Hair is Skin Too

When we talk about hair care, we often leap straight to strands, and how to tame, heal, curl or manipulate them. At the (literal) root of every hair concern and type is something more foundational: the scalp. Much like the rest of skin on the face and body, the scalp’s needs are unique to your skin type, hair type, background and lifestyle. 

Intentional scalp care recognizes the complexity and range of issues possible when working towards a healthier scalp. Gallinée Hair Care Serum targets the scalp’s bacterial balance with prebiotics and fermented rice water, while the INKEY List’s Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub resurfaces the scalp for healthier hair follicles. These ingredients and concepts seen in skincare for the face and body also relieve scalp discomfort, irritation and flakes while making way for healthier hair growth. With this type of treatment and care in mind, styling becomes less about correcting hair issues, and more about working with a balanced, manageable base.

Source: Sephora, Living Proof

The role of hair texture cannot be considered without cultural context. Environment can be one of the most demanding indicators of scalp and hair needs, varying with different temperature, humidity and water quality conditions. For example, tight coils require intense moisture while protecting the scalp from the sun in warmer climates, and other hair beneath a hijab may require special care to reduce friction and preserve styling. In dense cities with highly mineral water, shower filters can prevent product buildup, and hair exposed to frigid temperatures may be able to handle more oily products and less washing. A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t hold across hair’s biology, cultural practices and access to products. This can make exploring hair aisles globally a unique, enlightening experience. 

Hair is tied to heritage, identity and expression. Protective styles and ingredient preferences are not only trends, but are often passed down generationally. Honoring this means formulating thoughtfully, and from experience. Similar to how color cosmetics have evolved to acknowledge a breadth of skin tones, the expansion of diverse haircare brands are increasingly becoming not only the norm, but found in elevated branding as well. Brands like Bread Beauty Supply, the Doux and treatments like Korean straightening are becoming the norm, and widely available beyond specialized beauty supply stores or “textured hair aisles”.

Source: Bread Beauty Supply

As product developers, recognizing the intention and cultural relevance behind each brand and product better serves the diverse range of consumers the products will reach. Considering the diversity of hair through a skin-informed lens helps us make room for formulas and routines that work with nature, instead of against it.