BEAUTY
We’ve mastered the perfect skincare routine, sworn loyalty to our monthly facials, take our collagen and never skip SPF. But when it comes to hair, most of us are still stuck in the shampoo-conditioner cycle without a second thought about what’s happening at the root, literally. The answer? Scalp care, the beauty industry’s latest fixation and the key to healthier, shinier, and stronger hair.
And in Dubai? It’s a non-negotiable. Between the relentless sun, hard water, chlorine-laden pools, and sandy beach days, our hair takes a serious beating. If you’ve noticed dry, flaky skin, increased shedding, or hair that just won’t seem to grow past a certain length, your scalp health (or lack of) might be the culprit. So, is a full-on scalp routine necessary? Let’s break it down.
Why Scalp Health Matters
Think of your scalp as an extension of your face, because it is. It has oil glands, is prone to buildup, and can experience inflammation just like the skin on your cheeks. When it’s healthy, hair grows stronger and shinier. When it’s neglected? You’re looking at dull, brittle strands, an itchy scalp, and possible hair loss.
And here’s where Dubai’s climate makes things trickier:
- Hard Water Havoc: The mineral-heavy water in the UAE can leave residue on your scalp, clogging hair follicles and making hair prone to breakage.
- Sun Damage: Scalp sunburn is real, and just like your skin, repeated exposure can cause premature aging (yes, your scalp can age too) and weaken hair follicles.
- Chlorine & Salt Water: Regular dips in the pool or sea strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production as it overcompensates.
A proper scalp care routine isn’t about adding another step just for the sake of it, it’s about creating the right environment for your hair to thrive.
The Scalp Routine You Actually Need
Just like skincare, scalp care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best routine depends on your specific concerns, but here are the essentials to get started:
1. Detox with a Scalp Scrub
Excess oil, product buildup, dead skin cells—your scalp accumulates it all, and regular shampooing won’t always cut it. A scalp scrub (used once a week) deep cleans the roots and boosts circulation, helping to stimulate hair growth.
Try:
- Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt – A cult favorite that exfoliates without stripping moisture.
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub – Activated charcoal detoxes, while coconut oil soothes.
2. Treat Your Scalp Like Your Skin
If your scalp is dry and flaky, it needs hydration. If it’s overly oily, it needs balancing. This is where serums and oils come in, designed to nourish the scalp much like your face serums do for your skin.
For Dryness & Flakes:
- Ouai Scalp Serum – Lightweight hydration that strengthens the skin barrier.
- Aesop Sage & Cedar Scalp Treatment – Great for calming an itchy, irritated scalp.
For Oil Control & Detoxing:
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density – A non-greasy serum that helps with thinning and excess oil.
- Act+Acre Scalp Detox – A deep-cleansing pre-wash treatment that helps reset oily scalps.
3. Don’t Skip UV Protection
Would you sit in the Dubai sun without SPF? Your scalp needs protection too. Use a scalp sunscreen or a hat to shield from UV damage and prevent dryness.
Try:
- Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 – A lightweight mist that won’t leave hair greasy.
- Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35 – A dry shampoo-style powder that absorbs oil while protecting from UV rays.
4. Rinse Smarter
Hard water deposits minerals on your hair and scalp, making it harder for products to work and causing dryness. A simple fix? A shower filter.
Try:
- T3 Source Shower Filter – Helps remove chlorine, heavy metals, and odors from water.
- Vitaclean Aromatherapy Shower Filter – Purifies water while infusing it with skin and hair-loving ingredients.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Scalp
- Rinse your hair with filtered or bottled water after swimming to prevent chlorine and salt buildup.
- Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and irritation on your scalp while you sleep.
- Avoid daily washing—overwashing can strip natural oils, making your scalp produce even more oil to compensate. Instead, opt for dry shampoo between washes.
- Massage your scalp daily to increase circulation and stimulate hair growth. Even 2 minutes while watching Netflix helps.
The Final Cut
Scalp care isn’t just another beauty fad it's the foundation for healthy, thriving hair. If you’ve been investing in hair serums, masks, and salon treatments without results, it might be time to look at what’s happening at the root. With Dubai’s unique climate challenges, adding scalp-focused products to your routine can make all the difference. And no, you don’t need a 10-step scalp care routine, just a few key products and smart habits can set you up for your best hair yet.