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 it’s easy for the scalp to become clogged and unbalanced. It’s time to clear the slate – er, we mean the build-up and dandruff – and give it the same attention you’d give your skin.
Thankfully it doesn’t always have to hard – start with the basics! Hair health begins at the scalp. Scalp oils and serums aren’t just a trend – they’re targeted treatments that help soothe irritation, balance oil production and support stronger, healthier hair. Look for formulas or ingredients that target your specific concerns, such as niacinamide to reduce oiliness, tea tree for antimicrobial support or peptides to boost density.
As you begin your haircare journey, we’ve listed some of the best scalp oils and serums to bring life back into your hair.
2025’s best scalp oils & serums
01
G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Hair Serum
$88 at au.typebea.com
This scalp serum from Rita Ora’s haircare brand, Typebea, is formulated with a botanical blend that promotes thicker, healthier tresses while reducing hair loss.
Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the scalp, whether applied to clean, dirty, or wet hair, without the need for rinsing. Perfect for those with busy lifestyles, the overnight scalp serum is suitable for all hair types.
Size: 100ml
Key features:
- Cruelty free & vegan
- Paraben, Sulphate and Silicone free
- Suitable for colour treated hair
Available at:
- $88 from au.typebea.com
- $89.36 from Adore Beauty
- $85 from Sephora
- $92 from The Iconic
02
Indagare Organic Hair Growth Oil
$64.94 at Indagare
This organic hair oil is enriched with Camellia oil to promote hair growth, Macadamia oil to enhance shine, and Peppermint oil to soothe the scalp while boosting circulation. Apply a small amount to your scalp and hair once a week, massaging it in thoroughly. Work the oil down to the ends of your hair using a brush, leave it on overnight, and wash it out as usual in the morning.
You can also use the versatile oil before blow-drying to lock in that post-blowout glow or apply it to the ends of your hair as a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. Suitable for all hair types, it nourishes the scalp without leaving a greasy residue.
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Cruelty free & vegan
- Paraben, Sulphate and Silicone free
- Tames frizz and split end smoothing power
03
Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
$25.37 at iHerb
If you’re a regular scroller on TikTok and follow all the beauty trends, you’ll be familiar with this rosemary mint scalp oil from Mielle – and for good reason. Rosemary is known to help grow hair, smooth split ends and nourish hair follicles.
The Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil can be used for daily hair care or specialised scalp treatment. Plus, it smells amazing!
Size: 59ml
Key features:
- Cruelty free & vegan
- Paraben, Sulphate and Silicone free
- Tames frizz and split end smoothing power
04
Bondi Boost Elixir Oil
$32.99 at Adore Beauty
Using Peppermind Oil, Lavender, Castor Oil and Arabica Coffee Oils to nourish both the scalp and hair, all the while taming frizz and smooth those pesky split ends.
The Mini Elixir Oil by Bondi Boost is the mini version of its lush pre-shampoo treatment, designed to support longer and healthier hair.
Size: 100ml
Key features:
- Cruelty free & vegan
- Paraben, Sulphate and Silicone free
- Tames frizz and split end smoothing power
05
Oil Garden Rosemary Hair & Scalp Oil
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
The Rosemary Hair & Scalp Oil from Oil Garden is created with carefully formulated from natural ingredients in order to nourish the scalp, and reduce the appearance of dandruff.
Size: 100ml
Key features:
- Rosemary fights dandruff
- Improve shine and luster
- Help deep hydration and resortation
06
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
$56 at Sephora
The JVN Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil is a lightweight and pre-wash treatment that is nutrient-dense to soothe the scalp for healthier and stronger hair. This aims to reduce hair fall and breakage while removing heavy dirt and product buildup.
Size: 50ml
Key features:
- Perfect for coloured, curly/permed, dry, normal and oily hair
- Battles dandruff, dryness and dullness
07
Centred En Root Scalp Oil
$79 at Sephora
The En Root Scalp Oil by Centred is perfect for those wanting to battle dandruff and achieve that smooth and glossy hair. Using Salicyclic Acid to exfoliate the scalp, the oil helps remove dead skin and product build-up, all the while utilising eleven oils to stimulate and nourish the scalp.
Centred suggests users massage the product into their scalp weekly and directly into the scalp, section by section.
Size: 100ml
Key features:
- Perfect for coloured, curly/permed, dry, normal and oily hair
- Sulphate, Fragrance, and Paraben free
Top 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.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
