Why you need to treat your hair like your skin

“Because we can’t see our scalp, it often gets neglected,” says Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic. “But if the scalp isn’t in good condition, the chances of experiencing problems with hair health and growth increase significantly.” That’s where a scalp exfoliator or scrub comes in. Used once a week, it helps to remove the build-up of oils, dirt and environmental pollutants, which improves moisture and suppleness. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is extremely gentle, while Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask is hydrating and calming, too. If your scalp is easily irritated, follow with Vernon François Scalp Nourishment Spray or Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner.

Like skin, hair can get lazy and what works one day won’t work on another. “It’s important not to use just one type of shampoo,” says London-based hairstylist Larry King. “Have a few on the go and use them in rotation to get the best from your products.” Micellar or cleansing waters, a mainstay of our skin cleansing regime, are the latest products to switch in. They contain tiny particles of oil suspended in soft water to attract and remove dirt without stripping hair of moisture, making them great for daily washing and thin, delicate hair types. Or, try switching to a co-wash for every other shampoo day: these one-step conditioning shampoos do not have the drying detergents and sulfates that give shampoos their froth, making them particularly good for curly and afro hair.

The sheet mask for hair is coming to a shower near you – think convenient, clever caps impregnated with a deep treatment. OUAI Haircare has even formulated on-the-go Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets to quickly fight static in dry hair. If masks tend to leave your hair limp by day two, try reverse washing, aka applying your treatment – whether it be sheet mask, oil (see below) or conditioner – before your shampoo rather than after.

Oil is the new conditioner, promising shinier, softer locks without the need for silicone, which can build up to leave hair limp. “Oils are best for dry and brittle hair types and color-treated hair as they can add a suppleness that creams can’t,” says Larry King. But not all natural oils are created equally: coconut oil (try Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil) can penetrate the hair shaft for a deeply hydrating treatment, while argan, jojoba and rosehip oil are best for providing a protective coat on hair to condition the surface and shield against moisture and humidity.