Rinse and apply conditioner. Concentrate on your mid-lengths and hair ends as these tend to be the driest parts of your hair

A lightweight serum that helps to remove flakes and itchiness through gently exfoliating the scalp, balances oil production and reduce redness. Salicylic Acid works to remove flakes through gently exfoliating the scalp, and similarly to its role in skincare, it also helps to balance oil levels production. The two other ingredients, FLUIDIPURE™ 8G and PANTHENOL respectively help to reduce scalp’s redness and to hydrate and moisturize the scalp and hair. From a does-it-all scalp brush to scalp scrubs and exfoliating acids, here’s our edit of products that’ll take your next hair wash to the next level. Formulated as a pre-wash treatment, it works to gently exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells on the scalp's surface to eliminate product buildup, reduce flakes, and minimize excess oil. Clinically proven to deliver visible results after one use, the formula soothes an itchy-feeling scalp, leaving it feeling healthier and more balanced.​ Make sure not to rub too hard when you’re rinsing — this will irritate and dry out your scalp even more! 5. Use it as part of a dandruff treatment

Suitable for all hair types including sensitive scalps and colour-treated hair, use as a pre-wash treatment, 1-2 times per week to refresh the roots and maintain a calm, balanced scalp.​ Trueb, R. (2018). Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. International Journal of Trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369642/ Works well with: Follow up with moisturizing and hydrating products that feature ingredients like glycerin to help soothe any potential irritation. Just like skincare, you can make scalp exfoliation part of your hair care regime,” says Angela. “Follow up by rinsing away any residue. Use a conditioner to add moisture to the hair and scalp to prevent further flaking.”

Water (Aqua /Eau), Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Panthenol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-37, Hexylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate. Stress can trigger receptors in your skin, causing an itching sensation, but with no underlying scalp condition as the cause,” explains Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley in London. “It can also disrupt your scalp’s barrier function, leaving it more vulnerable to other problems – like dandruff – which are often itchy too.” Hair worn in tight braids, ponytails or weaves, is also more susceptible to the dreaded itch. If you have an area on your scalp that’s particularly oily or flaky, apply some salicylic acid directly to that area instead of all over your head. HOW TO USE: Apply before going to bed using enough to cover the entire scalp. Wash hair as normal in the morning, if desired. HOW TO USE: Use as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply to a wet or dry scalp Use the nozzle to apply directly onto scalp and use your fingertips to rub in. Apply enough to cover the entire scalp. Leave on for 10 minutes then wash hair as normal. Use 1-2 times per week. Use on separate occasions to Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment to avoid any risk of irritation.

Salicylic acid can penetrate the skin and enter your bloodstream, so it’s not recommended to apply salicylic acid on your scalp if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The idea is that you’ll only treat the areas where you need it most, which will save you money by not using too much product or over-exfoliating your skin just because it’s available! 4. Apply after you shampoo If you are only applying once a day rather than twice daily as I recommend here, then it might take longer for salicylic acid to work its way through all of those strands of fiber-filled fiber on top of your head! Do You Really Need to Scrub Your Scalp While Using Salicylic Acid Shampoo? You may have heard that salicylic acid can be drying on your skin or hair, but as long as you’re using it correctly and regularly—and don’t forget about moisturizing!—you’ll be in good shape. If your scalp is sensitive, try a chemical rather than physical exfoliant (such as a scalp massager or scrub) to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil and dandruff,” suggests Angela.

That’s why I hesitated to say yes when beauty brand The Inkey List offered me a professional scalp facial using their newly-launched specialized formulas for the skin on top of the head. I was pretty certain I’d never be able to replicate the results at home, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. Three weeks after getting the treatment and then using the products consistently for three weeks, my scalp has been transformed. The standout product within the collection: The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. Read on for how it’s changed my hair care game. It really depends on how much you need to exfoliate. Angela says: “You can exfoliate a wet or dry scalp before shampooing. But always follow the usage instructions of your chosen product.” Treat your scalp to its own routine alongside products that are aimed at your overall hair look and health. The best way to treat dandruff is with a shampoo that dries out your scalp and inhibits its growth. Angela Onuoha, a trichologist and expert advisor for Rhyme & Reason adds: “Removing dead skin cells improves the absorption of moisture.Your lifestyle impacts on on your scalp, too, says Kingsley, who cites full-fat cheese, sugary treats, white wine and champagne as key triggers for irritation and itching. She advises cutting them out and (though it’s a rather less exciting prospect), introducing more “salmon, sardines, walnuts, seaweed and chia seeds”. Meanwhile stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, Pilates, or another form of exercise that you know calms your mind, can also help. Several factors can cause scalp build up. For example, residue from haircare and scalp care products, sebum, dead skin cells and sweat. Exfoliating will help to dissolve the build up, allowing roots to become unclogged, thus encouraging normal hair growth and hair lift. This will leave you hair looking healthy. Arif T. (2015). Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 455–461. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S84765 If you have a lot of flakes or product build-up, it’s okay to shampoo the hair first,” says Adam. “Exfoliate, then do a second shampoo to wash everything away for a deeper clean.”