Since it’s often out of sight and out of mind, taking care of your scalp may not be at the top of your list of priorities — until you have a major problem. Whether it be itchiness, dryness, or even a condition like dandruff or eczema, being faced with an uncomfortable scalp isn’t a fun time (and certainly doesn’t help you maintain your 'do.)
So what’s the best way to stop the worst-case scenario from ruining your day, week, month, or even your year? Targeting the problem before it begins! Our expert judges from the Prevention Hair Awards 2023 have rounded up 9 products that will help you soothe and maintain healthier skin on your head, and improve the strength and vitality of your hair while you're at it.
Check out the rest of our winning products here.
A gentle wash
Dry, sensitive scalp? No worries! This expert-recommended shampoo cleanses your hair, while leaving you with soft, fresh locks. It is pH balanced, which means it’s perfect for sensitive skin. It has a lovely, delicate scent, and it’s also free of soap and colour.
A hydrating treatment
MONAT Rejuvenique Oil Intensive
There are so many ways to use this versatile, luxe blend of natural plant extracts and essential oils! Try it as a hydrating pre-shampoo treatment, or even as a mask. It fights frizz and provides a lovely gloss for dry hair. “This is a beautiful lightweight oil, which moisturises the hair and scalp and doesn’t weigh the hair down,” says Prevention Healthy Hair Awards judge and hairstylist Sue Caires.
A powerful duo
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner
While you can use the products separately, the marriage of this soothing shampoo and conditioner is pure magic for an irritated scalp. The shampoo helps to maintain a healthy moisture balance for both your hair and scalp. The added piroctone olamine and climbazole work to reduce irritation and flakiness. Meanwhile, the conditioner contains a range of scalp-calming natural ingredients, such as rosemary oil and ginger extract. “The addition of the conditioner to this range leaves the hair feeling very, very soft and shiny,” says Sue.
A relaxing treat
Vegamour GRO Revitalising Scalp Massager
Want spa-like levels of relaxation as you stimulate your scalp? Regular massages with this scalp massager help to boost hair thickness by stretching the cells of the follicles. It dilates your blood vessels, encouraging hair growth. “I love that this can be used both wet or dry on any type of hair,” says Prevention Healthy Hair Awards judge and Prevention Beauty Editor Cecily-Anna Bennett . “If you use hair or scalp serums, it’s also an effective tool for working them in.”
A plant-powered spritz
Batiste Naturally Dry Shampoo with Bamboo Fibre & Gardenia
“This is a great dry shampoo formulated for fine hair to give it extra volume, while refreshing before your next wash,” says Sue. “It’s really affordable, too. Just make sure you work it into the hair properly to avoid a chalky scalp. Or, even better, apply at night, let it absorb your oils while you sleep and wake up with fresh hair by morning!” As an added bonus, it’s plant-powered (made from 100% natural extracts) and comes in a recyclable can!
A well-balanced flake fighter
Essano Scalp Refresh Concentrated Serum
Conquer a flaky, itchy scalp with this spray serum, enriched with oil and moisture-balancing ingredients like niacinamide and botanical extracts. It gently removes any dandruff, leaving behind a head of healthy hair and a soft, soothed and flake-free scalp. “This serum does exactly what it promises,” says Prevention Healthy Hair Awards judge and trichologist and hair & scalp expert Carolyn Evans-Frost. “It provides instant and long-lasting relief, leaves no visible residue in the hair and is extremely easy to apply.”
A citrus dream
A’kin Purifying Scalp Revival Scrub
If you like the citrus scents of orange and mandarin, this scalp scrub is an excellent addition to your shower shelf. Enriched with jojoba and avocado oils, aloe vera and geranium, it cleanses your scalp, removing build-up and leaving your scalp feeling refreshed. Use it as a pre-shampoo ritual once or twice a week.
A daily detangle
Ugly Swan Scream-Free Maxi Detangling Hair Brush
With its ability to glide through any type of hair (whether curly, fine or thick), this brush is soft on a sensitive scalp and leaves your hair looking smooth and shiny. “This really is a pain-free brush, perfect for detangling, and it can be used on both wet or dry hair,” says Sue.
A cleansing wash
Ethique Solid Shampoo for Touchy Scalps
Ethique is one of the pioneers of solid shampoo bars, which are taking the beauty world by storm, and are particularly effective for itchy scalps. Packed with the soothing, hydrating ingredients like coconut and cocoa seed oils, the bar cleanses gently, leaving your hair soft and fresh.
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