A new field of hair care: scalp care

The pursuit of beautiful appearance, healthy and beautiful hair is the important key. So what is the secret to having healthy hair? The answer is a healthy scalp. Top brands solve the problem by studying how the scalp affects hair health, the causes of the problem, and understanding products and ingredients that can improve hair. Vogue interviewed experts to learn more about hair care.

What exactly does your scalp do?

Think of your scalp as an extension of the skin on your forehead. Philip Kingsley’s chief hair scientist Anabel Kingsley explained, “The scalp has oil glands and sweat glands, which constantly have skin cell metabolism. However, the scalp has more oil and sweat glands than any other part of the skin, because every hair follicle is attached to the sebaceous glands. superior,”. She added, “Your scalp is a living tissue, a micro-ecosystem that can support your hair follicles and the hair that grows from them.

Is shampoo enough?

Simply put, not enough. Since the skin on the scalp is subject to the same environmental damage as the skin on other parts of the body, and in fact produces more sebum and oil than other skins, it is reasonable to maintain the scalp in a similar way to facial care.

Anabel Kingsley suggested, “Just like your face, daily care and weekly exfoliation are good for your scalp,”. “This is especially true if you have scalp problems, such as dandruff. Just as you use targeted products for your facial skin to solve facial skin problems every day, when your scalp is out of balance, you should use targeted active Ingredients of the product.

Nancy Twine, the founder of the natural hair care brand Briogeo, has studied the scalp in depth when developing her product line. “When I researched scalp problems, I found that many of them are caused by the accumulation of products, sebum, grease and dirt, which can clog hair follicles. These dirt accumulated on the scalp are itchy, uncomfortable scalp, dandruff and even hair loss. The culprit. In trying to find a solution, we focused on finding the key ingredients that can detoxify and remove dirt from the scalp and hair follicles.

How to know if there is a problem with the scalp?

Itching, discomfort, sensitivity, dandruff, redness and acne are all signs of scalp imbalance. Nancy Twine added, “Another symptom is that the scalp is too greasy. Long-term use of styling products, sweat and natural sebum will accumulate on the scalp and hair, especially those containing silicone, which can cause clogged hair follicles and collapse of the hair; Excessive use can cause inflammation of the hair follicles and even hair loss. Regular detoxification of the hair and scalp can prevent this and reduce the need for daily shampooing.

When the scalp is in good condition, the hair has a foundation for healthy growth. Anabel Kingsley said, “In terms of hair appearance, if your scalp is clean, your hair roots will be elastic and shiny,”. “A healthy scalp should be clean and fresh, without redness, dandruff or sensitivity.

How do the latest treatments work?

Just like skin care or face treatment, exfoliation and moisturizing are necessary for the scalp. Anabel Kingsley suggested, “Philip Kingsley Flaky / Itchy scalp membrane is specially designed for dandruff patients. It contains an innovative triple acid complex of salicylic acid, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, which can exfoliate, cleanse, soothe and moisturize at the same time. It also contains an antifungal active substance, piroctone olamine, which helps to rebalance the microflora of the scalp, while celery seed extract helps control the production of oil.

For problematic scalp, Nancy Twine recommends using charcoal. “It has a unique structure-it has absorption pores on its surface area, which can absorb everything, so when you wash your scalp and hair, it can enter it and wash everything off.”

The four best lifestyles for a healthy scalp:

1. Pay attention to the triggering factors: Full-fat dairy products, such as cheese, white wine, champagne, and high-sugar and spicy foods, usually make the scalp worse. If your scalp is prone to itching or dandruff, be aware of foods and drinks that may make the situation worse. Anabel Kingsley said, “I suggest you use the method of elimination to find foods (if any) that worsen the health of the scalp,”.
2. Increase consumption of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and coenzyme q-10: These supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that can stimulate hair growth and balance the skin on the scalp.
3. Reduce stress as much as possible: Stress increases cortisol (also known as stress hormone), leading to increased sebum secretion. This hormone can also destroy the skin’s defenses and cause irritation and inflammation. This is why when you go through a stressful period, you will find that your scalp will be itchy, dandruff, allergic or greasy. People with scalp diseases, such as psoriasis and dandruff, often find their condition worsened by stress. If this is your case, you should focus on reducing cortisol-take a deep breath, engage in gentle exercise, breathe fresh air, and don’t stare at the screen often. Sleep is also very helpful.
4. Ultraviolet rays: Many people often ignore it in the sun. Don’t forget that your scalp will also be sunburned. You will feel pain at first and then peel off. Long-term sun exposure, UV damage can cause serious changes in cells, such as skin cancer on the scalp, because it is located under the hair and is difficult to detect. To protect the scalp, you can use a non-oily sunscreen spray, just like you sunscreen your body, wearing a headscarf or hat can provide simple protection.

The best scalp care products:

Sisley Scalp Serum

This non-greasy, energizing serum uses plant extracts, a concentrated mixture of protein, vitamins and minerals to treat hair follicles and balance the scalp.

Philip Kingsley Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

A shampoo that can detoxify and exfoliate, deeply cleans pores and removes excess oil on the scalp.

Aveda Pramasana Exfoliating Scalp Brush

This round brush stimulates the scalp and can be used as a massage tool to promote blood circulation before cleaning the hair. It can comb the dirt and impurities accumulated on the scalp while combing the hair.

Kiehl’s deep fine particles exfoliating scalp care

Before washing the hair, this treatment will gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate the surface of the scalp.

Kerastase Paris Cassie Essence

This intensive leave-in serum purifies and protects the scalp from environmental aggressions and promotes healthy hair growth.