By Jessica Dostie
At times mistreated and often neglected, the scalp plays an essential role in keeping hair healthy; here are some tips for daily care.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation products for the scalp, also known as scrubs, are growing in popularity; almost every brand now offers them. But is exfoliation really necessary? “Like other skin cells, scalp cells multiply, leaving a buildup of dead cells that, like styling-product residue, doesn’t always disappear completely when you shampoo your hair,” explains Elias Raad, head of medical communications for La Roche-Posay. Used once a week just before shampooing, these hair treatments get rid of deposits of all kinds and unclog hair follicles while restoring shine.
Wash
It’s not a myth—washing your hair too often is harmful, no matter what type of hair you have, Raad says. “It can make the scalp dry and lead to the appearance of dandruff. At the same time, don’t go too long without washing your hair, as sebum and greasy dandruff can build up.” The solution is to choose the right shampoo for your hair type and wash your hair every two, three, or even four days and avoid rinsing with very hot water.
Massage
It helps to massage the scalp, either when you apply the scrub, when you shampoo your hair in the shower, or when your hair is dry, with your fingertips or a silicone tool designed for this purpose. “This activates microcirculation to supply the scalp with nutrients essential to the health of the hair shaft,” Raad says. It’s also a relaxation treatment you can give yourself. But, he adds, be careful not to scrub too hard: like overly aggressive brushing, it can irritate the scalp.
