We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Haircare Products These Are The Best Scalp Treatments For Every Condition, Recommended by Dermatologists Solve a variety of scalp issues, whether oily, extra dry, or super flaky. By Daley Quinn Daley Quinn Daley Quinn is a freelance beauty and health journalist who has covered the lifestyle space for over ten years. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 9, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsIngredients to Look For What to Know How We Selected Where We Stand Our Experts Who We Are Health / David Hattan Studies have shown that a healthy scalp results in a healthy head of hair. A struggling scalp, on the other hand—whether oily, irritated, dry, or severely flaky—can impede the health of your hair. There are many types of scalp conditions, and their causes fall under many different umbrellas, including heredity, autoimmune disorders, skin barrier dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, infections, hygiene, and even changes in season, according to Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Many of the symptoms of different scalp conditions look similar, which is why it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist. With so many different types of conditions, there are a variety of products to use to care for your scalp. Below, we’ve asked the experts for their best recommendations to treat a wide range of scalp issues. Ingredients to Look for in Scalp Treatments The choice of ingredients in a scalp treatment depends on the specific issue being addressed. Experts we spoke to, including Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, recommend salicylic acid for folliculitis and rosemary oil or pumpkin seed oil for hair thinning. And while you're looking at the label, it’s best to avoid products with parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, as these can irritate the scalp. What to Know About Scalp Treatments How They Work: Scalp treatments work by delivering the active ingredients to the scalp. According to Dr. Yadav, the specific way each scalp treatment works depends entirely on the goal of the product. David Kim, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology, says it’s important to allow the product to fully absorb into your scalp, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Who Should Use Them: If you struggle with scalp issues like dandruff, hair thinning, or folliculitis, a scalp treatment may be able to help. Dr. Murphy-Rose suggests obtaining a diagnosis from a dermatologist to select the best product for your particular needs. Hair Type Considerations: It’s important to consider both your skin and hair type, especially because the scalp and hair will be exposed to the product used. As Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, a product that’s great for your scalp might not benefit your hair, and vice versa. Intended Use: Scalp treatments are often used to stimulate blood flow to hair follicles so they get the nutrients. Dr. Kim says your scalp is like a growing plant. Scalp treatments protect it from free radicals and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to keep hair follicles healthy. Frequency of Use: Most scalp treatments are designed to be used daily or several times a week on a clean scalp. Dr. Yadav suggests parting your hair and working in sections in order to ensure you're getting the most out of your treatment. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum at Bluemercury.com ($100) Jump to Review Best Budget: OGX Tea Tree Mint Scalp Treatment at Amazon ($11) Jump to Review Best for Detoxifying: Cucinello Beauty Masquessential Smoothing Scalp + Hair Detox Masque at Cucinellobeauty.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Dry Scalp: Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Nourishing Shampoo at Sephora ($30) Jump to Review Best for Itchy Scalp: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment at Sephora ($16) Jump to Review Best for Hair Growth: évolis REVERSE Activator Hair Growth Treatment at Amazon ($65) Jump to Review Best for Seborrheic Dermatitis: Scalpicin Max Strength Scalp Itch Treatment at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best for Dandruff: Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best for Scalp Psoriasis: Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner at Target ($18) Jump to Review Best for Scalp Eczema: SEEN Restore Scalp Serum at Helloseen.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum PHOTO: Dr. Barbara Sturm $100 at bluemercury.com Why We Like It Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your scalp is part of your skin, too—and caring for it with high-quality skincare ingredients will go a long way in maintaining scalp health. Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum uses quality ingredients to reduce dryness, boost shine, and protect your scalp from environmental aggressors. Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist, beauty expert, and founder of Colour Collective recommends this pick to her clients who have scalp issues. “Infused with hyaluronic acid, natural extracts, panthenol, and critical amino acids, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum treats dryness, returning the moisture balance without making the scalp look and feel oily,” she explains. “It’s a total game-changer.” It’s Worth Noting At $100 per bottle, this pick is the priciest option on our list, but it’s definitely a splurge that will boost your scalp health and restore balance to your hair. