Holiday Ayo - Skincare routines are now more comprehensive and personalized. Many people are accustomed to tailoring facial care products to their skin type and needs.

Unfortunately, similar attention is often not given to the scalp.

Yet, the scalp plays a crucial role as the primary foundation for hair growth. According to Prof. Dr. Kusmarinah Bramono, Sp.D.V.E, Subsp.D.T., Ph.D., FINSDV, FAADV, the scalp is actually more vulnerable than facial skin.

"The scalp is thinner and cannot retain water as well as facial skin, so it is more prone to dryness and problems," she explained, as reported by detik.com.

This condition makes the scalp more susceptible to various disorders, from dandruff and irritation to mild inflammation that often goes unnoticed. Many people only realize there is a problem when excessive hair loss begins.

However, various studies show that hair loss often begins with an unhealthy scalp.

When the scalp is problematic, the hair growth cycle can be disrupted and the hair roots become weaker. As a result, hair is more prone to breakage and loss.

This awareness has driven the development of a skincare approach to hair care, with the principle of caring for the scalp as one would for facial skin. It's not just about cleansing, but also about nourishing and maintaining its balance.

"If we can be so detailed in caring for facial skin, the scalp should receive the same attention," said Prof. Kusmarinah.

This approach is reflected in the increasing number of active ingredients specifically for skincare being applied to scalp care products.

Niacinamide, for example, is known to help reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, making it suitable for scalps prone to dandruff or irritation.

Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture, especially for scalps that are prone to dryness and feel tight after shampooing.

Matthew Seal, Head of R&D Beauty & Well-being at Unilever Indonesia, echoed this sentiment. According to him, this concept stems from a fundamental understanding.

"The scalp is part of the skin. Therefore, skincare ingredients known to be beneficial for facial skin can also be applied to scalp care," explained Matthew.

He added that the health of hair follicles is greatly influenced by the condition of the scalp. With proper care, the hair growth phase can last longer and hair can grow stronger from the start.

Matthew also advised consumers to be more careful in choosing hair care products, especially those containing active ingredients like those found in skincare, and to understand their benefits according to their individual scalp conditions.

According to him, scalp care is not just a trend, but rather a response to an important need that has often been overlooked.