For some time we’ve been seeing a new focus in haircare that gets right to the root of any hair issues you might have: the scalp. It makes sense to look after the skin on your head as much as your face. But what does that mean? You need to look at the products you’re putting on your head, and aim to use haircare that detoxifies rather than clogs. And look at exfoliating your scalp – gently – too. 

Scalp massage is also a winner on several fronts – it stimulates the circulation, and is one of the most relaxing treatments you can book in for. Trichologist Clare Devereux recommends a healthy diet and de-stressing: “I recommend head massage to all of my patients and clients as it’s a great stress buster and also promotes hair growth.” For an excellent one, book in with massage expert Andreas at Andreas Body Restoration in Dun Laoghaire, www.andreas.ie; or treat yourself to a day visit to EdenOne in Ballsbridge and try the Tension Relieving Head Massage at the Eden Elements spa; www.edenone.ie.

SCALP SCRUB I was sceptical about the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with sea salt – it seems an odd way to wash your hair – but trying it out I’ve found it to be such a good product. Massage a tablespoon gently into your scalp and onto ends. Sea salt is a natural exfoliant, and it leaves your hair incredibly soft, clean and refreshed. €45. They also make some great Shade Variation Masks to enhance different hair colours. At www.christopherobin.co.uk with free standard delivery, and www.spacenk.com.

SOOTHING SHAMPOO Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo is designed to soothe and relieve very dry and sensitive skin on the scalp. As the experts in dry skin, it makes sense that Aveeno have a solution for this issue, in their targeted range for dry and irritable skin that features colloidal oatmeal. At €10.06 for a generous 300ml, this will keep your hair and scalp sorted for the rest of the summer and beyond … At pharmacies nationwide and www.aveeno.ie.

HEAD MASSAGER This is an ugly little brush but once tried, the Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator and Massage Brush is oddly addictive. Keep it by the tv or bedside and get into the habit of brushing with it – it’s very relaxing –and this small hard brush will keep your scalp exfoliated and clear of any excess product build-up or dead skin. You can also use it in the shower to massage in your shampoo/conditioner. €10.95 at pharmacies and cloud10beauty.com.

SUPPLEMENTS Hair thinning can be an issue too – indeed it affects almost 80 per cent of all women. Klorane Quinine Keratincaps (€24) with zinc and selenium are food supplements formulated for healthy hair and scalp. At pharmacies nationwide.

WAKE UP YOUR SCALP The Inkey List hair and scalp treatments include a wake-up call for your scalp: the Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treament, €15.99 – use as an overnight treatment to help reduce hair loss and promote growth. Now available at BT2 Blanchardstown. Try also the Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, designed for dry and flaky scalps, at Boots Ireland; www.boots.ie.