A Celeb Trichologist Told Me My Haircare Routine Was Ineffective—4 Swaps She Made

Helen Reavey's Favorite Hair and Beauty Products

(Image credit: Future, Act+Acre)

The Lineup is a monthly series where we're giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and estheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can't-live-without products that make their worlds go 'round.

I love staying on top of the latest beauty and self-care trends that come across my feed. Admittedly, one that I slept on for far too long was scalp care. I always wondered: Does it actually make a difference? Although I was skeptical, my doubt disappeared when I spoke to Helen Reavey, a celebrity trichologist and hairstylist. "The scalp is the root of all hair health," says Reavey, who's also the founder of the viral scalp care brand Act+Acre. "The skin on your scalp ages six times faster than your face, so it's extra important to prioritize your scalp to have healthy hair."

What really made me a believer was when Reavey likened scalp care to skin care. "I always tie scalp care back to skincare—would you ever layer on makeup and leave it on your skin for three-plus days without washing it? The answer is probably 'no,' since it would leave your skin more prone to breakouts and extremely dry—and the same goes for your scalp," she says. With these revelations in mind, let's get into the swaps Reavey suggests you make to your haircare routine, no matter your hair type.

Helen Reavey, Founder of Act + Acre

(Image credit: @helenreavey)

In: Double-Cleansing Your Hair

Out: Product Buildup

"You need to ensure you're washing the hair properly and often enough. It's actually a myth that you shouldn't wash your hair too often; there is no evidence to show that shampooing damages the hair. I recommend double-cleansing your scalp—the first cleanse removes product buildup while the second wash actually cleanses the scalp."

In: Chemical Exfoliants and Gua Sha

Out: Scalp Scrubs

"Physical exfoliants can create micro-tears on the scalp, leading to a higher chance of irritation and infection. Instead, use a gentle chemical exfoliant once a week. I also love giving myself a scalp massage once a day, either with a gua sha or my hands."

In: Scalp Serums

Out: Excess Heat

"Using heat on damaged hair strips the scalp of moisture, weakens the hair's protein bonds, and intensifies damage to the hair strands. Instead, treat yourself to a nourishing and restorative scalp serum. It hydrates the scalp and creates the optimal environment for healthy hair-follicle function."

In: Healthy Diet, Ample Hydration, and Hair Vitamins

Out: Neglecting Your Hair Health

"So many things affect your overall scalp health, including hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, nutrient deficiencies, and more. I never go a day without taking my hair vitamins, as proper nutrition and hydration play an integral role in keeping hair healthy and strong. Our regular diets typically fall short of nutrients, and our hair, skin, and nails suffer the consequences. I recommend looking for hair growth supplements that are rich in plant extracts and amino acids, which work to support common nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D can help support the hair follicle while biotin, iron, and zinc have been known to support the hair growth cycle."

Below, Reavey shares the exact products she uses to achieve her glossy tresses (and her glowing skin).

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Emma Walsh
Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content

Emma is an associate beauty editor of branded content. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns digital brand PureWow. She lives in New York City, where you can usually find her running to a Pilates class or sipping on a green juice in the park.