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FYI: Your Scalp Needs Skincare Too

Olivia Taylor

Olivia Taylor (she/her) is a writer, self-proclaimed reality TV buff and uses "Real Housewives" references unironically. Her camera roll is filled with Twitter screenshots and she will definitely talk your ear off for as long as you will let her. Find more of her pop culture ramblings just about anywhere on the internet.

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Apr 28, 2023

Let’s be real – you’ve probably been overlooking your scalp. And that’s OK! Most people forget the importance of maintaining a healthy scalp, so we’re here to give you all the tea on caring for your scalp the same way you care for your multistep facial skincare routine (with a few less steps).

What does the scalp even do?

You might think your scalp’s skin is vastly different from the skin on the rest of your body, but that can’t be further from the truth. In fact, the scalp is anatomically similar to the rest of your skin, just with a little extra density. Even more interesting: the scalp doesn’t just produce hair, it protects your brain, too.

So we think it deserves a little extra TLC.

What does a healthy scalp look like?

“We shouldn't see redness, we shouldn't see irritation, and we shouldn't see a lot of scales or buildup,” says dermatologist Michelle Henry to Allure. “It should not feel tender and it should not have an odor.” If your scalp has any of these problems, the issue could be as basic as a bad reaction to a heavily-fragranced shampoo or as complex as an autoimmune condition. That’s why seeing a dermatologist is so important, even for your hair.

How should I care for my scalp?

The same basic principles of skin care generally apply to scalp care. Routinely removing debris, dirt, and oil on your scalp is vital, as is hydrating it. Cleanse your scalp with shampoo, and loosen up the debris pre-shower by running your brush through your hair.

How should I treat scalp conditions?

If you are dealing with abnormal hair breakage, hair loss, excessive oiliness or dryness, itchiness, redness or irritation, you may have a more serious condition. Contact a dermatologist for additional care, as they can help correctly diagnose what may be going on, and outline the best treatment options for you.

What is dandruff and how do I treat it?

Dandruff and dryness aren’t the same thing. Dandruff is the shedding of skin cells from the scalp at an unusually high rate, typically coupled with excessive oil production and the presence of a yeast-like fungus. For some people, dandruff is a chronic condition and may never fully disappear, while others only deal with it for a short time. To many people's surprise, can get dandruff at any age, though it usually starts in puberty and tapers off after the age of about 50, and it’s more common in women than in men. Luckily, mild to moderate cases of dandruff can usually be treated at home with shampoos that contain antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Dandruff flakes grow fast, so use dandruff shampoo daily when you have a flare-up, and weekly after that.