How to maintain a healthy scalp, according to a dermatologist

The scalp is the foundation of hair health. 

For years, I focused on the outer appearance of my strands and neglected my scalp. But as I began to notice hair thinning, I realized scalp health is key to better hair. 

I consulted with Dr. Christina Han, a double board-certified dermatologist at XYON Health specializing in skin and hair conditions to better understand the best ways to nurture your scalp health.

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“The scalp is where the hair follicles reside among other things like blood vessels, nerves and glands which all contribute to a healthy, non-inflamed scalp,” says Han. 

Having healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and maintaining this involves treating your scalp with more than just shampoos.

“Taking care of the scalp will often require basics like shampoo, but nowadays there are so many more options for those looking to really promote a healthy scalp – scalp treatments, including serums, oils, sprays,” explains Han. 

“I ultimately encourage people to do scalp care as part of their regular skin care.”

What are the most common scalp issues?

Scalp health care will depend on your individual issues. According to Han, dryness, oiliness, itchy, flaking scalp and hair loss are the most common concerns her patients face.

“Much of this can stem from underlying inflammation in the scalp and around the hair follicles,” says Han. “Targeting the specific scalp concern is what I encourage patients to look for.”

Here’s what to keep in mind for common scalp concerns according to Han:

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Dandruff or flaking scalp: Look for anti-dandruff products with salicylic acid, selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithyrone or coal tar to name a few if you have mild itching, flaking or dandruff.

Dry scalp: If your scalp can tolerate them, try leave-in treatments such as oils and serums to help reduce inflammation, have antioxidants and promote regrowth, says Han. According to Han, dry scalps usually require less washing so scalp oils can act as a barrier to provide moisture on the scalp.

Oily scalp: Avoid oil-based sprays and serums as they increase oiliness on the scalp. More washing may be required compared to dry scalps, says Han but it can vary depending on factors such as age, genetics and medications. Try brushing hair often to disperse natural oils from the scalp to the hair.

Always discuss with your doctor about further treatments if over-the-counter products don’t help improve your scalp conditions. 

Best scalp care products:

Best serum for itchy scalp: Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum Best shampoo for dry scalp: Neutrogena Moisturizing Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Best serum for oily scalp: L’Oreal Paris Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Scalp Serum Best serum for dandruff-prone scalp: Biolage Purifying Scalp Concentrate Best serum for weakened, prone-to-breakage hair: Kérastase Genesis Hair Serum Best for sensitive scalp: Klorane SOS Soothing Scalp Serum Best scrub for irritated scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo Best oil for hair thinning: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil Best spray for hair growth: BondiBoost Intensive Daily Scalp Spray Best shampoo for hair growth: XYON Activate Performance Shampoo Best conditioner for hair thinning: Monat IR Clinical Thickening Conditioner

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Best scalp hair products, explainedBest serum for itchy scalp: Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum. Photo by Flexitol

Why it’s great: This leave-in scalp serum is effective in relieving dry, itchy scalp with its gentle hypoallergenic formula containing colloidal oatmeal, Canadian willowherb and menthol. At this affordable price point, it works to relieve symptoms without minutes. Plus, it can be used on wet or dry hair and it’s safe for long-term use.

Price: $11 (Regular $15) Where to buy: Amazon

Best shampoo for dry scalp: Neutrogena Moisturizing Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost 

Why it’s great: If you’re a fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost skincare line, you’re going to want to try the hair care products next. This shampoo contains hyaluronic acid that cleanses the scalp while providing hydration to maintain the natural scalp barrier. It’s ideal for drier scalp and hair but is suitable for all hair types if you need an extra boost of hydration. 

Price: $16 Where to buy: Amazon

Best serum for oily scalp: L’Oreal Paris Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Scalp Serum L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Scalp Serum. Photo by Amazon

Why it’s great: Oily scalp struggles? Try this L’Oreal Paris scalp serum that gently exfoliates the scalp to remove buildup and dead skin cells, and controls oils for 72 hours. It’s an exfoliating complex with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid that removes oil and hydrates hair. Plus, it’s safe to use daily if needed. 

