Scalp treatments are booming – these are the ones underpinned by science (2024)

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 right now, it's not surprising. "The approaching festive season can play havoc with those who are susceptible to eczema, as they may increase their intake of things such as alcoholic drinks, which can trigger the 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 prevent, rather than treat hair issues. 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.

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 the remarkably 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: this year has seen the launch of major new scalp collections from Kérastase and Aveda, both of which are focused on relieving the symptoms of dandruff.

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

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.

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.

Following a true-to-tradition recipe, Kama Ayurveda's scalp and hair oil is one of the most authentic on the market today. It features 13 trusted extracts, from balloon vine to rosemary leaf and liquorice root, all deemed to work in tandem to condition the scalp and follicles, leading to hair that grows healthily and with blinding shine. Use it pre-shampoo or let it linger overnight, taking time to massage it in.

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.

Deeply nourishing, this pre-shampoo treatment is designed to relieve intensely dry, flaking scalps. The brand's signature lactic-acid complex dissolves dead skin cells that linger on the surface of the scalp, while oat-derived hydrating extracts bring instant relief and lasting moisture.

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.

It's always satisfying when one of The Ordinary's affordable formulas really delivers: and trust us, this one excels. Anyone with a dry scalp that veers into flaking territory will love this gentle blend of skin-kind squalane, fatty acids and lipids, which hydrates skin while softening hair.

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.