Why You Might Need a Scalp Care Treatment
Don’t let a dry, irritated scalp ruin your good hair day.
Here’s a fun fact for all you beauty nerds out there: Scalp care is the fastest-growing hair product category in 2020. Sure, it may not be as sexy as a deep-conditioning mask or protective color gloss, but pretty much everyone deals with some form of scalp issue in their lifetime. Whether it’s excessive oil production, dandruff, or itchiness and irritation, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have just as many beautiful products targeted for the skin on your head. Just consider it an extension of your skin-care routine. So no matter what issue you’re tackling right now, or if you simply want some preventative scalp care for your shower, these are the 12 scalp treatments to shop right now.
Jupiter Restoring Serum, $23
Talking about dandruff is usually so hush-hush in the beauty world, but the truth is you have about a 50 percent chance of developing it at some point in your life. This new brand is formulated specifically to treat dandruff, but with beautiful, quality products. The restoring serum contains zinc pyrithione to keep your scalp balanced, along with soothing mint, vanilla, rosemary, sage, tangerine, and lavender.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub, $36
A 10 percent concentration of alpha hydroxy acids—including glycolic, artaric, lactic, and citric—gently exfoliates any leftover product buildup as well as dry, dead skin. Just apply a generous layer on dry hair 10 minutes before you hop in the shower.
Be Free Scalp Refresh, $30
If you want to give your scalp some much-needed love while also helping to stop thinning hair, this serum is your new must-have. The botanical blend halts the production of DHT (or dihydrotestosterone, which can damage your hair follicles) while still nourishing your scalp and hair.
The Mane Choice Prickly Pear Paradise Minty Scalp Purifying Spray, $15
To refresh and rejuvenate your scalp between washes (plus keep your pH levels in check), this superfood-infused spray is ideal and couldn’t be easier to use. Section off your hair, spray directly onto the scalp, and massage it in with your fingers. Then enjoy the subtle tingle of a soothed and nourished scalp.
Venn Synbiotic Polyamine Shampoo, $58
Keeping your scalp’s pH balanced is essential for preventing any irritation (flaking, dryness, excess oil, etc.). This shampoo contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to restore the microbiome as well as remove buildup gently from all hair types and textures. The added eucalyptus will also leave you feeling fresh and your hair especially soft and conditioned.
Hairstory Scalp Massage Brush, $10
Head massages are one of the most relaxing beauty treatments ever, but doing one yourself is a pretty great alternative. Use this brush in the shower, moving it along the grain of your hair, to stimulate blood flow, remove buildup, and help reduce stress (which can actually cause you to develop dandruff in the first place).
Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum, $100
Leave it to Dr. Barbara Sturm to make scalp care look beyond chic. Her signature blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming Purslane is still in this new formula, along with a blend of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, a skin-restoring agent). Algin and papaya extract ensures that your scalp is hydrated and any lingering irritation is soothed.
Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser, $42
This deep-cleansing paste is ideal for giving yourself a thorough manual scrub in the shower or bath. The sea salt particles gently remove buildup and oil without stripping your texture, so your hair is left looking and feeling better than ever.
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Pre-shampoo Scalp Scrub, $10
If you’re worried about keeping your hair hydrated while still treating an irritated scalp, this scrub is about to be your new go-to. It’s packed with African black soap, shea butter, and bamboo charcoal to give your hair a deep clean and exfoliate any buildup and oil left on the scalp. Follow it up with a gentle shampoo and conditioning treatment for the ultimate hair treatment.
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner, $48
After you use a treatment shampoo or pre-wash serum, you’ll want to follow up with an equally soothing conditioner to lock in moisture (especially if you’re a curly girl). The added acacia tree extract nourishes and calms the scalp, while shea butter and caffeine moisturize and energize for lusciously soft hair. It’s also completely color safe.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35
Using apple cider vinegar for your scalp is one of the best original beauty secrets. We love this clean formula to gently repair damage while also cleansing the scalp of dirt and buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Aquis Prime Detoxifying Hair & Scalp Wash, $28
If you’re dealing with hard water in your corner of the world, we feel your pain—not only does it fade your color fast, but it can also cause dryness and reside on your scalp. Use this targeted wash once a week in the shower to keep your skin clean and soothed.
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