Skincare For the Scalp Is Gaining Popularity — Here’s Where to Start

MONAT’s Scalp Purifying Scrub ($66) is part shampoo, part scrub. It removes dead skin cells, stubborn product building and everyday environment pollutants from your scalp, which helps extend the time between shampoos. Use it once a week or as needed.

If you haven’t yet tried a scalp scrub, get ready to discover your new favourite product. The Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt ($71) scrubs away dead skin cells as well as excess oil, hard water build-up and flakes. It also helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp and rebalances the skin. While the thought of scrubbing your scalp might seem odd, it’s a truly satisfying feeling.

“I LOVE this,” Brooke wrote in a review. “My hair usually gets oily two days after washing, after using this product I don’t get oily until day four or five. I’ll definitely be purchasing this again.”

Founded by celebrity hair stylist Helen Reavey, Act + Acre is the world’s first cold-pressed hair wellness brand. It has products to target scalp build-up, dry and itchy scalps, oily scalps and hair thinning.

Best-seller Scalp Detox Oil (now $33.60) is pre-cleanse oil, designed to break down excess sebum and build up. It restores the moisture barrier and supports the microbiome, which alleviates scalp sensitivity.

Released in March 2024, STRAAND’s The Halo Hydrator Calming Hydration Scalp Mask ($32) is a pre-wash hair mask, packed with moisture-restoring skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, and prebiotics that support the scalp microbiome.

Leave it on for 10-30 minutes before washing your hair or wear it overnight for deeper hydration. Its gel texture feels cooling on the scalp. Pop it in the fridge for extra-cooling experience.

Sunday Riley’s Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum ($68) is formulated with glycolic acid, to exfoliate the scalp and remove product residue from hair, as well as salicylic acid, to dissolve oil build-up and niacinamide, to promote healthy hair growth. To use, squeeze onto the scalp and leave for three to 30 minutes, then rinse and follow with shampoo.

One reviewer by the name of Shelby had only good things to say about this Sunday Riley beauty: “I love this serum! I was desperate for something to work on my scalp as it has been itchy and painful for months now. This completely cleared up my flakes straight after a wash and they don’t come back for two to three days. Because of this serum I can wash my hair less and that also helps with my sore scalp. It is a small bottle but it has lasted me five washes so far and I still have some left. Will definitely repurchase, couldn’t be happier with this!”

The Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo ($41) is designed to remove dandruff and soothe irritated scalps. The combination of rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid and ginger extract soothe the skin, while also helping to maintain a healthy moisture balance in both the scalp and your hair.

“I love this. I have really greasy hair + itchy scalp + this is so nice for it. My hair is so soft and shiny,” wrote Nicole in an online review.

Living Proof’s Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment ($46) will soothe flakiness, itchy and irritation, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3. These ingredients provide the scalp with hydration while also rebalancing your scalp’s natural ecosystem. Apply directly to your scalp and leave in for best results.

“It works wonders for my dry itchy scalp. I noticed an improvement after one use. My hair is normally very itchy and flaky after a day of washing my hair. Since using this, my scalp doesn’t feel as dry and irritated as often and I don’t have as much flakes as I used to,” Katalina wrote in a review.

For those needing a hit of hydration, Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask ($46) is the way to go. Binchotan charcoal detoxifies the scalp, while the addition of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid boosts hydration levels in your scalp.

Izzy loved the product and left this review on the MECCA website: “I’ve tried so many tips and tricks and I got so desperate I actually booked an appointment with a trichologist (scalp professional). I shampooed my hair, towel dried it, then massaged this into my roots and let it sit under a hot towel for about 10 mins. Then I rinsed it out, conditioned and blow dried as per usual. I saw one or two flakes, but my scalp looks and feels so fresh and clean!!! I was not expecting it to work this well. I’m so stoked!!!”

Frank Body’s Exfoliating Scalp Serum ($21.95) is a gentle but effective chemical exfoliant that helps break down product build-up while also removing dead skin cells. Massage into dry or wet hair, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.

“This has 100% made my scalp waaaay less itchy. Super easy to use and paired with the scalp scrub also makes it the best thing ever,” Abi wrote in a review.

For those with sensitive skin, you can’t go past MooGoo’s Scalp Cream ($17.95). This lightweight moisturiser contains coconut and olive oil and aloe vera to soothe irritated skin conditions like dermatitis. Apply to the affected areas on your scalp as needed.