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Seasonal Scalp Health: Trichologist Saori’s Guide to an Autumn Scalp Reset

September 26, 2026

Seasonal Scalp Health: Trichologist Saori’s Guide to an Autumn Scalp Reset

We often change our skincare as the seasons change, but how much attention do we pay to the skin underneath our hair? From dryness and sensitivity to itching, flaking and build-up, the transition into autumn and winter can bring its own set of scalp concerns.

We asked our in-house Trichologist and Scalp & Hair Specialist Saori what to look out for, how to care for your scalp at home and when it might be time for some professional attention.

What happens to our scalp as we move from summer into autumn and winter?
Saori: The scalp is skin, and just like the skin on our face, it responds to changes in temperature, humidity and our environment.

Colder temperatures outside combined with central heating indoors can create a much drier environment. For some people this can affect the scalp’s natural moisture balance, making it feel tighter, drier, itchier or more sensitive. Existing scalp conditions may also become more noticeable.

Our habits change too. We may wash our hair less frequently and wear hats more often, allowing oil, dead skin cells and styling products to accumulate.

I always encourage clients to think about their scalp as skin. We cleanse, exfoliate and monitor the skin on our face, but the scalp is often forgotten simply because we can’t easily see it.

What are the most common scalp concerns you see at this time of year?
Saori: Dryness, itching, flaking, sensitivity and build-up are some of the most common concerns I see.

One important thing to understand is that flakes don’t necessarily mean you simply have a dry scalp. Fine, dry flakes accompanied by tightness can look very different from flaking alongside oiliness, redness or persistent itching. Equally, a scalp that feels coated or doesn’t feel properly clean after washing may have an accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells and styling products.

Pay attention to what is normal for your scalp. Is it suddenly becoming oily more quickly? Does it feel tight after washing? Are you experiencing persistent itching, redness, tenderness or a change in shedding?

These are all useful clues. Don’t try to diagnose your scalp from one symptom, but equally, don’t ignore a change that persists.

Can summer damage continue to affect the scalp and hair into autumn?
Saori: Absolutely. We are generally very aware of protecting the skin on our face and body from the sun, but the scalp is often forgotten.

The scalp is exposed to UV radiation, particularly around the parting, hairline and areas where the hair is finer. Summer can also leave behind a combination of sweat, sebum, styling products, SPF, chlorine and environmental build-up.

By autumn, your scalp may simply need a reset. If it feels different after summer, perhaps itchier, more sensitive or congested, it’s worth paying attention rather than assuming it will correct itself.

This is a good time for a professional scalp treatment or consultation, where we can look more closely at the scalp, understand what it needs and recommend the right homecare for the winter ahead.

What should a good at-home scalp care routine look like?
Saori: Start with regular cleansing. The scalp continually produces sebum and sheds skin cells, so add sweat, pollution and styling products and there can be a surprising amount of build-up between washes.

There isn’t one correct washing frequency for everyone. The important thing is using the right products for your scalp and cleansing often enough to keep it comfortable and balanced.

For a more dedicated scalp routine, I recommend three simple steps: treat, cleanse and massage.

Start with the Van Clarke Exfoliating Scalp Treatment before shampooing to help lift dead skin cells, excess oils and product build-up.

Follow with the Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo, concentrating the cleanse on the scalp rather than the lengths.

I also suggest the Van Clarke Scalp Brush during shampooing. Used gently, it helps massage the scalp and work the shampoo thoroughly across it.

The key word is gently. More pressure doesn’t mean a healthier scalp. If your scalp is sore or inflamed, or your hair is particularly fragile, use your fingertips instead and seek professional advice if the problem persists.

If someone is already experiencing a dry, flaky, itchy or uncomfortable scalp, what should they do and what should they avoid?
Saori: Firstly, avoid scratching and picking. This can damage the skin barrier, increase irritation and potentially lead to secondary infection.

I’d also avoid layering lots of different oils and scalp products onto the area without understanding what is causing the problem. An itchy or flaky scalp can have several different causes and what works for one may not be appropriate for another.

For mild concerns, reviewing your shampoo, washing frequency and product use may be enough. But if symptoms are persistent, worsening, very sore or accompanied by significant redness, scaling or unusual hair loss, seek professional advice.


A trichology consultation allows us to assess the scalp and hair more closely and advise on the appropriate next step.


How can the Japanese Head Spa help with a seasonal scalp reset?
Saori: I often describe the scalp as the soil in a garden. If you want to grow healthy plants, you pay attention to the environment they’re growing in. Hair is similar, so maintaining a clean, healthy scalp is an important part of looking after your hair.

Our Japanese Head Spa gives the scalp something that can be difficult to achieve through everyday washing alone: a really thorough, considered cleanse and treatment combined with time to relax.

We focus on removing build-up, cleansing and conditioning the scalp, while the massage element makes the treatment incredibly restorative. This can be particularly welcome as we move into autumn and return to busy work, school and everyday routines.

I see the Head Spa as both a treatment and an opportunity to start paying closer attention to your scalp. We spend a lot of time and money looking after the hair we can see, but often very little time thinking about the skin underneath it.

My advice for autumn is simple: don’t wait for your scalp to become uncomfortable before you start looking after it. Good scalp care should be part of your regular haircare routine, not just a solution when something goes wrong.

Thanks so much Saori.

You can book an appointment with Saori or any of the Van Clarke team via the tab to the right of your browser.



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