Scalp care cannot be overlooked, friends. Maybe your scalp has been slightly more itchy and irritated than usual lately, or you've noticed that even slightly tousling your hair these days results in a shower of white flakes at your shoulders. Whatever the case may be, these things are usually a sign that your scalp is in need of some love in the form of a specialized scalp treatment.
"Those symptoms mean buildup or imbalance in the scalp microbiome that needs to be reset," says trichologist Shab Caspara. "Even those who don’t experience these symptoms but wash less than once or twice a week should consider a scalp treatment. There’s often more happening beneath the surface than meets the eye."
The best scalp treatments can typically be used before or after shampooing, and depending on the specific issues you're trying to address, they can be a great way to get rid of dryness, flakiness, irritation, and more. From scrubs to soothing sprays and serums, there's really no shortage of ways to sneak a scalp treatment into your everyday haircare routine.
To make narrowing down a scalp treatment easier for you, I've rounded up some of the best scalp treatments for a variety of issues. Read ahead to learn more.
- Best Scalp Scrub: Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub
- Best Scalp Rinse: NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Clean Scalp Rinse
- Best Scalp Spray: Cécred Scalp Refreshing Spray
- Best For Stimulating Hair Growth: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Miracle In Shower Treatment
- Best Dandruff Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
If itchiness and flakes are a current concern, there’s a chance your scalp might be in need of a deep clean or a light exfoliating treatment, and that’s where this scrub comes in. The word “scrub” can be a little intimidating, given the reputation plenty of scrubs have for being tough and irritating on the skin, but this formula uses microcrystals that exfoliate and remove product buildup from the scalp without being too harsh. It also includes ingredients like tea tree oil, which comes in handy for soothing the scalp when it’s irritated. Just keep in mind that it’s a clarifying formula, so if you’re going to use this at home, make sure to follow it with something extra-hydrating.
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Fermented purple willow bark (exfoliating); Tea tree oil (relieves irritation); Niacinamide (moisturizing)
What I Love: It’s pretty gentle on the scalp; The nozzle makes it easier to apply product to specific areas of the scalp
What I Don’t: The microcrystals can be a little tough to rinse out of your hair, especially if you have a curlier texture; Product is thick and can be tough to squeeze out of the bottle
Review for MC: “A scalp scrub that’s good enough for Beyoncé is a scalp scrub that’s good enough for me. Flakiness and buildup are two things I frequently have to deal with, so this is a product I reach for when I really want my hair to feel ‘squeaky’ clean. I also love that it’s packaged in a bottle with a nozzle—it makes it so much easier to apply it directly to the parts of my scalp that need it most.” — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
The Cécred Scalp Scrub exfoliates the scalp and provides relief from flakiness.
Believe it or not, getting rid of product buildup doesn’t always call for something as heavy duty as a clarifying shampoo or scrub, as you can also get the job done with something as gentle as a rinse. This one from NatureLab. Tokyo is made with sake water, which is supposed to give the scalp a deep clean while restoring your natural pH level, while rice water keeps the hair hydrated. Use it before you shampoo for best results.
Size: 6.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: Rice water (hydrating); Sake water (restoring)
What I Love: It’s really refreshing and feels great when your scalp is irritated
What I Don’t: It can be a little messy at times
Review for MC: “Whenever I remove protective styles like box braids, I’m usually left dealing with major product and gel buildup at the base of my braids, but I’ve relied heavily on this scalp rinse for the last two years as a way to gently break it up. It works amazingly as a pre-shampoo treatment, and surprisingly, a small amount goes a long way. I have about three of these bottles stashed in my apartment currently and I haven’t even made it all the way through the first one.” — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
Danielle Jackson uses the NatureLab. Tokyo Scalp Balancing Rinse to gently remove post-protective style product buildup.
Scalp treatments are one of many product categories that Beyoncé and Tina Knowles’s Cécred does very well. This spray was launched as part of the brand’s protection collection, which focuses on protective styles. However, if I’m being honest, this is a spray that could be used at any time. It’s a leave-in product that’s meant to give your scalp a quick refresh in between washes (yes, you still need to wash your protective styles), and thanks to the inclusion of cooling menthol and peppermint oil, it provides almost instant relief to tight styles or braiding hair that may be causing scalp irritation and itchiness.
