We often neglect an oily scalp.
Earlier, when I used to think about hair care, I used to think that by using a good shampoo or conditioner, the hair will become good and the hair will become soft and was mostly focused on these things, but now I realized that scalp is skin too but we do not pay attention to it.
When I started reading about Scalp Skincare, I found this concept quite interesting. It is skin too but because there is hair on it, we cannot see it daily like our face.
Nowadays, there is talk of giving more attention to the scalp and hair care, that is, instead of focusing only on the length and ends of the hair, people are also looking at the cleanliness of the scalp and their routine.
What is scalp skincare?
For me, scalp skincare means adopting a simple care routine to keep the scalp clean and comfortable.
Just as the skin of the face can be different for different people, similarly the scalp is not the same every day, some people’s roots can be oily, but some can have dry ends and some can have dry roots.
That’s why scalp care does not mean that you should follow the same routine every day or buy a lot of new products. I think it is better to first observe your scalp and then think about the products and washing routine accordingly.
Why is the scalp being treated like skin?
In hair care, we often talk about things like shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and serum, but not every one of these is for the scalp.
For example, hair serums are generally designed for the length and ends of the hair, while some products are specifically designed for the scalp.
Understanding this difference was also very useful for me because just because a product is labeled for hair does not guarantee that it can be used on the scalp, so now it seems time to consider the scalp as a separate part of the hair routine.
What is Scalp Exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation is a part of scalp skincare that is much talked about these days. In simple words, the purpose of scalp exfoliating products is to help in cleaning the extra buildup present on the surface of the scalp.
But here I definitely want to remind you that there is no need to scrub the scalp too hard.
If you want to use any quality exfoliating product, then first of all you should see the instructions given on its packaging. The method and frequency of using it are not the same for every product.
And if the scalp is uncomfortable, then the new exfoliating product should not be included in the routine immediately.
What is Scalp Serum?
Nowadays, scalp serum is also seen a lot in hair care. It is not right to consider scalp serum and hair serum as the same thing. Hair serum is generally for hair lengths whereas scalp serum is specially made to be applied on the scalp.
Different scalp serums can have different purposes, so instead of buying a product just by looking at the trend, it is better to check its ingredients, method of use and purpose.
In my opinion, scalp serum is not an everyday need. If your current routine is simple and you do not need any special product, then it is not necessary to add serum.
What does Scalp Hydration mean?
We often focus on oily scalp, forgetting that the scalp may be different from person to person.
For some people, the scalp may become dry and tight, while for some people, the roots may become oily more quickly.
Therefore, it is not necessary to focus only on reducing oil in scalp care. Instead of creating a very complicated routine with too many products, it is better to have a simple routine that keeps the scalp comfortable.
It should also be remembered that hydrating the scalp does not mean making it too oily.
Oily Scalp or Dry Scalp?
Before starting scalp skincare, it may be useful to understand the general conditions of your scalp.
If the roots feel greasy after some time of washing, then your scalp may be on the oily side.
On the other hand, if the scalp feels dry, tight then it may indicate dryness.
Some people may have dry hair length & oily roots, in such a situation it is not necessary to use one type of product on the entire hair.
So observing my scalp and lengths separately is more important.
What is Scalp Buildup?
Scalp Buildup is a big term in scalp care.
Oily styling products, along with the residue from dry shampoo and other hair products, may accumulate at the roots.
But it is not right to consider every flake as buildup.
If there is constant itching, irritation or flakes on the scalp, then it should not be ignored by thinking of it as product buildup.
In such a situation, it is better to seek the help of a qualified professional instead of trying many products on your own.
Understand the Scalp Before Buying Hair Products
In my opinion, this is the most useful part of scalp skincare.
We see a new shampoo, scalp serum or oil on social media and immediately think that maybe we should try it too.
But not every trending product is necessary for every person.
If the roots get oily quickly and you use very heavy products there, perhaps it is not suitable for you.
Similarly, if the scalp feels dry, then instead of following a very difficult, harsh routine, a simple routine may work better.
My Simple Scalp Care Routine
There is no need to complicate scalp care.
Keep the scalp clean:
Shampooing as per your routine is the basic step. The purpose of shampoo is to clean the scalp and hair.
Don’t overcomplicate your routine:
It is not necessary to add new trends to your routine. If a simple routine is enough, then there is no need to increase it with too many products.
Observing your scalp:
Do the roots become oily quickly? Does the scalp feel dry? Do the roots feel heavy after the product? Such small observations can help in understanding your roots.
Use products wisely:
Hair products are not meant for the scalp. Before buying a product, its purpose should be checked.
Introducing new products gradually:
If you are using scalp serums or exfoliating products, it is simpler to follow the instructions on the product instead of adding a lot of new things at one time.
Finally my suggestion
Scalp skincare is not a very complicated thing for me but it made me think that hair care should not be limited only to the length and ends of the hair.
Scalp is also a part of our overall hair care routine, so instead of ignoring it completely, it can be useful to understand its basic needs.
If you also pay a lot of attention to hair care but do not take the scalp very seriously, then next time before buying a new product, take a look at the basic needs of your scalp.
Want to learn more about hair treatments? Read our guide on Keratin Vs X-Tenso
FAQs
What is scalp skincare?
Scalp skincare involves adopting a suitable care routine to keep your scalp clean and comfortable.
What is scalp exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation is a scalp care step that uses special products to clean excess residue and buildup on the scalp’s surface.
Is scalp serum necessary?
No, a scalp serum is not necessary for everyone. It depends on your scalp condition and your concern.
What’s the difference between Oily and Dry Scalp?
In oily scalp, the roots can quickly become oily whereas in dry scalp, the scalp can feel dry and tight or develop flakes.
What is scalp buildup?
Scalp buildup is the accumulation of residual oils and residue from different hair products on the scalp or roots.