Scalp Health: The Overlooked Foundation of Strong, Beautiful Hair

If hair is what you see, the scalp is what you build it on.

When your scalp is balanced, hair behaves better. Roots feel cleaner for longer. Shine looks more natural. Styling feels easier, because the foundation is calm.

When the scalp is irritated or congested, even great colour and a beautiful cut can start to feel harder to live with.

In 2026, scalp health is moving from “nice to have” to essential. Not as a trend, but as a correction. People are finally connecting the dots between scalp comfort and hair that looks and feels its best.

The signs your scalp wants attention

Most scalp issues do not arrive dramatically. They show up as small, persistent tells.

• Flaking that comes and goes

• Itchiness around the hairline or crown

• Roots that feel heavy or “coated”

• Oiliness that arrives faster than it used to

• Dryness that never quite resolves

• That feeling that your hair is clean, but your scalp is not

If any of those sound familiar, it is usually not about washing more. It is about cleansing properly, then restoring balance.

Why it can feel dry at the scalp but oily through the lengths

This is one of the most common things we hear, especially in summer.

A scalp can feel tight, itchy or flaky while the lengths still feel oily because multiple things are happening at once.

• Sweat and humidity increase oil and build-up at the roots

• Air-conditioning and sun can dehydrate the skin barrier

• Dry shampoo, sunscreen near the hairline and styling residue build up quickly

• Over-washing or harsh cleansing can trigger the scalp to feel reactive

The answer is rarely “more shampoo”. It is usually a targeted scalp reset.

Treatments

Think of scalp treatments like skincare. You can maintain at home, and you can also book a deeper reset in salon when things feel off or stubborn.

Here are the treatments we most commonly use, in both at-home and in-salon versions, depending on what your scalp needs.

Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser

For a deeper detox when the scalp feels congested or the hair feels weighed down. This is one of the best options when you want that “fresh start” feeling, and when you want hair to stay lighter for longer.

This is typically performed as an in-salon scalp treatment.

If your scalp has been “off” for a while, an in-salon reset can be the fastest way back to baseline.

Walnut Detox

For a deeper cleanse when you are layering dry shampoo, styling products, or SPF near the hairline. It helps refresh the scalp and bring the hair back to that clean, light feeling.

Available as an at-home treatment, or as an in-salon scalp scrub for a more intensive reset.

What about dandruff?

Flaking can be caused by dryness, build-up, or dandruff, and they can look similar. That is why guessing is frustrating.

If we suspect dandruff, we may recommend introducing Davines Purifying Shampoo, which is formulated to help with both dry and oily dandruff.

If flaking is severe, painful, persistent, or you have redness and irritation that is not improving, it is also worth checking in with a GP or dermatologist for medical guidance.

If your scalp feels unpredictable right now, you do not need to trial twenty different products. Start with a complimentary consultation.

We will look at what is happening, talk through your routine and lifestyle, then recommend the right combination of at-home support and in-salon scalp treatments so your hair feels lighter, cleaner, and easier to live with.

FAQ

Why is my scalp flaky but my hair oily?
It is often a mix of sweat, humidity, air-conditioning dryness and product build-up. The scalp can feel irritated while the lengths still feel oily. A targeted scalp cleanse usually helps more than washing more often.

How do I get rid of build-up on my scalp?
Use a targeted scalp scrub or detox treatment as needed, and ensure you are rinsing thoroughly. If build-up persists, an in-salon scalp treatment can reset the scalp properly.

How often should I do a scalp treatment?
It depends on your scalp, your styling habits, and how often you use dry shampoo or SPF near the hairline. A consultation can help set a rhythm that restores balance without overdoing it.