Understanding Your Changing Hair and Scalp
Hair that seems to lack volume lately, a scalp that feels oily by the evening, or dryness that leaves the scalp itchy: these are some of the scalp concerns many women notice at different points in life.
In its guide to women's scalp care, DEMI LABO, the hair and scalp information site run by DEMI COSMETICS, explains that the condition of the scalp changes gradually with age and with the environment, and that care works best when it is reviewed to match those changes. This article introduces that approach for salon professionals and their clients in Malaysia.
Age groups are used below simply as a guide. Not every woman experiences the same changes at the same time, so the most useful starting point is always how your scalp feels now.
Scalp Care and Hair Care Are Not the Same
Hair care usually focuses on the lengths and ends. Scalp care looks after the skin the hair grows from. The scalp is part of the same continuous skin as the face, and its outermost layer acts as a barrier that helps hold in moisture and protect against irritation from outside.
Daily scalp care therefore comes down to a few basics:
- cleansing gently and rinsing thoroughly
- moisturising when the scalp feels dry
- avoiding unnecessary friction, heat and other strong irritation, including too much sun
These basics help keep the scalp clean and comfortable. They are not a treatment for hair loss or thinning.
Changes You May Notice in Your 20s and 30s
For women in their 20s and 30s who colour or bleach their hair, paying attention to scalp comfort during and after services is a useful part of everyday care. Gentle cleansing and moisturising when needed provide a simple foundation.
Care around colour and bleach
Repeated colour and bleach services can be a source of irritation for the scalp, which may affect its barrier function and disturb its natural renewal cycle. That is why it is worth paying attention to the condition of the scalp, not only to how the hair looks after a service. If the scalp stings, burns or itches during a service, tell your stylist straight away rather than putting up with it.
Cleansing and moisturising
Even before any noticeable concerns appear, the 20s and 30s are a good time to make appropriate cleansing and moisturising part of your routine. Building these habits early lays a foundation for keeping the scalp in good condition. Practical points are covered in the everyday care section below.
Early changes in hair fullness
DEMI LABO describes a gradual decrease in hair density and a more visible parting as early signs of ageing that may begin in this period. When and how much these changes appear differs from person to person. Noticing small changes early is a useful cue to review your scalp care.
Changes in Your 40s and Beyond
As women move through midlife and the years around menopause, some notice changes in scalp comfort, hair fullness and hair colour. The timing and extent of these changes vary widely. For this stage, DEMI LABO emphasises avoiding strong irritation and choosing care that supports the scalp’s natural resilience.
Dryness and scalp comfort
If the scalp feels drier, tighter or more sensitive than before, it may be time to review the routine: gentler cleansing, less heat and friction, and moisturising suited to the scalp's condition now rather than the one it had years ago.
Hair volume and thickness
Many women notice that their hair gradually loses overall volume or that individual hairs feel finer. These changes can have several causes, so it helps to notice them and review your care. If a change continues or concerns you, see the advice section below.
Grey hair
Grey hair is one of the most familiar visible changes. Hair gets its colour from melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes. MITF, a protein that helps regulate melanin production, is one of the factors involved in this process.
When grey hair appears and how quickly it increases differs greatly from person to person. Whether a client chooses to colour, blend or embrace it is a conversation that belongs naturally in the salon.
Daily Scalp Care in Malaysia
The original DEMI LABO guide organises care around Japan's seasons. For readers in Malaysia, the same principles are arranged here around everyday situations instead.
Everyday scalp care should suit your scalp’s condition, hair type and daily activities. Pay attention to oiliness, dryness or tightness, and adjust your routine to how your scalp feels.
Gentle cleansing
- Choose a shampoo suited to your scalp’s condition, such as a scalp shampoo designed for gentle cleansing.
- Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, and avoid scrubbing hard.
- Rinse thoroughly so that no shampoo or rinse-off conditioner is left on the scalp and hair.
- Wash as often as your scalp, hair type and activity level need, rather than following a fixed rule.
Moisturising when the scalp feels dry
- If the scalp feels dry, a moisturising product designed for use on the scalp, such as a scalp lotion or scalp essence, can help keep it comfortable. Not every scalp needs one, so let how your scalp feels guide the choice.
- Itching is not always caused by dryness. If it persists, speak to a doctor or dermatologist rather than repeatedly changing products, and try not to scratch.
Sun protection for exposed areas of the scalp
- The parting and other exposed areas of the scalp also need protection from the sun.
- Shade, a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella are simple ways to reduce direct sun, particularly when spending long periods outdoors.
Care after sweating
After exercise or a long, hot day, washing or rinsing can help the scalp feel fresh again.
Gentle drying
Dry the scalp and roots gently after washing, avoiding excessive heat and rubbing.
Notice Changes Without Self-Diagnosing
These questions can help you, or your clients, describe what has changed:
- Does my scalp feel drier or tighter than it used to?
- Has itching or irritation continued for some time?
- Has my parting become more visible, or has my hair lost overall volume?
- Did discomfort start after a new product or service?
- Have I noticed more grey hair recently?
There is no score. The aim is to notice changes clearly so they can be discussed with a stylist or a doctor. Scalp colour, firmness or the look of fallen hairs cannot, on their own, explain why a change is happening.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Your stylist can check how your scalp looks and feels, help you review your washing, drying and moisturising routine, and plan colour and other services with your scalp's comfort in mind. Stylists do not diagnose or treat scalp conditions or hair loss.
Speak to a doctor or dermatologist if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, thinning that continues, or redness, pain, itching or irritation that does not settle. There is no need to wait a long time before asking.
Caring for the Scalp You Have Now
Scalp care starts with understanding how your needs change with age and your daily environment. Gentle cleansing, moisturising when needed and protection from unnecessary irritation are the foundations of an everyday routine.
Review your care as your scalp changes, with the aim of keeping it healthy and comfortable—and enjoying beautiful hair in the years ahead.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
This article has been adapted from content originally published by DEMI LABO, operated by DEMI COSMETICS.
- A Complete Guide to Scalp Care for Women: Care by Age and Season (original article in Japanese)