Here’s How You Can Match Your Hair Care Products to Your Scalp
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
Ever heard of a ‘scalp type’? That’s okay, not many people have.
When it comes to choosing hair products, most people take a look at what their hair is doing (or not doing) and the thought stops there.
The truth is, hair health starts with the scalp, so it should actually be the first thing you consider when buying a new product.
To help you out, we’ve put together a bit of an explainer on scalp types, the best ingredients for each one, as well as our favourite scalp care products.
Which Ingredients Are Suited to My Scalp Type?
All scalp products contain a handful of carefully chosen actives amongst a matrix of functional ingredients.
We recommend checking out the ingredients list when looking for new products and investing in a scalp treatment that matches your concerns.
These are the ingredients we recommend looking out for, for each scalp type.
Sensitive & Irritated:
- Oat extracts (anti-irritants)
- Milk based ingredients (probiotics)
- Honey (conditioning)
- SLS-free shampoo
Dry & Flaky:
- Salicylic acid (exfoliant)
- Panthenol (humectant moisturiser)
- Natural oils (emollient moisturiser)
Oily:
- Zinc based ingredients (healing astringent)
- Salicylic acid (exfoliant)
So, which hair products can you find these active ingredients in? Keep reading to meet a few of our absolute favourite scalp treatments.
Here Are 6 of Our Best Scalp Treatments
The Best Shampoo for a Sensitive Scalp
If you have a sensitive scalp, make the Klorane Oat Milk Shampoo your go-to. It’s hero ingredient is oat milk, which is known for its protective properties and its abilities to soothe and calm the scalp. It’s a dermatologically tested formula that is gentle enough to be safe for children. Your hair is left feeling moisturised, smooth and supple. Plus, it is super affordable and not remotely stripping.
Try This Targeted Hair Product for a Sensitive Scalp
Sensitive scalps need replenishment and hydration. That’s why we recommend the Kérastase Specifique Masque Hydra-Apaisant, a mask that provides an in-depth scalp treatment. Free form silicones, this formula addresses itchiness and sensitivity, and returns the scalp back to a balanced state. It’s also smoothing and hydrating and has a delicious scent you won’t forget.
Dry scalps need exfoliating to banish flakes, but they also need an adequate amount of moisture to return to a balanced state. The VIRTUE Exfoliating Scalp Treatment provides the best of both worlds. This conditioning, exfoliating treatment is one of the best hair products for dry scalps and dandruff. It contains Fruit Enzymes, Salicylic acid and Rice powder to exfoliate, along with Coconut, Jojoba and Melon oils to hydrate.
The MOROCCANOIL Dry Scalp Treatment contains the brand’s famous antioxidant rich Argan oil, which is the perfect ingredient to restore dry scalps. Along with this lavender and geranium oils work to soothe, while Salycilic acid gently exfoliates. It’s a topical treatment that can be used before shampooing for the best results. This is hands down one of the best products for an itchy scalp.
The Goldwell Dualsenses Scalp Specialist Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has been designed with oily, compromised scalps in mind. This treatment shampoo features Zinc Pyrithione and Piroctone Olamine to target and treat dandruff and an oily scalp over time. While it deeply cleanses the scalp, it also has built in colour protection so your locks remain luscious, without being stripped.
A Scalp Product for Oily Roots
Looking for a formula that will soothe, refresh and balance your scalp? Try the Previa Extra Life Purifying Treatment. Containing Green and White Clay, this leave-in really covers all bases. Ideal for anyone with oily roots, this treatment targets excess sebum production while helping to rebalance and soothe the scalp, making it one of the best scalp treatments to have in your arsenal. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.
If your scalp persistently draws your attention, you may also consider adding a clarifying treatment to your routine.
Whether you have an oily, itchy, or irritated scalp, product build-up could be to blame.
Want more of the best scalp care products? Check out these guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
