Your scalp is skin, too
We spend hours scrolling through skincare routines, layering hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and peptides on our faces. But the scalp—the skin just above our forehead—rarely gets the same attention. It should.
Unlike the rest of your face, the scalp has a much higher density of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These tiny oil-producing structures secrete sebum, the natural oil that coats your hair to protect it and keep it shiny. Great for your lengths, but it also makes the scalp a unique microenvironment—oilier, more delicate, and with needs of its own.
Scalp care vs. hair care
Think of it this way:
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Shampoo = scalp care. Its main job is to cleanse the scalp, removing dirt, excess oil, and buildup.
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Conditioner = hair care. It’s designed for the hair shaft, from mid-lengths to ends, to nourish, smooth, and protect.
Your shampoo should be massaged gently into the scalp with your fingertips (never nails). This stimulates blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, while also giving you a mood boost. If you’re using a scalp massager, even better—it can elevate the experience and help with circulation.
Conditioner, on the other hand, should be applied only to mids and lengths. Putting it on the scalp—especially if it tends to be oily—can cause buildup and make your scalp issues worse.
How to know if your scalp is happy
A healthy scalp feels comfortable and goes unnoticed. Warning signs to look out for:
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Persistent itching → often linked to buildup or irritation
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Redness or tenderness → possible inflammation
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Flakes or residue → signal your cleansing routine may need adjusting
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Unpleasant odor → a sign of imbalance
If you spot any of these, it’s time to rethink your routine.
Different hair types, different needs
Not all scalps behave the same.
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Straight hair → usually oilier, may need more frequent washing.
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Curly, coily, or kinky hair → tends to be drier, both in lengths and scalp. Washing less often may actually help retain natural moisture.
The key is balance. You don’t want your scalp to feel stripped and tight, but it also shouldn’t feel greasy or itchy.
Why scalp care matters for hair growth
Haircare products mostly treat what’s already visible—the hair shaft. But if you want stronger, fuller hair long-term, it starts at the root. A healthy scalp environment keeps follicles nourished and functioning properly, supporting growth.
Think of it as gardening: conditioner makes the leaves look glossy, but shampoo and scalp care keep the soil fertile.
At Nuniq, we see scalp and hair care as two sides of the same coin. Our Planet Pleaser Shampoo focuses on detoxifying and soothing the scalp, while the Planet Pleaser Conditioner takes care of the lengths—hydrating, strengthening, and smoothing without silicones.
And if you want to take your ritual further, our Scalp Massager turns cleansing into a self-care moment, boosting circulation and relaxation in one step.
