Hair health starts at the scalp with LOMA, Justice Haircare, Briogeo and FOREO!

Gone are the days when haircare companies told us to obsess over split ends while completely ignoring the literal soil your hair grows out of. Thankfully the scalp has finally entered its main character era because it turns out healthy, shiny, expensive-looking hair starts at the root - shocking, I know!  

 

A happy scalp can help stimulate growth, balance oil production, calm irritation, kick dandruff to the curb and generally make your hair behave like it has its life together. You may have noticed scalp spas popping up absolutely everywhere lately and trust me, I fully intend to throw myself  into the experience eventually because nothing sounds more luxurious than someone professionally rubbing my head for an hour. Until then though, I’ve been testing out some scalp-loving products at home and a few definitely stood out from the crowd…

 

LOMA Essentials Healthy Scalp Collection  

If your scalp has been feeling cranky, greasy, flaky or just generally emotionally unavailable, this line might be your new best friend. Formulated with pure essential oils, organic aloe vera, proteins and plant-based ingredients, the collection focuses on calming chaos at the root while keeping hair soft, bouncy and fresh-looking. 

 

The shampoo gives that deeply clean feeling without veering into “straw in a tumbleweed” territory, while the lightweight conditioner hydrates without flattening everything like a sad winter hat.Together they basically create the ideal environment for your hair to thrive - kind of like a wellness retreat but for your scalp. 

 

And can we discuss the minty scent for a second? Because it delivers that cool, tingly “yes something productive is happening here” feeling that makes me instantly believe I have my life under control.

 

There’s also a daily treatment to help rebalance oil production plus a style creme that keeps hair touchable instead of crispy. 

 

Available in the collection: Healthy Scalp Shampoo - 355ml - $34; Healthy Scalp Conditioner - 355ml - $34; Healthy Scalp Treatment - 100ml - $35; and Healthy Scalp Style Creme - 198ml - $31

 

Available at Chatters stores across Canada and online at chatters.ca. 

 

Justice Professional Marine Beauty Collection 

This eco-conscious collection is basically a tall glass of water for stressed-out scalps. Made with 96% natural vegan ingredients, it focuses on hydrating, detoxifying and rebalancing while helping hair look shinier and healthier overall. 

 

The standout for me is absolutely the scalp scrub because apparently I now enjoy exfoliating every inch of my body including my head. The sea salt and plant oils help clear away flakes and buildup while giving the scalp that satisfying deep-clean feeling without turning it into the Sahara Desert.

 

And the scent? Pure beach vacation energy. It has this fresh, clean ocean-inspired fragrance with crisp marine notes, sea salt and soft florals that somehow manages to smell calming, expensive and like you have absolutely zero emails waiting for you. Basically the olfactory equivalent of sitting oceanside with a fancy drink while someone else deals with your problems.

 

Available in the collection: 

Marine Beauty Scalp Scrub - 150ml - $25.99; Marine Beauty Shampoo - 250ml - $25.99; and Marine Beauty Conditioner - 250ml - $25.99

 

Available at Healthy Planet stores across Canada or online at healthyplanetcanada.com and well.ca. 

 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Collection 

If flakes have decided to start appearing like unwanted glitter at a craft store explosion, this line comes in swinging. The collection combines medicated ingredients with soothing botanicals to tackle dryness, itchiness and irritation without feeling harsh. 

 

The shampoo uses 3% salicylic acid plus binchotan charcoal to exfoliate dead skin and soak up excess oil, while the conditioner keeps things hydrated without suffocating your scalp under heavy silicones. 

 

Also whoever created the scent deserves a raise because whipped cream, fresh mint and vanilla somehow smells both cozy and expensive at the same time - and not the least bit like the medicinal dandruff shampoos of days gone by!  

 

They pair perfectly with the Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil which continues its reign as the overachiever of the haircare world - rosemary, castor oil, and tea tree walk into a bottle… and your scalp walks out happy! Perfect as a pre-wash or overnight treatment, this lightweight oil nourishes thirsty strands while calming irritation for a dry, itchy scalp - no greasy residue and no awkward “tingle.” the formula helps balance oil while detoxifying before shampooing.

 

Available in the collection:

Dandruff Relief Shampoo - 248ml - $57; Dandruff Relief Conditioner - 248ml - $57

Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil - 30ml - $22, 100ml - $44 and now in a larger 150ml size for $53

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

FOREO FLIP Play Advanced LED Light Hairbrush - $89

Listen… somewhere along the line hairbrushes became tiny futuristic robots and honestly, I’m not mad about it. 