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 1.69 fluid ouncesIngredients: Hyaluronic acid, purslane, ATP, algin and papaya extract, panthenol Best Budget OGX Tea Tree Mint Scalp Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $13 at Walmart $11 at CVS Why We Like It OGX Extra Strength Refreshing + Invigorating scalp treatment comes at a budget-friendly price, but it reduces a lot of scalp buildup. Loaded with tea tree oil, witch hazel, and mint, this scalp treatment works wonders. Dr. Yadav likes to recommend this to her patients who don’t want to spend a lot of money on haircare products. “This refreshing scalp treatment features a nozzle tip that helps you easily distribute the formula across the scalp,” she explains. “It contains tea tree, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, cooling peppermint oil, and witch hazel, which helps clarify the scalp and remove buildup of hair products and excess oil.” It’s Worth Noting This formula is more suited for people with dry scalps, so if your scalp is oily it might make your hair look greasy. Product Details: Type: Leave-in treatmentSize: 4 fluid ouncesIngredients: Tea tree oil, mint, peppermint, witch hazel Best For: Removing build up and adding shine Best for Detoxifying Cucinello Beauty Masquessential Smoothing Scalp + Hair Detox Masque PHOTO: Cucinello Beauty View on Cucinellobeauty.com Why We Like It Sometimes, the buildup from shampoo and conditioner can wreak havoc on your scalp. This pick from Cucinello Beauty features matcha green tea, activated charcoal, manuka honey, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil to detoxify the scalp while also balancing moisture levels and reducing inflammation and irritation. Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic is a big fan of this formula. “I always recommend Masquessential from Cucinello Beauty to my patients because it’s perfect for an indulgent, yet effective scalp detox,” she explains. “It instantly soothes irritation on the scalp with lots of nourishing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Plus, it smells delicious, which makes it my personal favorite.” It’s Worth Noting This is a luxe treatment is on the pricier side at $72 per bottle, and it’s also a bit difficult to find. Product Details: Type: Clarifying treatmentSize: 8 fluid ouncesIngredients: Matcha green tea, activated charcoal, manuka honey, peppermint oil, tea tree oil Best for Dry Scalp Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Nourishing Shampoo PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Sephora $28 at Walmart $30 at Ulta Why We Like It Yes, Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Nourishing Shampoo smells as good as it sounds. Also, the formula is jam-packed with antioxidants and gentle enough for a sensitive scalp. Dr. Kim likes to recommend this pick to his patients. “I love this product because it’s an antioxidant-rich shampoo that helps with dry scalp,” he explains. It’s also made with 98% naturally derived ingredients and is sulfate-free. It’s Worth Noting The formula is on the watery side, and it is hard to work it into a lather. If you prefer a shampoo with lots of lather, this pick is not for you. Product Details Type: Liquid shampooSize: 12.5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Banana, coconut, acai Best for Itchy Scalp The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment PHOTO: Sephora $16 at Sephora View on Theinkeylist.com Why We Like It Dealing with an itchy scalp can be annoying. INKEY List Salicyclic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment is an affordable product that contains salicylic acid to soothe and condition our scalp. The formula contains salicylic acid, a star ingredient that prevents buildup and gently exfoliates dead skin, too. “This budget-friendly treatment is great at treating an itchy, flaky scalp, thanks to the inclusion of salicylic acid,” explains Dr. Yadav. “Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and balance oil production. It also soothes away redness and conditions the hair.” It’s Worth Noting Unfortunately, the serum might leave a sticky residue on your hair and scalp. It might also make your hair feel a bit dirty. That being said, it does work well for targeting an itchy head. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Salicylic acid, fluidipure, panthenol Best for Hair Growth évolis REVERSE Activator Hair Growth Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $65 at Amazon $65 at Walmart $65 at Macy's Why We Like It: Treating hair loss can be pretty tricky. évolis Professional REVERSE Activator works to slowly accelerate hair growth while decreasing the amount of hair fall out your scalp goes through. Yates recommends this pick to her clients who need an extra boost when it comes to hair loss. “The évolis Professional Reverse Activator is a daily treatment designed by hair biologists,” she explains. “Used daily, this tonic works brilliantly in rejuvenating your hair life cycle, creating thicker, fuller hair in 90 days.” It’s Worth Noting: Because of its watery consistency, it might be trickier to apply the serum to specific areas of your scalp. That being said, because it’s a thinner consistency, it’s easier to apply it to larger areas of your scalp if you’re looking for all-over hair growth. