WHY IS SCALP CARE SO IMPORTANT?
We pay so much attention to our skin, particularly our faces, treating them to hydration masques, cleansing and moisturising as well as introducing serums and other products, yet we don’t seem to think about our scalps in quite the same way.
What people often forget, is that our scalp is in fact a living, breathing organ, and like our skin, if we’re not careful and we don’t look after it, our scalp can become clogged up, blocked and dull. Hair grows from follicles in the scalp and so it’s important that we look after them, which in turn means we’re helping support the growth of healthy, happy and shiny hair.
When it’s put like that, it makes sense, but where do you start? How should you take care of your scalp?
We recommend a scalp care regime that cleanses, nourishes and exfoliates the scalp, as well as protecting it from the elements, in the same way that we look after our skin. It should not only be straight forward and simple, but enjoyable and easy too, so that way we’re more prepared to stick with it, and relish the benefits in the longer term.
CLEANSE
Always look for gentle, scalp friendly, cleansing shampoos, avoiding sulphates like SLS which are like strong detergents and can irritate, along with parabens. As we get more familiar with skincare ingredients, take this approach when you look at shampoo, keeping an eye out for ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides.
NOURISH
To keep hair nourished, you’ll need to look out for ingredients that will take care of both the hair follicle and the hair. Key ingredients to keep an eye out for in your shampoos and conditioners are Hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant and hydrates both the scalp and the hair follicle, Keratin, a thickening protein to provide moisture and thickness as well as ingredients designed to soothe and calm such as aloe vera, chamomile or green tea extract.
EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation will prevent the hair follicles clogging up, lifting any dirt, grime or product build up. Salicylic acid is a great exfoliator and so opting for a shampoo that contains that is an easy way to ensure you're ticking the exfoliation box!
Other things you can do include protecting your scalp from the sun, turning down the heat in the shower as water that is too hot can scald and irritate, as well as being mindful of heated appliances, trying to limit the use of these.
CAN NANOGEN HELP?
Our range of shampoos and conditioners are all SLS and Paraben free. They gently cleanse and exfoliate, taking care of both scalp and hair, promoting healthy hair growth.
DISCLAIMER
While our aim is to provide you with up-to-date and relevant information, this information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss your specific case with a healthcare professional who knows your specific medical history.