Most people think carefully about what they put on their face and body. The scalp tends to be an afterthought, addressed only when something goes wrong. Dryness, itchiness, flaking, or a general sense that the hair is not behaving the way it should.
But the scalp is skin. It has the same needs as the skin on the rest of your body: hydration, nourishment, and a healthy environment in which to function well. In Singapore's humid climate, those needs are complicated by heat, sweat, and the particular stress that warm weather places on the scalp's natural balance.
Scalp oil is not a new idea. Oiling the scalp has been part of hair care traditions across South Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia for centuries. What has changed is the formulation. A well-designed modern scalp oil is not just coconut oil applied to the roots. It is a targeted blend of plant-based ingredients chosen for what they specifically do for scalp health and hair quality.
The Aluna Scalp Oil is Eartha's approach to this. Here is what is in it, why each ingredient was chosen, and how to use it.
What scalp oil actually does
A scalp oil works across two main areas: the scalp environment itself and the hair that grows from it.
At the scalp level, the right oils and botanical extracts can soothe dryness and irritation, support a balanced scalp microbiome, calm inflammation, and stimulate the circulation that delivers oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. A scalp that is comfortable, balanced, and well-nourished is simply better at growing healthy hair.
At the hair level, the plant oils in a scalp treatment penetrate the hair shaft and deliver moisture, strengthen the strand structure, and improve elasticity, which means less breakage and more resilient hair over time.
The two work together. Healthy scalp conditions support better hair growth. Better hydrated hair is less prone to damage. The scalp oil addresses both simultaneously.
What is inside the Aluna Scalp Oil
Every ingredient in the Aluna Scalp Oil was chosen for a specific purpose. Here is what each one does.
Chickweed Oil Rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals including iron, calcium, and zinc. Its high oleic acid content makes it particularly effective at soothing scalp dryness and relieving itchiness, while softening the hair itself. It is one of the gentler oils in the blend and works well for sensitive or reactive scalps.
Passionflower Oil A nourishing oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps the scalp retain moisture, calms irritation, and contributes to a healthier scalp environment over consistent use. It has a relatively lightweight texture that absorbs well without leaving the scalp feeling heavily coated.
Baobab Oil Packed with vitamins A, D, E, and F, baobab is one of the most nutrient-dense plant oils available. It deeply moisturises and helps restore elasticity to hair, strengthens the strand, and reduces breakage over time. It also supports overall scalp health through its vitamin content and fatty acid profile.
Rosemary Essential Oil The most well-researched ingredient in scalp care. Rosemary essential oil stimulates circulation in the scalp by widening blood vessels, which improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. It also has antifungal properties that help address dandruff at the source, and it supports the scalp's natural pH balance. Recent research comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil for hair growth has made it one of the most discussed ingredients in hair wellness, and the evidence for its circulation-stimulating effect is well-supported.
Chamomile Extract and Bisabolol Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturising. Bisabolol, which is also found in the Eartha body oil, is the primary active compound of German chamomile and has been used in cosmetics for centuries for its anti-irritant and skin-calming properties. Together they address scalp irritation, help reduce dandruff, and support a balanced scalp environment. They are particularly useful for scalps that tend toward sensitivity or reactivity.
How Singapore's climate affects scalp health
In a warm, humid climate, the scalp produces more sebum than in cooler environments. This is the scalp's natural response to heat and can contribute to a feeling of oiliness at the roots even when the hair itself is dry or damaged.
Counterintuitively, this is often a reason to use scalp oil rather than a reason to avoid it. When the scalp is dry or irritated beneath the sebum, it overproduces oil as a compensatory response. Addressing the underlying dryness and irritation with a targeted treatment can help the scalp regulate more effectively over time.
Sweat can also contribute to scalp irritation and imbalance in Singapore's climate. Ingredients like rosemary essential oil and chamomile that support the scalp's natural pH and reduce inflammation are particularly relevant here.
How to use the Aluna Scalp Oil
Apply directly to the scalp using the dropper, section the hair as needed to ensure the oil reaches the scalp rather than sitting on top of the hair. Massage gently with fingertips using circular motions to distribute the oil and stimulate circulation.
Leave on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing, or apply overnight for a more intensive treatment and wash out in the morning. Consistency matters more than quantity. A small amount used regularly will produce better results than a large amount used occasionally.
The scalp as a starting point
Hair care tends to focus on the hair itself: conditioning the strand, adding shine, managing frizz. The scalp is the foundation that all of that rests on, and it is often the thing that receives the least attention.
The Aluna Scalp Oil is designed for people who want to work at that level. Not just to manage symptoms as they appear, but to create conditions for a healthier scalp over time.
