By Melissa Timperley, Celebrity Hair Stylist & Founder of Melissa Salons.
We all know the importance of looking after our skin. Daily cleansing, moisturising, and the occasional exfoliation help keep our complexion glowing and prevent breakouts. What many people forget is that the scalp is skin too—and it deserves just as much care.
If your scalp is neglected, it can become dry, oily, itchy, or clogged with buildup. Over time, this can compromise the environment where your hair grows, leading to dull strands or even increased shedding and hair thinning! Think of it like gardening: healthy, nutrient-rich soil produces strong, vibrant plants, while neglected soil struggles to sustain growth. Your scalp works in much the same way.
Why Scalp Health Matters
Each hair grows from a follicle embedded in the scalp. For hair to thrive, that follicle needs oxygen, nutrients, and a clean, balanced environment. If the scalp is overloaded with oil, dead skin, or styling product residue, follicles can become blocked. This can shorten the natural growth cycle and make hair look thinner or weaker.
A healthy scalp also supports better circulation, ensuring that the nutrients from your diet are delivered efficiently to each follicle. In other words, what happens beneath the surface has a direct impact on the strength, shine, and resilience of the hair you see in the mirror.
The Scalp Ages Too
It may surprise you to learn that your scalp ages faster than the skin on your face—up to six times faster, in fact. Exposure to sun, pollution, heat styling, and stress all take their toll. That means scalp care isn’t just about managing dandruff or oiliness; it’s also about protecting the skin to maintain long-term hair vitality.
Practical Tips for a Scalp Reset
1. Cleanse Regularly
Just as you wouldn’t go days without washing your face, the scalp benefits from consistent cleansing. This doesn’t mean stripping away natural oils—gentle shampoos that balance sebum production are best.
2. Exfoliate Weekly
Exfoliation isn’t just for your face. Using a scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment once a week helps lift away dead skin cells and product residue, clearing the way for healthy growth. Many professional haircare brands (such as Nioxin) highlight exfoliation as a key step in creating the right environment for hair.
3. Massage to Boost Circulation
A few minutes of scalp massage—whether with your fingertips or a scalp brush—can work wonders. It stimulates blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, while also relieving tension.
4. Hydrate and Protect
Just like skin, your scalp can get dry or irritated. Lightweight conditioners, leave-in treatments, or oils can help lock in moisture without clogging pores.
5. Feed Your Follicles
A healthy diet plays a huge role in scalp and hair health. Nutrients such as biotin, vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, help regulate oil production, support keratin structure, and combat oxidative stress.
6. Listen to Your Scalp
Itchiness, flakes, or sensitivity are signs your scalp needs attention. Simple changes—like switching to a gentler shampoo, adjusting wash frequency, or seeking professional advice—can make a big difference.
Caring for your scalp is not a trend; it’s an essential part of overall hair health. By treating it with the same respect you give your face—cleansing, hydrating, protecting, and nourishing—you set the stage for stronger, fuller, healthier-looking hair. Think of your scalp as the soil and your hair as the plant: the richer the soil, the more your hair can thrive.
About the expert
Melissa Timperley is a Celebrity Hair Stylist and Founder of Melissa Salons. Melissa has always had a passion for hair. Family photos show her cutting her dolls’ hair, aged four, before graduating on to her two sisters! At just 24 years old, Melissa opened her salon with the vision to design beautiful hair to the highest possible standards in a calm, relaxing environment. Since then, the salon has won numerous awards including Best UK Salon (twice), Best Client Service and Best Independent Salon. Two-time North West Hairdresser of the Year finalist herself, Melissa and the team have also won several creative awards for both their cut and colour work. She trained in precision cutting with Sassoon, gaining Distinctions in both her Classic and Creative tests – a rare feat in what is recognised as the world’s most challenging cutting programme. She then completed the Wella Master Colour Programme, achieving top marks in her exams. Melissa is now a judge of national and international hairdressing competitions. Although she’s come a long way in such a short space of time, Melissa loves to create beautiful hair! With a plethora of loyal clients, you’ll find Melissa on the floor most days doing what she loves best. Find out more at melissa-salons.com
