The ‘Skinification’ of Hair: Scalp Health 101
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
There’s a meme that started circulating a few years ago about your dry, cracked heels watching you follow a 12-step skincare routine for your face. While that still hits home for some (me), we’ve since found a 2026 equivalent: neglecting scalp care.
Now, because it’s all about buzzwords and the clever merging of terms, this phenomenon has been dubbed the ‘skinification’ of haircare – which involves applying the same ingredients, care and general enthusiasm to your scalp as you would your face. It’s all skin, after all.
If you’re new to this top-down approach, I’d suggest some big headphones and thirty or-so minutes with this BeautyIQ Expert episode. In it, Expert co-host and skin therapist Tegan Mac breaks down why scalp exfoliation is trending for all the right reasons.
Consider this article your scalp health cheat sheet.
Why is scalp care so important?
“The quality of your hair really does rely on the scalp,” says Tegan.
That doesn’t mean you have to buy ten new products, though. A good scalp exfoliator that works for your hair type will help remove product build-up, dead skin and excess sebum. Aka the gunk that tends to block pores or hair follicles.
Because oil repels water, using a scrub or chemical exfoliator to break down those oils is really beneficial.
“Exfoliating your scalp can also help improve your scalp health, which will support your hair density over time. By using these exfoliators, you can prep your hair and scalp properly before any treatments that you put on after your shower.”
How often should I be using a scalp exfoliator?
For oilier hair types or K18 Airwash devotees, exfoliating your scalp once a week is ideal. Though you might want to scale it back if you’re on the drier side.
“If you already have a dry scalp, you run the risk of overexfoliating – just like you do with your skin,” Tegan warns.
Try starting out once every two weeks to see how your scalp reacts, then up the frequency if needed.
What about sensitive, flaky scalps?
Tegan suggests opting for a chemical exfoliant over a physical one, “so you’re not abrating the scalp with little particles if it is a bit irritated.”
For scalp exfoliation, our pick is the Alpha-H Healthy Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, which is a gentler BHA-powered exfoliant that helps reduce flaking.
And scalp massages?
Good news for scalps everywhere: head massages are encouraged.
“Besides lathering the product, you’re bringing blood flow to the scalp, and it’s the blood that carries all of the healthy nutrients that then makes your hair grow better,” Tegan explains.
She loves the Virtue Flourish & Manta Brush for a gentle scalp massage that won’t tangle your hair.
Our scalp care favourites
A gentle cleansing paste that transforms into a light foam with water. It buffs away heavy build-up and oil, creating lightweight, bouncy volume.
A pre-shampoo exfoliating scalp treatment powered by salicylic acid and plant-based beads. It exfoliates dead skin cells and flakes, purifies the scalp and soothes discomfort.
A chemical exfoliant that doesn’t contain any gritty particles. It’s formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate, cleanse and purify your scalp.
A deeply cleansing scalp scrub that doubles as a conditioning treatment. It uses dual-action exfoliation to balance the scalp and Alpha Keratin 60ku to repair hair.
A gentle scalp-massaging brush designed to detangle without tugging or pulling. This scalp massager is ideal for anyone with fine, fragile or thinning hair.
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