Updated April 2026 — Murphy Gozzard, Paddington
Healthy hair starts at the scalp. In fact, everything that happens at the root level, hydration, oil production, circulation, and cell turnover, directly determines the quality of the hair that grows from it. So, if your hair feels dry, limp, or just not quite right, the scalp is always the first place to look. Here's what our hair salon team in Paddington recommends for every scalp type.
CREDIT: @oribe
Why Does Scalp Health Matter So Much?
To understand scalp health, it helps to think of your scalp as skin, because that's exactly what it is.
In fact, the scalp is one of the most active areas of skin on the entire body. As a result, it produces sebum, sheds skin cells, and supports thousands of hair follicles simultaneously. When that balance is disrupted, by product build-up, dehydration, hormones, or environment, the hair suffers. In other words, no amount of great shampoo or conditioning treatment will fully compensate for a scalp that isn't functioning at its best.
What Is Your Scalp Type?
Before reaching for any product, it's important to identify your scalp type. Using the wrong formula for your scalp can make things significantly worse. So, here's a breakdown of the four main scalp types — and what each one needs from Oribe and Kevin Murphy.
Dry or Flaky Scalp
Starting with one of the most common concerns we see at Murphy Gozzard, the dry or flaky scalp. Simply put, a dry scalp occurs when the skin lacks sufficient moisture or natural oil to stay balanced. As a result, it becomes tight, itchy, and prone to flaking. Importantly, this is different from dandruff, which is caused by a fungal imbalance rather than dryness alone.
The goal here is deep hydration and gentle cleansing, without stripping what little moisture the scalp has left.
Our product picks:
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me Wash
Kevin Murphy Scalp Spa Treatment
Oily or Congested Scalp
Moving on to the oily or congested scalp and this is a concern that's far more common than people realise. In fact, an overproduction of sebum at the scalp can be triggered by hormones, diet, over-washing, or simply genetics. As a result, hair looks greasy quickly, roots feel heavy, and follicles can become congested over time.
The goal here is to regulate oil production and remove build-up without triggering the scalp to produce even more oil in response to over-stripping.
Our product picks:
Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
Kevin Murphy Scalp Spa Wash
Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub
Sensitive or Reactive Scalp
Next up is the sensitive scalp and this is a concern that requires the most careful product selection of all. In fact, a reactive scalp can be triggered by fragrance, sulphates, heat, hard water, or stress. As a result, it presents as redness, tingling, tightness, or general discomfort, and unfortunately, many mainstream products make it worse rather than better.
The goal here is to calm, soothe, and protect using the gentlest possible formulas with minimal irritants.
Our product picks:
Oribe Serene Scalp Smoothing Conditioner
Kevin Murphy Stimulate-Me Wash
Kevin Murphy Young Again Treatment
Congested or Build-Up Prone Scalp
Last but certainly not least is the build-up prone scalp and this is something our Paddington team sees more and more as dry shampoo and styling product use increases. In fact, product residue, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the scalp over time. As a result, follicles become blocked, hair growth slows, and the scalp environment becomes unbalanced.
The goal here is regular, thorough cleansing and exfoliation combined with treatments that restore the scalp's natural balance after removal.
Our product picks:
Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub
Kevin Murphy Scalp Spa Treatment
Kevin Murphy Stimulate-Me Rinse
How Murphy Gozzard Approaches Scalp Health
At our hair salon in Paddington, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to scalp care. Because of this, every appointment includes a scalp assessment identifying your specific concerns and building a routine around them.
From there, we recommend the right combination of in-salon treatments and at-home products to get your scalp, and therefore your hair, performing at its best. Explore our hair and scalp services or ask our team about a personalised scalp prescription at your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what my scalp type is?
Generally speaking, your scalp type is defined by how it behaves between washes. For example, if your hair feels greasy within 24 hours, you likely have an oily scalp. If, on the other hand, your scalp feels tight, itchy, or flaky, dryness or sensitivity is more likely. When in doubt, book a consultation with our Murphy Gozzard team and we'll assess it properly.
How often should I use a scalp treatment?
This depends on your scalp type. However, as a general rule, a weekly scalp treatment or scrub delivers the most consistent results. In between, using the right shampoo and conditioner for your scalp type is the most important daily habit you can build.
improve scalp health at Murphy Gozzard
So, what's next? Your scalp deserves as much attention as your hair. Book now at Murphy Gozzard — Paddington's scalp health specialists — and let's build a routine that works from the root up.