Scalp Care 101: How to Build a Routine for a Healthier Scalp (and Better Hair)
Most people put a lot of thought into their hair — the shampoo, the mask, the oils — but far less thought into their scalp. That's a problem, because your scalp is the foundation everything grows from. No amount of expensive hair treatment is going to compensate for a scalp that's congested, dry, imbalanced, or irritated.
The good news? Building a scalp care routine is simpler than you might think. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Scalp Health Matters More Than You Think
Think of your scalp the way you think about skincare: it's skin. It has pores that can get clogged, an oil balance that can get thrown off, a barrier that can be damaged, and a microbiome that needs to stay in check. When the scalp is healthy — clean, hydrated, with good circulation and balanced sebum production — hair grows stronger, falls out less, and looks noticeably better.
When the scalp is neglected, the opposite happens. Buildup from products and excess oil blocks follicles. Dryness leads to flaking and irritation. Poor circulation slows growth. None of this shows up immediately, but over time, an unhealthy scalp catches up with your hair.
The 3 Most Common Scalp Problems
1. Dandruff
Dandruff is the most recognizable scalp issue: visible white or yellowish flakes, often accompanied by itching. It's usually caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus that naturally lives on the scalp, which accelerates when the scalp is oily or irritated. Dry scalp can also cause flaking, but the flakes tend to be smaller and whiter, without the greasiness associated with dandruff.
2. Oily Scalp
An oily scalp is caused by overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum — often triggered by genetics, hormones, stress, humidity, or overwashing (which strips the scalp and prompts it to overcompensate with more oil). Signs include greasy roots within a day or two of washing, limp or flat hair, and sometimes odour or scalp acne.
3. Dry Scalp
A dry scalp produces too little oil, leaving the skin tight, itchy, and prone to flaking. It can be caused by cold weather, overwashing, harsh shampoos, hard water, or simply dry skin by nature. Unlike dandruff, a dry scalp typically responds well to hydration and gentler cleansing.
What a Healthy Scalp Looks and Feels Like
A healthy scalp is:
- Clean, without visible buildup or flaking
- Comfortable — no persistent itching, tightness, or sensitivity
- Balanced — not excessively oily or dry
- Free from inflammation, redness, or soreness
If your scalp has been feeling off for a while, the right products can make a significant difference. But it starts with identifying which issue you're actually dealing with.
How Often Should You Wash Your Scalp?
This is one of the most common scalp questions — and the answer genuinely varies by person.
Oily scalp: Washing daily or every other day is often necessary to manage excess sebum and prevent buildup. Use a gentle, balancing shampoo rather than a harsh clarifying one, which can worsen oil production over time.
Normal/combination scalp: Every 2–3 days is a good baseline. Adjust based on activity level and how quickly your scalp feels oily or heavy.
Dry or sensitive scalp: Washing 2–3 times a week max, with a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm (not hot) water. Overwashing strips the scalp of its natural oils and worsens dryness.
The Best Scalp Care Products at Kiyoko
For All Scalp Types: Rebalancing & Strengthening
ONSENSOU Hot Spring Algae Essence Scalp Care Shampoo (300ml)
This is one of the most unique scalp shampoos you'll find. ONSENSOU was born in Beppu City, Japan — the country's hot spring capital — and is built around a singular discovery: the hot spring algae and hot spring yeast that thrive in thermal springs are exceptionally beneficial for scalp health and hair growth.
The result is a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that does far more than just cleanse. It rebalances oil production at the root, nourishes follicles with vitamins and minerals from Japanese onsen water, helps prevent hair loss, and clears product buildup — all without stripping the scalp. The Regular formula has a refreshing menthol component for all scalp types; the Mild variant skips the menthol for more sensitive scalps. Both have a beautifully fresh wild bluebell scent, developed in France.
How to use: Apply a quarter-size amount to wet hair, massage into the scalp, let sit for 3 minutes, then rinse. Follow with the Onsensou conditioner for best results.
For Dry Scalp & Damage: Camellia Oil Treatment
Oshima Tsubaki Pure Camellia Oil (60ml)
Camellia oil (tsubaki oil) has been used in Japan for centuries — by samurai, geishas, and generations of Japanese women — for its unmatched ability to nourish hair and scalp without heaviness. Oshima Tsubaki's oil is cold-pressed from camellia seeds sourced from Oshima Island, giving it an exceptionally high oleic acid (omega-9) content that closely mimics the skin's own sebum.
On the scalp specifically, it moisturises dry, flaky skin, soothes itchiness, and helps prevent dandruff. On the hair, it seals the cuticle, adds a mirror-like shine, softens texture, and forms a protective barrier against pollutants and UV. It absorbs almost instantly — no greasy residue — making it suitable for even fine hair. Can also be used on the face and body.
