Dublin: The growing trend of treating the scalp like facial skin is driving a new wave of haircare products, with brands introducing scalp scrubs, acid-based exfoliants and deep-cleansing shampoos that promise to remove buildup, improve hair shine and even support hair growth.
Desmond Tobin, Professor of Dermatological Science at University College Dublin, describes the trend as the ‘skinification’ of the scalp. Tobin noted that consumer interest in improving facial skin over the past several decades has increasingly shifted towards the scalp and hair.
According to Tobin, the trend also represents a significant commercial opportunity for beauty companies, as ingredients and concepts already used in skincare can be adapted for scalp-care products and introduced to consumers relatively quickly.
Detox = scalp cleansing
However, Tobin cautions against taking the term ‘detox’ literally. The Professor added that he would not use the word in a medical sense because these products are not removing dangerous toxins from the body. Instead, occasional scalp cleansing may help some people deal with accumulated hair products and other residues.
Frequent use of styling and haircare products can result in buildup on both the hair and scalp. Some of this residue may collect around the openings of hair follicles, potentially interfering with their normal function and optimal hair growth. A quick daily shower may not always be enough to remove all of this buildup.
The problem can be more noticeable in areas with hard water. Minerals in the water can interact with haircare products and create a sticky residue that remains on the scalp. Environmental pollution may also contribute to scalp buildup.
People living in heavily polluted urban areas could have deposits of chemicals associated with traffic accumulating on their scalps. Despite the growing number of specialised scalp-detox products on the market, Tobin says consumers do not necessarily need to spend more money on expensive treatments.
For people living in hard-water areas, he recommends using a sulfate-free, high-lather shampoo or washing the hair twice during shampooing. These approaches can help break down and remove mineral deposits and product buildup without necessarily requiring a dedicated scalp-detox product.
The growing focus on scalp care highlights how beauty routines are increasingly extending beyond facial skincare. While specialised products may have a role for some people, maintaining a clean scalp does not necessarily require an elaborate or expensive detox routine.
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