Are you constantly worried about dandruff and flakiness? Does your scalp feel itchy or irritated even after using gentle sulphate-free shampoos? Ever feel like your hair looks dry and lifeless despite applying the best leave-in conditioners and nourishing oils? Then the problem might quite literally be a bit more deep rooted – your scalp care. It might be time to invest in a good scalp treatment that nourishes your hair at the roots.
While you might be diligently using the best serums for mature skin and taking care of your face with the best moisturisers and anti-ageing eye creams to tackle wrinkles, we often forget that our scalp is also skin and that it needs to be a part of our skincare routines.
A lot of us face issues that chip away at our confidence like dry, flaky scalps or thinning hair and to understand these problems at a deeper level we spoke to Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, a brand we all love and trust when it comes to our hair.
What causes dry scalp?
“A dry scalp occurs when the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture. It is commonly due to environmental factors, such as weather. However, it is more likely to occur when your scalp is not producing enough, or adequately replacing, sebum (oil) – which tends to happen as we get older,” Anabel explains.
It is also important to note that a dry scalp is not the same as dandruff, which is a common misconception.
How to treat dry scalp?
A good scalp treatment that works for you is essential when it comes to treating dry scalp. “I would suggest using a moisturising scalp toner that helps to soothe dry and irritated scalps. If your scalp is particularly sensitive and sore, then a fragrance and colour-free shampoo will be best, as it is gentle on the skin,” she says.
Poor scalp health can have a negative impact on your hair lengths, for example build-up of dead skin cells, product and oil can clog the follicles, impacting the quality of hair that grows from it, resulting in thin and brittle hair that is prone to breakage.
Always remember a clean scalp is likely to be a healthy scalp, and therefore regular hair washes with the best hair growth shampoos that work for you is sure to keep both your scalp and hair healthy.
Best dry scalp treatment
Make it a practice to apply a hair oil - whether it is olive oil or rosemary oil for hair growth - and keep it on for a few hours before your hair wash as this will help your scalp to absorb the nutrients of the oils and the needed moisture to keep it from drying out too much. In addition to this, we have also listed the best treatments, hydrating masks and products with glowing reviews from testers and hair experts alike.
Best dry scalp treatment
LookFantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
The Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment is a product designed to soothe irritated and itchy scalps. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid that boots moisture levels and Vitamin B3-based microbiome that rebalances the natural oils in your hair. Apply the product onto a clean, damp scalp after shampoo and conditioner and massage it in. You do not need to rinse it out and it is recommended to use it 3-4 times a week for the best results. A reviewer who has been using the product has also shared that she has observed a stark difference in her scalp health, sharing that she no longer experiences dryness or itchiness.
Pros
- Designed to soothe irritated and itchy scalp
- Formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3-based microbiome
- No need to rinse it out
- Reduces dryness and itchiness
Cons
- Higher price point
Best flaky scalp remedy
LookFantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
The Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment is perfect if you are looking for a non-greasy product that will restore some moisture to your scalp. This is a pre-shampoo serum and you only need 3-6 drops of it applied and massaged into sectioned hair. Leave it on 5-10 minutes, then rinse and condition as usual. Infused with hydrating argan oil, vitamin E and salicylic acid, this product reduces dryness, itchiness and flaking through its exfoliating action. It also comes with a subtle lavender and geranium scent that is naturally derived. Reviewers who have been using the product have shared that after just two weeks of use, 94% of them felt their scalp was more moisturised with reduced itchiness. 90% of users have also stated that it helped to get rid of visible flaking on their scalp. So if you need a product that works and gives your visible results quickly, this is it the one to go for!
Pros
- Non-greasy product
- Infused with hydrating argan oil, vitamin E and salicylic acid
- Reduces dryness, itchiness and flaking
- Comes with a subtle lavender and geranium scent
- 94% of reviwers shared their scalp felt more moisturised
Cons
- Quantity you get for the price is less compared to other similar products on the market
Best shampoo for dry scalp
Natalie Knowleswww.philipkingsley.co.uk
The Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo has been tested and reviewed by Angela who has been using this shampoo for years and considers it truly superb. After struggling with flaking and irritation caused by bleaching, she discovered this shampoo, which has been her go-to ever since. The shampoo calms her scalp, reduces itchiness and prevents flare-ups. She hasn’t experienced any major issues since she started using it.
"While it doesn’t create much lather on the first shampoo, it does on the second and I find the results well worth it. I love the light apple scent too, which adds a pleasant touch. Mild enough for daily use, this shampoo still deeply cleanses without stripping my hair of colour or causing dryness," she says.
Pros
- Prevents flakiness, reduces itchiness and prevents flare-ups
- Comes with a light apple scent
- Deeply cleanses without stripping the hair's natural oils
Cons
- Some might find it hard to lather
What causes itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp can be caused by several factors like dandruff, eczema, allergic reactions and even psoriasis. However, dandruff remains one of the most common causes of itchiness, flaking and irritation on the scalp.
