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Best scalp treatment options for dryness, itchiness and product buildup

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Looking for itchy, dry or flaky scalp treatment?

Most of us make a serious effort to care for and maintain our hair, but we don’t always remember to do the same for our scalp. Scalp health plays a key role in healthy hair, though, so ignoring it can lead to slow growth, dull hair, dandruff and other issues.

So if you’ve been having trouble with slow hair growth, thinning hair or your scalp is itchy or dry, using a scalp treatment product can work wonders. Whether you’re looking for an itchy scalp shampoo, scalp conditioner, scrub, serum or massager, we have you covered with the best scalp treatment options for various issues. Here's how to ditch the itch.

Shop this article: Curlsmith Detox KitThe Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Scalp Serum and Comfier Cordless Electric Scalp Massager

How do scalp treatments work?

You can find hair products designed to address various scalp issues, so they can work differently. Most scalp products help with exfoliation to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and other residue that can clog your hair follicles and slow growth. These treatments work well for most hair concerns and often claim to help with hair growth.

Some also help reduce oiliness with ingredients like salicylic acid, which limit oil secretion. If the oiliness is caused by a fungal infection, there are products such as medicated shampoo featuring zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide to kill the fungi and slow oil production.

For dryness and scalp itch, the treatments have exfoliating ingredients but also contain hydrating and soothing properties to minimize flaking and irritation.

Best scalp treatments

Best scalp shampoo and conditioners

Curlsmith Detox Kit

This kit contains a three-step system to help fortify your scalp’s natural protective barrier. It includes a primer, a wash/scrub and a conditioner that all contain probiotics to feed the "good" bacteria on your scalp. The formulas are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, too.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

This itchy and dry scalp shampoo is an exfoliating treatment that also removes product buildup. The formula is sulfate-free and gently removes impurities and residue to detox your scalp. It also features a blend of coconut oil, tea tree oil and panthenol to soothe and moisturize your scalp.

NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub and Clarifying Shampoo

This two-in-one scalp scrub and shampoo gently removes the buildup from products and environmental toxins. It contains sugar crystals to lightly exfoliate, sake water to help restore a healthy scalp pH and hyaluronic acid for light moisture. It’s also sulfate-, paraben- and phthalate-free.

Biolage Scalp Sync Conditioner

This lightweight scalp conditioner helps soothe and nourish your hair and scalp, increasing the health of both. It not only helps treat an irritated scalp, it also repairs split ends and other damage. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free.

Best scalp serums and treatments

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Scalp Serum

This lightweight serum from The Ordinary contains moisturizing ingredients that help hydrate the scalp and improve its overall health. It features hyaluronic acid, squalane and natural moisturizing factors to moisturize and strengthen the scalp’s natural protective barrier. It’s suitable for all types and textures of hair.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment

This multitasking treatment for dry scalp and itchiness can sooth the skin and detoxify your scalp. The scalp serum hydrates, balances and absorbs impurities with a blend of tea tree oil, charcoal, biotin, panthenol and witch hazel. It’s suitable for all hair types.

Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment

This leave-in flaky and itchy scalp treatment can help soothe your irritation. It provides immediate hydration that lasts all day and rebalances your scalp’s microbiome for long-term relief. The formula is also lightweight and absorbs quickly.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment

This lightweight, leave-in serum can reduce the symptoms of dandruff without weighing down your hair or leaving it greasy. It helps exfoliate and soothe scalp irritation with ingredients like salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal and charcoal powder. It’s also dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin.

Kamedis Scalp Lotion for Sensitive Scalp

This overnight dry and itchy scalp treatment has a soothing effect. It contains a blend of natural ingredients to effectively hydrate the scalp and has a fresh floral fragrance. It’s free of sulfates, parabens and other harsh ingredients.

Best scalp massagers

Comfier Cordless Electric Scalp Massager

This cordless scalp massager offers deep scalp massage to help you relax and encourage hair growth. It features 21 individual nodes that rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise for an effective massage. It also offers four massage modes and is suitable for use on other parts of the body.

Heeta Hair Scalp Massager

This manual scalp massager is fully waterproof and works well for massaging and shampooing your hair. It has an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is lightweight to make it easy to move. Each set includes two massagers.

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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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