Being a beauty editor comes with its glamorous moments. From attending industry launch events to having access to new beauty products and getting to speak with hair, makeup and skin experts on the reg, there's never a dull moment on the job. You would be forgiven for assuming that someone in this line of work would have zero hair or skin issues given that we have access to the best beauty products and pros in the biz. I, however, have a slightly un-glamorous confession: I've experienced scalp issues for most of my adult life.
I've never gotten to the root cause, but every now and then, my scalp kicks off with irritation, dandruff and a persistent itch. And when you wear a uniform of black on the regular like me, it's quite mortifying to see little flakes gathering on your shoulders. It's usually during times of stress, but sometimes, it flares for no apparent reason—a bit like the eczema flares I'm prone to.
If you're experiencing scalp issues, I would highly recommend going to see a trichologist who will be able to identify exactly what might be causing it. Likewise, if you're experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, then I'd urge you to head in this direction in the first instant. Yes, a consultation can be an expensive upfront cost, but it can often save you a lot of money in the long run, as an expert can put you on the right path of treatment, which takes the guesswork (and money down the drain) out of the equation when buying products. You may well be recommended prescription treatment, but there are also plenty of over-the-counter options out there that have helped my scalp hugely. Ahead are 15 of the best scalp products that have left my irritated, flaky scalp cool, calm and collected.
If you only buy one product for your scalp (that isn't a prescription product from a trichologist), make it this shampoo. This is often recommended by trichologists and has single-handedly improved my scalp health to no end. It not only cures the itch that comes with irritated scalps, but I also found within a week's use that my scalp was no longer flaky or sore. It genuinely works. I use this as a second cleanse after using my usual shampoo, and I allow it to sit on the scalp for a few moments for it to get to work. I always stock up on the 1000-milliliter bottle, which lasts me for ages and makes it more cost-effective.
I live on the south coast of the UK, and the water down here is particularly hard with chalk and limescale. This can be problematic if your scalp is sensitive, and it can also build up in your hair, making it lifeless and dull. Since I fitted this water filter into my shower, I've seen my scalp and hair health improve drastically. I'd liken it to showering on holiday when the water usually feels softer, and I now cannot live without this in my home.
My scalp tends to be quite oily and prone to build-up from product, so I like to use a scalp scrub once a week to remove the build-up—it's like a weekly reset for my hair and scalp. It has a gritty texture that gently buffs away dead skin, leaving hair feeling so clean and balanced. This one is formulated with salicylic acid, which is particularly good if you have an oily scalp.
Once during a particularly bad eczema flare, everything was upsetting my skin, even my shampoos which I would have no problem with usually. This gentle shampoo was recommended to me, and I have full confidence in recommending it if you have a sensitive scalp or sensitive skin in general. It's ultra gentle, doesn't sting the skin and feels hydrating.
If you want an exfoliating scalp treatment that isn't too gritty, then this one from Kérastase is worth a try. It's a pre-shampoo treatment that contains salicylic acid to clear flakes and oil, and the plant-based beads gently exfoliate without stripping the delicate skin on your scalp. It does lather as you massage it in, and I found it left my roots feeling clean and free of flakes.
I'll admit that the packaging for scalp products can sometimes look quite clinical, but this sits in pride of place in my bathroom. The powered blackcurrant and apricot-seed kernels are suspended in buttery rapeseed and sunflower-seed oils, which hydrate and buff the skin on your scalp. (It also doubles as a body scrub.)
The looped bristles on this hairbrush gently loosen dead skin without scratching the delicate skin on your scalp, making it great to use in between washes.
If you find your dry scalp needs some TLC in between your hair washes, Ouai's Scalp Serum quenches the skin with hydrating hyaluronic acid that quickly sinks into the skin without leaving behind any residue. The formula also contains adaptogens like Arctic root, Siberian ginseng, and chaga mushroom to support the skin's barrier.
Prefer a liquid exfoliator as opposed to something gritty? This liquid formula contains flake-busting salicylic acid to renew the skin on your scalp, leaving it flake-free, soothed and less inflamed.
When my scalp is particularly sensitive, I opt for Wetbrush's classic detangling brush. The bristles are ultra flexible, so they don't scratch or tug as your brush. It's also such a great detangling brush that I pretty much use it exclusively on my hair now for how effortlessly it glides through knots.
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If you're someone who uses a lot of styling products like hair mousse and dry shampoo, then your scalp needs a clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up and leave your roots feeling weightless. Beauty Pie's shampoo helps to eliminate build-up and makes my hair feel swishable and shiny.
A lot of scalpcare products command a big price tag, but this is a great affordable shampoo that helps to purify the scalp and eliminate flakes to leave it feeling comfortable.
Leonor Greyl's roll-on stick is perfect for targeting smaller areas of irritation and giving you quick relief throughout the day. I love that it's nimble enough to fit into any bag, and the anti-inflammatory oils help to treat redness and itchiness.
The Body Shop's Ginger range is highly regarded for soothing sensitive scalps (the shampoo is a must-try), and the brand's latest launch is the hair and scalp scrub, which is equally as invigorating. Crushed coconut and walnut shells are suspended in ginger essential oil, birch bark and white willow bark extracts that leave the scalp feeling soothed and gently cleansed.
This has become a bit of a cult product, and you only have to read the many glowing reviews to know that it works. This Scalp Revitalizer can be spritzed into the roots to help your scalp feel refreshed, but it also treats hair breakage, helping your hair to grow healthier from the root. The Ayurvedic herbs in the formula really leave your scalp feeling invigorated.
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