As a haircare professional, whether you work within an established salon business or are a mobile hairdresser, you have likely seen a diverse range of hair types and scalps.
With more and more clients taking a more considered approach to the care of their hair and scalp, they may be looking to you to help them alleviate any concerns, such as a dry or irritated scalp.
Here, we will look at the importance of scalp care and share the best advice on helping your clients understand and treat a dry or irritated scalp.
The importance of scalp care
The scalp is a thick layer of skin made up of sensory nerves, oil glands and hair follicles. Everyone’s scalp is different and produces varying amounts of sebum.
As well as a balanced diet, a healthy scalp contributes to a more resilient environment for hair growth, and a healthy scalp should never be itchy, dry, flaky or red.
Clients can regularly present with various scalp complaints, whether they are existing clients or new to your books.
Scalp issues can arise anytime due to multiple factors, including lifestyle changes and hormonal changes.
Sometimes, the client is fully aware of changes to their scalp; on other occasions, you may need to help them understand what is happening.
However, suppose your client suffers from extreme hair loss, dandruff, eczema or psoriasis.
In these cases, it is worth recommending that they visit their GP or speak to a professional dermatologist to get advice from a trained medical professional.
How to treat your client’s scalp dryness or irritation
Maintaining a healthy scalp starts by educating your clients on how dryness or irritation arises and which hair care products can help with this. You may wish to have a ‘scalp care checklist’ to hand to help you get to the bottom of what could be causing your client’s scalp irritation.
This fact-finding exercise will also help you better understand where things could be improved within your client’s haircare routine.
Some questions you could ask include…
- Which haircare products are they currently using?
- How often do they wash their hair?
- Do they partake in activities like swimming that may expose their hair and scalp to harsh chemicals?
- How often do they use dry shampoo, and what kind of dry shampoo do they use?
Once you have a clearer picture of your client’s specific lifestyle and the products they are using, you can start to recommend different products and self-care practices that may help them.
Related: How to achieve the perfect salon consultation
How to care for a dry scalp
A dry scalp does not have enough oil and moisture to keep it hydrated. This then results in a flaky scalp, which can also be itchy or sore. Clients who typically have dry skin find they are also prone to a dry scalp.
However, a dry scalp can also be caused by excessive washing, age, hormones or genetics. Recommend specific haircare with hydrating and moisturising formulas, as well as using lukewarm water to rinse instead of hot water, which can aggravate the scalp.
Is dandruff the same as a dry scalp?
Dandruff is not the same as a dry scalp and is a different issue caused by irritated, oily skin, a yeast-like fungus or sensitivity to particular hair care products. Dandruff is treated with antimicrobial shampoos that clients can use at home.
If your client has dandruff and has not raised it with you directly, it may require a sensitive conversation in the salon chair to discuss how to tackle it. Your client will appreciate your honesty and help in getting on top of their dandruff.
How to care for an oily scalp
Discover L’Oreal Scalp Advanced
If you’re looking for a dedicated range of products to support your clients with the care of their scalp, take a look at L’Oreal Scalp Advanced, an exciting new launch from L’Oreal Professional, helping you to solve your client’s scalp concerns, including an oily scalp, dandruff and general scalp discomfort.
Anti-Oiliness
After only 1 use, up to 78% less scalp sebum and up to 24% more instant volume.
Discover the Dermo Purifier Shampoo and 2-in-1 Deep Purifier Mask.
The Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Dermo Purifier Shampoo is a cooling gel-like formula that purifies the scalp and the fibre and removes residue, sweat and oil for a fresher and cleaner feel.
Key Features
- The targeted formula for oily scalps purifies the scalp and allows new cells to be generated.
- Concentrated with 3% AHA.
- After one use, 78% less scalp sebum*.
* Instrumental test
The Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness 2-in-1 Deep Purifier Clay Mask is a versatile multi-usage clay to unclog residue, sweat and oil deeply.
Key Features:
- It can be used as a shampoo and a mask.
- Hair is left feeling lightweight and volumised.
- After only one use, up to 78% less scalp sebum*.
*Instrumental test shampoo and clay
Anti-Dandruff
Up to 100% visible dandruff removed and up to 72hr dandruff protection.
Discover the Dermo Clarifier Shampoo.
The Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Dermo Clarifier Shampoo is a lightweight cream that gently clarifies the hair and scalp and removes dry and oily dandruff while calming the scalp.
Key Features:
- From the first application, up to 100% visible dandruff was removed*.
- Up to 72 hours of dandruff protection.
- Enriched with Piroctone Olamine, which is an antibacterial and antifungal active ingredient.
*Clinical test on 44 subjects, three applications per week.
**Clinical test.
Anti-Discomfort
After only 2 use up to 83% more soothing and up to 49% hydration.
Discover the Dermo Regulator Shampoo.
The Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Discomfort Dermo Regulator Shampoo is a lightweight gel that gently cleanses the hair while soothing and calming sensitive scalps.
Key Features:
- Hair is left soft, radiant and hydrated.
- Enriched with Niacinamide to regulate and soothe.
- After one use, 83% soothing* and 49% hydrated, nourished hair**.
*Self-assessment on 32 subjects after application of shampoo, mask and hair drying.
** Instrumental test
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