We care for our hair with leave-in conditioners, targeted treatments and regular trips to the salon, but without giving our scalps the TLC they deserve, an extensive haircare routine will never realise its full potential. The scalp often goes unnoticed despite being a vital aspect of our overall hair health. Most individuals neglect it because it’s out of sight, yet overlooking it can often lead to a variety of issues that will eventually require attention (and more drastic solutions). As an extension of the face, the scalp is equally susceptible to irritation, itchiness, dryness and flaking, making scalp care just as important as skin care.
Understanding if your scalp is in good condition is the first step in effective scalp care. “Interestingly, a healthy scalp is one you rarely notice: it’s comfortable, balanced and largely free of irritation,” explains Lars Skjøth, founder of scalp and hair health clinic Hårklinikken. “It should feel clean and supple without tightness, itching, or soreness, and it should carry no odour. Visually, there should be no flaking, no redness, no inflamed patches and no visible buildup along the hairline or parting.”
This criteria serves as the foundation for aesthetic hair treatments as well. “Scalp care is the foundation of healthy hair,” Maria Dowling, founder of mariadowling Salon tells MOJEH. “As colour specialists, we focus on tone, placement and colour formulation, but the reality is that the scalp determines how successful the colour service is and how well the hair both receives and retains the colour.” A well-maintained scalp therefore enhances the vibrancy and longevity of your hair colour.
Unfortunately, many of us are unknowingly working against our follicles through the products we choose. Skjøth notes that hair follicle miniaturisation can begin as early as the teens or 20s, often going unnoticed until the cumulative effect becomes visible in our 30s or 40s. “This is precisely why the 20s and 30s represent a meaningful window for prevention,” he explains, advising a move away from products that prioritise cosmetic effects over scalp health. “Silicones and similar ingredients create the immediate sensation of smoothness and shine by coating the hair shaft, but this coating may impede moisture absorption over time and may transfer to the scalp and follicles, creating buildup that works against healthy hair production.”
In the UAE, this buildup is heightened by a desert climate (read: pollution, sand storms and unbearable heat), amplifying the need for appropriate scalp care. Cleansing is a critical element that varies based on climate and activity; in warmer months, increased perspiration leads to congestion that requires more frequent washing. Dowling emphasises that “detoxification is one of the most overlooked steps in modern haircare,” highlighting that regular detoxing removes the minerals, residue and excess oil that are particularly prevalent in regions with intense heat and hard water. In these environments, “the scalp’s oil glands may produce excess sebum at an accelerated rate, creating conditions that increase the likelihood of follicular buildup, irritation and microbial imbalance,” adds Skjøth.
For those who frequently colour their hair, it’s important to understand how this environmental congestion impacts the final result. “If the scalp is congested, inflamed or burdened by buildup, the hair can be compromised before colour is even applied,” explains Dowling. To combat this, she recommends detox products to gently purify the skin and restore balance before your appointment.
A common pitfall in maintaining this balance is the heavy reliance on dry shampoo as a shortcut. “Dry shampoo has its place, but it should never replace proper cleansing,” Dowling explains. Skjøth calls it one of the most misunderstood products in the category. “It does not cleanse. It creates the appearance of clean hair through chemicals and absorbent powders that sit on the scalp, and in doing so, it may clog follicles, disrupt the scalp’s natural pH balance, and contribute to conditions such as dermatitis and folliculitis over time.”
This realisation is driving a shift in client priorities toward a more holistic approach to haircare, from scalp to ends. “People are becoming increasingly aware that beautiful hair is not simply created in the salon chair; it’s maintained through scalp health, lifestyle, nutrition and consistency,” Dowling points out.
As Skjøth emphasises, “No single shampoo formulation is appropriate for every scalp condition.” He explains that we must differentiate between marketing gimmicks and the actual delivery of ingredients to the follicle. “An ingredient that cannot reach the follicle cannot meaningfully influence it,” he explains, citing how unformulated oils often sit on the surface without benefit. “A product formulated with genuine scalp health in mind should avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh preservatives entirely.”
Recognising the scalp as an asset rather than an afterthought allows us to cultivate practices that lead to healthier hair for years to come.
Scalp Care Products To Try
While the scalp care market is rapidly expanding, it isn’t yet oversaturated, making now the perfect time to discover high-performance formulas that actually deliver. Here are MOJEH’s recommendations:
Dyson Amino™, Dyson
Harnessing skincare-grade ingredients and farm-grown antioxidants, Dyson’s foaming serum instantly boosts moisture and reduces hair fall for a denser, more energised mane. The formulation fortifies the scalp barrier and provides targeted anti-ageing care through Dyson-grown barley, naturally enriched with 11 amino acids and essential minerals including iron and zinc. Shop Now
N°.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment, Olaplex
With the scalp ageing nearly six times faster than the skin on your face, specialised care is required for maintaining a balanced and strong foundation. This weightless Olaplex treatment, designed for use on dry hair overnight or post-shower, uses patented Bond Building Technology alongside a blend of lavender and Tazman pepper extracts. Rich in fatty acids and ceramides, it promises the hydration needed to revive a dry scalp and protect against premature ageing. Shop Now
Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo, Hårklinikken
Achieving a healthy scalp means stabilising its microbiome and regulating oil production, a task Hårklinikken’s Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo handles without a struggle. Ideal for oily or flaky conditions, this versatile formula clears buildup and dandruff across all hair types. The result is a balanced scalp and noticeably bouncier, more manageable strands. Shop Now
Signature Detox Hair And Scalp Clay, Maria Dowling
For those seeking an all-natural solution, the mariadowling Signature Detox Hair and Scalp Clay is the answer to all your worries. This treatment draws out toxins and environmental buildup while utilising a nourishing blend of peppermint, jojoba and honey to soothe and heal. Infused with vitamin B5 and bergamot to rebalance moisture, it leaves the scalp refreshed and the hair healthy, available for both at-home use and as a professional in-salon service. Shop Now
