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As unglamorous as it may seem, nurturing your scalp should be at the forefront of your haircare routine. When neglected, a host of issues like hair thinning, hair loss, and product buildup can arise. And as much as we want to deny it, at one point or another, we have all dealt with scalp problems—whether the condition du jour was flakes, dryness, itchiness, excessive oiliness, or a combination of all these things. While anti-dandruff shampoos were once the product of choice for soothing irritation, reaching for scalp treatments with powerful active ingredients has increasingly become the most effective way to nip any and all scalp conditions in the bud.
Typically, "a scalp treatment is a pre-shampoo treatment for the scalp, it’s basically like a facial for the scalp," Chuck Hezekiah, a scalp and haircare expert at Rene Furterer, explains. "While shampoos cleanse the hair, a scalp treatment cleanses and treats the scalp. It can make a big difference to your scalp and hair health." Of course, that's not to say there aren't other forms of scalp treatments: Several brands are creating products that are specially formulated to use post-shower, or even on their own, as well.
To help you make the most of your scalp care routine, we've rounded up the best scalp treatments that actually work. From exfoliating scrubs to nourishing oils and soothing serums, these products are just the ticket to happier, healthy hair.
Pros
- Features a targeted scalp massager tip to help increase microcirculation and boost penetration
- Strengthens hair from root to tip
Cons
According to Hezekiah, this Rene Furterer treatment, infused with orange and lavender essential oils, "deeply purifies the scalp to help restore balance and boost the penetration of active ingredients." It's great for those with a normal to oily scalp, but the brand also has a stronger sister complex called the Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Concentrate, which soothes and calms while reducing inflammation in a dry or irritated scalp.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Works great on sensitive or oily scalps
Cons
Show your scalp some TLC with Christophe Robin's exfoliating scrub. Infused with sea salt, this deep-cleansing treatment helps slough away dead skin cells and product residue, while calming any itchiness and irritation. Use once a week to reap the benefits of an utterly reinvigorated and squeaky-clean scalp.
"Not only does this take care of any flakiness or dry irritated scalp, I love using this occasionally for invigoration," raves a reviewer. "It’s cooling and soothing on your scalp. Helps detox or purify the scalp and hair when needed."
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Experts are unanimous: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. And to achieve that, you're going to want to reach for Act+Acre's Scalp Detox. In just 20 minutes, the lightweight pre-cleanse formula breaks down oil and removes buildup, soothes any irritation or inflammation, and tackles stubborn flakes and itchiness to improve hair growth.
Reviewers also love how relaxing it feels and report fast results, with one writing: "Instantly my scalp feels less dry and irritated. I also noticed improved shine and for sure look forward to using it again!"
Pros
- Contains Biotin to help promote healthy hair growth
- Suitable for all hair types and safe for color and chemically treated hair
Cons
When it comes to flake-busting formulas, Briogeo doesn't mess around. The leave-in treatment contains charcoal that helps sucks up any impurity accumulation, while tea tree oil reduces flakiness and promotes a cleaner, more purified scalp. Oh, and don't get us started on the minty formula—the cooling sensation is utterly divine.
"I wish I could stick my entire scalp in a bucket of this stuff it smells so nice and goes on the scalp very easily," raves a reviewer. "I was worried that it would make my scalp or hair oily but it doesn't at all! It helps so much with itchiness and dry patches."
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Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to help prevent flakiness
- A little goes a long way
Cons
When winter rolls around, Moroccanoil's oh-so-nourishing formula will be your dry scalp's best friend. Meant to be used prior to shampooing, the 5-minute treatment provides instant relief by gentle exfoliation and delivers a dose of hydration (thanks, argan oil!) for a healthier look and feel. And the scent of the treatment? Heavenly is the only way to describe it.
"I suffer from a chronic condition that I get dry skin," explains a user. "This has helped greatly!! It doesn't take a lot and I use it most times I shower and I am so happy with it. I dont have scalp irritation anymore."
Best for Rebalancing Scalp
Sisley Soothing Rebalancing Cure with Intense Rebalancing Complex
Pros
- Soothing feel upon application
- Instant results
Cons
This serum is your best bet if you want to get your scalp into tip-top shape. The no-rinse treatment is formulated with a blend of naturally-derived good-for-scalp ingredients—such as sage extract, exotic verbena essential oil, and piroctone alamine—which all work together to revitalize, repair, and rebalance clogged hair follicles. For best results, use with the Soothing Rebalancing Shampoo.
One reviewer calls the complex a "winner" because "it's helping soothe my itchy irritated scalp" and "helping with fallouts because I'm no longer scratching and pulling my hair."
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Pros
- Calming feel upon application
- Helps protect the scalp from repeated outbreaks
Cons
Game-changing is the only way to describe this scalp toner. The refreshing formula from the trichologist-founded brand Philip Kingsley helps fight flakes and skin cell buildup while helping to rebalance the scalp and prevent future outbreaks. Key ingredients include piroctone olamine to protect, camphor to soothe, as well as benzalkonium chloride to provide instant relief.
Best Exfoliating Mask
Klorane Exfoliating Mask with Galangal for Flaky Scalp
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Pros
- Eliminates dead skin after first use
- Plant-based and eco-friendly formula
Cons
Klorane's exfoliating mask is the perfect solution for those suffering from dandruff and an aggravated scalp. Thanks to a powerful blend of galangal, white clay, and perlite, the powder treatment helps keep flakes at bay without stripping the hair and promotes a healthy scalp microbiome. Use twice a week for a month in place of your shampoo for best results.
"I love how it was so easy to apply and keep my scalp healthy and nourished," raves a reviewer. "I also love that it doesn't make me look greasy or oily after use. The mask lasts a long time (about 4 weeks in my hair) so I love that it doesn't wash out quickly. It smells great and doesn't smell medicated like a lot of dandruff products."
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Best Treatment for an Oily Scalp
Shaeri Detoxifying Pure Scrub for the Scalp
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types, especially sensitive scalps
- Promotes a healthy scalp microbiome
Cons
An irritated, oily scalp will be a thing of the past when using Shaeri's detoxifying scrub. Infused with a combination of aloe vera, prickly pear oil, sea salt, and lemon essential oil, the exfoliator works wonders to deeply cleanse and remove impurities deep in the hair follicle. Even better: The treatment doubles as a body scrub!
"This product is great, it cleans the scalp perfectly," says a reviewer. "The smell is nice. It restores shine to the hair! I absolutely recommend!"
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula
- Helps keep the scalp and hair moisturized
Cons
When you're seeking quick relief, look no further than Oribe's leave-on treatment. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) eliminates flakes by gently exfoliating the scalp, while a blend of peppermint oil and extract soothes itchiness and a specially-formulated complex defends the hair from environmental aggressors.
"This stuff really does work!," reports a reviewer. "I instantly felt relief on my scalp after applying it. I have a super dry scalp during the winter which makes my head itchy and since using this I haven’t been needing to itch at all."
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Pros
- Helps balance scalp's natural ecosystem
- Instant, soothing results
Cons
During the colder months, it's crucial to use a formula that nourishes your scalp and hair. Living Proof's leave-in treatment works on all hair types and textures and delivers lasting symptom relief and hydration with the help of a Vitamin-B3-based microbiome complex and a hyaluronic acid-based Molecular Patch.
One reviewer, who calls this formula a "lifesaver," says: "This has been a cure-all for me and I don’t plan on ever being without it. I have honestly tried everything for my dry, sensitive scalp. Everything. This works."
Pros
- Doesn't leave behind a greasy residue
- Instant, soothing results
Cons
If you want to get to the root cause of your dry scalp problem, you're going to need to bring out the big guns. And by that, we mean Nioxin. This leave-on serum contains 1% pyrithione zinc which helps bust flakes and relieves dreadfully annoying itchiness associated with a scaly, dry scalp.
One reviewer, who suffers from seborrheic dermatitis, says "this has worked wonders for my dermatitis and itchy scalp when all other dandruff shampoos failed."
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Pros
- Improves manageability and provide natural shine
- Suitable for all hair and scalp types
Cons
It's all in the name with Kiehls's elixir. Formulated avocado and rosemary oil, this pre-shampoo treatment works its magic to promote a happier scalp while also delivering an extra boost of hydration to strands, leaving your tresses looking and feeling lusciously beautiful.
Another plus, according to a reviewer: It's incredibly lightweight. "The oil goes on smoothly and goes to the scalp without making it oily," writes the user. "Once my hair is dry, my skin is NOT itchy and I love that. Plus the ends of my long hair are shiny."
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Promotes stronger, healthier hair
Cons
Your dry scalp doesn't stand a chance against Dr. Barbara Sturm's post-shower elixir. A powerhouse blend of Japanese camellia, brown and green algae, and lavender help eliminate flakes, itchiness, dryness, and irritation, while Pro-vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid give a serious boost of hydration, reduce split ends, and protects against environmental damage.
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Pros
- A blend of AHA, BHA, and cider vinegar helps exfoliate
- Promotes soft, healthy hair
Cons
If you've tried the cult-favorite Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion, you know what to expect with the beloved French brand's scalp treatment: a highly effective formula that helps regulate excess sebum and reduces irritation by gently exfoliating and cleansing the scalp.
Best Charcoal-Infused Treatment
Better Not Younger New Dawn Activated Charcoal Scalp Cleanser
Pros
- Soothing and cooling sensation on scalp
- Rich in vitamins B1, B2, A, and C
Cons
The activated charcoal in this cleanser treatment does some serious heavy lifting on the scalp, but it's not the only superstar ingredient in the tube. Other key ingredients include lactic acid, birch extract, and menthyl lactate, which all work together to dissolve excess oil and buildup, gently exfoliate clogged follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. The treatment also comes with a built-in brush applicator that makes for an utterly soothing and relaxing scalp massage experience.
One reviewer touted it as "like a spa treatment for your scalp," adding that it "makes my scalp feel fresh. After continued use, I have noticed my hair looks shinier and healthier."
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What is the best scalp treatment?
All the treatments stated in this list go above and beyond in detoxifying and purifying the scalp. It all comes down to the kind of treatment you'd like to use. If you prefer a traditional pre-cleanse serum, Hezekiah recommends the Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate, or you can use Act+Acre's Scalp Detox. If you have oily roots and want to lift product buildup, the Christophe Robin or Shaeri scalp scrubs keep grease at bay. Or if you want an easy, leave-on treatment, the Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Hair Treatment or Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment is your best bet.
What ingredients should you look for in a scalp treatment?
According to Hezekiah, "when looking for ingredients, it’s important to find those that can detox and clarify the scalp." That means choosing treatments with gentle exfoliators—such as AHAs and BHAs—to reduce dead skin cells, as well as products formulated with peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils to help promote a healthy microbiome, soothe irritation, and relieve irritation.
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Are scalp treatments good for hair?
"Everyone can benefit from a scalp treatment," says Hezekiah. "Choose the treatment that’s right for your scalp needs and do the treatment just once a week to promote a healthy scalp."
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn't testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.