WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR CARE, men often focus on maintaining their hairstyle rather than caring for their scalp. Let’s face it, how often are you really taking a deep dive down to the roots of your follicles?
The scalp is the foundation of a healthy head of hair and without proper care, it can lead to hair loss, dandruff and other scalp-related issues. Good hair days are hard to explain; it’s that feeling of perfection when you look in the mirror and slowly back away, trying not to mess up your rare but magical look. With the right scalp and hair care routine, you can tame that mane and make those good hair days a more common trend.
This is where scalp care for men comes in, and it’s something every man should consider adding to their grooming routine.
Why is scalp care so important for men?
Guys, you’re gonna want to listen to this. Firstly, scalp care helps to prevent hair loss. Yes, the dreaded follicle exodus is often caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), produced in the scalp. By caring for your scalp, you can reduce the production of DHT and prevent further hair loss.
Secondly, scalp care can help to prevent dandruff and other scalp-related issues. Dandruff is a common problem for men, and it’s caused by a fungus that grows on the scalp. By using scalp-specific products, you can help to control the growth of this fungus and prevent dandruff from forming.
Thirdly, scalp care can help to improve the overall health of your hair. A healthy scalp means healthy hair, and by using scalp-specific products, you can improve the quality and texture of your hair. This is because the scalp provides the nutrients and moisture that your hair needs to grow and stay healthy.
Keen to start nourishing your scalp and reclaiming control of your locks? The following products support the scalp’s microbiome by treating and soothing common skin/scalp conditions from root to tip, including environmental damage caused by sun, humidity, sweat, and pollution.
How to lose the dry scalp
Fellas, 2024 is the time to say a swift goodbye to bad hair days. The good news is that you can get significant relief from dryness, flakey dandruff and all the nasties associated with a dry scalp with a few simple changes to your hair routine. Like any thoughtful skin care journey, there will likely be some trial and error when working out your scalp’s go-to products. Below are some of the key players in the scalp-care game.
STRAAND Halo Hydrator Scalp Mask
The Halo Hydrator scalp mask by STRAAND is a pre-wash gel mask suitable for every scalp, that soothes and nourishes, hydrates and protects, and aids in healing irritation caused by colouring, the environment, and heated hair tools.
The mask is jam-packed with scalp-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, Niacinamide, Pentavitin, Wastar Pink Berry, and DefenscalpTM (STRAAND’s chief prebiotic ingredient). It is skincare for your scalp, and a healthy scalp is key for healthy hair.
Directions for use: Segment dry hair and apply the formula to the scalp and hair roots. Experience the cooling sensation and leave the mask on for 10 minutes. Rinse, and continue with your usual haircare routine. Use 1-2 times a week. For a more refreshing experience, refrigerate the mask for 20 minutes before use.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask
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Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo
Keen to grow your scalp care range? Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo is a premium Aussie-made hair care product specially formulated to cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp. This plant-based shampoo is made with a blend of natural ingredients such as mandarin, geranium, and lavender oils, which work together to gently remove impurities and restore balance to the hair and scalp. The shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and sulphates, which makes it safe for all hair types, including colour-treated hair.
STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Shampoo
If you’re fed up with dealing with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, it’s time to show it some love. Adding The Crown Cleanse Shampoo to your scalp care routine is essential. Powered by prebiotics, the product cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates your scalp while targeting the root cause of these pesky issues. A strong skin barrier and a balanced skin microbiome are essential for a healthy scalp. The Crown Cleanse Shampoo formula instantly hydrates and cleanses the scalp’s surface, allowing you and your scalp microbiome to thrive.
This shampoo contains DEFENSCALP™, a potent rosebay extract that naturally regulates the malassezia fungi that lead to dandruff by reducing sebum production. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) also strengthens hair against breakages, reduces hair loss, and boosts volume. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein eliminates frizz and tangles while strengthening hair to make it shinier. Polquaternium-10, which improves hair texture by increasing body, suppleness, sheen, and texture.
Directions for use: Squeeze a generous amount into your palm and go to work into a lather. Scrub away, covering the scalp and roots, then rinse.
American Crew Anti Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo
The American Crew Anti Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo is an excellent solution for those who struggle with embarrassing dandruff and dry scalp issues. This shampoo contains active ingredients such as Zinc Pyrithione, which is proven to control dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp. It also has tea tree oil, which has antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal an itchy scalp. Furthermore, the shampoo is infused with peppermint oil, which provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation while washing your hair.
The American Crew Shampoo is specially formulated to work on all hair types, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and healthy. It is also free from sulphates and parabens, making it a safe and gentle option for everyday use.
Directions for use: Apply to wet hair and massage into scalp with fingers. Massage for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly.
The Ordinary Multi-peptide Serum for Hair Density
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Briogeo Scalp Revival spray
This spray is easy to use and can be applied directly to the scalp before or after washing your hair. The product is suitable for all hair types and free from sulphates, parabens, and silicones, making it a safe and gentle option for sensitive or irritated scalps. This pre-wash spray is like an exfoliating toner for your scalp. The first course of action to create the perfect runway strip for a scalp care shampoo, with a unique triple-acid complex of BHAs, AHAs, and PHAs that gently lift product buildup + flakes from the scalp to unclog congested hair follicles.
Directions for use: Prior to washing, part hair and spray directly onto the scalp, coating areas with the most buildup. Gently massage in to evenly distribute. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, rinse out, and proceed to wash hair.
MUVO silicon scalp brush
If you are yet to become accustomed to using a scalp brush in your hair care routine, get ready for the deepest possible cleanse when you try this little guy out. This silicon scalp brush is a hair accessory tool that stimulates blood flow for healthy hair growth by exfoliating away build-up from styling products and excess scalp oil, giving your hair and scalp the deepest cleanse. This soft, flexible, and mould-resistant brush has a handy grip for non-slip usage in the shower.
Directions for use: Once shampoo is applied to the scalp, gently massage scalp with the brush in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse.
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