These soothing formulas are a must for your flakiest scalp scenarios.
If your scalp is itchy, inflamed, and constantly sheds white flakes, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s much more common than you’d think. “Some causes of dry scalp include [dead cell] buildup from products, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and truly dry scalp skin,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine tells Allure. “Some [cases] have nothing to do with what you do or put in your hair, and the others do,” she adds, pointing out that irritation can stem from using hair dye or even a new dry shampoo or overwashing your hair with sulfate-based products.
People with a history of eczema or psoriasis are also more likely to experience flakes, Dr. Gohara adds. She recommends making an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist to determine whether or not your dry scalp is caused by a skin condition.
The good news, though, is that brands are starting to realize this, and thankfully, they’re taking action by bringing us innovative solutions to help remedy or ease our scalp issues at home. Powerhouses like Head & Shoulders, Ouai, Bread Beauty Supply, and Dove have developed tonics, oils, and exfoliators (both chemical and physical, just like skin-care products for your face), all of which are specifically designed to soothe the scalp and maintain a healthy balance so that the hair can flourish. Because a happy scalp equals happy hair — period.
But when it comes to scrubs, in particular, heed one piece of important advice: Be conservative with how often you use a scrub — no more than two times a week for very oily hair. Scrubs “can strip the skin on the scalp of its natural oils and can aggravate an itchy scalp if used improperly,” Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, previously told Allure. In terms of maintaining a healthy scalp, Dr. Gohara recommends using sulfate-free products and reaching for moisturizing scalp oils or hair masks to soothe your scalp on the regular.
LivSo Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Scalp
When patients with super-curly hair came to her with open scalp wounds, hair loss, or extremely itchy scalps (aka seborrheic dermatitis), board-certified dermatologist Shari Hicks-Graham MD, only had two options: prescribe a product that heals the scalp but destroys their textured hair or offer products that only help damaged hair. She knew there had to be a better way to moisturize and solve these issues.
That’s why Dr. Hicks-Graham invented a gentle, effective solution for dry scalp and brittle hair. The LivSo Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Scalp’s long list of soothing ingredients includes coconut oil, glycolic acid, hydrolyzed oat protein, and Abyssinian oil in a three-step hair-care system. We love this moisturizing lotion that can be used alone or with shampoo and conditioner.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Detox Spray
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Detox Spray is the newest scalp savior on the block, and we’re already impressed with this mister. Like most of the products under the brand’s Scalp Revival line, this pre-shampoo treatment boosts scalp health as it loosens product build-up and excess oil with a combination of sebum-absorbing charcoal and antibacterial tea tree oil.
Kérastase Symbiose Anti-Dandruff Night Serum
James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles, California, gives the Kérastase Symbiose Anti-Dandruff Night Serum his seal of approval for its active ingredients that minimize irritation and cleanse the scalp overnight. “This specialized serum uses a combination of gentle salicylic acid to exfoliate the scalp and piroctone olamine to decrease yeast that can build up on the skin,” he says. “It helps to decrease inflammation and dandruff while allowing healthy hair to grow.”
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
Need a good scalp treatment that goes above and beyond tackling flakes? Then listen to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD and grab a bottle of Vegamour’s Gro Hair Serum, stat. This rich elixir deserves a spot in your hair-care routine for its conditioning blend of antioxidant-rich turmeric, red clover, and mung bean extracts. This trifecta replenishes moisture to soothe your dry skin and condition dry hair strands.
Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Treatment
Dr. Wang says the Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Treatment is one of the best hair products for flakes. This pre-cleanser scalp mask’s main ingredient is salicylic acid, which intensively exfoliates oily scalps and rids them of dead skin, product build-up, and excess sebum. “This scalp treatment feels luxurious and the cooling gel helps calm inflammation, making the application something to look forward to,” he says.
Reverie Suna Exfoliating Shampoo
Exfoliating shampoos work wonders for clogged scalps. Reverie’s 2022 Best of Beauty Award-winning Suna Exfoliating Shampoo uses rhassoul clay to cleanse the scalp and eliminate excess sebum and dry flakes that weigh hair down. This formula also targets the scalp’s barrier function, so you’re left with a happy, hydrated, and gunk-free scalp.
Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Conditioner
Dove’s DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Conditioner helps nourish and soothe itchy and dry scalps. A standout product within the collection is this anti-dandruff conditioner formulated with active pyrithione zinc, which effectively tackles flakes and won’t leave your scalp feeling terribly dry.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Scalp Scrub
If you thought The Inkey List only offered affordable skin-care products, we’ve got some (good) news for you. Meet the Glycolic Acid Scalp Scrub, a lightweight serum that gently exfoliates in order to kick dry flakes and itchiness to the curb and balance oil production — and only costs $13, to boot. Once or twice a week, shake the bottle before each use and apply to your wet or dry scalp using the nozzle before leaving it alone for 10 minutes and washing your hair as normal. Physical exfoliation in the form of castor beads (made from hydrogenated castor oil) also join in on the party and slough away dead skin cells without irritating your scalp.
