Saint Laurent
The Ultimate Guide to Looking After Your Scalp
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Words By AMELIA BELL
Double cleansing, skin barrier protection, and exfoliation. Not the sort of vocabulary you might associate with your scalp. Yet, as an extension of your skin and, crucially, a key step in the quest for healthy hair, your scalp requires a similar multi-step approach to that of your dermis. “Think of your scalp as you do your skin,” says Harrods trichologist, Ricardo Vila Nova. That means rebalancing your scalp, adding hydration, and choosing the right ingredients according to your scalp type.
But while a healthy scalp translates to healthier, shinier strands, a compromised one might result in tell-tale signs of dehydration, itchiness, and split ends. The latter may be triggered by a number of reasons, including lifestyle habits and stress, but a back-to-back schedule (read: the influx of heat styling, hair products, and washing) are some of the main culprits. Because, just like a string of social plans can take a toll on your complexion, your scalp is likely to suffer the consequences of endless weddings or hopping from one beach holiday to the next.
So, from understanding the root cause of an unhealthy scalp to getting to grips with the basics of scalp treatments, consider this your ultimate guide to help restore and revive your scalp.
Firstly, why is it important to look after your scalp?
Your scalp and your complexion aren’t all that different. Both require regular cleansing (to remove dirt, oil, and debris), exfoliation, and hydration. The difference, however, is that your scalp has hair follicles; these are essential for the look and feel of your overall hair. “The hair follicles depend on your scalp condition as healthy hair needs to grow on a balanced scalp with the right levels of hydration,” says Vila Nova. “A scalp that’s imbalanced or experiences excess oil, dandruff, and product build-up may affect the hair texture or hair structure,” he adds. Worse yet, if you don’t look after your scalp these imbalances may cause excessive hair loss as well as hair thinning and breakage.
How to take care of your scalp in between events
For special events or during the summer months when your hair has undergone excessive heat styling or has been exposed to the sun, you’ll want to add rich hydrating oils; formulas that provide glossiness, and nourishing masks that'll help repair the structure of your hair,” says Ricardo. There are a range of products that you can incorporate into your haircare routine to help tend to the scalp, but Vila Nova also recommends the occasional scalp harmonisation facial – it's a tailored and magical treatment that'll nourish and replenish anyone's scalp. “The products that are used within the facial are enriched with vital nutrients to cater to your scalp's needs. And the treatment itself also includes a thorough cleanse and scalp massage to tone, soothe and rebalance your scalp,” he shares.
What’s the difference between a healthy and unhealthy scalp?
Dandruff, oiliness, itchiness, and even a burning sensation are all tell-tale signs that your scalp is not happy. This can be caused from a number of reasons, including genetics, stress, and excessive products. “If you have a sensitive scalp you should avoid high detergent-based shampoos and look for more hypoallergenic formulas,” says Ricardo. Healthy scalps, however, are itchy-free. “Your scalp should not look too red or feel inflamed. A healthy scalp is also reflected in the appearance of your hair in terms of growth, shine, glossiness, and strength,” he adds. And if you’re unsure about your scalp type Vila Nova suggests, a hair DNA scan to get to know more about your hair and scalp. “From this test, I'll understand what precise ingredients will benefit your hair as well as the protein synthesis and also vitamin deficiencies that lead to imbalances.” As for your at-home scalp routine? From serums to exfoliators, see our editor-approved picks, below.
The Scalp Serum
Sisley Revitalizing Fortifying SerumStruggling with hair loss or thinning? Scalp serums are a simple and effective way to help improve the strength, density, and overall growth of your hair. Look for those that nourish and hydrate your scalp while also adding vitamins and nutrients to support hair growth, such as Hair Rituel by Sisley's Revitalizing Fortifying Serum. Packed with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this serum has been clinically tested to support hair strength and density. It feeds your scalp with scalp-loving nutrients (think magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, zinc, and copper) adding shine and glossiness. Just add a few pipettes and apply it to sections of dry or damp hair or on any areas of hair thinning.
The Scalp Cleanser
Philip Kingsley Flaky/ Itchy Scalp ShampooFor optimum scalp health, frequent, thorough cleansing is a must. “Cleansing your scalp avoids toxin build-up from products but also from excessive oil production,” says Vila Nova. The Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo is designed to do just that, removing any flaking, product, and oil build-up, and restoring the scalp’s microflora balance. Formulated by trichologists, you can use this soothing shampoo daily or as part of your weekly haircare routine to effectively help rid your scalp of dandruff, itchiness, irritation and flakiness. The result? Healthy, shiny hair and an itch-free scalp.
The Hair Mask
Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Radiance & Repair MaskA neverending social schedule can play havoc with the health of your hair – and particularly, if you're using extra heat styling tools which can cause hair breakage and split ends. How to restore hair health from root to tip? Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Double R Radiance & Repair Mask. It not only deep conditions the scalp and hair to provide hydration, but it also helps strengthen your ends and protect it from damage in the long run. A serious multitasker, the hair mask combines the power of two high-performance masks to restore and repair all at once. How does it work its magic? The result of a decade’s research that led to the unique Blackbee Honey Repair technology, it harnesses the power of honey as well as phytoceramides (to lock in moisture), arginine (to smooth) and D-panthenol (to fortify) to tackle a multitude of scalp and hair concerns in one go.
The at-home treatment
Augustinus Bader Scalp Treatment“An itchy and uncomfortable scalp could be down to product build-up, which can affect the formation of your hair at the root. This is due to an accumulation of residue on the follicles causing hair to shrink in diameter,” says Vila Nova. “Hair thinning and a lack of growth are very common when there is scalp build-up (often from excessive use of styling products or increased levels of dandruff and flakiness),” he adds. At-home treatments aim to tackle this product build-up and are a great addition to your scalp routine to help stimulate hair growth. For salon-worthy results at home, the Augustinus Bader Scalp Treatment is as luxurious as they come. It’s been formulated without any irritants so that the fragrance-free treatment can work effectively without disrupting your scalp barrier. The formula helps support keratin and collagen production; it boosts the function of your hair follicles to improve hair growth and restores the scalp’s natural pH level meaning all-around healthier-looking hair.
The Scalp Exfoliator
Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub"Those with very oily and flaky scalps should exfoliate more often than those with a dry scalp," says Vila Nova. “In general, I would recommend once a week for scalp exfoliation.” Exfoliating your scalp helps slough away dead skin cells around the hair follicle, helping to improve signs of flakiness as well as encouraging hair growth. Harnessing the power of physical (exfoliating beads) and chemical exfoliants (alpha hydroxy acids and fruit extracts), the Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub combines the brand’s signature complex and long-loved scent with a powerhouse of ingredients to help combat oxidative stress and exfoliate your scalp. Use it as a weekly treatment as you would your skincare exfoliator to deeply purify and cleanse.
The leave-in conditioner
Sol De Janeiro Milky Leave-in ConditionerLeave-in conditioners come with myriad benefits when it comes to hydration, helping to strengthen, hydrate and draw in moisture. Plus, one of the biggest wins? They’re super easy to use – simply apply to damp ends and leave on for a smoother, more hydrated, and frizz-free finish. Going the extra mile to protect and nourish your precious strands the Sol De Janeiro Leave-in Conditioner doesn’t stop at nourishing thirsty ends, it also minimises frizz, detangles unruly hair, protects against heat damage, and adds weightless hydration.
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