The Scalp is the Foundation of Healthy Hair
Many of us know the importance of skincare. We are familiar with our multi-step skincare routines, are well-versed in the ideas of ‘serums’, ‘actives’ and ‘exfoliation’ for our skin, and are no stranger to skincare-staple ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid that form part of our broad beauty encyclopaedia. However, the same care and attention is often overlooked when it comes to the scalp, despite the fact that a healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair.
Just like our skin, our scalps can accumulate bacteria, are affected by hormonal fluctuations, pollution, UV radiation, harsh chemicals, oxidative stress and more. They contain follicles that become clogged, contain underlying blood vessels and nerves, build up with sweat, become inflamed, irritated and directly impact hair growth. So why are our scalps not shown the same care and attention as our skin?
At MONPURE, scalp health is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that as the hair’s incubator, the dermatological condition of the scalp should be treated as an extension of the skin on our face, and that skincare doesn't end at the hairline. As the world’s first dedicated scalp health brand bridging the gap between skincare and haircare, we have selected the industry’s most revered and researched skincare lessons and introduced them into the world of scalp and hair care.
The secret to healthy hair is, in the same way as the skin, all in a nourishing and fortifying routine. From skincare ingredients to exfoliation, MONPURE is here to help you step up your hair and scalp routine with our 5 ultimate skincare lessons for the scalp…
1. Introduce Acids to the Scalp
Did you know that some of the gold-standard skincare acids hold boundless benefits for the scalp and hair. Ingredients like Retinol, Lactic Acid (AHAs) and Salicylic Acid (BHAs) are a relatively untapped treasure in haircare. However, considering that the scalp is much oilier and thicker than the skin on our face, it is a breeding ground for microbes, and needs to be nourished and balanced to maintain healthy and growing hair.
As a derivative of Vitamin A, retinoids such as retinyl palmitate aid in decongesting follicles, rebalancing the scalp, synthesising collagen, minimising sebum production and speeding up cell turnover. Retinol also improves the absorption of other hair growth boosting ingredients.
AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids such as Lactic Acid work to exfoliate and decongest hair follicles to promote the ideal environment for healthy hair growth. This antibacterial skincare staple also enhances shine and relieves dryness by buffing away flakes and dead skin cells.
Introducing Retinol and AHAs into your scalp care regime with MONPURE’s Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum will work to rebalance the scalp of dead skin and debris, allowing other active ingredients to be optimally absorbed, contributing to healthy hair growth.
MONPURE’s Hydrate and Soothe Scalp Serum includes another famed skincare acid - BHAs or beta hydroxy acids in the form of Salicylic Acid. This popular skincare ingredient extends to the scalp by treating scalp acne, psoriasis, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It’s oil-soluble, meaning it can deeply penetrate and decongest the follicles. Salicylic Acid is also keratolytic, meaning it aids in exfoliation and soothes inflammation.
2. Exfoliate the Scalp
Scalp exfoliation has been a neglected step in hair care for too long. Exfoliating the scalp is just as important as exfoliating the skin. The scalp is a delicate microbiome and incubator that requires balance and nourishment to support the health of hair follicles.
Introducing a gentle scalp scrub into your routine removes build-up, excess oils and dead skin cells that leave a residue on the scalp, and ultimately clog follicles and impede healthy hair growth. They also work to hydrate and moisturise dry, itchy skin and buff away any flakes that may be causing discomfort.
Just like the skin, a healthy scalp microbiome requires a symbiosis of healthy bacteria and yeast, but can go awry when thrown off balance. Natural scalp scrubs cultivate a healthy scalp microbiome. Along with ridding the scalp of nasty build-up, exfoliation also primes the scalp for the absorption of other active ingredients that support scalp and hair health.
MONPURE’s Clarifying Scalp Scrub, starring biodegradable jojoba beads, argan oil and shea butter, is the perfect gentle exfoliant to upgrade your scalp care routine and introduce one of your most well-loved skincare secrets beyond the hairline.
3. Beyond Shampoo and Conditioner: Treat the Scalp
How many of us will splash on some cleanser and a hint of moisturiser and call it a day? We are sure that most of you hold your carefully curated skincare routines near and dear to your hearts.
