Yahoo Lifestyle Scalp treatments are booming – these are the ones underpinned by science
Nourishing shampoos, masks and conditioning hair oils are all great for tackling environmental damage on dry lengths and frazzled ends. However, if your hair never seems to look its best, it might be worth getting to the root of the problem – and chances are, it starts at your scalp.
“Scalp health definitely impacts hair health,” confirms Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “Your scalp is a living tissue, a mini ecosystem of sorts, that supports your hair follicles and the hair that emerges from them. When the scalp is in good condition, strands are given a healthy base from which to grow.”
Indeed, when the scalp is thrown out of balance, a whole host of issues may arise. Perhaps your hair never feels really clean (no matter how vigorously you shampoo) or maybe your scalp has become uncomfortably dry and flaky; according to research by Kérastase, two billion women worldwide are dealing with dandruff today, yet only 17 per cent of them are using specific dandruff-focused products.
The winter months can really exasperate scalp conditions, so if you're struggling more than you usually do in this brisk weather, it's not surprising. And it's not just the cold that could be behind your issues. "The festive season can spark issues in those that are susceptible to eczema, as they may have increased their intake of things such as alcoholic drinks, which can trigger symptoms on the scalp," says Jane Martins, consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.
So, it makes sense that scalp care is big news in beauty right now, with women looking to treat existing issues and prevent new ones from arising. Space NK has reported a 196 per cent growth in the scalp care category over the past 12 months, and there are now plenty of products available that sit at the intersection of skincare and haircare, from scalp serums for optimal growth to tonics that quell flaking and sensitivity.
In fact, skincare brands are moving into the scalp-treatment arena rapidly: Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm and Alpha-H are just a few now fighting for space in the spotlight. Science-led skincare brands are perfectly placed to capitalise on this growing beauty category, formulating their signature ingredients – such as Sturm's purslane and Bader's TFC8 – into products that deliver benefits for the skin on your head.
Equally interesting is emergence of specialised scalp-care brands designed to offer a holistic treatment regime to maximise growth, calm irritation or even combat the effects of hard water. One to note is the particularly sharp rise of Champo: a burgeoning brand that has already beaten the stalwarts to become the bestselling haircare brand in Harrods. Its success is largely down to one star product, the Pitta Growth Serum, which combines Ayurvedic extracts with modern formulatory nous to encourage faster, denser hair growth.
Of course, the big brands are getting involved too: last year saw the launch of major new scalp collections from Kérastase and Aveda, both of which are focused on relieving the symptoms of dandruff, and we expect many more to emerge in the coming months as the scalp-treatment boom shows no signs of slowing.
Below, discover the shampoos, scrubs and specialist spot-treatments designed to clean your hair and calm your scalp, tackling hair issues right from the root.
The best scalp treatments, scrubs and cleansers to try now
Pitta Growth Serum
The best treatments for hair growth don't actually work on your strands, but rather on your scalp: after all, good hair can only grow from a fortified root.
Champo (which happens to be the fastest-growing independent beauty brand in the world right now) has triumphed with this lightweight scalp serum, combining Ayurvedic wisdom with innovative science to feed each follicle with a dose of stimulating herbal extracts, caffeine and peptides, helping hair to anchor at the root and grow at an optimal rate. Trust us, consistent application results in remarkable regrowth along struggling hairlines.
Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum
Kérastase's Symbiose collection is designed to bridge the gap between traditional dandruff treatments and the luxury hair market.
The Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment is your quick fix, working to slough away existing flakes, while the Cellular Night Serum is the long-term hero. This overnight treatment uses piroctone olamine to fight the malassezia bacteria that leads to dandruff. Salicylic acid dissolves build-up, while calming extracts soothe the associated sensitivity.
Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Philip Kingsley is a go-to brand for hair care that starts at the scalp – from the legendary Elasticizer mask to the targeted Scalp Toner, there’s a product in the line-up to address every hair concern. If dandruff and itchiness are an issue for you, begin with this specially formulated shampoo, which clears congestion quickly without agitating sensitised skin.
Supa Thick Topical Scalp Supplement
The Nue Co's hair-growth line has garnered rave reviews, and we can attest to its impressive follicle-fortifying powers (one Bazaar editor in particular has been using is religiously since it launched).
Designed to reduce hair fall and increase strong, healthy growth, the Supa Thick serum feeds hair in the anagen (or growth) phase of its life cycle, removing build-up while balancing dryness and stimulating circulation.
Simply apply the creamy liquid to the scalp (the precision nozzle makes this a breeze) and relax for at-least twenty minutes before shampooing as normal. Instant satisfaction comes via lifted, bouncier roots, while loyal use will deliver better hair growth.
