Is it time to carry out a scalp facial?
We’ve spent a long time seeking out great shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products for our hair.
But few of us really pay attention to the other end of each strand, at our scalp, something it turns out is crucial in our bid for strong, shiny and healthy-looking locks.
Hair experts have become increasingly insistent that we need to pay more attention to the skin under our hair, given that it is the ‘factory’ that grows it and keeping our scalp in good condition can contribute to the appearance and strength of our strands.
Now, hairdresser Chloe Zara is chiming in to support the approach that is also growing in other areas including the popular ‘head spa’ treatment that originated in Japan and is gaining plenty of attention on social media.
Zara has developed a scalp facial ritual using her CZ Hair line designed to deeply cleanse and nourish the scalp. The hairdresser says giving your scalp dedicated attention periodically will help ensure it’s getting the care it needs.
Like a regular facial, key ingredients are applied to the skin on the scalp to provide a combination of exfoliation, hydration, nourishment and protection.
The simplified process requires combining two beautifully sensorial products – a Silk Hair Balm and Hair & Body Perfume Oil – and massaging into the scalp. It is left on for 30 minutes before rinsing away with shampoo.
We asked Zara why this kind of scalp attention is important and how it can help improve our hair.
How can people know if their scalp isn’t working in an optimum way?
CZ: Often you’ll notice you have a dry scalp or have areas of tightness and even dandruff. You may even have issues with your hair being overly oily, needing to wash your hair more frequently that usual.
What prompted you to develop a scalp ‘facial’ process?
Scalp health is often neglected, however in order to have healthy hair you need a healthy scalp.
When working in the salon with clients I would often see scalp issues arise from overuse of products, applying heat when styling or environmental factors like change in seasons.
At the very beginning of CZ Hair, I researched heavily into scalp health and discovered the scalp is highly absorbent – actually four times more absorbent than the skin on on our body!
When formulating CZ Hair products alongside our cosmetic chemist there was a lot of effort and importance placed on sourcing natural, bio-led ingredients that are commonly found in skincare.
This includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cacay seed oil, kakadu plum, aloe vera.They are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids to help nourish and bring balance to the scalp and hair follicles while the actual process of deep cleansing and massage helps detoxify, balance and encourage healthy hair growth.
Each ingredient we’ve used serves a purpose to rejuvenate and restore the scalp and hair, boasting a range of benefits for hair and scalp health.
Why is this scalp facial process beneficial?
1. To keep the scalp in optimal condition to allow for healthy strong hair growth and regulate oil production.
2. A gentle way to exfoliate the scalp removing any product build up or dry, dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.
3. Massage is a key part of the Scalp Facial and a very beneficial way to encourage blood flow which helps to stimulate new hair growth.
4. The Scalp Facial is also incredibly strengthening and nourishing for the mids and ends of the hair, ideal for hair that is even slightly dehydrated.
5. Increase of shine and manageability. Hair will look and feel noticeably softer, smoother and shiner after the Scalp Facial.
What do you think people could be better at, or are missing, when it comes to their hair care?
Creating a hair care routine as sophisticated as your skin care routine. To think of your scalp as an extension of your face. It is an area that needs attention and key products to cleanse, condition and rejuvenate the hair follicle.
A lot of people have trouble controlling oil production and oily roots and try and balance it by washing lots or using dry shampoo. What steps are helpful?
This can often be the result of using a shampoo and conditioner that’s not right for your scalp.
I chose to formulate my range without the use of silicones and we have had great feedback with women getting longer in between washes as sometime silicones can attract more oil and cause product build up.
This is where dry shampoo also plays a big part. It is a great product to help absorb any oil however it is a product that sits directly on the scalp and can potentially irritate it.
