Healthy hair starts at your scalp. Embedded with around 100,000 hair follicles, with each one containing a single hair, think of your scalp as the soil from which your hair grows and is nourished. Just like the skin on your face, your scalp is exposed to various environmental factors like pollution, and accumulates dirt and bacteria-it even ages in the same way. But most of us don’t pay it much attention. Telltale signs of an unhappy scalp include dryness, irritation and flakiness, but an unhealthy scalp can also affect how your hair grows, and in some cases, even lead to premature hair loss.

So for stronger, shinier, fuller looking hair, it makes sense to show your scalp the same amount of TLC as you would the rest of your skin. Luckily, our friends at Aveda have just launched a new scalp care collection, Scalp Solutions, with six products which you can either layer together or introduce individually to your current hair care routine. Here’s the lowdown:

Your step-by-step scalp treatment programme

Exfoliate

‘Everyone would benefit from using a scalp exfoliator once or twice a week as part of their haircare routine, especially if you regularly experience dandruff, a dry, itchy scalp or greasy roots’ explains Shine’s Jonathan. Exfoliating helps get to the root of the problem, removing dead skin cells, product build up (serial dry shampoo users, we’re looking at you) and excess oil to ensure there is nothing blocking the hair follicles and potentially obstructing hair growth.

Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £39, contains plant derived salicylic acid to help gently shift debris without irritating the skin. Use small, circular motions to gently massage into wet or dry scalp prior to shampooing. Jonathan also recommends regularly using the Stimulating Scalp Massager, £27, on dry hair before you wash to lift impurities and product build up from the scalp and boost circulation to the follicles, which will aid hair growth.

Cleanse & Condition

Washing your hair regularly to shift product build up, dead skin cells and excess oil is an important part of scalp care. But be careful not to wash it too often. Overwashing can leave your scalp dehydrated and cause it to produce too much oil to compensate. Your stylist will be happy to advise you on the right washing routine for your hair, so please just ask.

Scalp Solutions Balancing Shampoo, £28.50, effectively cleans your hair and scalp, while being gentle enough to be used every wash, even if you colour your hair. Resist the urge to really scrub at your scalp when you apply shampoo. Massage in gently and let the product do the work. Follow with Scalp Solutions Replenishing Conditioner, £32.50, to hydrate and soften and instantly soothe the scalp.

Protect

If you suffer from an oily scalp and greasy roots, we love Scalp Solutions Refreshing Protective Mist, £36. Its great for relieving any itchiness and controlling excess oil to extend how long you can go between washes. With notes of lemon and mint, it also smells amazing.

Treat

Give sensitive, irritated scalps a serious moisture boost with Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum, £42. Apply this leave-in treatment all over your wet or dry scalp at bedtime and massage in. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, it will soothe any inflammation and reduce redness while strengthening the skin’s barrier as you sleep, without weighing down the hair or leaving it feeling sticky.

3 top tips for a happy, healthy scalp

Turn down the heat Steaming hot showers might be lovely on a cold winter’s morning, but they can really irritate and dehydrate your scalp. Your scalp will thank you if you stick to warm, rather than scorching, showers.
Lay off the dry shampoo While it may be is a life-saver in between washes, dry shampoo is one of the worst offenders when it comes to scalp care. This is because it is aimed mainly at the roots, so regular use leads to a build up of product on the scalp’s surface which can cause clogging and itchiness. Try to limit how much you use it between washes.
Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of water will help keep your scalp hydrated and prevent dry, flaky skin. Just another reason to drink up.

WIN!

To celebrate the launch of Aveda’s new Scalp Solutions collection, we’re offering you the chance to win the entire product range, along with a blow dry and in salon scalp treatment! For more details and to enter, head over to our Instagram page. Competition closes on at midnight on 16/02/23

Aveda’s Scalp Solutions collection is available to buy in the salon now. Your stylist can advise you on your scalp type and the best products to target any issues and help you maintain a healthy, clean scalp. Book your next appointment with us now.

Hope to see you soon!