“Dandruff occurs when the microbiome of the scalp becomes imbalanced. Yeasts naturally live on our scalps and usually do not cause any problems. However, when a certain species of yeast called the Malassezia yeasts overgrow, this can cause skin cells to divide too rapidly – leading to visible flakes and itching,” Anabel explains.
"Malassezia yeasts thrive in an oily environment and are likely to overgrow if you shampoo infrequently or have a naturally oily scalp," she adds. This is where regular hair washes with the best shampoos for greasy hair can make a difference.
Best itchy scalp treatment
It is important to understand the underlying reason for your itchy scalp to determine the best scalp treatment that will work for you. Regular exfoliation of the scalp as well as occasional detoxes with the best clarifying shampoos will help to get rid of grime, dirt and build-up that contributes to oiliness and itching.
Best itchy scalp treatment
Akhila Thomaswww.philipkingsley.co.uk
The Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Anti-Dandruff Toner comes highly recommended by our expert Anabel Kingsley for flaky, irritated, itchy and dandruff-prone scalps. Created by trichologists, this formula is anti-microbial, infused with Piroctone Olamine that fights fungus and bacteria. It targets the symptoms and causes of dandruff while the added camphor refreshes and soothes your scalp. The water-based, fragrance-free and vegan-friendly product is designed to give you instant and long-lasting relief from itchiness and soreness according to several customers who have been using the toner.
Pros
- Helps flaky, irritated, itchy and dandruff-prone scalps
- It is infused with Piroctone Olamine that fights fungus and bacteria
- Created by trichologists and expert recommended
- Added camphor refreshes and soothes your scalp
- It is water-based, fragrance-free and vegan-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers found the scent a bit too strong
Best clarifying shampoo for itchy scalp
Akhila Thomaswww.boots.com
Sometimes the solution for an itchy, irritated scalp is a good cleanse and detox and the OUAI Detox Shampoo is the best clarifying shampoo to help you with that. This clarifying shampoo was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “It leaves my scalp feeling so clean and fresh with a single wash.”
The formula is fortified with cleansing agents that remove hard water deposits and impurities, apple cider vinegar that helps to exfoliate and reduce flaking as well as hydrolyzed keratin that helps to moisturise and lock in hydration. “As someone with curly hair, it is important for me that my shampoos don’t strip away too much natural oils as this can lead to excessive drying. This clarifying shampoo ensures a deep clean without drying out my scalp or hair too much, which is why it works perfectly if you tend to have dryness issues,” Akhila says.
It smells wonderful, with a subtle hint of fresh apples and it is suitable for all hair types. “You need a good amount of product to work up a lather, but apart from that this shampoo works beautifully,” she added.
Pros
- Helps remove hard water deposits and impurities
- Added apple cider vinegar that helps to exfoliate and reduce flaking
- Contains hydrolyzed keratin that helps to moisturise and lock in hydration
- Gives you a deep clean without drying out scalp or hair
Cons
- You need a good amount of product to work up a lather
Best scalp scrub for exfoliation
Amazon
The Inkey List 7% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is sure to give your scalp the perfect deep cleanse and exfoliation while also nourishing it. In just 10 minutes, this product is designed to boost hair growth, nourish your roots, provide a gentle exfoliation with added 7% Glycolic Acid that removes product build-up, dead skin cells and dirt. The formula is enriched with 2.5% Symcontrol Scalp, that is based on a microalgae from the Mediterranean Sea and functions as an effective scalp sebum regulator. Added 2% Castor beads made with hydrogenated castor oil enhance the exfoliating effect and 0.5% Bioecolia helps to maintain the ideal scalp microbiome.
Pros
- 7% Glycolic Acid removes product build-up and dead cells
- Helps to exfoliate and balance the scalp microbiome
- Added 2% Castor beads made with hydrogenated castor oil
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the product could have better packaging as the solids block the thin nozzle making it difficult to squeeze out, resulting in having to take off the cap to get the product out
Scalp treatment for thinning hair
“The hair growth cycle is regulated to a great degree by hormones – most notably oestrogen and testosterone. Leading up to and upon entering menopause, our oestrogen levels lower and this can result in recurrent bouts of a hair shedding which causes hair thinning,” Anabel says.
Internal and external factors, such as stress, UV ray exposure, health conditions and diet also play a role. Some women notice a marked difference in their 40s and 50s, whereas for others it’s more subtle. However, a certain degree of change to our hair is inevitable as we age because like any skin, our scalp and hair follicles age too. Most women find their hair becomes finer, more brittle, less dense and less lustrous.
Taking care of your hair at the roots will surely help to improve the quality of hair that grows and keep your lengths looking healthier and more rejuvenated. Upgrading your hair care routine to include the best hair growth serums that our expert has recommended as well as supplements to improve hair health is important when it comes giving your body the support it needs to function at its best.
Best scalp care products for thinning hair
Best scalp serum for thinning hair
Akhila Thomaswww.boots.com
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a must-have product if you are struggling with thinning hair and loss of volume. This serum was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk and she says, “I have been using this serum for almost 2 weeks now and I can already feel the difference it is making to my scalp. With curly hair and a scalp that tends to get very dry, I feel this serum is helping to lock in some moisture and add shine to my crown area.”
