This year scalp care is the new skincare following a rise in client’s desire to maintain a healthy, rejuvenated scalp and an awareness of the positive impact is has on their hair – and this is only set to increase. Accelerating hair growth, improving thickness, removal of build-up, toxins and excess oils, improved circulation, and boosting cell turnover, are just some of the benefits that come from keeping up a good scalp care routine. Andrew Jose, Editorial Ambassador for Revlon Professional tells us: “Certain scalp conditions can result in breakage and even hair loss, so it’s vital to take the signs – like redness, irritation, and itchiness – seriously, and to invest in a routine.”
According to Mark Blake, Nioxin Trichologist, the problem lies with clients understanding how deep the issue goes when looking at their scalp health. “Most clients exfoliate and moisturise their face, spending time and money on holding back visible signs of ageing. But above the hairline, they care very little and spend little on it, and wonder why their hair isn’t in good condition. Likening a scalp care regime to skincare is a way to start the conversation around scalp health.”
Which is where scalp facials come in. As the industry begins to include them in their service menus, even small salons are seeing an increase in demand. “Originating in Japan and used in Indian Ayurveda, scalp facials have become more mainstream in the beauty sector which has seen wonderful results,” Abigail Butler for L’Oréal Professionnel Paris tells us. “A modern take on the normal ‘facial’, this service focuses solely on the scalp – cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturising, all with the condition of the scalp at the forefront of the ultimate hair vision,” explains Joana Neves, of ALTERNA Europe.
So, what is the science behind a scalp facial? “It cleanses by removing debris that can clog the scalp. They act as vasodilators helping the blood vessels in the scalp nourish, regenerate and revitalise,” says Mark. “The scalp has its own microbiome, and disruption to this may cause scaling and other sensitivities, plus a blocked follicle limits hair’s ability to grow.”
It’s important to understand the condition of the scalp before making any recommendations to ensure the correct technique and products are used, which is why scalp facials are completely customisable and should be tailored to each individual’s needs. “Clients with dry hair and a dehydrated scalp will require a hydrating scalp facial, whereas those with oily hair may require a tailored treatment to reduce and reset their sebum levels to help reduce this,” says Paul Watts, JOICO European Design Team Member. When recommending to clients, “assess the scalp for any visible changes, irritation or imbalance during the consultation and discuss any changes to their lifestyle,” advises FFØR Technical Educator, Shu-Lan Cheung.
So, as scalp facials gain popularity, raise awareness by sparking the conversation around scalp care habits, offer in-salon scalp facial services and at-home scalp aftercare, and in turn you can boost profits. Like Andrew stresses: “Maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair, it’s not a passing fad.”
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