Healthy Hair Starts at the Scalp: Why You Shouldn’t Skip Scalp Care

When you think about growing strong, healthy hair, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the right shampoo, clean ingredients, or the perfect blend of supplements. But here’s the truth I tell every client who sits in my chair: If your hair isn’t where you want it to be, we always start with the scalp.

Think of your scalp like the soil in a garden. You could plant the best seeds, but if the soil isn’t healthy, you won’t get strong, thriving plants. The same goes for your hair. A neglected scalp can hold you back from real progress, even if you’re doing everything else “right.”

Why You Might Not Know Your Scalp Needs Help

Most people don’t realize something’s off until we take a closer look under the microscope. That’s where we often see buildup, flaking, inflammation, or even clogged follicles—things you can’t always feel or see in the mirror. So if you’re frustrated by shedding, breakage, or slow growth, chances are, your scalp is asking for support.

Let’s walk through a few common scalp issues I see and how we can address them holistically.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp can show up as white, thin flakes, itching, or that tight, uncomfortable feeling. If you never feel oily, even after skipping washes for days, you might be dealing with dryness.

Why it matters:

Your scalp’s natural oils help hydrate your hair and keep your follicles functioning properly. Without enough moisture and balance, your hair may feel brittle, lack shine, or struggle to grow.

Important note: Dry doesn’t always mean you need to add oil. In fact, adding too much can throw things off even more. Instead, I usually recommend:

• Gentle scalp exfoliation once a week or every other week

• A targeted topical to rebalance your scalp microbiome

• A nourishing scalp oil only if dryness is persistent or severe

Oily Scalp

Struggling with an oily scalp can be frustrating, especially when your instinct is to shampoo more. But daily washing often strips the scalp, triggering it to produce even more oil. A vicious cycle.

Here’s how I help clients reset:

1. Start with a professional scalp cleaning to remove buildup and get a fresh start

2. Revisit your diet: High sugar and unhealthy fats can spike oil production

3. Use a shampoo made for oily scalps: I love Oway’s Sebum Balance Hair Bath

4. Pre-shampoo oil treatments (yes, oil!) help attract and lift excess oil. Scalp Rescue Night by HuiHui Essentials is my go-to

5. Top it off with a rebalancing scalp tonic like Scalp Tonic by Reverie (use code ROOTALCHEMIST for 15% off)

Flaking

Whether flakes are white or yellow, they’re always a red flag. But the treatment depends on what kind you’re seeing:

• White flakes = dryness or product buildup→ Exfoliate weekly, use a scalp topical, and consider a dry scalp–specific shampoo

• Yellow flakes = oil buildup→ Try double cleansing, pre-shampoo treatments, and an exfoliating shampoo 1–2x a month

And no, Head & Shoulders isn't the solution. It might offer temporary relief, but it’s not meant for long-term scalp health.

Itching

An itchy scalp is never just “annoying," it’s your body telling you something’s wrong. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term inflammation and damage. Itching is often paired with flaking, oil imbalance, or dryness, and I always recommend using the microscope to figure out the exact cause before treating it.

Conditions Like Psoriasis & Eczema

Yes, psoriasis and eczema can show up on your scalp and absolutely impact your hair quality. These conditions are often tied to your gut, immune system, and stress levels, so we have to take a full-body approach to manage them. That might include:

• Anti-inflammatory scalp topicals and shampoos

• Gentle, nourishing treatments

• Gut health, lifestyle shifts, and stress support

Do You Know What a Clean Scalp Feels Like?

After a professional scalp cleaning, clients often say things like: “My scalp feels lighter.” “My hair actually has volume again.” “It styles so much better now.”

Whether you’re dealing with buildup, thick hair that’s hard to clean thoroughly, or a chronic condition that needs extra care, regular scalp cleanings can be a game changer.

Most clients benefit from a scalp facial every 3–6 months, depending on their hair, lifestyle, and scalp condition. It’s not something you need monthly, but it’s worth working into your seasonal routine. Plus, who doesn’t want an hour and a half of head massage and relaxation?

Your Scalp Deserves Just As Much Care As Your Hair

Hair health doesn’t start with styling products. It starts at the scalp.

Whether you’re working through a specific concern or simply want to make sure your scalp is in good shape, I’d love to help. Let’s take a closer look, microscope and all, and figure out what your scalp needs to truly thrive.