Healthy hair begins at the roots, literally. However, most of us are guilty of giving the skin on our faces much more TLC than the skin on our scalps. All that neglect could result in an itchy, flaky scalp that may also be sensitised. And an unhealthy scalp affects your hair making it thin, dry, brittle, lacklustre as well as prone to shedding.
Using conditioners and masks can temporarily bring life back to your lengths, but getting to the root of the matter will really help revive your hair. Adding scalp care products that go directly to the area that needs some TLC will help create a healthy environment for hair to grow. From hydrating and revitalising to exfoliating and detoxing, here are some scalp care products that will keep your scalp and hair healthy.
A build up of sebum, sweat, dead skin, pollution and styling product can lead to itching, flakes and inflammation while clogging hair follicles to inhibit hair growth. Gently exfoliate the scalp with this Beta Hydroxy Acid serum that goes deep into the pores to remove gunk while also balancing oil production. Other key ingredients like Luidipure™ and panthenol help to soothe the scalp and reduce redness while hydrating and moisturising scalp and hair.
Developed specifically to encourage hair growth, Michiru Hair Growth Tonic is fuss-free and convenient to use. It’s also free from silicones, colourant and parabens, making it gentle and soothing for itchy and sensitive scalps. Most uniquely, the tonic comes in a foam texture which helps it to quickly penetrate the scalp. Packed with niacinamide, menthol and vitamin E, it’s anti-inflammatory with a refreshed feeling, and also contains high-quality Japanese botanical essences like sakura, silk powder, senburi, and brown rice. Read more about the product range here.
Just like the rest of our skin, dead skin cells, dirt and grime also accumulate on our scalp. This leads to clogged hair follicles, which eventually restricts healthy hair growth. Taking a two-pronged approach to encourage fuller hair, this scalp serum works to clear away debris on our scalp while stimulating hair bulbs. Thanks to a blend of AHA, niacin and caffeine, it helps purge your scalp while delivering nutrients to the hair follicles. You may feel that your hair and scalp feel lighter and more refreshed. With prolonged use, your hair may also start to feel thicker over time.
Reinvigorate your hair follicles with this non-greasy formula as it tones the scalp and strengthens hair follicles during the growth phase. A blend of wheat, soybean, and ginseng extract works to provide an energy boost to the hair bulbs as it replenishes the scalp with essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. Pro-vitamin B5, biotin, and others also help reinforce the hair shaft so that you may experience less hair breakage.
At the heart of this formula is Minoxidil, a powerful ingredient that’s clinically proven to offer visible results for those who are facing hair loss. All you have to do is apply twice daily onto scalp and massage to boost absorption and stimulate micro-circulation. When absorbed into the scalp, it works by rejuvenating hair follicles and helping them function optimally again. Its mess-free spray pump helps reduce wastage and enables you to apply precisely on areas needed effortlessly.
Stress, pollution, chemical styling and using the wrong products for your scalp type can compromise the scalp barrier making it prone to redness, sensitivity and acne. Strengthen the scalp barrier and alleviate dryness with this lightweight leave-in serum that is packed with ingredients that mimic the scalp’s natural moisturising factors to keep it hydrated and healthy. It also has hyaluronic acid and squalane (which are also produced in the skin) that further hydrate the scalp.
Thinning hair? Tackle the root of the problem with this concentrate. Packed with peptides and vitamins, it boosts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Pro-Vitamin B5 provides long-lasting moisture, and vitamin E protects the hair from free radical damage. With extended use, the scalp is healthier and hair is stronger and less prone to falling and breakage.
Sensitised, irritated and fussy scalps require extra TLC and this serum envelopes the scalp with a blend of ingredients that soothe redness, boost scalp barrier health and increase hydration levels. It also helps fight of premature signs of ageing like scalp dryness and laxity. When you wake up, your scalp is calm, balanced and stronger.
If you have an oily and irritated, dandruff-prone scalp, this handy leave-in treatment is formulated to nourish, relieve, and rebalance scalps, especially in humid tropical climates. It’s made with no less than 48 herbs like rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint that have antibacterial properties to naturally soothe your scalp while banishing odours and controlling sebum levels. Use on towel-dried hair and spray it directly onto your scalp, massaging gently with fingertips.
Formulated without silicones, this vinegar finishing lotion purifies oily hair to maintain clean and fresh hair longer between washes. It restores shine, detangles the hair, and soothes the scalp. Simply spray it over the scalp and massage the head to leave your scalp feeling refreshed.
For those who prefer physical exfoliation the gentle sugar crystals slough off dead skin, debris and product build up for a refreshed scalp that is ready to take in the nutrients from your scalp tonic. It also features probiotics that boost the scalp’s natural defence system. Bonus: you can even use it on your body. We love a multi-purpose product.
Featuring ginger, a TCM and Ayurveda favourite, this serum helps to nourish and rebalance the scalp. Ginger, which is known for its purifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, soothes dry, flaky scalps between washes. White willow and birch bark extracts gently exfoliate and balance sebum. Scalp is reset and revitalised in a few uses.
Reinvigorate limp locks and relieve itchiness with this nutrient-packed leave-in hair treatment that’s been approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration. It’s also formulated with a potent blend of herbal extracts that work to encourage hair growth, as well as L-menthol, salicylic acid, and D-panthanol. Use it after you’ve cleansed your hair.
Though this is not a scalp-nourishing product, it’s essential to protect the scalp from the sun’s UV rays just as you would the skin on your face and body. Lightweight, with a non-greasy feel, this sunscreen protects skin from UVA and UVB rays and a cocktail of antioxidants helps defend the skin from infrared light.
Tackle flakes, soothe itchiness, hydrate and calm extremely dry scalps with this nourishing serum. While you sleep, a combination of celery seed oil, frankincense extract and minerals work had to hydrate the scalp while rebalancing vital bacteria. Dead skin is lifted away thanks to lactic acid, and a blend of oat-based ingredients intensely hydrates the scalp to keep it strong and healthy.