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Contrary to popular belief, skincare goes beyond your go-to cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. While most folks follow a standard face care routine, the same can’t be said for their scalps. Yes, your scalp, although covered by hair, is also skin, too. Ladosha Wright, RevAir’s Resident Expert, trichologist, and salon owner, shares that “the scalp is by far the most overlooked aspect of hair health.” And like your face care regimen, failing to use the right scalp care products can cause multiple issues, including a dry and itchy scalp.
So, what is the best way to treat a dry, itchy scalp? Before treating the condition, it’s essential to understand why it occurs. Wright shares that “hormones are the most common culprit for dry scalp.” Hormones regulate oil (sebum) production, which helps to keep the scalp moisturized. So, a hormonal imbalance can affect the level of sebum produced and lead to dry scalp. Improper shampoo techniques and using the wrong shampoo can also cause dryness.
As for an itchy scalp, anything from allergic reactions to scalp disorders (psoriasis, eczema, etc.) can cause the discomfort. However, she says it’s best to “identify why itchy scalp is present through process of elimination,” so you can move accordingly.
There’s no way to maintain a strong foundation for hair growth without a balanced scalp care routine. According to Wright, part of the problem lies with folks not being able to identify what a healthy scalp should look like. “A healthy scalp is lighter and can appear translucent,” she says. “It’s also free of sores and open wounds, which both would require medical attention. Most people confuse an unclean scalp with being unhealthy. An unclean scalp is just that—it is unclean.” Wright shares that “the clear-cut signs that your scalp needs cleaning are flakes, odor, and itchiness.”
YouTube University and TikTok’s #HairTok will tell you that using a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and the occasional deep conditioner should cover all the bases. However, it goes beyond those haircare staples. “The secret to healthy hair lies in using haircare products that are uniquely formulated to complement the flora of the scalp and respect the function of the follicle,” Wright says.
If you’re ready to get your scalp care game in order, it’s time to take action. Keep reading for seven scalp care products—from shampoos to detoxes—to give your scalp proper TLC.
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