Why Dermatologists Say Your Scalp Needs a Skincare Routine, Too

Forget just moisturizing your face — your scalp wants in on the routine too. Dermatologists say a few simple habit shifts can make all the difference for both scalp and hair health.

Skincare has been all the rage over the past few years, and experts are now spotting a new trend on the horizon: scalp care. For a long time, the focus may have been on achieving glowing skin on your face and body.

A young woman inspecting her scalp | Source: Getty Images

But have you considered that the skin beneath your hair needs attention too? Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and the good news is that getting there isn't complicated at all.

According to Dr. Sanusi Umar, medical director and dermatologist at the Dr. U Hair & Skin Clinic, who spoke to Healthline, a healthy scalp is free of itchiness, redness, flakiness, irritation, pain, acne, cysts, sun damage, and excessive hair loss.

"Bumps, scabs, and redness signal inflammation," explains Dr. Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C. "If left untreated, this can cause hair loss that can become permanent."

A woman cleaning her hair brush | Source: Getty Images

The condition of your scalp directly shapes the condition of your hair.

"Your scalp is like the soil of a farm. Poor soil will directly affect the well-being of the plants growing in it," Dr. Umar explained. "Similarly, anything that would cause scalp inflammation can be harmful to the existence and well-being of hair."

Scalp routines can be tailored to different scalp types — normal, oily, dry, flaky, irritated, or sensitive — but the fundamentals for optimal hair and scalp health stay largely the same. Here's what you should know.

A professional gently massages a woman's scalp while washing her hair | Source: Getty Images

Choose gentle hair care products

Steering clear of products containing sulfates, alcohols, or fragrances may go a long way toward improving scalp health. "Sulfates strip away natural oils in your hair and remove dead skin cells, which makes the scalp dry and prone to irritation," Umar explained.

He also noted that since skin and scalp tend to be sensitive already, products containing alcohol and fragrances can draw moisture out of the hair, leaving it frizzy, dry, and damaged — and ultimately triggering inflammation that results in a dry, itchy, irritated scalp.

Instead, seek out products with ingredients like salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and prevents clogged follicles, and niacinamide, which supports the scalp barrier and reduces redness.

A stylist applies a nourishing hair mask to a woman's hair | Source: Getty Images

Wash Less Frequently

It's tempting to think washing your hair more often will keep it from looking oily, but that approach can backfire.

Shampooing too frequently strips away natural oils, prompting the scalp to produce even more oil to compensate — leaving you with hair that looks greasier, not less, Dr. Umar says.

"Those who already struggle with a dry or itchy scalp would benefit from increasing time between washes to balance out the oil production," he added. As a general rule, Umar recommends washing hair no more than three to four times a week.

A woman getting her hair washed professionally | Source: Getty Images

Be Gentle When Shampooing

Rather than scrubbing your scalp while shampooing, try massaging it instead. "This will increase circulation and avoid causing abrasions on the scalp," Dr. St. Surin-Lord advises.

A woman washing her hair in a bathtub | Source: Getty Images

Consider a Scalp Scrub For Exfoliating

Much like a scrub for your face, a scalp scrub exfoliates the skin on your head.

They can also simply feel relaxing and offer a nice way to de-stress. Aim to exfoliate your scalp once every one to two weeks, depending on your hair type and styling habits. Overdoing it can lead to dryness and irritation.

A woman using silicone pink shampoo brush for scalp massage hair growth stimulation | Source: Getty Images

Scalp care may be the newest chapter in the skincare conversation, but its message is simple: healthy hair starts beneath the surface.

By swapping harsh products for gentler ones, easing up on washing, and giving your scalp the occasional exfoliating treat, you can set the stage for stronger, shinier hair over time.