Scalp care is turning heads like never before. Hair care products are going through innovation that was previously reserved for skincare. It is the new-found gateway to healthy hair, and rightly so––poor scalp conditions such as oiliness, clogged follicles or inflammation are linked to all of our most common concerns like dry, dull hair, split ends, premature greying and even balding. In a theatrical multi-step beauty ritual, add a few extra moves to care for your scalp the way you do your face.
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A scalp essential to invest in
To begin with, if you’re someone who daringly opts for a hair wash every day, “use a gentle, non-medicated shampoo and conditioner, followed by a scalp serum,” prescribes celebrity dermatologist Dr Niketa Sonavane, who also endorses “massaging the scalp with coconut oil or pure aloe vera gel” to neutralise a dry scalp before washing hair.
Tira recommends: SP Scalp Balance Shampoo for Delicate Scalps
What you can do weekly
On lazy Sunday mornings, show some TLC to your scalp by whipping up a hair mask with “hibiscus, shikakai and amla powder,” like skin specialist Dr Parul Khot, who swears by these conditioning ingredients. She also suggests using an anti-dandruff scalp cleanser with ketoconazole to control yeast growth, relieve itchiness and prevent fungal infections as part of a healthy scalp routine once a week or so.
Tira recommends: Brillare Dandruff Control Oil Shots For Itchy, Flaky Scalp
What you can do monthly
Going the extra mile will take you into the territory of an aesthetic dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal, who mentions tried-and-true clinical hair care treatments such as “scalp exfoliation, micro-needling, laser therapy and peels.” She affirms, “A monthly protein or hydrating spa is like a mini-facial but for your scalp.” She emphasises a healthy scalp care routine as “the first step to controlling hair problems.” So, shift your focus away from the problem and to its source!
Tira recommends: De Fabulous Get Closer Scalp Aid Conditioner
Take note of these scalp care tips for taming the mane of your dreams:
- Treat yo’ scalp from the inside out. Eat a balanced diet with protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs or nuts, seeds and legumes.
- Use OTC medicated products in extreme cases (they work like a charm). Consult your derm or trichologist to treat your specific hair problem.
- Work hard, play hard and sleep hard. Good sleep helps produce the scalp antioxidant melatonin, which regulates sebum production.
- Take hair supplements to make up for what’s missing. There’s biotin, vitamin D, iron, zinc, omega 3 and vitamin E (consult your doctor about the dosage).
- Hydrate your scalp like you do the rest of your skin. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily and have water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t worry. As cliche as it sounds, the root of all problems is stress, and it’s easy to get caught in its vicious cycle when you shed like a dog.
- Keep an arm's length from junk. Work on cravings, or meditate them away if needed, but avoid processed and sugary foods as much as possible.
- Get sober and stay that way if you can. Alcohol can get in the way of your scalp absorbing nutrients and interfere with your hormones too.
Think of the scalp and hair as siblings, playing favourites is not an option – both can flourish with equal love and attention. Our takeaway: nurture and provide for both generously and without a bias.
