E'toshia McFarland, an influencer, licensed esthetician, award-winning educator, and owner of Faces By Etosh in Colombia, S.C. offers insight on the importance of scalp health for men.
Note: This article originally appeared in American Spa.
As men's grooming continues to evolve, one area that's often overlooked is the scalp. In my early years as an esthetician, I started with male grooming, working in a salon with a barbershop. Working in this environment helped me to become diverse with treatments to offer to men to address their concerns with dryness and folliculitis, not just on the face and beard area, but the scalp, too. My male clientele skyrocketed once I mastered techniques and treatments to address both concerns.
A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth, reducing dandruff and itchiness, and even preventing conditions like psoriasis. Head spas are trending in the beauty industry, and adding scalp facials for men with bald heads can be a game-changer treatment for you as the expert and your business. Think about it, adding scalp facials can help take your male grooming clientele by storm.
Let's delve into the benefits of mechanical exfoliation with microdermabrasion and hydra dermabrasion treatments and recommend easy home-care routines for your clients.

The Power of Mechanical Exfoliation
One of my favorite modalities to use in my treatment room for great exfoliation is microdermabrasion. The use of mechanical exfoliation is a key component of scalp facials, and microderm treatments are a popular choice. This non-invasive exfoliating treatment uses fine crystals to remove dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and improving scalp health. By removing the top layer of skin, microderm treatments:
Unclog pores and reduce oil buildup.
Improve scalp circulation and reduce inflammation.
Enhance penetration of scalp products.
Leave the scalp feeling smooth and refreshed.
While microdermabrasion provides an excellent foundation for scalp exfoliation, hydra dermabrasion takes it to the next level. This advanced, non-invasive treatment combines the principles of microdermabrasion with the nourishing power of hydration, providing unparalleled benefits for the scalp such as:
Providing deeper exfoliation and hydration.
Offering customized serum treatments for specific scalp concerns.
Stimulating collagen production for improved skin elasticity.
Enhancing product penetration for better results.
These two treatments combined make a five-star service your clients will love!
In-Spa Microderm Treatments
As a trained professional, tailor treatment to your client’s concerns, ensuring a safe and effective experience. Specialized scalp facials that combine dermabrasion with other treatments like massage, extractions, high frequency, and mask applications are impactful.

Easy Home-Care Routine for Maximum Scalp Benefits
While in-spa treatments are ideal, helping your clients maintain a healthy scalp at home is just as important. Here's a simple routine to have your clients follow.
Cleanse: Wash the face, beard, and scalp daily with the appropriate cleanser for the face and shampoo for the beard and scalp.
Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) 1-2 times a week.
Treat: Apply a scalp serum or treatment product containing ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, or brightening serum to target specific concerns.
Moisturize: Use a lightweight moisturizer or oil to keep the scalp hydrated and balanced.
SPF: Stress the importance of using sunscreen daily even if your client doesn’t work outdoors.
E'toshia McFarland will be teaching two classes at this year's IECSC New York event, which takes place March 23-25, 2025 at the Javits Center in New York City: "Marketing to the Modern Man: Strategies for Attracting & Retaining Male Clients," on March 23, 2025, and "From Followers to Fans: Building Community & Loyalty Through Automation" on March 24, 2025. Be sure to register here to attend IECSC New York. Use code AMERICANSPA to get 20% off education classes.