Scalp Care Is the New Skincare: Where to Begin
Healthy hair starts at the root. A trichologist walks us through the modern scalp routine, ingredient by ingredient.
If your hair feels lifeless, lacks shine or is shedding more than usual, the answer is rarely a new conditioner. The answer is almost always your scalp.
The scalp is an extension of facial skin and behaves accordingly. It can become dehydrated, congested, sensitized or out of balance — and when it does, hair growth and quality suffer.
A modern scalp routine includes three pillars. First, a weekly exfoliation using a gentle BHA or enzyme scrub to clear product buildup. Second, a daily massage with a soft silicone tool to stimulate circulation. Third, a lightweight scalp serum — peptides, caffeine and rosemary extract are the most evidence-supported actives.
Avoid heavy oils on the scalp itself unless you are addressing a specific dryness issue. They can suffocate follicles and worsen shedding over time.
Give a new scalp routine at least three full hair-growth cycles — roughly twelve weeks — before evaluating results. The change is quiet, then dramatic.