How to use: Place a few drops into the palm and apply to the scalp and damp hair ends, focusing on dry or irritated areas. Can be used on dry hair as a finishing treatment.
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Premium Shampoo (300ml)
If you want the benefits of camellia oil built into your everyday shampoo, this is it. Made with 100% pure Oshima Island tsubaki oil alongside camellia ceramide, camellia flower extract, and camellia leaf extract, it gently cleanses the scalp while strengthening hair from root to tip. Colorant-free and paraffin-free, it's one of the cleaner options for anyone dealing with dry, damaged, or breakage-prone hair. Pairs perfectly with the Oshima Tsubaki conditioner.
How to use: Apply and lather onto wet hair, massage the scalp with fingertips, then rinse thoroughly.
Shop Oshima Tsubaki at Kiyoko →
For Hair Thinning & Hair Loss: Targeted Scalp Treatments
Seapuri Scalpy Hair Serum (20ml)
The Seapuri Scalpy Hair Serum is a clinically tested leave-in scalp treatment designed to address thinning hair and dormant follicles at the root — literally. Powered by salicylic acid to gently exfoliate buildup from follicles and dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) to nourish and strengthen hair at the root, it creates the ideal scalp environment for healthy new growth.
What makes it stand out is the triple-roller applicator: it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp as it applies, boosting delivery of the active ingredients directly where they're needed. 98.7% of users in clinical testing reported real, visible results with consistent use. Minoxidil-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free.
How to use: Roll the applicator tip over a cleansed, dry scalp, focusing on areas of concern. Do not rinse — leave in for maximum effect.
Seapuri Scalpy Bubble Tonic (100ml)
The Bubble Tonic is the perfect companion to the Seapuri Serum — a leave-on scalp treatment featuring the same core actives (salicylic acid and dexpanthenol) in a foaming, built-in brush format. The carbonated bubble texture penetrates deeply into the scalp to clear dead skin cells, unclog follicles, and strengthen roots. Menthol provides an immediate cooling and soothing sensation on contact. Clinical results show a 75.1% reduction in hair shedding after just four weeks of use.
How to use: Apply to a clean scalp with the built-in brush applicator and leave in — do not rinse.
For Damaged Scalp & Hair: Repair from Root to Tip
Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Moist & Repair Shampoo & Conditioner Set (2x450ml)
If your scalp issues are compounded by dry, damaged, or brittle hair, you need a system that addresses both simultaneously. This Shiseido Tsubaki set uses advanced penetration technology to repair the hair cuticle from the inside out, while the camellia oil base keeps the scalp nourished and the moisture barrier intact. Rich in royal jelly, soy protein, and camellia seed oil, it repairs UV damage, prevents split ends, and delivers visibly shinier, healthier hair from the very first wash.
How to use: Massage shampoo into a rich lather focusing on roots and scalp. Rinse thoroughly, then apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends.
Shop Shiseido Tsubaki at Kiyoko →
A Simple Scalp Care Routine to Follow
Building a scalp care routine doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a straightforward framework:
Step 1 — Cleanse (2–3x per week): Choose a shampoo suited to your scalp type. Massage it in with your fingertips in gentle circular motions — not your nails. This stimulates circulation while cleaning.
Step 2 — Treat (as needed): After washing, apply a leave-in scalp serum or tonic to address your specific concern — thinning, dryness, oiliness, or buildup. The Seapuri Scalpy Serum or Bubble Tonic are both excellent here.
Step 3 — Nourish (1–2x per week): Use a scalp oil like the Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil on dry or irritated days, or overnight as a scalp mask before washing.
Step 4 — Protect: Avoid excessive heat directly on the scalp, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of product buildup — heavy silicones and styling products can accumulate on the scalp and contribute to congestion over time.
Common Scalp Care Questions
How can I keep my scalp healthy? Wash regularly with a gentle, scalp-appropriate shampoo, avoid buildup from heavy products, and consider adding a targeted scalp serum to your routine. Consistent care matters more than any single product.
What should I do if I have a dry scalp? Switch to a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and reduce wash frequency. Add a nourishing oil like Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil to your routine between washes. Avoid hot water and harsh ingredients like alcohol.
What causes an oily scalp? Oily scalp is often genetic or hormonal, but overwashing, heavy conditioners applied to the scalp, and humidity can all worsen it. A rebalancing shampoo like the ONSENSOU Scalp Care Shampoo is ideal for managing oil without stripping.
Can scalp care help with hair loss? Yes — scalp health is directly linked to hair growth. A congested, inflamed, or poorly nourished scalp creates conditions that slow growth and increase shedding. Targeted treatments like the Seapuri Scalpy Serum, which clears buildup and stimulates follicles, can make a meaningful difference with consistent use.
Ready to Start Your Scalp Care Routine?
Shop all scalp care at Kiyoko → Shop all shampoos at Kiyoko → Shop all hair treatments at Kiyoko →
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