Jessica Booth
If you want to keep your hair as healthy as possible, you have to start with your scalp. If it’s been neglected, you might notice things like dandruff, or your head might feel itchy. If you’ve been experiencing these issues, there are some products specifically for scalp health that can help you out.
You probably already know that nourishing and hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are key to maintaining healthy, strong hair. But before you can focus your locks, you have to make sure your scalp is as healthy and clean as possible.
Fortunately, hair care brands have started to focus on the scalp a lot more, and there are now a ton of options out there. Below are some of the best products for any scalp issues you might be experiencing.
Best Exfoliator: Briogeo Scalp Revival
A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week (but not every day) is a great way to get rid of product buildup and keep your scalp clean. This Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Salt Scrub is cleansing and hydrating at the same time.
This sulfate-free scrub is made with detoxifying charcoal, hydrating coconut oil, and a soothing peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil complex. It draws out impurities that clog the hair follicle, prevents buildup, and moisturizes while preventing flakiness. It also has a pleasant cooling effect that feels good if your scalp is itchy or irritated.
Best Serum: Sunday Riley Clean Rinse
If exfoliation feels too rough for your hair, try a serum, like this one from Sunday Riley. It’s infused with AHA/BHA, so it feels good as it cleans. It also gets rid of excess oil, dead skin, pollution, and product buildup for a super-healthy scalp.
It contains glycolic acid to exfoliate, but because it doesn’t include any harsher ingredients, like salt, it’s far gentler. The salicylic acid gets rid of sebum buildup, so this is a great product for anyone struggling with an oily scalp. It’s also made with niacinamide, which promotes healthy hair growth. The gentle micellar water base makes this super cleansing without ever feeling harsh.
Best Massager: Maxsoft Scalp Brush
Get an almost spa-like experience in the shower with this Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush. You can use it in the shower before or after shampooing, and it feels amazing! It’s very relaxing and soothing, and eases any itchiness you might be experiencing.
More importantly, it’s good for your hair. This brush exfoliates, leaving behind a cleaner, oil-free scalp with no product buildup. Plus, because it feels so soothing and relaxing, it might even help relieve some stress. It has a really nice grip, and the soft silicone bristles never feel too harsh.
Best High-End Shampoo & Conditioner: SEEN Essential Bundle
The SEEN Essential Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle might be a bit more expensive, but they’re designed by dermatologists to be incredibly healthy for both your hair and scalp. They don’t contain any sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, formaldehyde, or other harmful ingredients.
They’re also clinically proven to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores like more common ingredients do. Both are made with hemisqualane, a more natural alternative to silicone, which protects color, reduces frizz, and keeps hair smooth. Both products also contain bisabolol, which has natural skin-soothing properties.
Best Scalp Treatment: OGX Extra Strength Teatree Mint
A great scalp treatment should help remove buildup and leave your scalp feeling super clean. It should never be too harsh or intense, as that will just be painful and uncomfortable. The popular OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp Treatment is effective and incredibly soothing, which really makes it stand out.
Blended with peppermint, tea tree oil, and witch hazel, it smells great and feels really nice. It removes residue without stripping, and leaves behind a pleasant tingling sensation. It also makes your hair look shiny and hydrated.
For the full benefit, you can use the shampoo and conditioner on treatment day as well.
Best Drugstore Shampoo: Head & Shoulders Supreme Nourish & Smooth
In a shampoo, you want something that’s going to cleanse without leaving your hair feeling dry and stripped of moisture. The Head & Shoulders Supreme Nourish & Smooth Hair & Scalp Shampoo is made with jojoba and naturally derived argan oils to deeply moisturize while also cleansing.
It’s also free of phosphates, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and ethanol. It smells nice and feels really soothing on a dry, itchy scalp. Your whole head will feel great after washing with this, plus it’s incredibly affordable!
Best Drugstore Conditioner: Biolage R.A.W. Rebalance
Even conditioners can benefit your scalp. The Biolage R.A.W. line includes a Rebalance Conditioner that’s lightweight and hydrating. It’s made with salicylic acid, which helps fight dandruff and dry scalp, and rosemary, which moisturizes and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
It also contains willow bark to resist bacteria and keep your hair cleaner, longer. Overall, it feels really great on your hair and never overly heavy or oily.
Best Scrub: R+Co Crown
If your skin is on the sensitive side, a scrub can feel impossible. But this R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub is actually great for sensitive scalps because it’s made with gentle ingredients that are effective and not harmful.
The salicylic acid, kaolin, and Ecuadorian Ivory Palm Seed Powder help cleanse and rebalance the scalp by removing buildup and absorbing excess oil. Sunflower seed extract helps repair damage from oxidization, while argan oil leaves hair feeling nourished and soft. On top of all that, it has a lovely scent.
Best Scalp Oil: Amika Reset Charcoal Detoxifying
It might sound weird to rub oil into your scalp, but this Amika Reset Charcoal Detoxifying Scalp Oil will really get rid of any dirt and grime, while moisturizing in the process.
This gentle pre-shampoo treatment exfoliates and clarifies, thanks to ingredients like French pink clay, charcoal, and oxygen. It strips away dirt and toxins without stripping your hair and scalp’s essential oils. When water hits it, this oil becomes a milky texture and turns into a light foam, so it won’t feel oily.
