breakouts. An easy way to avoid this is by exfoliating often. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, which helps prevent clogged follicles and breakouts, and creates an overall good environment for hair growth.
3. A scalp serum
This easy step is for you to use serums with water-soluble actives or simple serums to hydrate and moisturise the scalp. Personally, I apply a caffeine serum at this stage, specifically the one by the Inkey list which I have linked down below. This serum helps promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. Other serums can, of course, be used at this stage, to either hydrate, moisturize, soothe the scalp or target another scalp issue.
4. Scalp oil
Scalp oils help nourish your scalp with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Scalp oils also help soften the skin, and of course prevent Transepidermal water loss from the skin, hence keeping your scalp moisturised. Additionally, scalp oils containing stimulating ingredients such as caffeine or essential oils can be incorporated into your scalp routine to promote hair growth. These oils promote hair growth by promoting blood flow to the scalp. Personally, I use the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil which I have linked down below.
