Dry, irritated scalp? Many of our everyday habits can lead to scalp irritation, whether it be a buildup of products, over-washing our hair or even harsh weather.
Having a healthy scalp is key to having healthy hair, so if you’re currently dealing with a dry scalp – or if you just want to add some scalp TLC into your hair-care routine – keep reading for our top scalp serum recommendations!
What causes a dry or irritated scalp?
A dry or irritated scalp is often caused by a build-up of haircare products. If you frequently use hair products such as dry shampoo or leave-in hair oils, you might create scalp build-up and experience dryness, itchiness and irritation. (If you use dry shampoo and other leave-in hair products, we’d recommend double-shampooing your hair on your wash day.)
External factors also influence your scalp’s health. Weather changes (such as extreme heat or cold) along with your diet can also play a role in the condition of your scalp (and, by extension, your hair.)
With the right haircare products and a great hair serum, the scalp should be able to fend off any external triggers, remaining healthy and free of irritation.
Best Scalp Serums: Our Top 5 Picks
To keep your scalp in tip-top condition, we’d recommend the following hair products:
Best Scalp Serum for a Healthy Scalp and Hair Follicles:
When it comes to hair regrowth, your scalp plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair follicles. Kerastase’s Resistance Serum Extentioniste is a duo scalp and hair treatment, formulated with active ingredients designed to promote hair growth while nourishing both the scalp and the hair follicles at the root.
Using Ceramides, this scalp serum purifies the scalp while restoring the hair’s natural cuticle and nourishing its fibers. If you’re looking to hydrate your scalp while promoting natural, healthy hair growth, this scalp serum is ideal. It’s also made with a non-oily formula, so it’s suitable for oily hair and fine hair.
Leave in or rinse out? Leave-in
Best suited to: Hair regrowth, but is suitable for all hair types.
Best Scalp Serum for Revitalizing the Scalp:
If you want to revitalize the scalp while also reducing hair loss, we’d recommend using this daily scalp serum by Aveda. You’ll achieve best results when massaging this serum into the scalp: the herb blend enriched with ginseng and organic turmeric soothes, calms and invigorates.
Besides soothing and revitalizing the scalp, this serum also provides potent anti hair loss benefits, using tangerine peel and Japanese knotweed to promote the hair’s keratin. We’d recommend using this serum alongside Aveda’s 4-step system for enhanced results.
Leave in or rinse out? Leave-in
Best suited to: Thinning hair
Best Scalp Serum for Soothing the Scalp
If you’re dealing with a dry or irritated scalp, milk_shake’s Energizing Blend Scalp Treatment is formulated with essential oils, sage and eucalyptus, providing soothing and purifying benefits.
Besides soothing irritation, the herbs in this formula can also aid the prevention of hair loss and hair thinning. In addition, this serum is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and purifying, so would also be suitable for you if you’re dealing with an oily scalp.
Apply this scalp serum using gentle pressure in order to fully enjoy the soothing and purifying benefits.
Leave in or rinse out? Leave-in
Best suited to: Irritated scalps
Best Scalp Serum for All Hair and Scalp Types
If you don’t have any particular scalp concerns or scalp irritations, a fab all-rounder product such as Kerastase’sSpecifiquePotentialiste Hair & Scalp Serum would be a welcome addition to any haircare routine.
Suitable for all hair types, this serum is packed with essential antioxidants and comes in a gel formula, perfect for quick absorption and fuss-free application.
By lifting the roots, re-invigorating the scalp and combatting any imbalances, this serum can tackle excess oil, dryness and all forms of scalp irritation.
Leave in or rinse out? Leave-in
Best Scalp Serum for Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common problem, and can greatly impact confidence and self esteem. If you’re looking for a serum that will pause and rewind the clock on hair loss, we’d recommend Philip Kingsley’s Tricho 7 Daily Scalp Drops.
Formulated using Green Tea Extract, antioxidants and 7 trichologically selected active ingredients, this scalp serum works to protect and nourish both the scalp and hair while promoting safe, healthy re-growth.
Use these drops daily to see visible improvements in hair thickness, volume and density.
Leave in or rinse out? Leave-in
How to Maintain a Healthy Scalp, Beauty Pro Tips:
Including a suitable scalp serum in your haircare routine is the best way to maintain a healthy scalp and contribute to the maintenance of healthy hair.
Alongside using the right serum, you can also incorporate the following tips into your everyday life and hair routine:
- Wash gently – don’t tug or pull on your hair
- Don’t towel dry – pat your hair dry after washing
- Try a soothing scalp scrub and use it weekly
- Use hats to protect your scalp from extreme weather
- Choose the right shampoo and conditioner
this could link to the shampoo and conditioner article
