Oily scalp, dry hair and flakes – these are symptoms of combination scalp and hair. Here, experts share their tips on establishing the ideal haircare routine.
If you have… dry scalp and oily hair
Dry scalp and sensitive scalp are often thought as the same, but there are subtle differences. Dry scalp is often a result of over-washing and a lack of moisture overall. The skin then becomes irritated and starts to flake. According to trichologist Maria Mazengarb at DrHair, one of the key solutions is to use a pH suitable shampoo, which helps with keeping the scalp overall pH neutral.
Over-styling can also exacerbate the scalp situation. Reduce your styling products to keep the hair clear. Hairstylist Charles Chong of Chez Vous suggests: “Use a scalp mask once a week to rebalance the scalp and regulate sebum production.”
If you have… oily roots and dry ends
For this, the solution lies in a clarifying shampoo to remove the gunk from the root of the issue. Scalp exfoliation is an easy way to remove dead skin cells and let the scalp breathe again.
Make sure the shampoo is specifically formulated for dandruff and contains salicylic acid to slough away dead skin that causes the build-up. Exfoliating your scalp with serums containing BHAs will ensure that the scalp stays clear of build-up.
Combat dry ends with conditioner that hydrate and include ingredients like silicone to lock in moisture. Glycerine has also been known to prevent breakage, so look out for products with this ingredient. Apply conditioner from the mid-length of your hair to the ends and avoid the scalp. The same goes for leave-in products: Apply at the ends only.
Scroll for a list of products that will help combat your combination hair issues.
The leave-in treatment contains a microbiotic booster to strengthen the skin’s barrier and maintain a healthy microbiome. Contains Tasmanian pepper berry and fumaria officinalis, which is said to provide relief from eczema.
Honey and argan oil moisturise and nourish, while ume extract improves hair elasticity. Grape skin and moringa seed extracts give that antioxidant boost to strengthen and repair hair, reducing free radical and UV damage.
Made with Guerlain’s proprietary dynamic black bee repair technology, it accelerates skin’s self-repair mechanisms as it strengthens hair follicles. A little goes a long way: Massage one to two drops of oil onto the scalp, and on dry or wet hair, to boost circulation and restore its vitality.
This blend of camellia sinensis leaf extract, evening primrose oil, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and safflower seed oil nourishes the scalp and hair to strengthen and impart shine.
A blend of physical and chemical exfoliants like AHAs and glycolic acid help detoxify the scalp, removing dead skin, oil, dirt and product build-up. Peppermint oil gives a cool sensation, while caffeine energises hair follicles.
This leave-in serum is inspired by TCM philosophy. Made with 100 per cent plant enzymes of various types of ginseng root and ginger, the serum clears scalp of dry flakes and oil.
A hydrating mask with binchotan charcoal that draws out toxins as it cools with peppermint, spearmint and tea tree. It also has panthenol to prevent moisture loss. Massage this onto the scalp and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
Tames unruly hair and protects from heat damage from flat irons and loss of hydration to environmental factors like air-conditioning.
The 70-minute treatment starts with a thorough cleanse, removing excess sebum and styling build-up from hair follicles. This is followed by a nourishing treatment using ginkgo biloba leaf extract with peptides to promote a healthy scalp for softer, shiny hair.