When we talk about hair care, the first thing that comes to mind is the hair itself—how to make it softer, strengthen it, or redefine its curls. However, there's an even more important area to pamper for beautiful hair: the scalp. The base of your hair, where it all begins, depends on its health!
Know your scalp to take better care of it
Hidden by the hair, the scalp is often overlooked. We often know nothing about its appearance. Allow us to remind you! The scalp refers to the entire skin covering the head. Responsible for a dual mission, it plays, on the one hand, the role of a protective barrier against external aggressions and, on the other hand, that of host to the hair follicles from which the hair grows.
The scalp is a continuation of the facial skin, although it is slightly thicker. Like the skin, it is irrigated by a network of blood vessels that supply the hair follicles with the nutrients essential for their growth, shine, and strength. The scalp also undergoes the same cell renewal process. Dead cells are regularly evacuated in the form of invisible scales to make way for new cells. When this system malfunctions and accelerates, the small dead skin cells become visible and form dandruff.
Whether it's dull hair, itchy skin, or dandruff, you've probably guessed it, it's the scalp that determines whether your hair looks gorgeous or not. That's why a healthy, balanced scalp that's capable of performing its functions is key to having beautiful hair.
Focus on the microbiome, the secret to a healthy scalp
To maintain good scalp health, it is essential to maintain the good health of its microbiome. An ecosystem of living microorganisms, the scalp microbiome is mainly made up of bacteria and yeast. This specific skin flora is responsible for protecting the scalp from harmful bacteria. While it evolves harmoniously by default, certain external and internal factors such as environmental changes, hormonal upheavals, and the use of overly aggressive or unsuitable products can alter its virtuous cycle. The result: the nature of the hair changes, the scalp dries out, the hair fiber becomes thinner and brittle, and can even cause hair loss. Fortunately, there are some good practices to rebalance and preserve the scalp microbiome.
Our recommendations for taking care of your scalp
A healthy, happy scalp doesn't tolerate excessive heat well. Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons should be used sparingly. Instead, air-dry your hair. Also, prioritize a balanced lifestyle that includes a varied diet, and schedule relaxation time to relieve stress. Stress can cause scalp sensitization.
Furthermore, avoid inadequate hair care products that mistreat your scalp and adopt a dedicated routine. With its extraordinary knowledge of skin, Payot has used its expertise to create a hair care ritual that respects the scalp microbiome: Essentiel. These herbal, clean*, and committed products rebalance and revitalize the hair ecosystem and all of its microorganisms for infinitely supple and shiny hair. With up to 94% ingredients of natural origin, our Essentiel hair care products are enriched with upcycled patchouli extract, known to regulate sebum production and flaking, and organic sage extract, with stimulating and protective properties for the scalp. A caring gesture, Essentiel offers women's and men's hair a delicate touch with a fresh and aromatic fragrance. Discover our gentle shampoo, our solid shampoo, and our biome-friendly conditioner** without further delay!