Does your haircare routine need a toner and a scrub? This is what a dermat says

A couple of years back, necks were the beauty industry’s pet project. There were neck creams, serums, peels and sheets for the thinner area of skin between the face and décolletage. Now, scalps are the new area on beauty brands' radar. “We now have different products for every scalp concern. It’s not just shampoo, conditioner or hair oil anymore; we have cleansers, scrubs, hair masks, sunscreen scalp sprays and so much more. “Some of the ingredients I really like for scalp care products are ceramides, peptides and Vitamin C, to help nourish, hydrate and strengthen the scalp; salicylic acid and tea tree for exfoliation and oil control; and keratin proteins and avocado oil for smoother shinier hair,” says Mumbai-based celebrity skincare expert, Dr Harshna Biljani. If you’ve always subscribed to the ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ formula in your skincare routine, you can now use it to take care of a highly inflammatory scalp as well. What should you know before investing in scalp-only products? Dr Bijlani shares her thoughts.

Love double cleansing your face? Add the step to your scalp care routine as well

Double cleansing your face—first with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based gel or foam—is key to remove all traces of dirt, grime and makeup on the face. But does it work for the scalp too? Try a cleansing oil shampoo to remove oil and product build-up by focusing on the roots and lathering till your crown is thoroughly washed. Then, after rinsing, use a shampoo meant for your specific hair type to deep clean strands. “If you have an oily scalp, pick something that will not only help you control the excessive oil production on your scalp, but also clean the dirt and dead skin cells on top. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil or neem. If you have a dry scalp, opt for a milder cleanser with hydrating ingredients like urea, aloe vera or avocado,” says Dr Bijlani. She recommends ending with a conditioner on the ends to protect hair elasticity and prevent your tresses from drying out.

Use a toner to balance your scalp

The scalp is the bedrock of the hair, since that’s where follicles grow and are nurtured. An ill-balanced scalp can lead to conditions like dandruff, hair loss and hair breakage. Excess sebum, product build-up, using hot water on the scalp and bacterial overgrowth can cause this lack of balance. Incidentally, these are the same conditions that cause acne and irritation on the face. Toners work as astringents to close pores and rebalance pH levels. Scalp tonics work similarly, absorbing excess oil and creating an environment that fights bacterial overgrowth.

Scrubbing the scalp can help get rid of build-up

Mechanical exfoliation for the face is super satisfying—it leaves you with a squeaky clean canvas that glows and has an even tone. Considering the dust and grime that often gets stuck in your hair, exfoliating your scalp regularly is a good habit as well. “Using a scalp scrub once in a week should suffice, depending on your scalp type. If you have an oily scalp, you can exfoliate every two weeks, or as and when you feel it getting oily and sticky. Make sure you’re not too abrasive when using a scalp scrub, as most scrubs have some kind of salt pieces in them, which could cause micro-abrasions on the scalp,” says Dr Bijlani.

Yes, the scalp needs sun protection too

Sun protection is absolutely non-negotiable for your face, and doctors are of the opinion that it shouldn’t stop at the hairline. Even though the scalp is covered by hair, the UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburns and make your strands brittle. Plus, the scalp, like any other part of the body, is susceptible to skin cancer. The ingredients in your regular sunscreen are enough, but the formula can be too messy to be applied at the scalp. Formulated hair sunscreens are usually sprays that make them easier to use, but there are other varieties available as well. “Using a scalp sunscreen that is powder, spray or mousse-based is a good idea,” confirms Dr Bijlani. “Otherwise, you can protect your scalp by wearing a hat, scalp or cap,” she concludes.

Also read:

Why you need a haircare routine that’s as sophisticated as your skincare

Why the biggest hair care mistake you could make is to ignore your scalp

5 expert-approved DIY hair masks for an itchy, dandruff-prone scalp