According to a survey conducted in Germany among more than 4,500 people and published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica in 2022, dandruff and scalp itching are among the most common skin symptoms. In France, a study published in 2011 in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, conducted among 2,117 people, estimated that approximately one-third of those surveyed reported having a sensitive scalp. The scalp refers to the skin covering the head, within which hair grows. Like the rest of the skin, it is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, the superficial layer, which constitutes a real protective barrier; the dermis, located under the epidermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands; and the subcutaneous tissue, or hypodermis, mainly composed of fatty and connective tissue. The scalp can be subject to various discomforts: excess sebum, dryness, dandruff, itching, redness, pulling sensations or even tingling and warmth sensations. "The scalp has its own microbiome, which contributes to its balance," explains Dr. Philippe Assouly. Using too aggressive shampoos or setting a hair dryer to a too high temperature can irritate the scalp and cause uncomfortable sensations. In terms of scalp and hair, less is more. Using a gentle, non-aggressive shampoo and preferring the simplest formulas possible is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. One must be humble and let nature do its work when there is no pathological condition. The stories of complex routines do not really make sense. Shampoos for oily hair can help remove excess sebum from the scalp, but they do not regulate its production. Their interest mainly lies in cleaning. "And I haven't even mentioned the 'oily scalp, dry ends' shampoos, which are mainly marketing!" the specialist estimates. However, this does not mean that all care should be banned. In the case where the hair is very tangled, a conditioner can help detangling. A mask or a conditioning treatment can also improve the appearance and feel of dry or damaged hair by depositing on its surface. But it does not really "repair" it. For women of African descent with curly hair, one can use oils, such as coconut oil, for example. It is also possible to limit friction, especially with silk pillowcases or appropriate hats. When the scalp is healthy, multiplying serums, scrubs, masks and other products is not useful. In case of irritation, and outside of any pathological condition, the first reflex is not necessarily to add a new care to your routine. On the contrary, it is often preferable to return to the essentials: using a gentle shampoo, temporarily reducing products that could be irritating and avoiding mechanical or thermal aggressions, such as repeated friction or a too hot hair dryer. If the irritation persists, if it is accompanied by significant itching, redness, lesions or scales, it is better to consult a dermatologist. An irritation can indeed have different causes and require specific treatment. It is not necessary to massage the scalp every day. If the massage can provide a pleasant feeling of relaxation, the available scientific data do not allow to affirm that it stimulates blood circulation or that it has any impact on hair growth.