As someone who struggled with hair woes in my teens, I’ve come to understand that luscious locks aren’t just a stroke of good luck but the result of diligent care and expert intervention. Over the years, transitioning from a frizzy-haired teenager with a boy short or bob cut, to someone admired for her long healthy hair, I’ve learned the pivotal role the right products and more recently scalp plays in hair beauty. As Dr. Dominic Burg, a renowned hair scientist and trichologist for Cosmeceutical skincare brand Alpha H, advises, “The source of your hair is the scalp… if your scalp environment is not healthy, then your follicles won’t be working optimally to grow thick, healthy hair.”
My journey toward scalp health and better hair texture involved embracing both professional treatments and specific products. Today, I want to share the regimen that I’m using now combining my personal experiences over 5 decades with scientific insights to help you shortcut to the hair of your dreams. Hint it starts with your scalp.
Understanding the Scalp: Your Hair’s Birthplace
The skin on our scalp is not that different from the skin on our face; however, it does have its quirks. It’s oilier, which impacts how skin cells are shed. Dr. Burg notes, “The skin on the scalp is quite similar to that of the face, but it tends to be a little oilier. Dead skin is not shed as easily, and the oily environment also means [dead skin cells] will sometimes stick together in large clumps.” This can lead to imbalances, irritation, and inflammation, which subsequently affect hair growth.
Recognising this, I’ve incorporated targeted treatments into my routine:
1. Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
Applied three times a week around my hairline, this serum tackles thinning patches and nourishes the scalp.
Learn more GRO Hair Serum | Combat Thinning Hair | Vegan | VEGAMOUR
2. Alpha H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment: Used before each wash, it cleans deeply, ensuring healthy skin and promoting good growth.
Learn more Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment | Alpha-H Skincare – Alpha-H Skincare Australia
3. Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue: This treatment, infused with AHA and Omega 3, repairs the hair shaft when applied to damp hair post-wash.
Learn more Buy Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Rescue | Sephora Australia
4. Well Ultimate Repair Protective Leave In: Protects from styling damage and boosts shine when used before styling on damp hair.
Learn more Wella Ultimate Repair: Protective Leave-In Styling Cream
5. Davines All In One Milk: With Roucou Oil, it acts as a multi-purpose beautifier, smoothing and nourishing my hair before and after styling.
Learn more Davines OI All In One Milk: The Ultimate Hair Multitasker
6. Vida Glow Marine Collagen : I take up to two sachets a day for skin, hair and joint health. I noticed that Marine collagen is a great hair growth booster.
Learn more Natural Marine Collagen Trial Pack | Vida Glow AU
The Role of Exfoliation in Scalp Health
Dr. Burg emphasises the importance of cell turnover for a healthy scalp, suggesting that chemical exfoliation is more beneficial than physical scrubs, which “can actually do more harm than good… chemical exfoliation is a better approach.” This insight guided me to choose products that promote gentle exfoliation without stripping the scalp of its natural oils.
Ageing and Scalp Health
As we age, the scalp skin undergoes changes similar to facial skin. It becomes thinner, and its ability to retain moisture diminishes. “Much like the face, the scalp skin ages. It becomes thinner, meaning hair can become drier and less lustrous,” explains Dr. Burg. Ageing also impacts the hair follicles, potentially leading to thinning and loss. This underscores the importance of adapting our hair care regimen as we age to include more nourishing and protective elements.
Impact of Hairstyling Choices
Styling and products also play a significant role. Frequent colouring (I go every three weeks), the use of heat tools, and tight hairstyles can stress the scalp and affect the health of our hair. “Tight hair styles can damage the small muscle connected to each hair follicle, which can lead to follicle death and a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia,” says Dr. Burg. You want a healthy hair? It’s crucial to minimise these practices and ensure we’re not compromising our scalp’s health.
My personal journey, backed by expert insights, has shown that a healthy scalp is non-negotiable for great hair. Whether through high-quality products, supplements to nutrition, expert styling advice, or understanding the needs of our scalp as it ages, the path to resilient, shiny hair starts right at the top.
So, you’re invited to treat your scalps with the same care and attention we devote to our multi step skin routines—it’s the bedrock of all things hair. As Dr. Burg puts it, a healthy scalp is where thick, healthy hair begins.
