Haircare has gone beyond finding the right shampoo and conditioner as recent hair and scalp care trends are borrowing from skincare’s playbook. Collectively known as the skinification of haircare, this trend involves treating your scalp and strands with common ingredients found in skincare products to nourish the scalp, reduce shedding, promote growth, and improve overall hair structure. When done right, skinification can result in thicker, stronger hair and long-term scalp health, and it’s why consumers are eagerly scouring the shelves of Sephora, Ulta, and Olive Young for the latest products with active ingredients.
Industry experts say that skinification has become a priority among Millennials and Gen Z because of the shift towards holistic wellness and TikTok-driven education. According to Jason Roark, senior director at Kenvue, one of the world’s largest consumer health companies, skinification is also driven by consumers looking for “more trusted guidance.” He adds that the scientific research involved in developing these products can help provide an authoritative point of view that cuts through the social media noise and hype. If you want to transform your tresses, here are some of the best skinification trends to integrate into your hair and scalp care routine.
Scalp “Facials”
Before trying new treatments or hair products with active ingredients, it’s important to assess your hair and scalp condition first. This helps to prevent damage and ensure that you target the root cause of any issues. For instance, if you’re experiencing pattern balding or hair loss from scalp infections and skin disorders like psoriasis, a scalp serum may not be enough to address the problem.
To treat hair thinning and excessive shedding, consider a professional female hair loss treatment for best results. Experts can create a customized regrowth program to restore fullness, and they can even suggest alternative treatment options for other hair loss conditions, such as hair loss caused by radiation. Once your hair and scalp is in good condition, try treatments or new products to enhance your hair, but consult your trichologist to make sure that these won’t cause further damage or adverse reactions.
One of the most popular skinification of hair trends that you may consider are scalp “facials,” which are multi-step spa or salon services. This treatment aims to gently remove product build up, boost blood flow for hair regrowth, and improve hair hydration. A scalp facial typically starts with scalp exfoliation using a physical or chemical scrub, then the hair and scalp is double cleansed with salon-grade shampoo. A custom-blended mask is applied, followed by a warm steam to soothe irritation and add moisture. Afterwards, you get a scalp massage to relieve tension and promote circulation, then a serum is massaged into the roots to lock in hydration. A scalp facial or head spa is best done every four to six weeks for general maintenance, but the frequency may depend on your hair and scalp condition.
Skincare Actives in Haircare Products
While restocking on essentials at your favorite beauty retailer, you may find interesting products such as niacinamide or peptide-infused shampoos, or scalp serums with hyaluronic acid. Many premium salon brands such as Kerastase and Olaplex, as well as drugstore brands like Revlon and Dove, have incorporated active skincare ingredients into their newest product lines. Though you may be tempted to try them all, it’s important to keep your hair goals in mind to get the best results.
For instance, to stimulate blood circulation and balance oil production, look for products with caffeine or niacinamide. To restore moisture to dry, brittle strands, choose hair products with hyaluronic acid which binds water to dehydrated hair shafts. To strengthen existing hair and maintain scalp moisture, pick hair or scalp care products with ceramides. Meanwhile, if your goal is to have thicker or fuller hair, try serums infused with peptides. Peptides are gentler alternatives to minoxidil and finasteride, and it prevents thinning and reduces hairfall without irritation.
Layered Routines
When you’re dealing with hair issues, a simple wash and condition routine just won’t do. Instead, create a layered haircare routine to strengthen hair and enhance scalp health throughout the day. Before washing your hair, apply a pre-wash treatment oil to reduce breakage and protect your strands from harsh cleansing. Wash and condition as usual, gently dry hair, then apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to soften hair. Apply an overnight serum before bedtime to treat dryness or itchiness. In the morning, use a hair sunscreen to protect your hair and scalp from harmful UV rays.
Boost your hair and scalp health with skincare-inspired treatments and products with active ingredients. In case of hair issues like thinning or excessive hairfall, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
