Scalp SAVIOURS

The focus on scalp health over the last few years has led to an opportunity for salons to boost business by adding scalp treatments to their menu

The growing awareness of the importance of scalp health has seen scalp care become an increasingly popular area of focus for clients in recent years. Whether it’s to help with issues such as thinning hair, hair loss, or itchy and sensitive scalps, or to incorporate scalp health into their overall wellbeing, there is no doubt that demand for scalp treatments has risen.

“We have been offering our Act+Acre Scalp Care Ritual for about a year now,” says Lindsay Miller, owner of Gruaig D4 Hair Studio in Ballsbridge in Dublin. “I’ve always been of the opinion that a healthy scalp is key to healthy hair, so for me it made sense to offer a scalp treatment in the same way we offer other hair services.”

“We’ve been offering our specialised scalp and hair loss treatments for just over a year now,” says Ger Robinson, owner of Ger Robinson Hair Design in Limerick. “What prompted us to introduce them was a noticeable increase in clients expressing concern over thinning hair, and scalp sensitivity and discomfort. I’ve always believed in treating the scalp with the same care and attention we give the skin on our faces, and it felt like a natural and necessary step for us to offer more tailored, results-driven solutions in this area.”

So what does a typical scalp treatment involve and does it require specialist training? The Hair Studio at Revas Spa at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick introduced its ORI LAB Ritual last year. “Initially, we do a full consultation with the client in order to diagnose their hair and scalp needs,” says Hair Studio manager Lisa Collins. “We then talk them through the shampoo and other products we use, and explain to them that with this treatment, they will have a different type of experience at the shampoo station. We gently cleanse, without scrubbing the scalp. Instead, we work the shampoo through the scalp and hair with slow movements. Once this is done, the client returns to their seat for a head massage that uses a few different techniques, along with the products discussed earlier. They then take a seat in one of our recline chairs, where a cool or warm eye mask is applied, and they relax for 15 minutes. All the staff have been trained in how to perform the treatment by Joy Ryan from Xpert Professional, which distributes ORI LAB.”

‘I’ve always been of the opinion that a healthy scalp is key to healthy hair, so for me it made sense to offer a scalp treatment in the same way we offer other hair services’

‘Our scalp treatments also appeal to those who are simply looking to elevate their haircare routine with a more holistic, head-to-toe approach to self-care’

“Our Act+Acre Scalp Care Ritual involves an exfoliation, a double cleanse, a conditioning mask, the appropriate scalp serum and a scalp massage,” says Miller. “As a trichology enthusiast myself, my whole team have a good knowledge of the science of the hair and scalp through me. Act+Acre also provided us with some trichology training when we introduced the range in the salon. It is one of our most popular treatments, and it appeals to all clients – young and old. It has been a big hit with our male clients too.”

Robinson’s salon offers Nioxin and Alfaparf Milano Professional scalp treatments, and he and the team have undergone brand-specific training for these, along with doing some training in trichology-based scalp care. “We make sure that we fully understand the science behind scalp health so we can treat clients effectively and responsibly,” he says.

“Our scalp treatments start with an in-depth consultation, using scalp cameras and analysis tools to identify issues like inflammation, oil imbalance, dryness or hair shedding. We then customise the treatment, which might include a detoxifying cleanse, exfoliation, scalp massage, hydrating mask and targeted serum, which are all chosen based on the client's scalp condition and hair needs.

“Designed to be both therapeutic and results-oriented, with a strong focus on relaxation and wellbeing, we are finding that these treatments are becoming more and more popular. We see a broad mix of clients, including women noticing hormonal or postpartum changes in their hair, men concerned about thinning hair and clients who are dealing with itchy or uncomfortable scalps. Our scalp treatments also appeal to those who are simply looking to elevate their haircare routine with a more holistic, head-to-toe approach to self-care.”

‘Skinification’ of hair trend

The so-called ‘skinification’ of hair trend has also led to an increased demand for scalp treatments. This movement has seen a range of skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and peptides being integrated into hair products. As it highlights the importance of taking care of scalp health in order to achieve healthy hair, the hair and scalp are now being treated in a similar way to facial skin, with routines and ingredients being adapted accordingly. “The ‘skinification’ of hair trend has had a big impact on clients’ knowledge and understanding of scalp care and health, and having the Scalp Ritual on our menu has been a huge benefit to our business,” says Miller. “Clients love that it is available to them. For us, it wasn’t so much that we responded to clients’ demand for it. It was more that we offered it, and it got their attention, and has really taken off now.”

“There’s a huge shift happening in how people think about haircare,” says Robinson. “Clients are treating their scalp like an extension of their skincare routine, and they’re far more aware of the importance of scalp health in achieving great hair. They are also more invested in self-care overall – they want treatments that feel good and do good.”

“We have 100% seen this trend having an impact on clients – they are fully invested in wanting to take more care of both their scalp and hair now,” says Collins.

Differentiate your business

Scalp treatments are an ideal add-on service to have on you menu, not least because they are easy to promote and can boost your business. “A lot of our colour clients love combining their regular appointment with a scalp treatment,” says Robinson. “It not only helps with post-colour soothing and hydration, but it brings a luxury experience to their appointment. It’s also a great standalone option for clients who just want some downtime and a scalp reset.”

“We promote the treatments through Instagram, in-salon signage and client conversations. Our staff are trained to look out for signs of scalp stress during consultations, and recommend the treatment where appropriate.

“We also do seasonal campaigns, and we have had great success with short educational videos and before/after imagery on social media to show real results.”

We don’t market our Scalp Ritual any differently to the rest of our services – we predominately use social media and some email marketing,” says Miller. “I think word-of-mouth recommendations are our biggest marketing tool when it comes to this particular treatment. Overall, it has been really good for our business, and a great differentiator for us. I’d highly recommend having something on your menu that sets you apart from everyone else, and keeps you relevant.”

Robinson agrees that these treatments can be a unique selling point. “In our salon, they add another layer to the services that set us apart. Clients are specifically returning for them, and they have helped us build trust and long-term relationships. They also elevate our salon brand as one that is not just focused on how hair looks, but also on the overall health and confidence of our clients.

“They have transformed the way we approach client care. It’s not just about appearance – it’s about helping clients feel better in themselves. We see this as part of a wider movement in the industry towards thoughtful, high-quality, results-led hairdressing, and we’re proud to be part of that shift.”