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 1.7 fluid ouncesIngredients: Sanguisorba officinalis, Rosa multiflora, Swertia chirata, vitamin C, salicylic acid, vitamin E Best for Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalpicin Max Strength Scalp Itch Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon $10 at Walgreens $14 at Walmart Why We Like It: Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your itchy scalp is just dandruff or a more severe skin issue, like seborrheic dermatitis. If it’s the latter, look for large flakes of skin, called scaling, that come off your scalp when you itch. If that’s your verdict, you’ll want to try Scalpicin Max Strength scalp itch treatment. Dr. Yadav recommends the Scalpicin Max Strength Scalp Itch Treatment for folks dealing with this scalp issue. “Seborrheic dermatitis can cause severe itching in addition to scaling,” she says. “This formula contains hydrocortisone to help relieve itching while helping to soothe irritation with menthol.” It’s Worth Noting: This can be a bit drying like most dandruff and dermatitis products. Make sure to hydrate your hair after use. Additionally, the applicator can cause the formula to dribble everywhere. Product Details: Type: Liquid treatmentSize: 1.5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Hydrocortisone, menthol, tea tree oil Best for Dandruff Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner PHOTO: Target $26 at Amazon $6 at Target $13 at CVS Why We Like It: We can bet the first thing you probably think about when you hear the word “dandruff” is the classic Head and Shoulders shampoo. This pick is frequently recommended by dermatologists and trichologists for a simple reason: It works. Made with 1% pyrithione zinc, this paraben-free formula minimizes dandruff effectively. Yates recommends this pick to her clients because it’s easy, efficient, and when used as directed, makes dandruff a thing of the past. It’s Worth Noting: It can be drying to the hair. While this formula touts that it can work as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, we recommend applying a hydrating conditioner after each use and using it a few times a week rather than every day. Product Details: Type: 2-in-one shampoo and conditionerSize: 32.1 fluid ouncesIngredients: Pyrithione zinc Best for Scalp Psoriasis Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner PHOTO: Walmart $18 at Target $18 at Walmart $22 at CVS Why We Like It: Scalp psoriasis can be a tricky scalp issue to deal with, especially when you are plagued with thick, crusted plaques all over. Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner is specifically formulated for folks with scalp psoriasis and uses the maximum 3% salicylic acid to help control flaking and scaling, reduce redness and irritation, and work fast for effective relief. Dr. Kim recommends Nizoral to his patients who suffer from scalp issues. Not only does this pick use salicylic acid to target psoriasis, but it also contains nourishing and antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil, green tea extract, and vitamins E, B5, and C. It’s Worth Noting: The formula works well to target scalp psoriasis, but it’s also incredibly thin and watery, which can make it difficult to effectively apply to the scalp. Product Details: Type: Liquid shampoo and conditionerSize: 11 fluid ouncesIngredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, green tea extract, and vitamins E, B5, and C Best for Scalp Eczema SEEN Restore Scalp Serum PHOTO: SEEN View on Helloseen.com Why We Like It: As if dealing with eczema on your skin wasn’t annoying enough, having to deal with eczema on your scalp can be even more frustrating. Thankfully, SEEN Restore Scalp Serum can help target this scalp issue effectively. It absorbs well, isn't greasy, and is non-comedogenic, making it great for those who are prone to pore congestion. “I like this product because it's formulated by a dermatologist and the brand clinically studies its formulas,” explains Dr. Yadav. “This serum contains naturally-derived ingredients like bisabolol and squalane to help rebalance the moisture barrier and soothe dry, tender scalps.” It’s Worth Noting: The applicator can make the product be tricky to apply. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 2 fluid ouncesIngredients: Propanediol caprylate, sarcosine, bisabolol, C13-15 alkane, ethylhexyl olivate, squalane Best Leave-In Treatment Better Not Younger Superpower+ Advanced Hair Densifying Scalp Serum PHOTO: Ulta $57 at Ulta View on Opensky.com $57 at ecosmetics.com Why We Like It: Leave-in treatments are a great option for folks suffering from hair loss and a thinning scalp. This pick from Better Not Younger promotes hair growth while adding volume and lift to the root. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, recommends this pick to her patients with hair loss issues. The Better Not Younger Superpower+ Advanced Hair Densifying Scalp Serum is a great leave-in treatment because it works on the hair and scalp to promote hair growth and soothe, she explains. “It contains rosemary, niacinamide, and bisabolol plus Procapil, which has been shown in studies to thicken the appearance of hair.” The product is pretty easy to use and has a lightweight formula that won’t weigh down your hair. It’s Worth Noting: It’s important to note that it might take a while for you to see results with this product, so give it time. