What Is The Skinification Of Hair And How Does It Affect You

For decades, hair care products focused on infusing our locks with ingredients to nourish and promote shinier hair, reverse damage and soften strands. When it came to scalp care it was mostly about preventing dandruff and zapping flakes. But in the past few years we’ve seen an influx of products promoting scalp care beyond those basics, introducing the concept that scalp care is hair care and in order to grow strong healthy tresses it has to start at the root. 

This idea, aptly named the skinification of hair, is growing in popularity. It might sound like a fancy trend to get people to buy more products, but according to celebrity hairstylist and colorist Jonathan Colombini, the introduction of scalp care products has really changed the game. Here, we discuss what the skinification of hair means for you and your hair care regimen.

What is the skinification of hair?

This concept of scalp care as hair care comes down to the idea that we should be giving the skin on our heads the same TLC as the skin on our faces. From exfoliating and hydrating, to infusing it with anti-aging go-to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the scalp is now reaping all the benefits of a custom facial. And in turn, this promotes healthy hair growth from the foundation up. Skinification is penetrating all markets, from hair care to makeup, and even personal feminine care (yes, the skin down there is getting that same royal treatment).

How does skinification affect your hair care routine?

Fortunately, this new discovery of benefits only does good for your hair. Think about it like clearing weeds from a garden. If you plant flower seeds, you can keep giving the soil plenty of water and food, but if pesky weeds are concentrating in the area and eating up all the good stuff, those beautiful florals will never bud. Scalp care products work the same way, tackling things that prevent healthy hair growth, such as bacteria, product build-up, dirt and excess oil. Whether your hair is straight, curly, coily, wavy, low porosity, or anything in between, you can introduce new scalp care products into your routine to show your locks more love. Colombini says tailor them to your scalp needs the same way you would tailor your products for the skin on your face.

“What you use depends on what your hair texture is and if your scalp is normal, oily, or dry,” he says. “If it’s oily, don’t use anything with tons of essential oils in it. If your scalp is dry, avoid over cleansing.”

Our Favorite Scalp Care Products To Try Right Now

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Scalp Care + Detox shampoo deeply purifies, cleanses the scalp of dirt, oil, and product build-up without stripping the hair. It has menthol and neem leaf in it so it leaves you with a clean and fresh feeling until your next shampoo. Follow up with L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Scalp Care + Detox conditioner.

L’Oréal Paris Ever Fresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub gently removes excess oil and dirt, and reduces dandruff in just two washes. It clears the scalp so that shampoo can go to work on your hair from root to tip.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Scrub works for all hair types to prep the scalp before a wash. For curly girls who are accustomed to using a co-wash or cleansing conditioner, it’s a great alternative if you have a dry scalp. And, it doesn’t tangle thick coils.

If you’re using scalp care products and are still experiencing issues, including extremely dry or inflamed scalp or even hair loss, seek the professional help of a board certified dermatologist or certified trichologist who can diagnose and treat your concerns.

Next: A Scalp Scrub Is A Must For Your Routine—This Is Why