As far as beauty buzzwords go, ‘scalp-care’ is big this year. An awkward ailment long deemed too embarrassing to admit to, those with itchy, irritated, dry or dandruff-plagued scalps were long left to suffer in silence. The complicated crossroads where skin care meets hair care, we’ll admit it seems a tricky issue to take care of, but the truth is, healthy hair stems from a healthy scalp, and we need to nail our scalp-care routines in the name of lustrous locks (and reduced discomfort). Firstly, let’s get something straight: product build-up is real, people. If you’re repeatedly reaching for a spritz of salt spray or a pump of smoothing serum and then prolonging yet another actual shampoo in favour of a dry one that comes in a can, congestion and oil can get out of hand quick, leading to unbearable itchiness and irritation. Even when you do manage to make it to the shower, some shampoos only nix the surface stuff, leaving centimetres of product, oil and dead skin sitting on your vulnerable scalp (delightful, we know). The good news is that scalp-shaming has finally ceased – these swept-under-the-hair issues are actually super common and hardly anything to be ashamed of, but, whilst a scattering of white flakes may be chic in Parisian snow season, they’re less than ideal when free-falling from your hair. Luckily for those of us haunted by head-flakeage, beauty brands have completely cottoned on to the scalp-care trend, evident through the new crop of products that have shifted the connotations from shameful to chic. You no longer need to skulk the aisles of dodgy discount warehouses in search of a scalp-specific shampoo, hidden beneath a hoodie both for anonymity purposes and to conceal the dreaded dandruff. Instead you can wander the Priceline aisles with pride, as hair care giants now offer everything from exfoliators to oils designed specifically for your scalp. The fact that they now come housed in packaging you won’t feel compelled to clear off your shower shelf before guests visit is just a perk. Here’s our edit of the strongest scalp-soothing saviours.
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Lush
Lush Superbalm Scalp Treatment
When scale builds up on your scalp that even the strongest shampoo can’t scuff away, it’s time to turn to this flake-fighting scalp balm. An ultra-soothing ointment containing coconut oil and candelilla wax, it works to clear and calm the skin on your scalp in a flash. Apply directly, leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse out before shampooing and conditioning as normal.
bhave
A shampoo containing natural actives that works to freshen and invigorate your scalp whilst restoring shine and strength to damaged hair, this formula is amazing for both your locks and the skin beneath them. The addition of soothing aloe vera also helps it to keep irritation under control between shampoos.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner
Super lightweight and suitable for sensitive scalps, this calming conditioner soothes the skin on your scalp whilst repairing weak, worn down strands. Blended with ginger essential oil, birch bark and white willow extracts, it hits hair and skin with a heap of hydration, banishing build up and soothing irritation.
Aveda
Aveda Pramasana™ Exfoliating Scalp Brush
When your scalp is flaking, taking to your mane with a brush is often the last thing you want to do. Before washing, however, is a different story. Add this hair brush to your pre-shower ritual for best post-wash results – it’ll help to exfoliate your scalp and loosen build-up before you go in with your congesting-clearing shampoos and conditioners, allowing them to get straight to the skin.
De Lorenzo
De Lorenzo Tricho Scalp Balance Toner
Ease the itch with this natural scalp-soothing remedy, formulated to relieve redness, and promote circulation to the scalp. The rich formula contains vitamins and herbs designed to soothe and pamper your scalp, plus menthol for a cooling hit that your head will thank you for. Apply directly to the scalp area morning and night, and then treat yourself to a DIY head massage – two to five minutes will warrant best results.
Briogeo
Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment ($48, Sephora.com.au)
It’s no secret that charcoal is build-up’s worst enemy, so it’s safe to say it’s also your scalp’s new best friend. This unique charcoal-infused scalp treatment detoxifies, soothes and balances the scalp, drawing out impurities from the skin and hair follicles to clear away congestion whilst also supporting healthy hair growth thanks to the inclusion of Biotin.
IGK
IGK Trust Issues Instant Scalp Rebalancing Treatment ($42, sephora.com.au)
If the in-shower options still haven’t offered relief, this non-greasy scalp treatment is a leave-in that won’t leave you looking like you just don’t own any dry shampoo. The treatment may not be noticeable, but the results will be, as it offers a soothing, cooling shot of relief to even the most problematic scalps. Spritz onto your scalp wet or dry where relief is needed, then lightly massage in until the cooling sensation fades.
That ginger shampoo is soooo good
Lovely picks!
I do get a dry itchy scalp mans find washing it more often helps. The balm and the scalp brush interest me something ive not heard of before.