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Price: $9 Where to buy: Amazon

Best serum for dandruff-prone scalp: Biolage Purifying Scalp Concentrate  Biolage Purifying Scalp Concentrate Scalp Sync. Photo by Biolage

Why it’s great: A mint scent rinse-off treatment that exfoliates and clarifies scalp buildup removing any dead skin, impurities, and excess oil while leaving hair refreshed. The key ingredients are fermented tea and glycolic acid that work for all scalp types but especially if you have a sensitive, dandruff-prone scalp— you’ll want to give this a try. 

Price: $40 Where to buy: Amazon

Best serum for weakened, prone-to-breakage hair: Kérastase Genesis Hair Serum Kerastase Genesis Hair Serum Anti-Breakage. Photo by Amazon

Why it’s great: This lightweight leave-in serum is great for weakened hair prone to breakage. It targets the scalp protective barrier helping strengthen the hair fibre to the root to prevent breakage. This Kérastase serum isn’t greasy nor does it weigh down the hair so a few drops will add shine and preserve your strands.

Price: $89 Where to buy: Amazon | Sephora

Best for sensitive scalp: Klorane SOS Soothing Scalp Serum Klorane – SOS Soothing Serum With Organic Peony. Photo by Klorane

Why it’s great: A soothing scalp serum enriched with organic peony to help balance the scalp microbiome. The spray provides soothing immediately and for 48 hours to restore balance while moisturizing the scalp and leaving hair soft. It’s also non-greasy and non-sticky so you can leave it in your hair and massage gently to calm the scalp. A bonus: the pleasant scent calms the mind too.

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Price: $50 Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart

Best scrub for irritated scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo. Photo by Briogeo

Why it’s great: An award-winning sulphate-free scalp scrub that targets an itchy, irritated scalp regardless of whether your hair is oily or dry. It exfoliates impurities and buildup while hydrating and balancing the natural barrier of your irritated scalp. It’s suitable for all hair types and can be used as often as necessary.

Price: $57 Where to buy: Sephora

Best oil for hair thinning: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil Fable and Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil for Thinning Hair. Photo by Fable and Mane

Why it’s great: Fable and Mane is loved for their scalp products and this lightweight pre-wash scalp oil is best for strengthening the hair and targeting hair thinning. It is made with ayurvedic ingredients with multiple benefits that strengthen, promote hair growth, and offer hydration. It is ideal for all hair types, including colour-treated. 

Price: $52 Where to buy: Sephora

Best spray for hair growth: BondiBoost Intensive Daily Scalp Spray BondiBoost Intensive Daily Scalp Spray for Thinning Hair ​with Rosemary. Photo by BondiBoost

Why it’s great: This lightweight concentrated spray is designed to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth. Regardless of whether you have oily or dry hair, the Redensyl and biotin combination targets hair loss and supports healthy hair growth. Apply it once a day and since it’s a leave-in treatment, it’s not greasy or heavy on the scalp and definitely won’t leave your scalp looking oily which is common for thinning hair. 

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Price: $27 Where to buy: Sephora

XYON Activate Performance Shampoo XYON Activate Performance Shampoo. Photo by XYON

Why it’s great: Designed by physicians in the hair restoration field, this shampoo blocks dihydrotestosterone also known as DHT which can result in hair loss. It is a gentle yet effective formula that not only cleanses the scalp but targets multiple causes of hair loss. With a blend of luxury and science, this shampoo is a strong contender in preventing hair loss and supporting stronger, fuller hair.

Price: $59 Where to buy: XYON

Best conditioner for hair thinning: Monat IR Clinical Thickening Conditioner Monat IR Clinical Thickening Conditioner. Photo by Monat

Why it’s great: Unlike traditional conditioners that you apply from middle to ends, this Monat IR Clinical Thickening Conditioner is a vegan conditioner with pea extract, rosemary and mint that can be applied from scalp to ends. It has CAPIXYL Technology to strengthen strands from the roots while reducing hair fall and improving overall density which starts at the scalp.

Price: $227 (for shampoo and serum set) Where to buy: Amazon

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