How To Look After Your Scalp In 4 Simple Steps
“Traditionally our scalp is overlooked. We’re accustomed to cleansing and conditioning our hair, but in reality, our scalp needs to be treated in the same way we care for our skin,” says Nancy Twine, founder of Briogeo. “We exfoliate our face to remove dry skin and debris so we can reap the benefits of our serums and moisturisers, and this is what we should be doing for our scalp too.”
Much like your skin, the follicles in your scalp can become clogged, resulting in dryness and irritation. Using the right scalp products can really help decongest and deeply cleanse the area. Here are four steps we should all be following to keep our scalps happy and healthy…
Step 1: Exfoliate Your Scalp Regularly
We’ve all mastered the exfoliation step in our skincare routine but now’s the time to apply the same logic your scalp. “The best way to do this is with a gentle physical exfoliant which has been balanced with moisturising ingredients to combat any dryness,” advises Nancy, who suggests doing this once or twice a week to wash away product build-up and dry skin.
Aveda Exfoliating Light Shampoo is perfect for anyone who wants a very gentle exfoliation. If you have more time, we recommend the NEW Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask, $34.00. Packed full of charcoal, tea tree, peppermint and spearmint, the formula hydrates, soothes and nourishes your scalp while rinsing away product build-up. Apply directly to a clean scalp and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing and conditioning as normal. We’re also fans of Drunk Elephant T.L.C Happi Scalp Scrub if we’ve been using lots of styling products.
Step 2: Use A Targeted Treatment
A scalp serum or targeted treatment will help hydrate and nourish your scalp. For those who want a fuss-free approach, Virtue Scalp Supplement, $58.00 can be used on dry hair overnight and delivers a potent dose of hair-boosting vitamins, peptides and probiotics to your scalp. We also love the Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment, $58.50 for stressed-out scalps. It works wonders for relieving, calming and banishing pesky dandruff. If you’re craving fuller-looking hair, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, $21.70 is worth the investment. The cocktail of peptides and caffeine in this scalp serum promises to bolster the thickness and density of your locks.
Step 3: Be Mindful Of Dry Shampoo
If you’re an avid dry shampoo user, scalp care is even more crucial. “Most dry shampoos contain starch to absorb excess oils and, while this alone isn’t harmful, if it builds up on your scalp it can cause irritation such as dryness, redness and itchiness,” warns Aveda’s Creative Director, Michael Lendon. Try to skip using dry shampoo every day and be sure to properly cleanse your hair and scalp after using it so it doesn’t clog your hair follicles.
Step 4: Consider A Scalp Massage
Boosting the blood supply to your scalp is another top tip. A scalp massage will do exactly that by encouraging circulation and stimulating the follicles, which can lead to increased hair growth. Spend a few minutes working your shampoo into your scalp or even use a handheld massaging tool, such as Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager, $18.00, which can be used on both wet and dry hair. Avoid unwanted knots and tangles by using small circular movements and applying medium pressure. Another quick and easy way you can boost circulation is by rinsing your hair with cold water since this allows your blood capillaries to expand and the blood to flow quicker and easier.
