The swankiest scalp treatments for healthy skin and hair

For many experts, the “skinification” of haircare is key. Your scalp is just like any other part of your skin — it has pores that can become clogged, can be excessively oily and is vulnerable to environmental damage. This is something Siobhan Haug, the co-founder of Haug London Haus salon in London, knows all too well, having recently suffered severe sunburn on her scalp. She devised the Golden Hour Hair Rescue treatment as an antidote for sun-fatigued scalps using fermented ingredients and edelweiss extract which she says can help to support the scalp’s microbiome.

Haug explains that the skin’s microbiome — the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, that live on the scalp and human body — plays a key role in determining scalp health. “When microbiomes are in a balanced state, the skin and scalp are both healthy,” she says, “but when the microbiomes are in an unbalanced environment, scalp concerns such as dandruff, itchiness, dryness and even hair loss can occur.”

Whether your objective is growing, hydrating, exfoliating or balancing, keep scrolling for the our top-rated at-home scalp treatments to try now.

For growing

Calecim Advanced Hair System

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Calecim’s 6-week hair restoration program contains the brand’s patented PTT-6, a combination of growth proteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid which the brand says can help to stimulate skin renewal at a cellular level. While the best results can be seen on thinning hair, those with both dry and brittle strands may also see a vast improvement thanks to the potent ingredients that the brand claims can help activate hair follicles and manage signs of inflammation, which is the main trigger of hair shedding. Each set comes with a derma stamp, a professional-grade microneedling device designed to help activate the scalp and improve the absorption of the serum. Calecim recommends cycling between a treatment phase (where you apply the serum twice weekly with the derma stamper) and a maintenance phase where you apply once a week. For those apprehensive about the DIY nature, the Calecim treatment is also available in-clinic.£295, Calecim

CurrentBody skin LED device

LED face masks have been the talk of the skincare industry recently but according to the brand the same red light power can also be used to potentially improve hair condition, density and thickness. A high-tech addition to CurrentBody’s bestselling line up of LEDs, this helmet uses red light wavelengths (620-660nm) said to energise the hair follicles and lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, the hormone said to cause hair thinning and loss. By improving the scalp flow, the hair follicles are supposed to stay in the hair growth phase for longer. CurrentBody claims customers will usually see stronger, healthier hair growth within four months of use. The treatment is safe to use at home and painfree — simply ensure hair is clean, dry and product-free, and ideally use the helmet daily for 10 minutes. You can even connect the in-built headphones to bluetooth during the treatment. £649.99, CurrentBody

Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment

It was only a matter of time before leading skincare scientist Dr Augustinus Bader decided to turn his hand to hair and scalp treatments. “While skincare regimens stop at the hairline, the scalp is a specialised type of skin that requires nourishment in order to thrive — and suffers in the absence of care, resulting in hair loss and thin, lackluster strands,” Dr Bader says. Powered by the brand’s proprietary complex TFC8, which contains natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesized molecules to support the skin’s natural ability to repair and regenerate itself, The Scalp Treatment is formulated with high-potency botanicals such as watercress extract that supports keratin production and hazel leaf extract known to aid the natural production of collagen. The addition of peppermint refreshes and balances the scalp and helps return it to its natural pH level while Maca root extract helps to anchor strands to the scalp, for reduced breakage and shedding. Apply directly to a clean, damp scalp in sections from the hairline to the crown of the head (or focus on problem areas), then massage and leave it to sink in before styling. £70, Augustinus Bader

Kat Burki Bio-ferment scalp and hair treatment

Kat Burki’s previous work as a gut-healing specialist and background in nutritional biochemistry and epidemiology led her to found her eponymous skincare brand in 2013. On a mission to bridge the gap between clinical science and topical treatments, all of Burki’s formulas are focused on going beyond surface-level hydration to deliver actives to where they need to work. She has recently extended this offering to include haircare with a specifically formulated serum to target all three phases of the hair growth cycle. Inside the sleek green bottle, there are plant stem cells which can help support the protein keratin for improved hair structure and a Pro-B vitamin complex which the brand claims can help extend each strand’s lifespan. £72, Kat Burki at Liberty

For exfoliating

Oribe serene scalp exfoliating scrub

If your scalp is feeling irritated or your hair looks dull or greasy, it’s likely that you’re suffering from some serious product build up. The good news is it’s perfectly normal and can easily be solved by adding a scalp exfoliator to your haircare routine. It might sound harsh, but a gentle exfoliator like Oribe’s — which combines chemical and physical exfoliants in serum-based beads to help lift away dead skin, oil, dirt, and excess product build-up — can be surprisingly effective. Simply use once a week before shampooing, applying to wet hair and directly onto the scalp before massaging and rinsing. We love the scent of Oribe’s signature complex — a fruity concoction of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extract. £47, Oribe at Space NK

Monpure clarifying scalp scrub

Formulated with stearic acid that works to help eliminate excess oil and sweat without stripping the scalp’s natural moisture, Monpure’s clarifying scrub is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. As well as using biodegradable beads to exfoliate, polish and refine the scalp’s texture, it is also designed to rebalance your microbiome. It’ll also help to extend your wash cycle as it breaks down the oils and product build-up that regular shampooing is likely to miss. £48, Monpure

Philip B peppermint avocado scalp scrub

Founded by the renowned Hollywood hairstylist Philip Berkovitz, this exfoliator is a shampoo and sea salt scrub in one — perfect for those reluctant to add an extra step to their hair care routine. The sea salt is a natural exfoliant for flaking scalps, while avocado, peppermint and eucalyptus oils create a pleasant, tingly, cooling sensation which will be a welcome relief for those suffering with itching. £88, Philip B at Harrods

