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How to Get a Balanced Scalp for Optimal Hair Growth

Shop scalp treatments, products, and tools that combat dryness, flakes, thinning, and more.

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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.)

1
Best for Itchy Scalp

Act+Acre Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum

Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum
$68 at Sephora
Credit: Act+Acre
Pros
  • Soothes itchiness
  • Reduces flakes
  • Refreshing
Cons
  • Nothing

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."

2
Best for Hair Shedding

Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum

Ultimate Power Serum
Pros
  • Promotes the look of thicker hair
  • Reduces hair from shedding/falling out
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

3
Best for Damaged Hair

Camille Rose Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist

Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist
Pros
  • Lightweight formula
  • Refreshing and soothing
  • Improves circulation
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

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4
Best for Sensitive Scalps

Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum

The Calming Scalp Serum
Credit: Crown Affair
Pros
  • Gentle formula
  • Helps soothe dryness and flaking
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

5
Best for Hair Loss

Wethrivv Hair Growth Serum

Hair Growth Serum
Credit: Wethrivv
Pros
  • Clinically proven results
  • Boosts hair growth
Cons
  • It's more expensive than other options on this list

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.

6
Best for Dandruff

Head & Shoulders Scalp Cream Treatment

Scalp Cream Treatment
Now 18% Off
Credit: Head & Shoulders
Pros
  • Helps with dandruff
  • Moisturizes scalp
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

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7
Best for Stimulating Hair Growth

Act+Acre 0.25mm Scalp Dermaroller for Hair Growth

0.25mm Scalp Dermaroller for Hair Growth
Credit: Act+Acre
Pros
  • Helps promote better absorption of products
  • Stimulates scalp blood flow
  • Accelerates hair growth
Cons
  • It takes a learning curve to use

"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.

8
Best for Dry Scalp

OUAI Hydrating Scalp Serum

Hydrating Scalp Serum
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

9

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Credit: The Inkey List
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Chemically and physically exfoliates
  • Helps reduce oiliness
Cons
  • Note: Need to be gentle when scrubbing skin with physical exfoliant

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.

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10
Best Oil

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil

Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
Pros
  • Nourishes scalp and hair
  • Quick treatment
Cons
  • Nothing

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.

11
Best for Oily Scalps

dpHUE ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox

ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox
Pros
  • Exfoliates
  • Removes product buildup
  • Stimulates scalp
Cons
  • Nozzle is a little big, so application can be messy

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.

12
Best for Postpartum Thinning

Vegamour GRO Hair Serum

GRO Hair Serum
Credit: Vegamour
Pros
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Clinically-tested
  • Reduces hair thinning
Cons
  • Better used as a spot treatment than all over

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.

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13
Best for Fine Hair Types

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Pros
  • Promotes thicker-looking hair
Cons
  • Some reviewers don't like the smell

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.

Pros
  • Supports healthy hair and scalp from the inside
Cons
  • It's best to manage expectations with supplements

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.

Headshot of Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

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