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Hair

Consider The Scalp

Spoiler Alert: The secret sauce to radiant hair is scalp care.

Text Başak Ulubilgen

October 6, 2023

In the world of hair care, we often find ourselves captivated by luscious locks, vibrant colors, and stylish cuts. But what if we told you that the true secret to achieving the hair of your dreams lies not just in caring for your hair strands or salon visits but in something far more fundamental – your scalp? Like our faces, the skin on our heads needs a proper cleansing, peeling, and particular care routine. Welcome to our exploration of scalp care and why it’s the secret sauce to your quest for beauty. Although the skin on the top of your head is often neglected, your scalp is the foundation upon which your hair’s health is built, and today, we’ll unveil the importance of giving it the care and attention it truly deserves with a carefully selected group of products. Choose your fighter(s) below.

Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager, $33

Here comes a recent TikTok favorite: The mighty scalp massager. Sure, one might think it’s just a placebo effect, but it actually helps exfoliate and stimulate your scalp. It also feels good on your head. The key is to be gentle and not agitate the scalp, which might cause additional hair fallout. You can use it alone or with a scalp serum/oil. You can also use it every day and whenever you feel like it. Valerie says she uses this very scalp massager when applying her masks before showering and when she wants to feel relaxed at the end of a long day.

Officine Universelle Buly 1803 Tamanu Fruit Oil, €24

Thoughtful formulations of Buly 1803 strike again in this oil, which has Tamanu fruit rich in linoleic acid. It helps protect the skin from external aggression, while vitamin E prevents cell oxidation. A suitable match for dry scalps or eczema skin, this oil would go perfectly well with a scalp massager!

Act+Acre Scalp Gua Sha, $48

You’ve probably used a gua sha on your face or body, but have you ever tried it on your head? This comb-shaped gua sha is a natural jade stone. You can use it on a wet or dry scalp for promoting microcirculation or with a serum/oil; it will help the product penetrate better into the skin. It comes with a cute pouch.

Hair Rituel by Sisley Revitalizing Fortifying Serum, $225

Your scalp needs serums, too, and this one may be the Rolls-Royce of the specific hair care category. The universal serum from Sisley Paris sums up scalp care perfectly: Through regular application, it aims for shinier, healthier locks. Soothing the gentle scalp skin is another bonus. The vitamin and mineral-packed serum’s lightweight texture makes it ideal for a quick massage without getting your hair oily.

Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo, $32

When you want a thorough cleanse, a clarifying shampoo is the way to go. This classic from Bumble and bumble has Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), a cleanser known for removing impurities and build-up. It’s versatile because it can be used as its own or before your regular shampoo for a double cleanse. It has a refreshing scent of cassis, cyclamen, and mint. Sunday Shampoo is suitable for all types except color-treated hair.

Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment, $83

The luxury skincare favorite Augustinus Bader has formulated a multi-talented hair serum, and of course, it has the brand’s celebrated (and patented) ingredient, TFC8. The fragrance-free treatment serum’s benefits include helping prevent hair loss, protecting against UV radiation and pollution, balancing the scalp’s pH level, and refreshing and soothing the skin.

Christophe Robin Purifying Conditioner Gelée, $39

This conditioner is for sensitive or oily scalps. It infuses sea salt, marine micronutrients, and sea minerals to soothe the scalp and detangle hair. It also has anti-pollution properties, so a conditioner like this could benefit a more cleansed scalp and hair if you're living in a big city.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo, $25

Are you looking to find a dry shampoo that does it all? Here’s a non-aerosol dry shampoo that allows for a targeted application. Its ingredients include a unique type of charcoal for detoxification, biotin for elasticity support, clay, tapioca, and rice starch complex to absorb excess oil, and witch hazel to balance scalp skin. Everyone can use it, but people with oily scalp tendencies will benefit from it the most.

Crown Affair The Cleansing Scrub, $54

A scrub is an essential part of scalp care. And besides, is there anything better than when your whole head feels lighter? That’s what scrubs do for your skin — give it room to breathe, mainly if you use styling products daily. This one from Crown Affair has extra-fine granules of Bolivian Pink Salt that gently exfoliate and dissolve in water. The scrub’s scent (a signature combination of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass) turns your weekly scrub session into a spa experience.

Kérastase Spécifique Masque Hydra-Apaisant, $68

The silicone-free formula of this mask aims to prevent external aggressions like pollution, cigarette smoke, or sun exposure with a dipeptide called L-carnosine. It also contains Vitamin E to protect the hair and reduce fading of color and moringa to provide softness. Apply and massage onto wet scalp and hair. Leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse.

Reverie Haircare Cake Restorative Scalp Tonic, $72

With a smart blend of hydrolyzed protein from the lupine plant, apple stem cells, and Indian senna, this serum helps increase circulation, supports follicle health, and hydrates the scalp while protecting against environmental stressors. Its subtle scent comes from rose hydrosol, which is also helpful for soothing irritated skin. Use it on wet or dry scalp, and massage the product well.

Slip Silk Pillowcase, $89

Your hair needs its beauty sleep, too! Slip’s pillowcases are made with high-grade long-fiber mulberry silk, which helps reduce frizz. They are also a better option for your skin, absorbing less product as you sleep the night away. If you’re struggling with the ever-dreaded bedhead, silk pillowcases can help you start the day with more ruly morning hair.

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