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
Fable & Mane is shaking up the hair-care industry with a lineup of Ayurvedic-inspired products that seriously soften and nourish hair like no other. (And it shows, especially after an Allure contributor waxed poetic about the HoliRoots Hair Oil.) SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum is a weightless oil serum that can be applied and massaged into a dry scalp every two weeks right before bed. (One full dropper is perfect for thick hair, while fine hair can benefit from just a few drops.)
The formula itself is chock-full of vitamin C-rich amla (otherwise known as Indian gooseberry) to soothe itchiness, bakuchi (an ayurvedic herb) to nourish your sensitive scalp, and aloe to intensely hydrate. For a deeper treatment, you can even up the dosage and rinse off afterward.
Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub
Ouai’s Scalp and Body Scrub picked up a 2021 Best of Beauty Award because its benefits are two-fold in terms of body and scalp exfoliation. Sugar crystals gently remove all of the dirt and flakes clogging your scalp, while a nourishing team of panthenol, glycerin, and coconut oil leaves your skin feeling very buttery and soft. Not to mention, the delicious scent is based on the brand’s Melrose Place scent, which consists of a blend of rose, bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk. Be back soon — we’ll be slathering our entire body in this 2021 Best of Beauty-winning formula in the meantime.
Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox
New York City-based colorist Nikki Ferrara recommends the Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox, which is great for all hair types and contains moringa extract, which she says is a great anti-inflammatory agent, as well as soothing aloe. Together she says they make “a great combo that can also be used on color-treated hair” for those who are concerned that a scalp treatment will strip away their expensive hues.
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
Dr. Gohara says that her favorite ingredients for nourishing a dry scalp are argan oil and other antioxidants like vitamin E and fatty acids. “They repair the scalp barrier while hydrating simultaneously,” she explains. Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment happens to be loaded with all of the above, and also contains salicylic acid to slough away irritation-causing buildup.
Hair Rituel by Sisley Soothing Rebalancing Cure
Hair Rituel by Sisley offers luxe products that truly prioritize the health and ecosystem of your scalp. One such treatment is the Soothing Rebalancing Cure, which curtails feelings of discomfort and irritation in a matter of a few drops (that you don’t rinse out). These benefits come courtesy of a potent blend of antioxidant-rich celery seed extract, itch-relieving piroctone olamine, and anti-inflammatory alpha-bisabolol. Additionally, pro-vitamin B5 visibly strengthens your hair and leaves it feeling softer than ever. You can pair this serum with the Hair Rituel by Sisley Soothing Rebalancing Shampoo for even more effective results.
Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment
Living Proof’s Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment is so darn innovative, partially because the clear, serum-like formula creates a microscopic, hyaluronic acid-based “patch” on your scalp to help it maintain moisture for days. Section your clean, damp, and detangled hair, apply directly to your scalp, and massage it in up to three times a week — it’s as easy as that.
You can also try the brand’s Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment for a daily boost of root-strengthening yeast proteins, zinc salts, peptides, and jojoba esters for fuller-looking hair.
René Furterer Paris Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate
Los Angeles-based stylist Carla Zuniga is a fan of the Rene Furterer Paris Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate, which is a pre-shampoo treatment aimed at healing dry, itchy, and flaky scalps. “It’s applied after the scalp has been exfoliated, and then the treatment [helps] cleanse and purify the scalp,” she says. “My clients who have tried it say it does help soothe any irritation they had.” As a bonus, the orange and lavender essential oils make your hair smell absolutely divine.
dpHue ACV Daily Scalp Serum
Apple cider vinegar does the heavy lifting in dpHue’s ACV Daily Scalp Serum, but it’s not the only superstar ingredient packed into this little bottle. While this powerful ingredient balances your scalp’s pH and gently exfoliates away excess gunk and oil, this serum definitely doesn’t skimp on hydrating qualities. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes dry areas and helps mitigate irritation, while maca root and apple stem cells promote healthy hair growth and retention. If that sounds like a Best of Beauty Award-winning résumé to you, that’s because this serum is a freshly crowned 2022 winner.
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Scalp Reset Foam Pre Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Scalp Reset Foam effectively loosens dead skin cells and any existing gunk immediately when you massage the airy, fizzling foam in so that when you rinse in the shower, you’re left with an incomparably clean (and not stripped) feel. Salicylic acid breaks up flakes and unclogs pores without drying the hair, while glycerin moisturizes and tangerine extract refreshes (and makes your hair smell divine).