Size: 5.7 oz
Key Ingredients: PhytoFerment (scalp balancing); Honey (moisturizing); Menthol (cooling); Peppermint oil (soothing)
What I Love: It provides relief very quickly; It combats itchiness and feels very refreshing on the scalp
What I Don’t: The long nozzle makes the product less messy, but it’s pretty easy to break
Review for MC: “After a few weeks of wearing box braids, I remember reaching for this on a day during which I was experiencing a surprising amount of itchiness. After a few pumps of this all over my scalp, that itchy feeling was almost instantly replaced with a refreshing, cooling sensation that provided me with some much-needed relief.” — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
This spray provided almost instant relief for an itchy, irritated scalp.
The MC team previously called this in-shower product “an espresso shot for your hair” after weeks of testing. It’s a gel formula that you can apply right after cleansing in order to soothe an irritated scalp and, generally, improve the overall environment of the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
Size: 6.4 oz.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (improves texture); Panthenol (moisturizing); Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Argenine (soothing)
What I Love: Soft texture
What I Don’t: Can be a little hard to rinse out
Review for MC: “If you buy one product from this lineup, make it this 'miracle' from Dr. Groot. I’d heard Bretman Rock was a fan, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would change my own routine. After working it into my shower weekly, my hair feels as smooth and silky as it did post-keratin treatment—only without the salon appointment.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
The Dr. Groot Miracle In Shower Treatment soothes irritation and promotes healthy hair growth.
The hero ingredient in this shampoo is charcoal, which is well-known for its ability to help with more severe scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, both of which can cause scales to appear on the scalp. The charcoal, paired with two powerhouse exfoliants (salicylic and lactic acid), works to purify the scalp and remove everything from flakes and scales to buildup, while tea tree oil provides a cooling effect to help with irritation.
Size: 8.4 oz.
Key Ingredients: Charcoal (detoxifying); Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Lactic acid (exfoliating)
What I Love: It really does get rid of flakiness
What I Don’t: Can cause itchiness if you don’t follow up with something hydrating
Review for MC: “It’s not always easy for me to distribute shampoo throughout my thick, coily hair, but this one lathers extremely well without me having to practically squeeze out half the bottle. Yes, the charcoal and exfoliating acids both do a great job of breaking down dirt and flakes, but it’s the cooling tea tree oil that truly makes this one feel like a spa experience.” — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
Sometimes, the key to getting rid of flakiness and dryness is ensuring that your scalp stays moisturized at all times. Conditioning your hair or oiling your scalp every single day isn’t realistic (or practical) for everyone, so a daily scalp serum like this one from SEEN, is the next best thing. It includes squalane, a common skincare ingredient with a reputation for being extra-moisturizing, but it also supports the scalp’s barrier function to ensure dryness and flakes stay away.
Size: 2 oz.
Key Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizing)
What I Love: Comes with a dropper for precise application
What I Don’t: It’s a little pricey for the amount of product you get
Review for MC: “This is another product I’d always keep on hand when I wear box braids. I used the dropper to apply product in between each part, and over the next few days, I could already see that my dry scalp was becoming less of an issue.” — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
At first glance, this treatment appears to be a serum, but it’s actually an oil intended for use before shampooing. It includes ingredients like baobab oil to keep the scalp moisturized and free from dryness, while other key ingredients, such as sunflower oil, are designed to remove excess product and sebum buildup.
Size: 3 oz.
Key Ingredients: Basil leaf (balancing); Sunflower oil (breaks down buildup); Baobab oil (moisturizing)
What I Love: Effective at breaking down product buildup
What I Don’t: Expensive for such a small bottle
Customer Review: “Tried the Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil for the first time and wow.. my scalp felt so clean and soothed right after rinsing! It was noticeably less itchy after just one use, which honestly surprised me. I also saw way less flaking on my scalp that same day, which is a huge win. My scalp and hair felt instantly refreshed, lighter, and healthier overall. It’s like hitting the reset button for your scalp. Definitely keeping this in my routine!” — Sephora
This mask is designed for single-use application—one tube contains just enough product to cover the entire scalp at once. It features salicylic acid, which exfoliates and lifts flakes from the scalp, while piroctone olamine has anti-fungal properties that help stop dandruff from spreading. Green tea extract also rounds of the list of featured ingredients, reducing irritation and promoting blood circulation for healthier hair growth.
