One beauty trend that shows absolutely no signs of waning? Scalp care. Since the rise of hair 'skinification' - the practice that encourages us all to tend to our heads the way we do our skin with the right ingredients, techniques and treatments - the condition of our scalps has increasingly come into focus. Ethical beauty brand Lush has certainly seen an uptick, as sales of its Roots Scalp Treatment, £18, have soared by over 264% year on year. And, it's making waves on TikTok, too, as various online beauty buffs crown it their haircare secret for everything from hair growth to preventing hair loss.
Most recently, @islandgirllonelyworld took to the app to declare her love for the product, 'no because Roots by Lush has CHANGED my life. Stress hair loss? Fixed. Any residue product? Gone. Softest hair ever? Check. I use it one a week and it's my favourite product ever made. I think everyone needs to try it.' The video has since amassed over 516K views, with various comments agreeing with the TikToker.
Why is scalp care important?
There is good reason for why Lush's scalp products and scalp care in general is enjoying the spotlight. Daisy Evans, hair category lead at Lush, explains, 'Your scalp is the flowerbed and soil from which your hair grows. Taking care of your hair really begins with caring for your scalp. It’s not just about fixing issues as they arise; it’s about promoting a healthy, happy scalp environment, which in turn will prevent things like dandruff, sensitivity, or congestion.'
For trichologists like Mark Constantine, 'scalp health is the number one thing we look at first and foremost in hair care,' and he has seen firsthand how using the right products and routine can transform the health of your scalp and hair.
What is a good scalp care routine?
According to Evans and Constantine, it consists of three steps: Pre-treat, exfoliate and cleanse, and protect.
Lush's viral Roots treatment falls into step one, which boasts a sensory invigorating triple mint blend of fresh mint, peppermint and spearmint, as well as grapefruit, neroli and sweet orange. Constantine explains, 'The Japanese have a very different attitude to the scalp compared to in the west. They believe that everything starts there. That’s why we made Roots - a very simple product that encourages hair growth that increases blood flow to the scalp whilst slowing hair fall.' A combination of mint, plus strengthening honey, antioxidant-rich nettle, and shine-boosting olive, means this treatment brings scalps on the brink back into balance. For the full experience, I apply a generous coat of the cooling paste to my dry scalp and hair for 20 minutes, then wash.
Step two is all about ridding the scalp of any built up impurities and giving it a thorough clean. Reach for a physical exfoliator like the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub, £25.60, which uses anti-fungal neem and antioxidant-rich wild ginger to gently exfoliate, purify and refresh. Unlike other scalp scrubs it transforms into a soft, creamy lather to help dislodge dirt without leaving behind that horrible gritty, stripped feeling. Then, use a shampoo that speaks to your hair type. I am hooked on Garnier's Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion & Starch Shampoo, £5.50, which uses K-Beauty hero ingredients rice water and starch to leave my often dull, long hair visibly hydrated, plump and smooth. You'll notice the difference instantly as your hair won't be left squeaky clean post-wash but instead will have a nice amount of slip.
The final step is all about protecting and sealing in your hard work. Again, use a conditioner catered to your hair type and follow up with a hard-working leave-in like the Lush Super Milk Conditioning Spray, £15. Perfect for all hair types, it is packed with almond, coconut, and oat milks, to add all-important hydration and protection without weighing hair down. Daisy adds, 'Oats are wonderful on the skin and scalp to soothe. If you’re wearing your hair in protective styles and braids, you can spray Super Milk directly onto the scalp to offer relief and hydration between washes.'
Armed with these steps, the experts agree that with regular use you'll be on track to 'stronger, shinier hair and a happy scalp'. Ready to level up your scalp care? Shop our favourites below.
Shop: The Best Scalp Care Products
www.lush.com
Loaded with a sensorial blend of triple mints including fresh mint, peppermint and spearmint, as well as grapefruit, neroli and sweet orange, this scalp solution helps to encourage hair growth and increases blood flow to the scalp to slow hair fall. For the full experience, apply a generous coat of the cooling paste to dry scalps and hair for 20 minutes, then wash.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Exfoliation is key to healthy hair growth. This scrub uses anti-fungal neem and antioxidant-rich wild ginger to gently clear, purify and refresh. Unlike other scalp scrubs it transforms into a soft, creamy lather to help dislodge dirt without leaving behind that horrible gritty, stripped feeling.
www.boots.com
The same goes for cleansing, AKA shampoo. This uses K-Beauty hero ingredients like rice water and starch to leave dull, long hair visibly hydrated, plump and smooth. You'll notice the difference instantly as your hair won't be left squeaky clean post-wash but instead will have a nice amount of slip.
www.lush.com
Ideal for all hair types, this leave-in conditioner is packed with almond, coconut, and oat milks, to add all-important hydration and protection without weighing hair down.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).