We’ve been slathering stuff on our skin for decades. Moisturisers, toners, washes, scrubs, exfoliators, creams, anti-aging serums, masks – you name it, we use it! In the UK, we spend billions a year on skincare. And while we spend a lot of money on skincare, when it comes to our hair, many of us are stuck in a never-ending “wash, rinse, repeat” cycle. Imagine only ever using hand soap on your face. Sounds crazy, but that’s exactly how millions treat their locks, using the same basic products over and over again. But things are changing. There’s a new buzzword in the haircare world – skinification. If you haven’t heard about it, you soon will. Here’s the lowdown on the skinification of hair and why you should make it a central part of your routine.
What Is Skinification?
Over the years, hair care has emphasized making your locks shiny and bouncy while keeping bad hair days to a minimum. And actually, cleaning your hair of course! However, when it comes to the scalp, the focus has traditionally been on fighting dandruff and banishing those pesky flakes. But recently we’ve seen the rise of a new concept – treating the skin on your scalp with the same love as you treat the skin on your face. In a way, it’s strange it has taken so long. We’ve known for years that top quality skincare products can work wonders on your face. Why should the scalp be any different?
Why Is It So Important?
Under the surface, the structure of the skin on your scalp is similar to your face. But there are some key differences.
Firstly, the scalp has more sebaceous glands than any other part of your body. These glands secrete an oily matter called sebum, designed to lubricate and waterproof skin. They’re great at their job but they can also be a sticky magnet for dirt and debris to accumulate.
Secondly, your scalp is far hairier than any other part of your body. Like the sebum in your pores, hair is another warm, damp and welcoming environment for dirt and microbes to gather. But unlike your face, hair isn’t as easy to clean or whack a cleanser on!
Finally, the scalp has a comparatively poor “barrier” function. This means it is less effective at keeping hold of precious hydration as other parts of your skin. So, it can dry out quickly. This leaves it vulnerable to itching, inflammation and those dreaded dandruff flakes.
Taken together, it’s no surprise the skinification of haircare is such a major trend. The scalp is a fragile, delicate part of the skin that must contend with a unique set of challenges. And its health is intrinsically linked to your hair. Quite simply: looking after your scalp is one of the most important things you can do to promote and maintain the healthy hair we’re all looking for.
Building Skinification Into Your Hair Health Regimen
We live our lives at a super-fast pace but giving your locks the same TLC you give your face needn’t be difficult. Skinification is all about using the right products on your scalp to nurture, moisturise and cleanse it. It almost goes without saying, always use gentle shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients. But if you’re going to really skinify your haircare routine, then a hair mask is an essential and simple way to do it. Our Hair Mask, clinically formulated with the AnaGain™ ingredient, will help hydrate and nourish your scalp while helping combat dryness and irritation. Use once or twice weekly for 10 minutes – or take it a step further and use it as part of a scalp facial.
While skin & scalp benefit from using great products on them, they also need help from the inside. So, great supplements are a key part of skinification. Our Hair Gain Capsules and Gummies are perfect for the job. Not only will they help stimulate thicker and fuller hair at the root, but they’re packed full of vitamins, minerals and aminos that will help build your hair health from within.
Skinification is also about avoiding anything that could harm the scalp too. Harsh chemical hair dyes cause major irritations and problems with your scalp. So, ditch those synthetic dyes and use the amazing natural alternatives out there instead!
Final Thoughts
You wouldn’t dream of treating the skin on your face badly. You should treat your scalp with the same respect. What you put on your hair and scalp really matters. With a little effort and the right products, you’ll break out of the “wash, rinse, repeat” cycle forever and get great results.