 

This cordless LED hairbrush uses red, blue and green light therapy to help refresh the scalp and boost shine while flexible bristles gently detangle without making you feel like you’re losing half your hair in the process. It works on all hair types, is waterproof, rechargeable and even folds up to protect the bristles because apparently this brush is more organized than I am. 

 

The fact that I can now casually say “my hairbrush has light therapy” feels deeply unnecessary and yet incredibly glamorous...

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Chatters stores across Canada and online at foreo.com, amazon.ca, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and chatters.ca. 

 

At the end of the day all I can say is, if my scalp wants serums, exfoliation, LED therapy and a cooling massage moment now, who am I to deny her? She’s been carrying this whole hair operation and all of my crazy hair antics for years!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Treat your hot flashes with cool products from Marcelle, Justice and Nivea!

Menopause, it's the plot twist no one asked for.... but here we are... It's a word that strikes fear into the hearts of women everywhere. Sure, there are perks. No more periods - imagine being able to wear white pants whenever you want! But then there’s the… let’s call it less glamourous side: hot flashes, mood swings, rebellious skin - you name it, it could happen.

 

Amanda Thebe, bestselling author, menopause educator and advocate for women's health offers some great advice: “The worst things you can do for yourself during menopause are to ignore your symptoms, try to power through in silence and neglect the changes your body is going through. I know from experience how isolating and confusing that can be. I spent years misdiagnosed and struggling with symptoms like dizziness, depression, dry & irritable skin, without realizing they were connected to perimenopause.” 

 

While it's true that lot of it is out of your control or at least more in control of a medical professional - the personal care side of it is something you can help yourself with, once you find the right products of course! 

 

The biggest project can be your skin which suddenly goes haywire and starts doing the opposite of what you are used to - Amanda agrees finding that her skin has lost elasticity and has become much drier, dull, and more sensitive as a result of menopause, so finding the right hydration & product was a priority. Using science-backed products designed specifically for menopause like Marcelle’s Revival+ Vitality collection has been a game changer for her. The collection uses a breakthrough formula, made with antioxidants, vitamin D, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, urea and squalane, leaving skin feeling firmer, more hydrated and just healthier overall. Amanda feels that "it’s lovely to see visible concrete results while knowing the formula was co-created with 400 Canadian women in menopause with sensitive skin."  

 

Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Day Cream - 50ml - $39.95 

This comforting, hydrating cream is like a support bra for your face - it lifts, firms and helps counteract all those delightful effects menopause brings. It’s been tested and recommended by Canadian women in menopause with sensitive skin and it helps restore comfort, hydration and bounce for plumper, happier skin. 

Also worth grabbing: Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Eye & Lip Cream - 15ml - $39.95 - because crow’s feet and fine lines have had enough fun, thank you very much.

 

Available at drugstores across Canada and online at marcelle.com. 

 

And let’s not forget the mane event - thinning hair. If you’re not ready to commit to the “re-growth journey” and just want fuller, thicker-looking hair now, reach for:  

 

Justice Hair Care Volume Boost Shampoo & Conditioner - 250ml - $28.99 each 

Specially made for fine or thinning hair, this duo cleans without weighing it down. Cotton extract, hibiscus vinegar, and soy proteins keep hair hydrated and shiny without build-up, while adding body and bounce. Think of it as your hair’s daily pep talk. 

Top it off with Volume Boost Texture Spray - 250ml - $28.99 for that “oh, this old volume? I woke up like this” finish. It adds lift from the roots, protects from pollutants, and leaves hair feeling soft, full, and alive again. 

 

Available at Healthy Planet stores across Canada and online at well.ca. 

And because menopause loves to suck the moisture out of everything - yes, even your lips - keep your lip balm close, I like: 

 

Nivea Vanilla Buttercream 24H Moisture Nourishing Lip Balm – 2 x 4.8g – $4.99 

It’s basically dessert for your lips! The shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil formula melts in like frosting, keeping your lips soft, smooth and hydrated for a full 24 hours. Sweet, creamy, and totally mood-swing approved!

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

 

At the end of the day, you can't avoid menopause so your best defense is to arm yourself with information and educate yourself - there are so many great books and blogs out there! A few you might find useful:

 

Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too! by Amanda Thebe

 

Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause and Life's Next Period by Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW

 

The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health With Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter

 

All are available on amazon.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -