14 Scalp Treatments That Promote a Healthy Scalp and Healthy Hair (2024)

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, which means that if your scalp is irritated, extra dry, flaky, or too oily, then it can impact growth. "A great way to care for your scalp is to develop a consistent haircare routine that priorities cleansing your scalp properly," says certified trichologist Gabrielle Henderson. She and other top hair pros share their best tips and product picks for managing common skin concerns and promoting a healthy head of hair:

A Guide to Scalp Treatments

Dry scalp

"Look for gentle shampoos made without sulfates, surfactants, and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients can strip the scalp's natural oils, causing additional dryness and irritation," says Helen Reavey, certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. "Similar to its role in skincare products, hyaluronic acid helps the scalp retain moisture," she says.

Oily scalp

If you deal with excess oiliness, scalp treatments that contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or sulfates are best at removing sebum, says Henderson. "Also look for formulas with niacinamide, which has the ability to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and alleviate scalp irritation," adds Reavey.

Itchy and flaky scalp

Many scalp issues can cause itchiness and flakes, including dandruff (which is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia), dryness (here's the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp), or even an allergic reaction to a product, says Reavey. To find relief, consider a shampoo that contains a gentle chemical exfoliant, like salicyclic acid, to remove flakes while helping to balance oil production. Other ingredients to look for are fireweed extract, which Reavey says is great for an itchy scalp because it combats and clears loose flakes and scales to relieve itch and irritation. Peppermint oil, which offers an instant cooling and soothing relief, is another smart pick. "Pyrithione zinc is ideal as well because it helps prohibit the bacteria's growth," adds Henderson.

Hair thinning

Whether you're experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, Reavey says to "look for treatments that are rich in peptides and caffeine. These ingredients are known to promote and stimulate collagen production." (Here are many more tips on how to deal with hair loss.)

Before you hop into the shower for wash day, apply a few drops of this nourishing oil throughout your scalp and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to reap its moisturizing benefits. It's made with soothing aloe vera, antioxidant-rich passion fruit oil, and castor oil. After each use, you'll notice hair that's shiny and soft and a scalp that's free of itchiness, flakes, and buildup.

The cooling and soothing benefits of this serum are incredible, per Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas: "After a period of itchiness and flaking due to the change in weather, I applied a few drops of this serum and it immediately curbed my itchiness. Then, after a few more days of consistent application, I noticed the flakes on my scalp went away."

If you struggle with excessive dryness, you'll love this delicious-smelling formula. It's loaded with hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration and promote a healthy skin barrier. It also contains peptides to support the look of full, healthy, and thick hair. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, so you aren't left feeling greasy or sticky.

Exfoliating the scalp to remove product buildup and dead skin is a non-negotiable for those who deal with excessive oiliness. This scalp scrub contains glycolic acid (for chemical exfoliation) and castor seeds (for physical exfoliation) and helps reduce excess sebum production.

Try this clinically tested, topical hair rejuvenation formula if you're looking to boost hair growth. It contains beneficial ingredients, like peptides and caffeine, and features an easy roll-on applicator. Apply it twice daily for the best results. Clinical tests show that users being to notice improvements to their hair and scalp after one to two months of consistent use.

Oiliness is no match for this exfoliating formula. It contains apple cider vinegar, salicylic acid, and fruit enzymes to effectively and gently exfoliate and remove buildup. Red clover flower extract and menthol stimulate the scalp and help support hair growth. The formula is also gentle enough for those with sensitive scalps; it's free of common irritants like parabens, gluten, alcohol, and fragrance.

"Clinically proven to accelerate hair growth, scalp dermarollers utilize needles to create micro-channels on the scalp, stimulating blood flow to the hair follicle while increasing topical product absorption," says Reavey. This one uses 540 high-strength medical-grade stainless steel needles (0.25 mm in size) to promote hair fullness, thickness, and overall scalp health.

Spray this lightweight water onto your scalp and strands every day to strengthen and promote healthy hair growth. The formula contains pure rosemary oil, peppermint, amla, and biotin to improve circulation, calm inflammation, soothe the scalp, and protect hair strands from external factors that can cause damage.

This formula is chock-full of peptides that support the scalp and give the appearance of thicker, denser, and fuller-looking hair. Massage a few drops into your dry and clean scalp (ideally at night) and leave it in your hair to work its magic.

Henderson says that this serum helps prevent hair loss and shedding by keeping strands anchored for longer. "Formulated with sandalore, niacinamide, lauric acid, and caffeine, the spray is clinically proven to thicken hair from first use, and reduces hair fall in just eight weeks," she says.

Get rid of dandruff with this affordable pyrithione-zinc-based formula that you can easily find at the drugstore. It's safe to use on all hair types, including curly and coily hair.

It's just as important to combat hair thinning from the inside as it is on the outside, says Reavey. Adding a daily hair supplement such as these will help promote stronger, thicker, and fuller hair. The formula contains biotin, zinc, viamin C, and iron.

Whether you're experiencing dryness or flaking or have a sensitive scalp, you'll benefit from this gentle serum. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin, and tea tree oil to help reduce redness and combat flakes and scales.

Board-certified dermatologist and Vegamour expert Neera Nathan says this formula is great for those experiencing postpartum hair thinning. "It contains topical caffeine, shown in one study to stimulate hair growth, and 5 percent minoxidil," she says. "It also may counteract stress-induced hair loss." The blend of phytoactives is clinically proven to increase the appearance of hair density and reduce the signs of shedding.