When it comes to haircare in India, much of the conversation revolves around the strands themselves: shine, smoothness, and length. Yet beneath every healthy strand lies a foundation that is often overlooked:
the scalp. Dermatologists and trichologists liken the scalp to the soil in which hair grows. Neglect it, and no amount of conditioner, serum, or styling can compensate. Much like facial skin, the scalp hosts sebaceous glands that regulate hydration, maintain barrier function, and support a delicate microbiome. Disrupting this ecosystem through harsh chemicals, pollution, or improper routines directly impacts hair growth, strength, and overall quality.
Understanding scalp types
Scalp health is not one-size-fits-all. Just as skin can be dry, oily, or sensitive, the scalp exhibits similar diversity.
Normal: balanced sebum, minimal irritation, stable microbiome
Oily: excess sebum, greasiness, clogged follicles, higher dandruff risk
Dry: insufficient sebum leads to flakiness, itchiness, and weakened barrier
Combination: both oily and dry patches, often influenced by climate and habits
Sensitive: easily irritated by products or environmental triggers, marked by redness and inflammation
Correctly identifying scalp type is essential because mismatched products can worsen existing concerns rather than solving them.
Nourishment
India’s long-standing tradition of hair oiling highlights a cultural understanding that hair health begins at the root. Botanical oils infused with herbs like hibiscus, amla, brahmi, bhringraj, fenugreek, tulsi, and ashwagandha have been used for centuries. Modern research validates these practices: such botanicals are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antimicrobial agents that support follicle health, reduce oxidative stress, and strengthen the scalp barrier. Regular oiling improves hydration, calms inflammation, and creates an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.
Cleansing without compromise
Cleansing is a science as much as it is a routine. Shampoos laden with sulfates, silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances can strip natural oils, disturb the scalp’s pH, and disrupt microbiome balance. Evidence-backed herbal alternatives using reetha, shikakai, neem, hibiscus, and curry leaves cleanse effectively while maintaining the scalp’s slightly acidic pH (~5.5), regulating microbial overgrowth, and preserving essential moisture.
Role of tools
Even the way we comb influences scalp health. Plastic combs often create static and microtears along the hair shaft. Wooden combs, particularly neem wood help reduce static, provide mild antimicrobial benefits, and improve blood circulation to the scalp. Mechanical stimulation through combing can support nutrient delivery to follicles and potentially prolong the hair’s growth phase.
Modern challenges
Urban environments introduce new stressors: air pollution deposits particulate matter that irritates the scalp, UV exposure increases oxidative stress, and hard water minerals can disrupt the barrier. Chemical-heavy routines, frequent coloring, keratin treatments, and heat styling further irritate the scalp and damage hair. Experts recommend gentle cleansing, antioxidant-rich botanical care, sun protection for the scalp, and minimizing harsh treatments to maintain scalp resilience.
Climate contrast
India’s climatic extremes significantly influence scalp behaviour.
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North India’s cold, dry winters reduce humidity and impair the scalp’s moisture barrier, causing dryness, itching, flaking, and higher dandruff incidence. Sebum levels drop, making the scalp more sensitive and prone to irritation. Richer oils like amla, bhringraj, and cold-pressed coconut, along with deep-conditioning masks, help restore balance
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South India’s mild, humid winters promote increased sebum activity and fungal overgrowth, leading to greasy roots and more frequent dandruff flare-ups. Lighter, antimicrobial-rich botanicals such as neem, fenugreek, and hibiscus, along with more frequent yet gentle cleansing, work better in these conditions
Region aside, pH-balanced products, minimal heat styling, and consistent routines remain universal fundamentals for winter scalp health.
Right & wrong
India has long embraced oiling, herbal rinses, and root-focused care rituals now validated by modern science. These traditions highlight a deep cultural understanding that hair health begins with the scalp. Where the country falters is in the overemphasis on cosmetic outcomes: instant shine, straightness, or styling convenience. Quick fixes and chemical-laden products often overshadow the biological needs of the scalp, compromising long-term health.
The scientific consensus is clear: treating the scalp as skin nourishing it, protecting it, and maintaining its natural balance is key to strong, resilient, and beautiful hair. When the foundation is healthy, the hair above can truly thrive.
(Swagatika Das, CEO & Co-founder, Nat Habit)