The concentrated treatment is a blend of peptide technologies and plant extracts, including Redensyl™, Procapil™, Capixyl™, Baicapil™, Anagain™ and caffeine, designed to promote hair growth. It can feel a bit greasy immediately upon application, so it would be better to use it at night before bed, as it fully absorbs overnight and leaves your scalp feeling light and fresh in the morning.
"I have been experiencing more hair fall and thinning after to London and I can already see that the baby hair around my hairline is beginning to look a bit more pronounced and stronger. With continued use, I am hoping it will restore my hair density and thickness to what it was before,” she added.
Pros
- Helps with thinning hair and loss of volume
- Helps to lock in moisture and add shine
- Enriched with Redensyl™, Procapil™, Capixyl™, Baicapil™, Anagain™ and caffeine
Cons
- It is bit greasy immediately upon application, so it would be better to use it at night before bed as it fully absorbs overnight
This Boots Scalp Massage Brush is the perfect tool to exfoliate your scalp, provide a deep cleanse and also give yourself a scalp massage to promote circulation and improve hair growth. This massage brush was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “I love that the brush comes with soft silicone tips that are hard enough to give an effective massage and remove the dead skin cells from your scalp while also being gentle enough to not hurt your scalp.”
The scalp feels refreshed and clean with every use. “I use it to give my scalp a dry scrub before applying oil pre-shower. The massage helps to clear any grime and increase the absorption of any product that you use. It is an easy tool to rely on if you don’t want to exert your hands for a long time giving yourself a scalp massage and it is very easy to clean as well,” she adds.
Pros
- Helps to exfoliate your scalp, provide a deep cleanse, promote circulation and improve hair growth
- Has soft silicone tips that are hard enough to give an effective massage while also being gentle
Cons
- Have to clean it thoroughly every now and then as hair strands can stick to the silicone material
Expert tips to improve scalp health
If you are looking for a quick and easy guide to follow to improve your scalp care, here is a list put together by our expert that is guaranteed to give you visible results by reducing dryness, dandruff and dullness, making way for healthy, luscious hair.
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Re-moisturise – In addition to conditioners, hair masks and oiling, it often helps to moisturise the scalp and rehydrate it with a water-based toner such as the Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Toner.
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Scalp Serums - To help counteract irritated scalps, apply a hydrating serum to your scalp and massage daily. This will moisturise and gently exfoliate your scalp, which regulates oil production and promotes hair growth.
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Frequent shampooing – Try to leave no more than 2 days between shampoos. Your scalp is also a living tissue that sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells. You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty. I highly recommend using a clarifying shampoo weekly for a deep clean.
FAQs
Do scalp serums really work?
According to Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, scalp serums can be used by everybody unless you have a super-sensitive scalp or you have a severe scalp concern, then a trichologist can write you up a treatment plan. It’s key to look at the ingredients and find a serum to suit your hair and scalp type. A good serum should improve hydration, minimise dryness, prevent dandruff and reduce oiliness.
Apply in the evening, the day before you wash your hair. Apply directly to the scalp in a few sections, using 2-3 drops per section. Massage gently over your scalp to work the product in. Do not rinse and leave on overnight. Wash out in the morning to reveal a hydrated, clear scalp.
What does an unhealthy scalp look like?
If you are noticing flakiness, excessive oiliness, dryness, redness, inflammation, itching, bumps, sores or scabs on your scalp, these are usually signs that your scalp needs more care and attention. Same goes for if you are experiencing more hair loss, thinning or changes in the texture or health of your hair.
How to moisturise your scalp?
There are different methods, products and routines to keep your scalp moisturised. Making sure to apply nourishing oils and hydrating hair masks before your hair wash is sure to help while prioritising post wash conditioning with leave-in creams, toners and serums will help to retain the moisture and prevent dryness on your scalp.
How do I exfoliate my scalp?
Just as you would exfoliate your face and body, your scalp also needs regular exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells, product build-up, dirt, grime and to unclog hair follicles. The best way to do this would be to invest in a good scalp massager to exfoliate and massage. This will improve the absorption and effects of oils and serums you use on your scalp while also improving circulation to promote hair growth.
Can I put Vaseline on my scalp?
Yes, you can apply Vaseline on your scalp if you are looking to soothe dryness, reduce flakiness, relieve inflammation, tame some frizz or even to add some much-needed moisture. However, you must only use a very small amount and not too often, as that might cause buildup which will clog your hair follicles.
How do I deep clean my scalp?
It is important to deep clean your scalp at least once a week. You can do this by exfoliating your scalp, double shampooing or using a clarifying shampoo every few washes. This will help to remove any grime, build-up and dead skin cells, thereby keeping your scalp fresh and clean.
Meet the expert:
Anabel Kingsley – She is the Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. She is a qualified trichologist and an Associate Member of The Institute of Trichologists. With a special focus on postpartum hair loss, nutrition and the psychology of hair loss, she is a professional who began her career at Philip Kingsley in 2006 and now, she heads the team.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.