It’s natural to worry when you see dandruff on your scalp and turn to medicated shampoos and conditioners that can banish white flakes and get them out of your hair (and off your shoulders) ASAP. But in doing you may be neglecting some great natural ingredients on the market — oils — that can tackle the problem at the root (literally). Hair serums that contain nourishing oils are a wonderful thing to incorporate into your haircare routine, particularly if you have dry, thinning hair. Think of them as food for the scalp and hair. But, with so many of these oils on the market, you may be confused and wondering which deserve your attention. Here’s a round-up of four hair oil serums to soothe flaky, dry scalps that are great on thinning hair.
Nutrafol Scalp Microbiome Essence ($59)
Nutrafol has made a name for itself as a leading brand that addresses hair shedding and thinning. Along with its stellar supplement, which even has formulations for women going through menopause and men with thinning hair, it has come out with a series of products like this scalp essence to ensure your hair looks its absolute best.
This pick is designed for sensitive, flaky, red scalps. It contains peach gum and prickly pear to soothe scalps and both probiotics and postbiotics to strengthen the scalp barrier and support the scalp’s microbiome, which helps maintain the ideal balance of hydration on your scalp. You an apply it to a wet or dry scalp daily and it doesn’t requiring a rinse-out.
What do reviewers say?
Reviewer are king when it comes to hair products and Nutrafol’s serum is no slouch in that area. One five star reviewer raved: “So I have flareups and have had an extremely stressful past year. Sometimes my scalp will feel like it is on fire and nothing helps but medicated shampoos with harsh ingredients, it provides temporary relief. This product right here provided me with instant relief! I tried it at first when I had just a few flakes but no scalp irritation, I didn't really noticed anything. Then this one day my scalp felt like it was on fire and tight. All I could do was scratch. I went straight home and grabbed this bottle and put it on all the areas that were bothering and instantly I felt relief. I was so thankful to have this on hand. I was about to spend my lunch washing my problem areas in the sink but I didn't have to with this product. Just a few squeezes and I was ready to move on with my day! I will definitely keep this product on my list to repurchase!”
Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment ($25)
This scalp and hair oil is a bit of a cult classic, one that works a little differently than leave-in formulas since it is designed to be used a pre-shampoo treatment. Its notable ingredients include rosemary oil (long praised for providing a boost to scalps that can help with hair regrowth) and intensely hydrating avocado oil. It’s also made with safflower oil that is rich in nourishing omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. It’s not designed to be applied to wet hair. Instead, use its convenient applicator to coat your dry scalp with its serum, give yourself a relaxing scalp massage (because, why not?) and let it rest and penetrate for 10 minutes before shampooing it out.
What do reviewers say?
A number of Kiehl’s reviewers rave about this serum’s magical hair-growing powers, including this one: “Great product! I swear I see progress already and I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks. Seeing great hair growth and great heart health.”
Another reviewer focused on it’s magic on sensitive, dry, flaking scalps: “I’ve suffered with annoying scalp itching, flaking, and eczema all winter! After trying several different treatments, I tried Kiehl’s. To my amazement, it worked!!! And my hair benefited too! It is shiny and beautiful! Thank you for making such a wonderful product!”
DERMA-E Scalp Relief Treatment ($12)
Yes, you can find an amazing scalp treatment on a budget — this popular pick by DERMA-E is proof. If cooling relief from an irritated and dry scalp is what you crave, you’ll find it in this formula, which contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, and a blend of soothing herbs. This vegan and cruelty-free pick is a good one for those who prefer a leave-in serum that can be applied after shampoo and before styling. And with a price tag of just $12, your wallet won’t suffer.
What do reviewers say?
One five-star reviewer who turns to this formula every year writes, “I've used this on my scalp every winter for the last 3 years. helps to moisturizer without making hair greasy and has a cooling sensation to it.”
Another: “This product is great for my eczema. It doesn't leave my hair or scalp greasy and provides gentle relief.”
And another reviewer raves about how this pick can help when nothing else does: “I have very stubborn dry scalp. This worked for me like nothing else did, and I've tried quite a few products. The menthol feeling is really nice. The one problem is that it gets used up fast. I'm halfway through the bottle and I've maybe used it 10 times so far. I'll keep buying it though!”
Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum ($42)
This pick from Vegamour is a weekly scalp treatment that helps absorb excess oils on the scalp (the kind that can lead to dandruff) and remove product buildup from conditioners and dry shampoos (again, these can also lead to dandruff). It contains zinc PCA, willow herb, and marula oils for intense detoxification and hydration.
What do reviewers say?
Needless to say, Vegamour has a number of loyal customers who would not dream of using anything else on their hair. And this serum is a fan favorite, for sure. One reviewer raves, “I often have trouble with an itchy scalp and this serum brings significant relief.” And another that points to its ability to curb hair shedding: “I have never come across a product that works like magic.
I have had flaky, itchy and hair loss all my life. Finally a product that eliminates all those issues mentioned.”
You don’t have to suffer with a dry, itchy scalp. No matter what your budget or expectations for a hair serum, there’s a pick that’s perfect for you.
