A Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Care of Yourself—and Your Scalp

Because your scalp deserves some TLC, too

From #SelfCareSunday rituals that help chase away the Sunday scaries to going on daily runs, self-care looks a little different to everyone. How we interpret self-care and take care of ourselves in the privacy of our bathroom varies from person to person, too. It can be as elaborate as a 10-step skincare routine or as simple as taking a shower.

When it comes to bathroom rituals, we spend more time cultivating a skincare regimen than we do taking care of our scalp. In fact, research shows that women have up to six skincare products on their bathroom shelves, but a majority of those don’t pay attention to their scalp health. A healthy scalp is just as important as healthy skin and neglecting it can lead to issues like dryness, flaking, itchiness and excess oil. In other words, it means having to deal with hair that’s damaged and lacklustre.

The new Head & Shoulders Suprême Collection, designed with naturally-derived, skincare-inspired ingredients, ensures that your scalp is not only cleansed, but it also stays healthy and flake-free. It’s also a ritual you can easily incorporate into your existing shower routine for healthy-looking hair and a little extra TLC. Think of it as a facial for your scalp.

So go ahead, gather your scalp-loving essentials and get ready to lather up and relax in three easy steps.

Step 1: Start with a scalp scrub. The Exfoliating Scalp Scrub from the Head & Shoulders Suprême Collection includes ingredients that you can find in your favourite serum or moisturizer like argan oil and vitamin E. As an added bonus, it gently exfoliates the scalp with silica beads, which dissolve during use to easily rinse away dirt and oil. Your scalp will feel renewed and you’ll be left with bouncier, shinier hair.

Take the time to massage it in. A scalp massage is not only relaxing, it’s said to improve circulation, which can stimulate hair growth. Some studies also show that a scalp massage can help reduce stress and boost your mood.

Step 2: Next, reach for your shampoo. The Suprême collection’s moisturizing shampoos and conditioners feature a blend of zinc pyrithione (an active ingredient that prevents and removes scalp irritants) and argan oil (known to moisturize a dry scalp) in a colour-safe formula. Both components replenish moisture without weighing down your strands. The Purify & Hydrate Shampoo also targets oily scalps and repairs damage with hydrating coconut water. Remember to keep the water temperature warm. A steamy shower may be tempting, but it can dry skin and damage hair.

Step 3: Follow up with your conditioner. Using the same cocktail of ingredients, the Purify & Hydrate Conditioner nourishes your hair, leaving it smooth, shiny and ready to style. Post-shower, towel-dry wet strands by gently squeezing and patting (instead of rubbing) to protect the hair and scalp.

A little scalp care during your me-time in the shower can go a long way. It won’t make the ’gram, but some things are just meant for you (and your hair).