Size: 0.67 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Green tea extract (soothing); Piroctone olamine (protecting)
What I Love: One tube is meant to be applied to the scalp at once
What I Don’t: A little pricey for the amount of product you get
Customer Review: "This product helped my itchy, flaky scalp problem after one use. I highly recommend it to those with these problems. You will be completely satisfied with the results." — Nordstrom
Caspara is a big fan of this 2-in-1 product because it removes dirt and buildup from the hair and scalp without stripping it. It also adds softness and shine and is safe to use on hair that's been bleached or colored. "I love this," she says. "It uses apricot seed micro-exfoliants and a pre- and post-biotic blend to clear buildup while restoring the scalp’s natural balance."
Size: 6 oz.
Key Ingredients: Yogurt (soothing); Ginseng (promotes hair growth)
What I Love: It's a little more gentle on the hair than a typical clarifying shampoo
What I Don't: The exfoliating beads can be a little tough to fully rinse out
Customer Review: "Biotera has made a shampoo that has left my hair feeling refreshed and clean. It has such a fresh scent and does such a phenomenal job of moisturizing my scalp. It truly has given my hair a clean look like I just got out of the salon. No more flakes. The value on this hair product is there." — Amazon
This serum uses a combination of hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) to target dryness and flakiness. It’s a no-fuss product made with a special pointed applicator that helps you apply the product directly to the intended area. Just squeeze the product around the dry areas of your scalp after shampooing and conditioning, and watch as itchiness and flakes disappear.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Niacinamide (soothing)
What I Love: It’s a lightweight serum that works pretty quickly
What I Don’t: May not be effective if oiliness is your main issue
Customer Review: “In just a week I’ve noticed a drastic difference. I was getting so insecure because when doing slick back styles, one red dry spot on my head at the front would cause dandruff to show. After just one week, I’ve [noticed] the redness and dryness [is] gone, my head is more moisturized, and I’ve had less dandruff. The serum smells good and doesn’t leave hair greasy once it dries.” — Sephora
This is another easy product to grab if you're looking to take care of your scalp and get rid of oil and buildup while wearing protective styles. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, depending on how deeply you want to cleanse, but the product foams up or "activates" when it touches water, making it a great pre-shampoo treatment.
Size: 6.8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Honey (moisturizing); Tea tree oil (soothing)
What I Love: It's very easy to apply to braids and other protective styles; It's clarifying without being too stripping
What I Don't: It's slightly messy
Customer Review: "This product has really helped my newly dry/flaky/itchy scalp. I have fine, short, 2C hair, [and] I use this once a week (been four weeks now) and follow the product instructions, and my scalp redness, irritation and flakiness have all dropped significantly. It's a luxe pre-shampoo experience that creates a rich, tingly foam and it smells delicious—like honey, mint and herbs." — Sephora
A product doesn't have to be heavy in oil or grease to be an effective moisturizer. If thinning is an issue, lightweight formulas like this one from Moroccanoil can be easier on the hair and scalp because they're light enough to absorb into the hair instead of just sitting on top of it, weighing it down.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil (moisturizing); Majorana leaf extract (soothing)
What I Love: It can be sprayed directly on the scalp without dripping or causing a mess; Won't weigh the hair down
What I Don't: More expensive than other opitons on the list
Customer Review: "Have used about half the bottle now, even my hairdresser noticed all my new growth today. I have dense but fine hair and it doesn't leave it greasy." — Sephora
What Should I Look For In a Scalp Treatment?
Most scalp treatments, including the ones listed above, include a variety of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil, and even green tea. Their proposed benefits range from addressing issues like dryness and product buildup to providing additional benefits.
"These support barrier repair, soothe irritation, and feed a healthy scalp microbiome," Caspara adds.
What Are the Benefits of Using Scalp Treatments?
"Scalp treatments detox buildup, rebalance the microbiome and sebum production, and nourish follicles to support and promote healthier and stronger hair growth," Caspara says. Additionally, since healthy hair growth begins with a clean scalp, these types of products can help extend the hair's life cycle by keeping the scalp calm, clean, and hydrated.
How Often Should I Use a Scalp Treatment?
Scalp treatments are typically designed to treat issues like dryness and more severe conditions like scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, so how often you use a product might depend on the actual condition you're dealing with and the severity of it. In general, though, Caspara recommends using a scalp treatment at least once a week or bi-weekly if you wash your hair less. "The goal is to stay consistent and not overdo it," she adds.
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Meet the Expert
Shab Caspara is a certified trichologist and hairstylist based in New York City. She is the founder and CEO of Leona, a brand that gives women personalized haircare recommendations based on quiz results.