While we are very clued-up on the necessity of face masks, serums, essences and treatments when it comes to our skincare routines, how many of us give the same attention to our scalps when they are feeling in need of an SOS treatment, a hit of hydration or stimulation? While we’ve become accustomed to a quick hair washing routine, we need to remind ourselves that the scalp, which faces the same environmental aggressors and hormonal fluctuations as the skin, needs to be looked after just the same.
Especially for those with fine or thinning hair, or those who experience itchy scalp conditions, going beyond shampoo and conditioner will entirely elevate your routine and foster the happiest scalp and healthiest hair possible. Introducing a weekly treatment, like the Nourish and Stimulate Scalp Mask, will work to improve scalp health by delivering an intense hit of nourishment and essential vitamins to the scalp and follicles that stimulate healthy hair growth.
With skincare ingredients like Vegan Silk Peptides, Camellia Tea Oil and Lactic Acid (AHAs), this weekly scalp treatment is the perfect way to extend your skincare routine to the scalp and could be the answer to your best hair yet.
4. The Importance of Scalp Serums
MONPURE’s mantra that skincare doesn’t end at the hairline holds true when it comes to some of our hero formulations, scalp serums. Just like our favourite serums in our skincare routines, scalp serums contain concentrated active ingredients that extend beyond the superficial - targeting specific concerns like thinning, dryness, itchiness and protection from pollution.
Scalp serums are targeted treatments that directly hone in on our concerns. Unlike oils, serums don’t sit on top of the scalp and create residue, instead, they seep into the scalp, allowing the nutrients and ingredients they carry to be optimally absorbed. As serums are concentrated and targeted treatments, you need to use minimal product, which doesn’t leave an oily residue or weighed-down appearance.
MONPURE’s scalp serums are designed to be applied daily to damp or towel-dried hair. You only need to apply one or two drops of serum to your areas of concern, and gently massage them into the scalp until the serum is fully absorbed.
If you are experiencing a dry, itchy or flaky scalp, the Hydrate and Soothe Scalp Serum is the perfect calming antidote, containing a unique blend of anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel water, salicylic acid, Pro Vitamin B5 and allantoin. This concentrated solution also aids in alleviating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning, the Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum is the perfect targeted solution for you. Formulated with DHT-blocking pumpkin seed extract, stimulating rosemary oil, castor oil and coffee extract, as well as cell-renewing Retinol and Lactic Acid, this solution is effective in mimimising thinning and promoting thicker, fuller hair growth.
Maximise the effects of your favourite MONPURE serum by introducing the Heal and Energise Jade Comb into your hair growth regime, with an ancient Chinese technique called ‘combing therapy’. Just like the stone Gua Sha and rollers we use on our faces to boost circulation, improve lymphatic drainage and tighten the skin, using the comb in tandem with the quenching and calming Hydrate and Soothe Scalp Serum, or hair-growth-boosting Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum will stimulate follicles, relieve scalp tension, promote blood circulation, encourage hair growth and boost your overall mood.
Read more about how to give yourself a scalp massage here.
5. Replenish Moisture to the Scalp
After applying cleanser, we are sure to slather on a hearty dose of moisturiser to lock in hydration and restore a healthy balance of moisture to our skin. However, why are we still neglecting our scalps when it comes to conditioner?
MONPURE’s Strengthening Essence-Conditioner, inspired by K-beauty regimes, resembles a skincare essence with its lightweight consistency. It is designed to be applied to both the scalp and lengths, despite what you may have been told about conditioner over the years.
We understand that many women, especially those with fine or thinning hair, have been told to avoid conditioner the scalp at all costs. However, when considering the widespread use of harsh shampoos, packed with silicones and sulphates that strip the hair of its natural oils, it is alarming that the scalp’s moisture is never replenished.
A neglected scalp means a dehydrated and starving one - which of course impedes the growth of trong, healthy hair.
With the combination of MONPURE’s Shampoo + Conditioner Duo, formulated with lightweight and skincare-inspired ingredients, you can confidently replenish moisture and nourishment back into the scalp without fear of a weighed-down or greasy aftermath.
At MONPURE, we understand that as the hair’s incubatory environment, the health of the scalp is the common denominator for a host of hair issues. Using holy grail skincare ingredients and lessons when formulating our solutions allows our products to create the optimal foundation for healthy and prosperous hair.
