The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Scalp & Hair

The Ord Scalp & Hair Health

Dandruff, itchiness, excess oil, and premature hair thinning are more common than most people think. And once they start, they can be difficult to manage. While it’s easy to focus on the hair itself, many of these concerns begin at the scalp.

The scalp is skin, and like any skin, it needs the right support to stay balanced. When that balance is disrupted, hair may start to look dull, feel less resilient, or shed more than usual. Paying consistent attention to your scalp can lead to visible improvements in how hair looks and feels. 

Let’s explore ways to care for it daily, and the types of formulations that help support a healthier foundation for hair.

The Ord Scalp & Hair Health Hero

How to Take Care of Your Scalp.

The Ord  Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp

The scalp is part of the skin’s overall system, with its own levels of oil, hydration, and reactivity. Like facial skin, scalp characteristics vary from person to person, and those differences can inform how hair and scalp regimens are built.

  • Dry scalp: May be visibly flaky or feel tight. Often responds well to gentle cleansing and regular hydration to help support barrier function.

  • Oily scalp: Tends to produce more sebum, which may lead to buildup or a greasy feel between washes. May benefit from more frequent cleansing with a balanced, non-stripping formula.

  • Sensitive scalp: Can be reactive to certain ingredients, temperature shifts, or friction. Minimal, fragrance-free formulations are commonly used to help support comfort.

  • Balanced scalp: Typically shows no signs of buildup, dryness, or visible sensitivity. Routine maintenance may help preserve this equilibrium over time.

Cleansing plays a key role in caring for a healthy-looking scalp. Throughout the week, oil, sweat, styling products, and dead skin cells can accumulate on the scalp’s surface. While regular cleansing helps to remove this buildup, doing so too frequently—or using harsh formulas—may disrupt the skin’s barrier and leave the scalp feeling dry or uncomfortable. A well-balanced shampoo is able to clear the surface without compromising hydration or comfort.

Scalp hydration is also an important consideration, though it’s often overlooked in hair care routines. The scalp is skin, and like facial skin, it can benefit from moisture support, especially when exposed to styling tools or environmental stress. The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp is a lightweight serum formulated with ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, as well as hyaluronic acid and squalane. It’s designed to support surface hydration and can be used daily or whenever extra comfort is needed.

The Ord  Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp

Building an Effective Scalp Regimen.

An effective scalp routine doesn’t need to be complex. Understanding when and how to use each product can help maintain balance, support comfort, and improve how hair looks and feels over time. Here’s how to keep it simple and make each step count.

Daily vs. Weekly Care

The scalp’s needs shift depending on what it’s exposed to—like heat, pollution, styling products, or simply time between washes. A routine that separates daily and weekly steps can help keep it balanced.

  • Daily or as needed:

    • Cleanse gently to remove sweat, sebum, and surface buildup. The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair is a gentle, low-foaming cleanser that removes residue without drying out hair. It’s suitable for regular use on both scalp and hair.

    • Use a conditioner to support hair and comfort, especially after washing. Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner is a creamy conditioner that smoothes your hair from root to end without weighing it down.
    • Use oil for added softness, shine or targeted support.

  • Weekly:

    • Exfoliate to lift buildup and dead skin cells that can interfere with surface function.
The Ord Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner
The Ord Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner

Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner

Simple Product Layering


For optimal results, follow The Ordinary’s approach: Prep, Treat, Seal for building an effective scalp and hair care regimen. 

  1. Prep: Use a shampoo to remove surface buildup and excess oil. If using a chemical exfoliant, apply it after cleansing to help clear the way for additional ingredients.

  2. Treat: Apply targeted formulas, such as Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner to gently exfoliate and support scalp clarity. This toner can be used 2–3 times per week. On alternating days, apply Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density. This lightweight, leave-in formula includes peptide technologies and plant extracts to help promote fuller-looking hair.

  3. Seal: Follow with a lightweight conditioner to soften the hair without weighing it down, then apply Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp to support scalp hydration and help ease discomfort caused by dryness. Finish with an oil to add shine.

Adjust Based on Your Scalp’s Needs

  • Dandruff or flaking: Incorporate regular exfoliation and hydration to help remove surface buildup and maintain the scalp’s moisture balance.
  • Itchiness or irritation: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free formulas and focus on maintaining hydration to support overall scalp comfort.
  • Excess oil: Cleanse consistently with a gentle, balanced formula. Avoid over-cleansing, which may disrupt the skin’s natural oil regulation.
  • Hair thinning or shedding: Keep the scalp clean and moisturized. Consider applying a peptide-based serum to support the look of hair density.

How to Encourage a Healthy-Looking Scalp.

Once the basics of scalp care are in place, other factors can help support long-term balance. Ingredients with specific functions, how you apply them, and the habits that shape your day all contribute to how the scalp behaves, and how hair looks and feels over time.

Ingredient Spotlights

Certain ingredients are known to support the scalp’s environment by helping to maintain balance and comfort.

