Scalp Care Routine: Why Your Scalp Needs Skincare
You carefully choose your shampoo, conditioner and hair mask—but how much attention are you giving your scalp?
Whether you are dealing with greasy roots, dryness or visible flakes, it is worth looking beyond the lengths of your hair. A scalp care routine starts with choosing products for your scalp’s needs, rather than using the same approach for every concern.
At Shelley & Co, we recommend keeping it targeted: choose an appropriate cleanser, then consider a scalp treatment that addresses what your routine is missing.
What Is Scalp Skinification?
Scalp skinification means bringing skincare-inspired ingredients and routines into haircare. Instead of focusing only on how hair looks, it gives greater attention to the skin beneath it, with products such as scalp exfoliators, hydrating treatments and targeted leave-in formulas. Circana
Think of it as a more considered approach—not a reason to add ten extra products to your bathroom shelf. Our recommendation is to start with your main concern and build from there.
Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Scalp
A good starting point is how you cleanse. Dermatologists recommend concentrating shampoo on the scalp to remove excess oil, dead skin and product build-up, rather than scrubbing it through the entire length of your hair. Your washing frequency should reflect how quickly your scalp becomes oily or dirty. American Academy of Dermatology
The following shampoos address different needs. Choose the option that matches your scalp, rather than using all three.
For Oily Scalps: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
Greasy roots making your freshly washed hair feel flat?
Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo 250ml is a purifying shampoo designed to gently cleanse while helping control excess oil. Its formula includes green marine algae and a sugar-derived prebiotic, with a focus on oil control and maintaining a balanced scalp environment. Oribe Hair Care
We would consider this oily scalp shampoo when excess oil is your main concern. Apply to wet hair, concentrate on the scalp, work into a lather and rinse thoroughly. Shelley and Co
For Dry Scalps: La Biosthétique Restoring Lipokerine B Shampoo
For a scalp that needs moisture-focused cleansing, explore La Biosthétique Méthode Hydratante Restoring Lipokerine B Shampoo 250ml.
This gentle shampoo is formulated for dry hair and scalp. Oat-derived cleansing ingredients work alongside a beetroot and sugar-beet complex, while panthenol helps improve softness. The emphasis is on cleansing while supporting moisture retention. La Biosthetique
We would choose this as the cleansing step in a dry scalp care routine, rather than reaching automatically for a stronger purifying shampoo.
For Dry Scalps Prone to Dandruff: Kérastase Symbiose Bain Crème
When dryness and dandruff occur together, consider Kérastase Symbiose Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire 250ml.
This hydrating anti-dandruff shampoo is designed for dry, sensitive scalps prone to dandruff. Its formula includes salicylic acid to help dissolve flakes, piroctone olamine for anti-dandruff care and glycerin for hydration. Kérastase Australia
Follow the directions on the bottle, including any recommended application time. Dandruff shampoos have different instructions, so rinsing every formula out immediately is not always the right approach. American Academy of Dermatology
Add a Scalp Scrub Before Shampooing, When Needed
Scalp exfoliation is another part of the skinification approach, but we recommend adding it for a specific concern—not treating it as essential for everyone.
For visible dandruff flakes, Kérastase Symbiose Micro-Peeling Cellulaire Scalp Scrub 200ml combines exfoliating acid with plant-based particles to help remove dead skin cells and visible flakes. It is a pre-shampoo scalp treatment, rather than a replacement for your regular cleanser. Kérastase Australia
How to use: Apply to a wet scalp, massage gently, rinse thoroughly and follow with your appropriate shampoo. Follow the product’s recommended frequency and reduce use if irritation occurs. Kérastase Australia
For a sore, very itchy, red or swollen scalp, seek medical advice rather than adding more exfoliation to your routine. nhs.uk
Choose a Targeted Leave-In Scalp Treatment
A scalp serum, lotion or mist should have a clear purpose in your routine. A formula designed to hydrate a dry scalp is not interchangeable with one developed to control excess oil.
These two options offer different approaches.
For Dryness: La Biosthétique Restoring Scalp Lotion
La Biosthétique Méthode Hydratante Restoring Scalp Lotion 100ml is a leave-in treatment designed to hydrate the scalp and help relieve discomfort associated with dryness.
Its formula includes beetroot extract, sugar-beet-derived ingredients and panthenol to support moisture balance, alongside ingredients intended to support the scalp’s natural protective film. La Biosthetique
We would consider this dry scalp treatment alongside the Restoring Lipokerine B Shampoo when hydration is your priority. It offers a scalp-focused addition without asking your conditioner to do a job it was not chosen for.
For Excess Oil: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist
For an oily scalp, explore Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist 125ml.
This lightweight, mattifying scalp treatment is designed to help control excess oil and extend the fresh feeling between washes. Like the matching shampoo, it includes green marine algae and a sugar-derived prebiotic. Oribe Hair Care
How to use: Spray directly onto a clean, damp scalp, massage into the roots and style as usual. Oribe recommends applying it after each wash. Oribe Hair Care
We would pair it with the Oil Control Shampoo when greasy roots are the main concern, rather than adding a moisture-rich scalp treatment simply because it is popular.
Keep Conditioning Your Hair
Caring for your scalp does not mean neglecting your lengths. Conditioner helps moisturise, detangle and improve manageability. For fine or straight hair, focus it on the ends; dry or curly hair may benefit from conditioning throughout the lengths. American Academy of Dermatology
Our suggested approach is straightforward: use a pre-shampoo exfoliant only when appropriate, cleanse with your chosen shampoo, condition according to your hair type, then apply a suitable leave-in scalp treatment as directed.
Start with what you need. You do not need every product in this guide.
Scalp Care Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Wash an Oily Scalp?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Wash according to how quickly your scalp becomes oily or dirty, while considering your hair type. Some people with straight hair and oily scalps may need daily washing; drier or more textured hair can require a different schedule. American Academy of Dermatology
Are a Dry Scalp and Dandruff the Same Thing?
Do not assume every flake means your scalp simply needs more moisture. Dandruff can occur alongside oiliness, and other skin conditions can also cause itching or flaking. The right approach depends on the cause—not just the appearance of a few flakes. American Academy of Dermatology
A hydrating scalp routine and an anti-dandruff routine serve different purposes. Seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist when you are unsure which concern you are treating.
Can Dry Shampoo Replace Washing Your Hair?
No. Dry shampoo absorbs oil to improve the appearance of your hair, but it does not replace cleansing with shampoo and water. It is an option between washes, not a complete scalp care routine. American Academy of Dermatology
When Should You Get Advice About an Itchy Scalp?
Speak with a GP if your scalp is very itchy, red or swollen, or if dandruff continues after at least four weeks of using an anti-dandruff shampoo. Persistent symptoms may need a different treatment rather than another cosmetic product. nhs.uk
Shop Scalp Care at Shelley & Co
Not sure where to begin? We recommend choosing your main concern first.
Explore Kérastase Symbiose for dandruff-focused care, Oribe Serene Scalp for targeted scalp options, or La Biosthétique Méthode Hydratante for a moisture-focused routine. Shelley and Co
Discover your next scalp treatment at Shelley & Co—and give your scalp a place in your haircare routine.