Hair care for scalp - Garnier Hair care for scalp - Garnier

How to Take Care of Your Scalp: Tips, Treatments, and the Best Routine

So much attention is focused on maintaining a healthy head of hair. We want shine, volume, definition, and vibrant color. But, how many of us regularly think about scalp care? The condition of the skin on our head has a direct effect on how our locks look, so we need to adopt a new mindset: hair care for the scalp. That’s why Garnier has created this complete guide to scalp care where we cover everything from what causes scalp irritation, the best scalp care products, and how to build the perfect scalp care routine.

Why Scalp Care Matters

You take good care of the skin on your face and body, so why not also pamper the skin on your head? After all, a healthy scalp is essential for the overall health of your tresses because it produces, maintains, and conditions every strand. Proper scalp care affects hydration, comfort, shine, and hair growth. Plus, the right scalp care routine can prevent a dry, flaky, itchy scalp, as well as keep excess oil at bay.

What Causes a Dry or Itchy Scalp?

While the scalp is slightly denser than the rest of your skin, it still needs to breathe and maintain a moisture balance. The scalp’s pores can be irritated by harsh ingredients, blocked by product buildup, and stripped of hydration by overwashing and heat. Environmental factors like pollution and changes due to seasonal conditions also contribute to a dry or itchy scalp. Note, however, that there is a difference in how to treat a dry scalp caused by lack of moisture versus flakiness due to product buildup.

Factors that cause an itchy scalp - Garnier

How to Build a Scalp Care Routine

The skin on your scalp contains more oil glands than other parts of the body because it’s charged with conditioning (aka lubricating) the hair growing from its dense network of about 100,000 follicles. So, your mission is to follow a regimen that delivers the best hair care for the scalp by creating a balance based on your individual requirements. It could be to solve dryness, excess sebum or general scalp sensitivity. Here’s a standard scalp care routine that you can adapt to your needs.

How to Treat Common Scalp Concerns

Different scalp issues require different solutions. Learn how to incorporate targeted treatments into your routine and which types of scalp care products you need for each concern.

How to Choose the Right Scalp Care Products

The right scalp care starts with knowing what your scalp needs, so always choose scalp care products based on your specific issue. The most common are dryness, oiliness, flakiness, and sensitivity.

Shampoos and Conditioners for Scalp Health

Start proper scalp care in the shower by matching your shampoo with your scalp’s most important need. Treat dryness with a hydrating shampoo like Pure Moisture, wash with a clarifying shampoo like Pure Clean to reduce oiliness, and soothe a sensitive scalp with gentle products from our Whole Blends line.

Scalp Scrubs and Clarifiers

Over time, dead skin cells can build up on your scalp—just like on the rest of your body. For a clean reset, slough them off with a scalp scrub or exfoliating shampoo to support a healthy hair-growing environment. Another purifying scalp care option is a clarifying shampoo like Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo.

Scalp Scrubs and Clarifiers

For ultimate comfort, maintain moisture on your scalp with a lightweight leave-in or oil that balances sebum between washes. Our favorite scalp care products in this arena include Pure Moisture 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray with hyaluronic acid and Triple Nutrition Marvelous Hair Oil for extra nourishment.

Scalp Care FAQ

  • An itchy scalp is typically due to one (or more) of three common issues: dryness, buildup, and sensitivity. The best approach is to rebalance the scalp’s ecosystem by thoroughly cleansing, and then replenishing and balancing moisture. Clarify with Garnier’s Pure Clean system and rehydrate with our Pure Moisture products.
  • If you’re wondering how to treat a dry scalp, reach for a moisturizing shampoo followed by a hydrating treatment like a lightweight oil. In the longer-term, try to avoid harsh cleansers and products that may strip away the natural oils your hair and scalp need. Try our Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing line or Pure Moisture products.
  • The most common causes of a painful or tender scalp are inflammation, product buildup, repeated tight hairstyles, and dryness. The most recommended remedy is to gentle cleanse and soothe with a regimen of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in.
  • To moisturize your scalp, you need a good hydrating routine that includes a rich shampoo, quenching leave-in, and nourishing scalp oils that won’t weigh down your hair. Our favorite scalp care products are Pure Moisture 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray and Triple Nutrition Marvelous Hair Oil.
  • Dry scalp care begins with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner from our Whole Blends system followed by a lightweight scalp moisturizer from Fructis Pure Moisture. This combination provides your scalp with lasting balanced moisture while allowing it to breathe.
  • While exfoliating your head may be a new concept for you, it can be quite effective for removing buildup and flakes as well as soothing the scalp. You can achieve this effect by occasionally purifying with a clarifying shampoo like Pure Clean to get rid of any gunk and starting fresh.

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