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 2 fluid ouncesIngredients: Procapil, rosemary, niacinamide, bisabolol Best Scalp Rinse NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse PHOTO: Ulta $14 at Ulta Why We Like It: Swap this rinse for your shampoo once weekly to get a deep clean without stripping your skin. Loaded with rice water and sake water, NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse hydrates your hair and scalp while balancing out your scalp’s natural pH level. This rinse offers a refreshing, cooling sensation on the scalp that we love. Although you’ll probably want to use it every day, one time per week should be enough to see results, so one bottle lasts quite a while. It’s Worth Noting: Some folks might not like the fact that this product doesn’t actually foam or lather. As the name suggests, it’s more of a rinse than anything else. Product Details: Type: RinseSize: 6.7 fluid ouncesIngredients: Rice water, sake water Best for Thinning Hair WeThrivv Revivv For Her Hair Rejuvenation Serum PHOTO: Amazon View on Revivv.co Why We Like It Hair thinning can occur for a number of reasons, and many scalp treatments designed to target hair growth are sticky, difficult, or annoying to use consistently. Plus, some feature medicinal ingredients that not everyone will feel comfortable having in their routines. Not only is REVIVV for Her Hair Growth Support Serum effective, but it’s also easy to apply. Dr. Yadav loves this formula for her patients experiencing hair thinning because it’s cosmetically elegant and packaged in a convenient rollerball tube that makes it easy to apply regularly. “It dries like water so it will not affect your hair's appearance or style,” she explains. “It contains clinically-proven natural ingredients as well as plant-derived peptides—this product has also been clinically studied and demonstrated to be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia.” It’s Worth Noting You only get two serums at a time, and that’ll run you $139. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 1.01 fluid ouncesIngredients: Camellia sinensis leaf extract, copper peptide, caffeine, soy isoflavones Best for Folliculitis First Aid Beauty FAB Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon Why We Like It There are a bunch of different skin conditions that your scalp can go through—folliculitis is one of them. Folliculitis looks like an acne breakout and can occur from shaving, wearing tight clothing, weight gain, and medication. For her patients dealing with folliculitis on their scalps, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends using the First Aid Beauty FAB Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment. “This product contains 2% salicylic acid, which is great for clearing pores and preventing scalp breakouts,” explains Dr. Murphy-Rose. “It is developed to be safe, even for sensitive skin.” If you’re looking for a product that provides the strength of salicylic acid without a lot of harshness, this is one to try. It’s Worth Noting: The product is relatively expensive for the small bottle. Additionally, some users have noticed that the formula relieves the itch on their scalp temporarily, more so than healing the issue overall. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 3 fluid ouncesIngredients: Salicylic acid Best for Oily Scalp Davines Naturaltech ELEVATING Scalp Recovery Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon Why We Like It: Davines Naturaltech Elevating Scalp Recovery Treatment builds the barrier on your scalp while providing antipollution protection. Yates recommends this spray-on formula to her clients with oily scalps, too. “This is a lightweight spray with a directional spout that’s easy to apply and helps to alleviate the negative effects of an oily scalp without stripping your natural oils and leaving the scalp feeling tight and dry,” she explains. We love that this formula builds the barrier on your scalp and provides anti-pollution protection, too. It’s Worth Noting: The formula has a relatively strong smell, and might be a bit drying—which can actually be a benefit for oilier scalp types. Product Details: Type: Leave-in treatmentSize: 3.38 fluid ouncesIngredients: Water, glycerin, pentylene glycol, propanediol How We Selected the Best Scalp Treatments To select our list of top products, we asked four board-certified dermatologists and one trichologist for their recommendations and commentary on the best scalp treatments for every scalp issue. We also chose products we’ve personally tried and had success with. We made sure that each scalp treatment we’ve recommended specifically targets a scalp issue, has beneficial ingredients, and is easy to use. Where We Stand Overall, Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum stood out for its quality ingredients, effectiveness, and versatility. It’s ideal for a range of scalp conditions and came highly recommended by the experts we interviewed. We’ll continue to try products and update this list as we find great new picks, so check back for the latest products to keep your scalp healthy. Our Experts Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET DermatologyDavid Kim, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical CollegeKerry E. Yates, a trichologist, beauty expert, and founder of Colour Collective Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic Who We Are Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She also runs a blog called The Daley Dose. She used her personal experience with scalp treatments and interviewed multiple experts for their recommendations for the best scalp treatments on the market. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit