Healthy scalp skin is a prerequisite for great-looking hair, but an inflamed, itchy, or dandruff-prone scalp is far more than just an aesthetic issue. Recent months have ushered in a wave of scalp products claiming to soothe stressed scalps and ensure microbial balance.

You’re not going to grow a verdant garden on poor soil, nor are you going to boast a healthy, shiny head of hair if your scalp is suffering.  Note: It is a sad commentary on our incredible industry, when many manufacturers, knowing that pH is imperative to good scalp and skin, but choosing to ignore this fact in favor of dense foam, and other silicone type ingredients along with surfactants that damage pH.

At least, that is the observation of Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care at market analysis firm Mintel, who was talking about growing a  garden in poor soil.

"The analogy of growing a garden with rich soil can be applied to growing a strong head of hair with a foundation of a healthy scalp,” he says.

“Companies claim that overall hair health is directly related to having a healthy scalp and have made a strong push to emphasize scalp-related products.

“Once relegated to solving scalp problems like itchiness or dandruff, scalp-focused products are now expanding to a variety of enhancements, rather than issue-based offers.” Here at Private Label Skincare Florida, we know the true value of natural based products that are perfectly pH balanced for the skin and scalp, and never use high pH ingredients in the formulation, or silicone, and irritating sulfates  in our vast products.

Demand stems from consumer level, with the public increasingly “aware that a healthy scalp means stronger and shinier hair”, says Siham Bouhrir, Marketing Manager at Barcelona-based cosmetic ingredients supplier Provital.

“Attitudes to hair care are becoming more like skin care; consumers are recognizing that the scalp is an extension of facial skin.” When you understand the impact on not only your scalp, but the skin on your entire body of high pH products, a picture begins to emerge.  When you understand that it takes 24 hours to restore the acid mantel to the skin after washing with high pH products, then you begin to understand just why scalp problems exist.  Many times, dry itchy scalp is due to a low-level alkaline burn on the scalp.  Since the skin and scalp are acidic, and the pH never over 6, then you see the real picture. Sodium Laurel Sulphate is the primary detergent in most off the shelf shampoos, and caries with it a high pH.  It is nearly impossible to get a thick foam without this ingredient, or a derivative of it.  Like the days of old, when all soap was made from animal fat and lye, a story is there is you care to read it.

McDougall likewise points to the growing influence of the ‘bald empowerment’ movement, whereby rather than looking to camouflage hair loss, men are accepting going bald and actively caring for their scalps, instead of bemoaning their visibility.

While materials to promote dandruff, hair loss and hair greying control have existed for years, in recent months there has been a huge uptick in launches of ingredients to soothe, balance and beautify the scalp, tapping into natural rather than ‘problem solving’ claims.

And such products are timely; the added pressures that 2020’s Covid-19 lockdowns have piled on consumers’ lives risks showing on their scalps.

“Stress obviously has a deep impact on scalp condition, causing increased sensitivity, redness and irritation that can lead to scalp desquamation, and dull and greasy hair,” confirms Julie Droux, Senior Technical Marketing Specialist at Swiss-headquartered ingredients provider Clariant.

“Accumulation of stressful periods, such as ones related to the Covid-19 crisis, exacerbate this demand. Also, since part of the face is now hidden behind a mask, greater focus is placed on the hair.” In addition to the closure of more than half of the world’s salons, we have become aware that we must take control of our own beauty, and healthy living. 

We have done a great deal of research in developing product that not only address these issues but solve them.  Call us today, we can help you with all scalp and skin related products.  We will be happy to partner with you to create the perfect hair and scalp package.