5 Treatments for a Healthier Scalp

You’ve heard it hundreds of times, but we’ll say it again: Healthy scalps promote healthy hair. Often neglected, scalps crave deep moisture, nourishment, and cleansing just like our strands. Whether you wash your hair every day or once a week, scalp skin is highly susceptible to irritation from a number of triggers, including stress, travel, styling products, and environmental factors. Red, itchy, and flaky scalps increase skin sensitivity and can become painful if ignored. We’ve gathered the five most effective treatments for all scalp concerns, so you can give your skin the proper TLC it needs!

For dandruff and flaky scalps

Briogeo MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo, $42

Dandruff doesn’t stand a chance against this detoxifying concoction of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and charcoal. The hydrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) gently breaks down and removes even the peskiest dandruff for clean and clear scalps. Formulated with 3% salicylic acid, this shampoo treatment exfoliates away dead skin and soothes inflammation, redness, and irritation for nourished, healthier hair. Plus, binchotan charcoal draws out impurities to keep build up at bay.

For hair growth

Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum, $100

Packed with powerhouse ingredients, this scalp serum nourishes so hair growth can flourish. Backed by strengthening camellia and larch extracts, repairing pro-vitamin B5, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and more, this serum gets to the root of hair fall out and promotes new growth. Apply the serum directly to a wet or dry scalp and to the ends of the hair using the pipette. Then, gently massage in with your fingertips.

For a scalp refresh

Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar, $20

If you’re looking for a hair rebirth, start by completely exfoliating your scalp. Infused with AHAs and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), this lightweight, nectar-like serum sloughs away product build-up and dead skin for a clean start. Plus, its gentle formula harnesses hair-saving biotin and frizz-busting moringa oil to get hair back on the healthy track.

For scalp clarification

R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse, $32

This lightweight clarifying treatment removes build-up from dry shampoo and other styling products to restore hair and scalp to its naturally healthy state. Formulated with a combination of apple cider vinegar, notorious for breaking down build-up and exfoliating away flakes, and aloe vera, which soothes and nourishes, this cleansing rinse leaves hair feeling clean without stripping strands. Apply to wet hair, leave in for 1-3 minutes, and rinse.

For color-treated hair

Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment, $48

This weightless serum gently melts into your scalp for gentle exfoliation after your shower or on-the-go. The precise, transparent applicator tip lets you see how much serum you’re using for even distribution that won’t disturb your hairstyle. This nourishing, leave-on treatment provides instant relief to even the itchiest scalps with a cooling effect to soothe your skin after a color treatment.