Think of your scalp as an extension of your face – it needs cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and protection. In winter, oil production slows down, which might mean fewer greasy roots, but it also creates the perfect storm for irritation, build-up and dandruff. Add in heavier haircare products and residue from dry shampoo, and the scalp can easily become clogged and unbalanced.
That’s why it’s time to give your scalp the same attention you’d give your skin. Scalp oils and serums aren’t just a beauty fad – they’re focused treatments to soothe irritation, treat dandruff, balance oil production, and minimise shedding, ultimately encouraging optimal conditions for hair growth.
Read on to browse some of the best scalp treatments the Woman’s Day team have tried to bring life back into your hair. Targeting a variety of hair concerns, they include hero ingredients like niacinamide to reduce oiliness and peptides to boost hair density. Lastly, check out our top tips to maintain a healthy, soothed scalp, including simple lifestyle changes for gorgeous, revived hair.
7 scalp oils, serums & treatments for healthier hair
Dyson Amino Leave-in Scalp Bubble Treatment
$95 at Dyson
A leave-in scalp treatment to reduce excess oil production and hair loss
Key ingredients: Amino11 blend (barley and 11 amino acids), niacinamide, Ectoin Natural
Size: 75ml
In the Dyson Airwrap we trust, and now, the tech-led hair brand has debuted a scalp care treatment. Dyson Amino is a leave-in, foaming treatment made with a blend of Dyson-grown barley to nourish hair follicles and improve scalp health. Targeting common concerns like itchiness and oiliness, the treatment strengthens strands, boosts shine, and importantly, reduces hair shedding.
The lightweight, instant-foaming formula is easy to apply with the precision nozzle and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue, so you can style your hair as usual. Simply massage 8-10 pumps directly into the scalp, and voila.
Once you’ve finished up the treatment, swap out the refill cartridge and reuse your existing outer sleeve.
Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
$25 at iHerb
A biotin-infused scalp oil for stronger tresses
Key ingredients: Biotin, rosemary, and mint
Size: 59ml
This biotin-infused scalp oil is a best-seller on iHerb, helping you grow and strengthen your hair.
The oil can be used on all hair types and is free from parabens, sulphates, and silicones. However, if you have low-porosity hair, meaning your hair doesn’t absorb moisture as quickly, we recommend trying Mielle’s Light Scalp Oil version.
You can use the hair oil as a leave-in scalp treatment or as part of your morning routine. Just massage it into your scalp and brush it through to the ends before you style your hair.
Tip: The Mielle oil can also be used to smooth pesky split ends. Apply it to the ends of your hair, leave it in for ten minutes, then rinse and shampoo.
Bondi Boost Elixir Pre-wash Oil
$38.92 at Bondi Boost
A pre-wash elixir for soothing a dry, irritated scalp
Key ingredients: Peppermint, argan, coffee oil
Size: 125ml
Cool and calm a dry, irritated scalp with Bondi Boost’s pre-wash scalp and hair oil. Apply it 15 minutes before shampooing for a gentle tingle that wakes up your hair follicles and supports hair growth. The natural peppermint scent also makes your shower feel more invigorating.
Available at:
- $38.92 at Bondi Boost
- $38.92 at OZ Hair and Beauty
- $40 at The Iconic
Flouf Factor Growth Tonic
$39.95 at Bouf
The best scalp tonic for reducing hair shedding
Key ingredients: Botanical extracts, including Rosa Multiflora fruit extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis root extract, and Swertia Chirata extract
Size: 50ml
Suitable for all genders and coloured hair, this Australian-made scalp tonic is making waves across the ditch for its botanical blend that targets FGF5, a protein that tells your hair when it’s time to stop growing and fall out.
Use the tonic on your scalp’s t-zone, morning and night, for thicker, stronger and smoother strands. Studies show it’s best used for at least three months to noticeably reduce hairfall on your brush or shower drain.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Scalp Serum
$13.64 at Chemist Warehouse
A cleansing scalp serum for greasy hair
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 102ml
Is your hair greasy right after washing? This L’Oréal Paris scalp serum is a hard-working pre-wash treatment formulated with salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, keeping excess oil in check.
G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Hair Serum
$85 at Sephora
A celebrity-approved hair serum for thicker tresses
Key ingredients: Peptides, Baicapil, collagen, AHAs/Glycolic acid
Size: 100ml
This overnight scalp serum from Rita Ora’s vegan haircare brand is formulated with Baicapil, a high-powered botanical blend that stimulates hair growth, activates dormant follicles to improve hair density, and reduces shedding.
Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the scalp so you don’t need to rinse after application, and you can apply it to clean, dirty, or wet hair.
Suitable for colour-treated hair, apply before bed, and use the serum long-term alongside Typebea’s growth shampoo and conditioner for noticeable results.
Available at:
- $85 at Sephora
- $86.36 at Adore Beauty
- $100 at The Iconic
Gisou Honey Infused Scalp Treatment
$94 at Mecca
A soothing leave-on serum for dandruff
Key ingredients: Mirsalehi honey blend, ectoine, prebiotic complex
Size: 100ml
Dandruff, be gone with this honey-infused serum by Amsterdam-based influencer and 6th-generation beekeeper Negin Mirsalehi. Consistent use promotes rebalance and protection of the scalp’s microbiome to repair scalp dryness, flaking, and redness, alongside moisturising and reviving hair.
Apply before bed to dry hair, massaging it into your scalp. Light-weight and fast-absorbing, there’s no need to rinse this sweet-scented hair serum.
5 tips for a healthy scalp:
1. Scrub away build-up
A clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. A weekly scrub can help remove dead skin cells, excess oil and product build-up, creating a fresher environment for hair growth. Choose a formula with gentle physical exfoliants, like sugar or salt, or go for chemical exfoliants, like salicylic acid to dissolve debris without friction.
2. Use a scalp massager
For extra stimulation and product absorption, use a scalp massager. This boosts microcirculation, distributes product more evenly and can even help relieve tension. Think of it as your scalp’s equivalent of a jade roller – simple, effective and surprisingly relaxing.
3. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Silk pillowcases reduce friction, helping prevent scalp irritation and hair breakage during sleep. Plus, they help keep scalp treatments on your head instead of rubbing off on your bedding.
4. Nourish with a mask
Cold, dry air can take a toll on your strands. A weekly mask helps restore moisture, smooth frizz and protect against seasonal stressors. Look for hydrating ingredients, like shea butter, coconut oil or hyaluronic acid to nourish both scalp and hair.
5. Brush Smart
If your scalp’s feeling sensitive, it’s worth reassessing your brush. Hard or scratchy bristles can aggravate an already dry or irritated scalp and increase the risk of breakage. Instead, reach for a brush with flexible bristles and a cushioned base – these are gentler on both your scalp and your strands.
Read next:
- Why Typebea by Rita Ora is our secret weapon for hair growth
- The best dry shampoos for fresh, revived hair
- How to gracefully embrace grey hair
