Guide

4 ways to give your scalp some TLC

13.11.2023

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Yet when was the last time you took care of it? My point exactly. Here are four things you can add to your skincare routine to show your scalp some love.

If there’s one thing I learned from my interview with Dyson’s hair scientist Rob Smith, it’s that the best way to tackle hair problems is to get to the root of them – or rather, the scalp. According to Smith, this is the key to healthy locks. The healthier your scalp, the healthier your hair. That’s why I recently adopted four steps into my care ritual meant to give my scalp the attention it deserves.

How healthy your hair is depends on your scalp. The scalp is covered in hair follicles, which are little cavities in which hair cells develop, keratinise and then push upwards and out of the skin. So grows hair. Now, our visible hair consists of «dead» material, meaning any damage can no longer be reversed, only masked. The hair root is where the real action’s at: each follicle has its own nerves, its own blood supply and even a muscle at its disposal. Having difficulty visualising it? Think goosebumps.

#1: Apply a tonic

Every second evening is tonic time in my home. Then, before I go to bed, I pull out my worn-out tail comb and pull it through my hair, line after line. I spray my exposed, dry scalp with the Rosemary Root Enhancer from Aromatica.

The Rosemary Root Enhancer from Korean brand Aromatica is vegan.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

You might be wondering, «Won’t that just make your hair all greasy and stringy?» Surprisingly, no. Once my scalp has absorbed the product and my hair is dry – and I’ve given myself a scalp massage – I actually get more volume at the roots (more on that below). If I need my hair to be dry right away, that’s no problem. I can blow-dry my roots as usual after application. What remains, however, is the product’s distinctive rosemary scent. While not nearly as strong as pure rosemary oil, it’s still very present. At least according to my boyfriend. Scent aside, I’m a huge fan of the spray bottle. It’s got a proper punch to it and is very easy to use. Unfortunately, the 100 millilitres are quickly used up with regular use. Alternatively, you can make your own rosemary tonic. You can find countless recipes online.

Another scalp product recommendation: the Glycolic Acid Tonin Solution from The Ordinary. The fruit acid acts as a chemical peel, removing dead skin cells. The product also scores with its generously sized bottle, a special applicator for the scalp and a reasonable price tag. However, I’d only use this once a week so as not to overstimulate the skin.

Unfortunately, we currently stock neither the Aromatica nor The Ordinary tonic in our shop. Very sorry about that!

#2: Massage your scalp

As soon as I’ve applied tonic, I reach for my massage brush to pamper my scalp. For ten minutes, I use circular movements to stimulate circulation. Make sure your brush is comfortable to hold and that it has soft, flexible plastic bristles. These are gentle on the scalp and easier to clean than stiff, hard bristles.

Scalp care

Quantity discount

CHF15.–

Trisa Massage & Care

#3: Use a peel

Skin flakes and product residue can be removed not only with fruit acid, but also with a mechanical peel. My current go-to is the volumising Cleansing Purifying Scrub with sea salt from Christophe Robin. The product is soothing and suitable for greasy scalps. And yes, I know, it’s very expensive. That’s why I use it sparingly and only every two weeks. On a tighter budget? The Sephora-brand Cleansing Scalp Scrub is a good alternative.

The coarse-grained sea salt scrub smells like a spa.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

Shampoo

CHF39.– CHF156.–/1l

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub

250 ml, Liquid shampoo

#4: Oil up

Until recently, it was only the lengths of my hair that got the nourishing oil treatment. But now, once a week – ideally Sundays, a few hours before washing my hair – I treat my scalp to a few drops of precious oils. Because essential oils alone can irritate the scalp, I use a carrier such as jojoba oil to dilute them. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, skin barrier-strengthening effects and is much lighter and less dense compared to castor oil, the other popular option in hair care. This makes it easier to distribute throughout your hair.

Body lotions

CHF47.90 CHF95.80/1l

Phytomed Jojoba oil organic

I then add a few drops of essential oils to my carrier oil, namely:

Peppermint oil for a fresh, cooling sensation and to promote blood circulation.
Tea tree oil, for its antibacterial and fungicidal effect.
Rosemary oil, which according to a study is even said to help with hereditary hair loss and stimulate hair growth, though only over a long period of time and in high doses not suitable for everyday use. Regardless, I still use the oil in a lower dose in the hope that the little bit will somehow benefit my scalp anyway.

Aromalife Peppermint Organic Essential Oil

Essential oils

Quantity discount

CHF12.80 per piece for 2 units CHF1280.–/1l

Aromalife Peppermint Organic Essential Oil

Essential oils

CMD Tea tree oil organic

Essential oils

CHF16.50 CHF825.–/1l

MyBiolio Rosemary oil

Quantity discount

Essential oils

CHF12.80 per piece for 2 units CHF1280.–/1l

Aromalife Peppermint Organic Essential Oil

Essential oils

CMD Tea tree oil organic

Essential oils

CHF16.50 CHF825.–/1l

MyBiolio Rosemary oil

I then massage the mixture into my scalp using my fingertips. While I’m at it, I apply some argan oil to my dry ends, which can always use a little extra love.

Body lotions

CHF24.70 CHF247.–/1l

Phytomed Argan oil

Of course, you can adapt the oil mixture to your own preferences and needs.

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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