Skincare is Now the New Haircare

The balance of good and bad bacteria (aka the microbiome) on your skin is key to a clear complexion. Well, your scalp has a microbiome, too. And when it’s out of whack, expect itching, flaking, and irritation. Enter this scalp serum. Unlike anti-fungal treatments, which kill the bad stuff (but unfortunately, also the good), this feeds beneficial bacteria with niacin so they can multiply and control misbehaving bugs. Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment, sephora.com, ₹2,244

Just like the ones that clean your face, shampoos are now being made with small cleansing molecules that gently lift dirt and oil. Result: clean hair that’s never stripped. Herbal Essences Blue Ginger & Micellar Water Shampoo, amazon.com, ₹700

Free radicals lead to wrinkles and dark spots on your face, but when it comes to hair, “oxidation from the sun or pollution weakens fibres,” says US-based cosmetic chemist Ginger King, allowing pigments to seep out more easily when you wash. Antioxidants, like Vit C in this booster (use it alone or mix a few drops into your styling cream), neutralise damage to help keep your dye job on lock. Oribe Power Drops Color Preservation Booster 2% Vitamin C Complex, amazon.com, ₹4,069

Dehydration is the root of all hair evil: dullness, not-so bouncy curls, and breakage. So it makes sense that this super hydrator (it holds 1,000 times its weight in water) has made its way to the hairline. Apply this mask right after washing to quench thirsty tresses. OGX Replenishing + Water Balm Leave-In Mask, amazon.com, ₹2,100

You probably know all about its zit-zapping powers, but did you know the ingredient is a serious scalp-fixer, too? It increases cell turnover, ridding you of buildup, says Ginger. This anti-dandruff shampoo from Biolage contains almost three percent of the potent stuff, the highest amount you’ll find over the counter. Biolage R.A.W. Salicylic Acid Antidandruff Shampoo, amazon.com, ₹1,750

It’s trendy (and effective) in face wash, but the activated kind, heated to become more porous, is ideal for dry-shampoo devotees who benefit from its dirt- and oil-absorbing powers too. Spend a few extra seconds lathering your roots to max out its magic. Pantene Pro-V Charcoal Purifying Root Wash, amazon.com, ₹840