How to have a healthy scalp: The basics of scalp care

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Updated on April 21, 2025 | 10 min read

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. So if you've been neglecting yours, your strands will show it. Wondering how to have a healthy scalp? With proper care including keeping it clean, clear and hydrated and away from heat and chemicals- but there's so much more to scalp care. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about keeping your scalp healthy. Including expert-approved product picks and tips for healthy hair. This is our comprehensive guide to caring for your scalp.

In this Article:

The Role of Scalp Health in Hair Care

You likely pay a lot of attention to your skincare and your hair care. But are you ignoring your scalp? Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face; so even though it’s under your hair, you need to care for it like you do your face. If scalp care isn’t a part of your regular skincare routine, your hair will show it. A healthy scalp is non-negotiable when it comes to strong, shiny, healthy hair. In fact when your scalp is not in a healthy state, you’ll start to experience things like dryness, itching and irritation, flakes or oiliness, limp, unmanageable hair, breakage, even thinning or hair loss. Wondering how to have a healthy scalp? We’re diving deep into all things scalp-related and telling you how to get strong, healthy, shiny hair, so keep reading for all the important scalp health details.

What Does a Healthy Scalp Look Like?

Your best hair starts with good scalp care. But what does a healthy scalp look like? A healthy scalp has a pink or light peach tone, is well-hydrated and free of dandruff, acne, irritation and redness. It isn’t excessively dry or oily, and should feel smooth to the touch. It's free of itching, burning or otherwise uncomfortable sensations. When you brush your hair, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness, or see any flakes. The final tell of a healthy scalp is strong, healthy strands.

What Causes an Unhealthy Scalp?

Lots of things can contribute to an unhealthy scalp. Some of the most common scalp-health disruptors include stress, hormonal shifts, climate changes, certain foods or medications, or changes to your hair care routine. An unhealthy scalp can manifest as little white, gray or yellow flakes, unmanageable strands, excessive shedding or hair breakage, acne or bumps on the scalp, redness, irritation or an unpleasant odor. But don’t worry, if you're experiencing any of these issues, all hope is not lost. There are things you can do to bring your scalp back to its most healthy state. Let’s take a look below.

Transforming Your Hair: Tips for a Healthy Scalp

Now that you know the secret to shiny, healthy hair, you’re likely wondering how to get a healthy scalp. Well you’re in luck, because we asked our hair stylists for their expert advice. These are the best tips for maintaining a healthy scalp.

1. Understanding Your Hair's Specific Needs

Different hair types have different needs. So the very least you can do for your strands is to use the right products for your hair type. Using the wrong formula could leave your hair dry and flyaway or greasy and weighed down.

2. Establishing a Consistent Hair and Scalp Wash Routine

Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner keeps your scalp healthy and hydrated. But be careful not to overwash, as this can cause tightness and itching. Your hair type ultimately determines your wash schedule, but generally, the thicker or more textured your hair, the longer you can go in-between wash days.

3. Keeping Scalp Build-up at Bay

Washing with regular shampoo alone isn’t enough to completely rid your scalp of all the product, sweat, sebum and debris that builds up over time. Exfoliating helps lift away the stubborn buildup that leads to an unhealthy scalp. Add DETOXIFYING Scrub Shampoo into your wash routine to exfoliate and deeply cleanse your scalp.

4. The Importance of Hydration for Scalp Health

Hydration is a huge part of maintaining a healthy scalp. Adding a scalp serum and hair mask to your product routine can help with this. For thicker strands, try ENERGIZING Superactive, a hydrating serum that balances the scalp and improves your hair’s density.

And for a true self-care calp experience, The Let It Go Circle is a relaxing and deeply hydrating hair mask.

5. Prioritizing Gentle and Natural Hair Care Products

Prioritize using gentle products made with high-quality natural ingredients in your scalp care routine. And avoid products with harsh ingredients like sulfates, silicone, parabens and alcohol. All of these can disrupt the balance of your scalp, leading to irritation, congestion and an overall unhealthy environment.

6. Incorporating Regular Scalp Massages

Regular scalp massages can also help promote a healthy scalp. Massages increase blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. They also help to exfoliate any dead skin cells, while relieving stress and easing tension.

7. Protecting Your Scalp from Sun Damage

The sun can be incredibly damaging to your scalp, causing dryness, flakes, sunburn, premature graying, hair loss and worst of all, skin cancer. Protect your scalp from damage by applying an SPF and covering your head with a hat or scarf anytime you plan to be outside; and avoid peak UV hours- 10 AM and 4 PM.

Developing a Healthy Scalp Routine

The condition of your scalp has a direct correlation to the health of your hair, so a proper scalp care routine is a must for healthy hair. Give your scalp the treatment it deserves by caring for it with the same intention you do your skin. Start with a pre-shampoo treatment in the form of a hair mask on dry hair. Massage it into your scalp to stimulate the blood flow to your scalp and help loosen any buildup. Next up is your shampoo, followed by your scrub, and then your conditioner. Finish with your scalp serum, before styling.

Recommended Treatment

Wondering how to have a healthy scalp with more Davines products? From promoting growth and replenishing moisture to minimizing the production of oil and rejuvenating the scalp and strands root to tip, these are our favorite treatments for getting your scalp back into shape.
SOLU Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser
If your hair looks limp, lacklustre and not quite clean, even after washing, you likely have a congested scalp. Try this gentle exfoliating scrub to remove residue and polluting particle buildup. It refreshes the scalp, while giving strands incredible texture.
ELEVATING Scalp Recovery Treatment
This restoring scalp treatment is a must for anyone struggling with an unhealthy scalp. With anti-inflammatory actives, it balances the scalp and improves hydration by 23%* after the first use. It immediately soothes and relieves the scalp, reducing itching and redness, improving the integrity of the skin barrier by 10%* after the use 15%* after 28 days.
ENERGIZING Gel
If you’re struggling with thinning strands, or hair loss due to an unhealthy scalp, this treatment gel should be in your product lineup. It gives strength and body to fine hair, while balancing the scalp and stimulating new hair growth. It also moisturizes the hair and creates a light styling effect.
NOURISHING Hair Royal Jelly Superactive
For a very thirsty scalp, this superactive soothes, hydrates and calms. It nourishes the scalp with an invigorating effect on strands. After shampooing, apply a thin layer of Royal Jelly directly to the scalp, massaging in gently.

A Healthy Scalp Means Healthier, Shinier Hair

If you want healthier, shinier hair, treat your scalp with just as much care as you do your strands. After all, a healthy scalp is the foundation to good hair. But what does a healthy scalp look like? A healthy scalp is also one that’s smooth and well-hydrated, not overly dry or oily, with a pinkish hue and free of flakes, itching, burning or discomfort. But the number one giveaway is strong, healthy hair. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an unhealthy scalp, it's important to take them seriously, as they can result in hair breakage and loss. Adjust your routine accordingly with our expert-approved tips and use only the highest quality hair and scalp care products, like the ones from Davines. And if you're still experiencing scalp issues consult with a dermatologist to help correctly diagnose and treat what’s going on.