The 8 Best Scalp Treatments To Soothe, Hydrate And Balance

What’s notable: This strengthening, hydrating and balancing serum promotes thicker hair for all hair types.

What could be better: The recommended application requires a lot of serum and it’s a pricey product.

This splurge-worthy pick made our list of the best hair growth serums thanks to its ease of use and powerful ingredients. Apple-derived stem cells, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and bamboo extracts combine to revitalize hair stem cells, protect the scalp microbiome and lock in hydration. It’s free of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens and silicones and can be used on all hair types. Reviewers say it doesn’t feel greasy and they began noticing less hair fallout and thicker locks with regular use.

What’s notable: This pick features skincare-inspired ingredients that hydrate and soothe dry scalps to reduce flakiness and irritation.

What could be better: It’s a great pick for scalp health, but reviewers don’t report miracle hair growth.

This scalp serum eases dryness with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and adaptogens derived from arctic root, Siberian ginseng and chaga mushroom. Red clover flower extract soothes irritation, while peptides promote the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. The leave-in serum should be applied daily for best results and works on all hair types. Reviewers rave about the fragrance, which includes notes of ginger, basil and spearmint, and say the formula dramatically improves scalp hydration.

What’s notable: This weekly treatment uses vegan ingredients to ease dryness that leads to flakes and itching.

What could be better: Some reviewers report issues with the packaging and the texture is thinner than expected.

Formulated as a weekly treatment, this detoxifying serum helps remove buildup, absorb excess oil and refresh the scalp. Vegan silk protein, zinc and willow herb extract soothe irritation and lock in moisture to mitigate dryness, which can lead to itching and flakes. Baobab and marula oils also add a moisturizing antioxidant boost with omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. The pointed applicator tip makes this easy to apply, and reviewers noticed a difference in their scalp health after a few uses.

What’s notable: This five-minute treatment works before shampooing to purify and balance oily scalps.

What could be better: The recommended application requires a lot of product (three to six drops of product per section of hair).

This concentrated pre-shampoo treatment is specifically designed to tackle oily scalps. Apply it five minutes before cleansing to give the ginger root, lavender and argan oils time to balance oil production and soothe inflammation, while biotin peptides stimulate the scalp for healthier follicles. The professional-grade treatment leaves hair shiny and clean, and reviewers say they can go longer between wash days. It smells great, too—scented with a fragrant ginger-lavender blend.

What’s notable: This fast-absorbing scalp serum uses powerful ingredients to support hair growth and a balanced scalp.

What could be better: Some reviewers say it has a prominent menthol scent.

Although it’s on the pricier side, this lightweight and soothing serum promotes visible hair growth, protects against environmental damage and supports the microbiome. The hero ingredient is capixyl, made with a biomimetic peptide and red clover flower extract to support hair growth and volume. The formula also includes ginseng and bakuchiol to strengthen and protect hair at the roots, while probiotics, niacinamide and eucalyptus oil balance and invigorate the scalp. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and reviewers say it doesn’t leave fine strands feeling oily or sticky.

What’s notable: This exfoliating scrub removes buildup and emulsifies into a cleansing shampoo that leaves strands clean, shiny and healthy.

What could be better: Some reviewers say it left their hair tangled, so it can be helpful to follow up with a detangling conditioner.

This multitasking product uses sea salt crystals to gently exfoliate the scalp, remove buildup and more. The gritty crystals increase circulation and offer a mild scalp massage, and the formula emulsifies into a rich shampoo to cleanse strands. Other notable ingredients include bisabolol, a soothing agent, and sweet almond oil, which is packed with nourishing vitamins. It’s designed to be used weekly and works particularly well on sensitive and oily scalps. Reviewers say it smells divine and offers a refreshing cleanse.

What’s notable: This exfoliating pre-wash spray lifts buildup and decongests clogged follicles for shiny, flake-free hair.

What could be better: The scent can be off-putting for those with sensitive noses.

Designed as a pre-shampoo spray, this product gently exfoliates the scalp and lifts buildup so your regular shampoo can work better. A blend of tea tree oil, charcoal, hyaluronic acid and a triple-acid complex reduces flakes, absorbs oil, hydrates and unclogs congested follicles. Plus, it’s safe for color, keratin and chemically treated hair, and reviewers say it improves dandruff with a single use. Spray the formula onto the scalp and gently massage for 15 minutes before washing.

What’s notable: This hair oil is rich in ceramides to nourish the scalp and hydrate hair.

What could be better: Those prone to oily hair should use sparingly or only before shampooing.

This multitasking oil nourishes hair follicles and scalp for healthier, hydrated strands. Hero ingredients include bataua oil to hydrate, hemisqualane (a natural alternative to silicone) to smooth and ceramides to soothe scalp inflammation and dryness. It’s a versatile oil that can be massaged into the scalp for about 30 minutes before washing or worked into dry ends. A true multitasking formula, it can also be used on damp strands before heat styling.