Should You Be Using A Serum For Your Scalp As Well As Your Skin?

Like most unassuming but quietly hardworking parts of our bodies, we only
pay attention to our scalp when it starts to misbehave. “A healthy scalp is
clean, smooth and clear with no signs of redness, flaking or irritation,”
explains Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at
Philip Kingsley. Which is why, when it’s on its best behaviour, it’s easy to
forget the scalp is even there. After all, it’s hidden under your (hopefully
lustrous) hair. 

The problem is, there’s no ignoring it when things go off kilter. “The same
problems that occur with your skin can afflict your scalp,” explains
Kingsley. “Your scalp shouldn’t feel itchy, or be consistently sore or painful.
Some people are more prone to scalp conditions than others but we are
seeing a lot of flaking and sensitivity, excessive amounts of hair shedding
and a reduction in the diameter of the hairs themselves.” 

According to Kingsley, there are a number of reasons why your scalp could
be suffering, “Many people find their scalp becomes problematic during
times of stress or when they eat certain foods. For instance, eating full fat
cheese and chocolate can trigger scalp flaking and pimples; much as it does
with facial skin. Additionally, hormonal shifts just before and during
menstruation can cause the scalp to become oilier than usual, and a bit
itchy and pimply.” 

Pollution is compounding the already challenging issues brought about via

hormones, lifestyle and dietary choices. Research from the Future Science
Research Center in Korea suggests the particulate matter in air pollution
could be contributing to hair loss. Specifically, it found that exposure to
common pollutants reduced the levels of beta-catenin, cyclin D1, cyclin 3
and CDK2; four proteins responsible for hair growth and retention.

Presenting the findings at the European Academy of Dermatology and

Venereology Congress in October, lead researcher Hyuk Chul Kwon said:
“When the cells on the human scalp were exposed to common air pollutants
created from burning fossil fuels, the proteins in the cells that are
responsible for hair growth and hair retention were significantly reduced.
The more pollutants the cells were exposed to, the bigger this impact
seemed to be.” Short of packing up and moving to the countryside, there
isn’t much we can do to avoid contact with air pollution, and with the UN
predicting that 68 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban
areas by 2050, the situation is only likely to get worse.

Ditching the dry shampoo and reverting back to washing your hair at
least every other day to remove accumulated toxic particles from the scalp
is a good first step. Kingsley agrees: “Not shampooing your hair and scalp
often enough can cause problems.” Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Shampoo,
£20, and Conditioner, £25, and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox
Shampoo, £24, are excellent at removing product build-up and protecting
the hair and scalp from airborne contaminants.

If you feel like you’re the only one suffering from dryness, sensitivity,
redness, flaking and even hair loss, you’re not. Far from it, in
fact. Mintel has reported that unhealthy scalps have gone global, with 47
percent of consumers in China believing a healthy scalp is necessary for
healthy hair (they’re right), and 17 percent concerned about scalp damage
from the environment. This is unsurprising considering China emits more
carbon dioxide than the US and the EU combined. Closer to home,
Google.co.uk is awash with users searching for ‘scalp treatments’ and ‘scalp
problems’.

In light of this new global thirst for scalp care, beauty brands have
responded with a slew of interventions, including tools like the Briogeo
Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, £3.50 and Hayo’u Beauty
Restorer Comb, £38, designed to stimulate the scalp and its follicles, and
targeted serums that are applied directly to the scalp to restore balance.

Just like the serums in your skincare regimen, a scalp serum contains
concentrated active ingredients that go beyond the superficial and instead
target specific concerns like dryness, thinning, sensitivity and, of course,
pollution. “Like the skin on your face, your scalp can benefit from targeted
topical treatments,” explains Kingsley. “I recommend all my clients use a
daily scalp toner to maintain a healthy and balanced scalp.”

So, now you know why you need one, here are the best tried-and-tested
scalp serums that will restore your suffering scalp to rude health.

Ameliorate Transforming Scalp Serum

Containing a hydration complex, plus lactic acid and omega oil, this
overnight serum comforts a tight and itchy scalp. Additionally, celery seed
oil increases moisture levels and frankincense extract addresses redness.
Apply to your scalp two or three times a week and wash it out in the
morning.

Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Treatment

This daily, non-oily serum is ideal for anyone thinning at the roots and
shedding. It helps to regenerate the hair follicle by increasing the bulge
stem cells which prompt the hair’s natural growth cycle. It also increases
the amount of collagen around each follicle so that the hair stays anchored
in place for longer.
Sisley Hair Ritual Revitalizing Foritfying Serum

This serum compensates for the effects of hormonal changes and stress
with a blend of minerals, vitamins, plant extracts and proteins including
pro-vitamin B5, vitamins B6 and E, zinc and copper. Plus, with red thyme
and marjoram essential oils, it smells incredible so you’ll look forward to
applying it. Use as an intensive course for whenever you notice your scalp is
under the weather by applying it every other day for a month and then
twice-weekly for two months.

Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir

You may already be familiar with Viviscal for its famed Hair Growth
Supplement, and this serum is just as cult-worthy. It contains biotin,
keratin and zinc to support the hair’s growth phase and slow the rate of hair
shedding. Massage a couple of pumps of the serum into your scalp and
down into the lengths of your hair after every wash.

Kérastase Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum

This hot-off-the-press serum recently launched, and is ideal if you have

noticed more of your hair falling out than usual. Applied daily to a towel-
dried scalp it works to create the optimum environment for your follicles so
that your hair is less likely to shed. It does this with anti-inflammatory
ginger root, collagen-preserving edelweiss and aminexil, which anchors
each hair in place.

Act + Acre Cold Pressed Scalp Detox

Treat your scalp once a week to this intensive serum. It contains amino
acid-rich moringa oil and anti-bacterial basil leaf to remove product build-
up (which could otherwise lead to sensitivity), stimulate follicles and
address damage wrought by pollution and UV light. Apply it to your scalp in
sections, massage it in and leave it for 20 minutes before shampooing out.

Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment

A dry scalp can quickly become itchy and inflamed. This serum remedies
this with hydrating hyaluronic acid and a vitamin B3-based complex that
balances the scalp’s temperamental microbiome. Massage it into the scalp
in sections three times a week.

Royal Fern Hair Serum

This is a brilliant serum to keep in your handbag for on-the-spot

application when your scalp begins to itch. It contains cinnamon, which is
renowned for calming stressed skin, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and the
antioxidant clary. Apply a couple of drops directly to the skin and massage
it in. It has a very light, fast-drying texture.

Philip Kingsley Stimulating Daily Scalp Toner

Some might say this scalp serum-meets-toner is the forefather of all other
scalp serums. This incredibly lightweight product is designed for daily use
and expertly rehydrates, balances oil, relieves flaking, itching and
inflammation and protects against bacterial overgrowth. Divide your hair
into 3cm sections after your shower and apply the product directly to your
scalp.