Beauty Breakdown: Our Full Guide To Scalp Care, Expert Tips + Products Included

A few decades ago, using anything but soap and a simple lotion to cleanse and treat the face would have been viewed as excessive and unnecessary. Clearly, times have changed quite a bit. Skin care is the new normal, and it's great to see younger generations prioritizing hygiene and self-care. 

One area that's recently entered the spotlight in this realm: the scalp. While many people equate a healthy scalp to healthy hair, there's much more to this nuanced topic than meets the eye.

It is true that a healthy scalp encourages healthy hair, but that's not all. The scalp is its own beast to tackle, and it requires much different care than the hair. In fact, you should view your scalp as an extension of the face rather than the base of your strands. 

Let's start by clarifying one thing: Scalp care is not the same as hair care, and it shouldn't be approached as such. As we said earlier, your scalp is an extension of your face, so it should really be treated more like basic skin care than hair care. 

While your goal with hair care is to encourage strong, soft strands, you're aiming for something completely different when it comes to the scalp. As certified trichologist and founder of scalp-first hair care brand Act+Acre Helen Reavey puts it, "The goal is to balance the scalp microbiome and keep it in homeostasis." 

When was the last time you really looked at your scalp? Certified trichologist and hair health expert Shab Reslan tells her clients: "Be a little bit more curious about the condition of your scalp." 

Reslan recommends sectioning the hair and looking closely at the scalp in the mirror. Ask yourself the following questions to guide your at-home scalp exam: Can I see product buildup around the follicle? Is there any redness or irritation? Are there any flakes? 

Especially if you see dryness on your scalp or in your strands, using a hydrating product to replenish moisture after exfoliating is key. You wouldn't use an exfoliating serum on your face without slathering on moisturizer after, and the same rule applies here. 

Hair and scalp oils are different from scalp serums. The latter is meant to stay in your hair without feeling greasy or leaving residue. These serums can aid in hair growth, help combat dry patches on the scalp, and overall contribute to microbiome balance. 

It's not a crime to sport your favorite slicked-back style every now and then. Pulling on your scalp every day, however, isn't the best idea. "Pulling back the hairline is going to be harsh because it puts a lot of pressure on the follicle," Starkman says. 

If you are taking proper care of your scalp, then these styles won't be as dangerous, as your scalp will be stronger and more resilient. Nevertheless, try not to make this an everyday occurrence. Everyone's scalp is different and thus, can tolerate different styles. 

There is so much power in your built-in tools. Giving yourself a scalp massage in the shower or with products before or after your rinse can work wonders. "Doing self-massage on the scalp promotes blood flow, which is relevant to natural oxygen in the body. This promotes healthier hair growth," Starkman explains.

If you're spending a long day in the sun, you should be protecting your scalp. You can certainly choose to wear a hat and provide a physical barrier, or you can opt for SPF on the scalp. This will help prevent sunburn, of course, but also keep your scalp microbiome happy, and as you now know, that's the key to a healthy scalp. 

As is with skin care, sometimes at-home treatment just isn't enough. If you are having severe scalp trouble, whether it be excessive and treatment-resistant flaking, irritation, or hair loss, it's best to seek professional assistance. 

This is a classic Ayurvedic tradition that can work wonders for a dry scalp. Find a clean and natural hair oil you love (one of our favorites listed below), and spend some time massaging the oil into your scalp. 

Like we said earlier, pulling the hair into extra-tight hairstyles can severely damage the scalp. Instead, opt for silk hair ties and scrunchies. This way, you can go for updos without worry as the satin won't pull on the scalp as traditional, rubber hair ties would.