Remi Bye Bye Build Up scalp exfoliator

Built on the basis that your scalp has more sebaceous glands than your face, this exfoliator works to help clear blocked follicles that, if left naturally, can stifle hair growth. It helps to reduce oiliness and itching as well as allowing any other scalp treatments you apply to absorb fully. £29, Remi Scalp

For hydrating

Flora Lab Paris No 1 scalp balance serum

Born into a hairdressing family and following a career in the hair industry at L’Oréal, the founder and CEO of Flora Lab Paris, Nikolina Kisic Mamic, decided it was time haircare was taken as seriously as skincare. Her bestselling scalp balance serum contains a functional complex of active ingredients, combining amino acids and micropeptides. She recommends applying it after washing your hair, while the scalp is still damp, and using about 12-16 drops to cover the entire scalp area. £65, Flora Lab Paris at Harrods

Sam McKnight pure genius scalp oil

Like many hairdressers, industry veteran Sam McKnight knows that the healthiest hair starts at the scalp. “By incorporating a scalp oil treatment into your routine, you’re not just moisturising the surface — you’re balancing oil, promoting circulation, and addressing any underlying issues like dryness or inflammation.” With a combination of over 15 natural hair-loving oils such as soothing chamomile flower oil, moisturising grapeseed oil, hair-strengthening argan, coconut and jojoba as well as stimulating lavender and rosemary leaf, his 10-minute pre-wash treatment promises to balance the scalp by restoring its moisture barrier. The addition of Crinipan also helps to regulate sebum and unwanted oils. Sam advises to apply 1-3 droppers full directly to the scalp and gently massaging as part of a weekly haircare routine. £36, Sam McKnight

Ouai scalp serum

Haircare line Ouai was founded in 2016 by the celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. Just like face serums, this skincare-inspired formula can take a few minutes to absorb and completely dry. It features natural ingredients such as Siberian ginseng and chaga mushroom — traditionally used in herbal medicines — as well as hyaluronic acid to promote hydration and a healthy barrier on all hair types. £48, Ouai at LookFantastic

ESPA super nourish hair and scalp mask

Your hair and scalp is usually at its driest following a summer holiday. Even if you haven’t burnt your scalp, other factors such as chlorine from a pool can strip strands of protective oils, making them more susceptible to breakage. ESPA describes this nourishing hair and scalp mask as a super-smoothie for your hair with a combination of vitamins to nourish and pineapple enzymes that mildly exfoliate and can help clarify the scalp. Unlike other leave-in conditioners it should be applied from root to tip on dry or damp hair and can be used as a quick 20-minute treatment, a conditioner on brittle lengths or even as an overnight treatment. £34, ESPA at LookFantastic

For detoxing

Dr Barbara Sturm balancing scalp serum

In 2021, Dr Barbara Sturm, the German skincare guru known for her anti-inflammatory approach, extended her line with a collection of hair products including a shampoo, conditioner, hair oil and this scalp serum. The non-greasy treatment works on both wet and dry scalps without the need to rinse and contains Dr Sturm’s ingredient complex which includes Japanese camellia and lavender to soothe dry scalps. £80, Dr Barbara Sturm

Sisley Paris Hair rituel pre shampoo purifying mask

Sisley describes this 10-minute pre-shampoo mask as a blotting paper for your scalp. The addition of white clay within the formula absorbs excess sebum while unclogging and eliminating impurities. £86, Sisley at Liberty

Sachajuan scalp shampoo

For those with sensitive, irritated scalps, the wrong shampoo will only make matters worse. We recommend investing in the Swedish haircare brand Sachajuan’s formula. Designed with minimal ingredients, the brand claims it is less toxic than other generic anti-dandruff products on the market. £30, Sachajuan at LookFantastic

Omorovicza revitalising scalp mask

Similar to clay masks, mud masks are often used on the skin to draw out impurities and deeply cleanse the skin through gentle exfoliation. This is exactly what Omorovicza’s mask does on your scalp. The pre-shampoo treatment includes Hungarian moor mud sourced from Lake Heviz — the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake known for its healing, mineral-rich waters and mud. £47, Omorovicza

FAQs

What are the benefits of scalp treatments?

Scalp treatments can potentially improve scalp health, reduce product buildup up and help promote healthy hair growth. “A good scalp treatment helps to promote a healthy microbiome and rebalance oil production leaving the scalp able to take in good nutrients,” says Sam McKnight MBE. “Think of it like skincare for your head — you wouldn’t ignore your face, so why neglect your scalp?”

How do I know if I need a scalp treatment?

Signs that you might want to consider scalp treatments include oiliness, flaking, and product buildup, hair thinning, or sensitivity. However according to Claire Fullam, a clinical trichologist and founder of Remi – Scalp Care, every scalp can benefit. “You can tell you need a scalp treatment if you own a scalp,” she says. McKnight adds: “Just like a facial, regular scalp care can keep everything in balance before issues crop up and help to restore it back to its healthiest state.”

What should I look for in scalp treatment products?

There are three main treatments when it comes to scalps: exfoliating, hydrating and anti-inflammatory serums. “For dryness and flakiness, opt for products containing soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, or glycerin,” Fullam says. “Whereas if you have an oily scalp or buildup, look for gentle exfoliants such as salicylic acid or charcoal to cleanse deeply without stripping natural oils”.

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