  • Peptides: Best known for addressing multiple skin concerns, peptides can support the scalp and contribute to thicker, denser, fuller-looking hair.

  • Caffeine: Found in our Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, caffeine is considered an effective ingredient in supporting the look of hair density 
  • Argan oil: Naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. This lightweight oil helps soften and condition the scalp and hair. Try our 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil to add softness and sheen to your hair.

These ingredients are featured throughout The Ordinary Hair & Scalp Collection, formulated to support visible scalp and hair health with a minimal, targeted approach.

The Ord Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil Serum

The Role of Scalp Massage

Gentle scalp massage may support microcirculation and enhance blood flow, which can contribute to healthier looking hair. Using an oil can add slip and comfort during massage, especially on dry or tight-feeling scalps.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil offers a lightweight, antioxidant-rich option that helps moisturize and condition both the scalp and hair. Make sure to shampoo twice if applying argan oil to the scalp.

At What Age Does Hair Start Thinning?

The Ord Scalp & Hair Health

Hair thinning doesn’t follow a strict timeline. For some, it starts in their twenties. For others, it may not be noticeable until much later. Genetics play a role, but so do hormones, stress, and how well the scalp is cared for over time.

What Might Contribute


A few common factors that may influence hair density over time include:

  • Genetics: A family history of thinning or pattern-related hair changes.

  • Hormonal shifts: Life changes like menopause or thyroid fluctuations can affect hair visible hair density and visible hair health.

  • Stress: Both physical and emotional stress may have an impact on the hair growth cycle.

  • Scalp health: A well-supported scalp helps create a better environment for hair to grow.

What to Watch For

Some early signs of thinning may include:

  • More hair than usual collecting in your brush or shower.

  • Increased scalp visibility in certain areas.

  • Hair starting to feel finer or less dense than before.

Changes in hair texture and volume can happen gradually. Paying attention to these early shifts can help you adjust your routine to better support your scalp—and by extension, your hair.

The Ord Scalp & Hair Health

How to Target Hair Thinning As Your Age

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hair thinning, but small, consistent steps can make a difference over time. 

Daily Habits That Support A Healthy Looking Scalp

A simple routine can go a long way. That means:

  • Cleansing regularly to keep the scalp free of buildup
  • Keeping scalp skin hydrated with lightweight formulas
  • Minimising heat styling and avoiding harsh chemical treatments where possible

Ingredients Worth Knowing

Certain ingredients are commonly used in formulas that visibly support density and scalp support:

  • Peptides: Help support the scalp and can be found in density-focused treatments

  • Caffeine: Frequently used in scalp serums for its energising properties

  • Biotin: A B vitamin included in many hair-support formulas

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to support the scalp. It combines peptide technologies with plant-based extracts and is formulated to help improve the look and feel of hair density over time.

The Bigger Picture

Healthy-looking hair doesn’t exist in isolation. It can be influenced by a range of internal and external factors—including sleep patterns, stress levels, physical activity, and nutritional intake. While everyone’s experience is different, building supportive habits alongside a consistent scalp care routine can help maintain overall comfort and balance.

The Ord Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
The Ord Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

What Should Your Daily Hair Care Routine Include?

The Ord Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair

An effective hair care routine doesn’t need to be extensive. With a few consistent steps, it’s possible to keep the scalp balanced and hair looking its healthiest. Here are some additional tips to consider when caring for your hair and scalp. 

Core Steps to Consider

These are the basics that apply to most hair types:

  • Scalp care: Supporting the scalp with leave-in formulations—such as hydrating serums or peptides—can be a helpful step after cleansing or as needed.

  • Cleansing: Use a gentle, yet effective shampoo when needed to remove buildup from sweat, product, or oil.

  • Conditioning: Follow with a lightweight conditioner to smooth, soften, and add hydration and manageability.

Heat protection: If using heat tools, always apply a heat-protective product to help minimise visible signs of damage over time.

Morning vs. Night: Timing Tips

  • Morning: Best for lightweight styling or leave-in hydration. Avoid heavy products that may weigh hair down.

  • Night: Best for scalp serums or oils that need more time for absorption. Protect hair while sleeping with a silk or satin pillowcase, or loosely tie hair to reduce friction and breakage.

Suggested regimens will vary based on individual needs, but the most important factor is consistency. Build a routine around what your scalp and hair respond well to, and adjust as needed over time.

The Ord Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair

A Healthier-Looking Scalp, One Step at a Time

Healthy-looking hair doesn’t start with a styling trick—it starts with the scalp. Treating the scalp like skin means giving it the same attention, care, and ingredients you trust on your face. 

This doesn’t require a complicated routine. A targeted hair and scalp care regimen, done regularly, may help improve how your hair looks and feels. Whether it’s adding hydration, gently cleansing, or supporting your scalp with carefully selected formulas, small changes can lead to visible improvements in your overall hair and scalp experience.

Try The Ordinary’s Scalp Solutions and start where it matters most: the scalp.

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