ACV Scalp Scrub
There are plenty of scalp scrubs on the market these days, but few that get the delicate balance just right: most are either too mild and milky, or so aggressive you end up with a dry scalp (and, in some cases, faded colour).
Formulated with cleansing apple cider vinegar, this criminally underrated scrub is formulated by a team of hair colourists, so you know it'll treat the scalp without affecting your balayage. It's designed to remove every trace of product build-up and oil, and does so brilliantly – so well, in fact, that you'll forgive the sour vinegar scent.
Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment
Oil-soluble salicylic acid is often used in products for oily and acne-prone skin, but it's also a helpful extract for treating excess sebum on the scalp. Alpha-H has combined it here with rice vinegar to sweep away minerals from your water and add a lustrous shine to hair. Apply it before shampooing once a week for a deeper clean and better movement from the root.
Density Booster
Virtue made a name for itself by formulating results-driven products infused with a human-identical form of keratin, which works better than most to repair and strengthen strands. Now, the brand is turning its attention to hair loss, bringing its instantly successful Flourish line to our shores.
The shampoo and conditioner will set you off on the right track, but it's this fast-absorbing scalp spray that'll really set to work energising sluggish follicles. With signal peptides and probiotics, it creates the optimal base for new and existing strands to thrive.
Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Aveda's exfoliating scalp treatment works wonders on overly oily hair, sweeping away sebum as well as product-build up with ease. The cooling gel texture is immediately refreshing, while the salicylic acid inside makes light work of that styling-product build-up. Call on this one when you want a squeaky-clean scalp and voluminous roots.
Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum
With a witch-hazel base, this silicone-free serum uses actives usually reserved for facial skincare – think retinol and lactic acid – to optimise the function of the hair follicles. With oil and grime gently removed, hair can grow as swiftly and healthily as possible.
Cold Processed Scalp Detox
Act + Acre's family of scalp treatments s is garnering rave reviews since launching on our shores a few weeks ago. The hero formula, Scalp Detox is a blend of deep-cleansing, anti-fungal and sebum-regulating plant extracts that'll completely renew an overloaded scalp. Massage it into dry roots before shampooing, and you'll be left with the cleanest, calmest scalp – no matter how loyal you are to the dry shampoo.
Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
Hair oiling is a ritual rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, and this natural blend stays true to a tried-and-tested combination of plant-based ingredients. Ashwagandha is combined with herbal dashmool to create a deep-nourishing oil that stimulates the follicles and strengthens strands. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, letting it soak in overnight for maximum benefits.
Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist
This light, milky serum spray is cleverly designed to refresh and balance oily scalps in the heat, so if you're escaping on a tropical holiday, make sure it goes into your case.
Spritz it over greasy roots and the prebiotic-loaded formula will balance overenthusiastic sebum production while the peppermint oil refreshes a hot and bothered scalp. If you find yourself wanting to shampoo every day, or are constantly reaching for the dry shampoo, give this smart luxury product a go.
Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
Augustinus Bader's signature Trigger Factor Complex proved so effective on skin, the brand has formulated it into a line of scalp-focused hair products. This scalp serum contains that cult blend of proteins and vitamins alongside magnesium, zinc, keratin and copper: a powerful cocktail of ingredients designed to boost scalp health and hair strength.
Hair Rituel Pre-Shampoo Purifying Mask with White Clay
An unashamedly luxurious pick, Sisley's cooling, creamy scalp treatment should be applied (via the no-mess precision nozzle) to roots before shampooing.
Let it linger while you enjoy the divine floral scent, and let the white clay soak up excess oil and product build-up, negating the damaging effects of pollution and making hair feel seriously clean.
Balancing Scalp Serum
If the freezing temperatures have tipper your easily upset scalp into a full state of rebellion, this is the calming serum you need. Dr. Barbara Sturm's combination of lavender, algae and camellia brings down irritation and flaking associated with an extremely dry scalp, while purslane dampens any itching. It's a leave-in treatment, do apply it via your fingertips after washing: it won't feel sticky or affect your blow-dry.
UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50
The top of your head is one of the parts of your body most exposed to the sun, yet many of us don't even considering using sun protection for our hair and scalp. Of course, a hat will do the job nicely, but this clever sunscreen mist is another useful option.
It's lightweight and easily absorbed, although there's no getting around the slight oily sheen that appears on finer hair textures. The miniature bottle, however, is ideal for stashing in your bag on holiday – and it can be misted over your face, too.
Shower Filter
If you're struggling with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin from head to toe, the culprit could be your water. Hard water areas are notorious for exasperating skin conditions – London-dwellers, we have it especially bad – but Hello Klean is here to help. The brand's very clever, and surprisingly chic, filter simply screws straight on to your shower and works to sift out all the damaging minerals that can wreck havoc with both skin and strand. Expect softer skin and stronger hair in time.
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