Why your scalp needs a skincare routine too – and the products that truly make a difference

Is scalpcare on your 2026 agenda? Because read on to find out why it should be. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more When it comes to skincare, there is continuous advice out there telling us how to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and protect our complexions, so that we’re taking the best care of our skin. But, how many of us are giving the same level of attention to our scalps? If your routine starts and ends with shampoo and conditioner, you’re very much not alone. We’re guilty too, so no judgement here. That said, with concerns such as fallout, thinning, dryness, and growth becoming more discussed, brands are creating and promoting scalp care products to assist in creating the best foundation for hair. Because just like glowing skin starts with good skin health, great hair starts at the scalp. Speaking to the founders of hair and scalp care brand CENTRED, they said, ‘Most people don’t realise that the scalp is skin first and hair second. It actually ages faster than the skin on our face and is exposed daily to UV, pollution and product build-up, yet it’s often the most neglected area.’ If you feel like your hair isn’t growing, the issue could start at your scalp. (Picture: Metro/Getty) ‘From a dermatology point of view, the scalp controls the environment your hair grows from. If that skin becomes inflamed, congested or stressed, hair growth, thickness and shine are all affected, and over time this can contribute to premature thinning. You can’t expect healthy hair if the foundations underneath aren’t supported. Creating the optimal scalp environment is one of the most effective ways to encourage fuller, healthier hair and help prevent common issues before they start.’ So, when it comes to purchasing the products, where do we start? Just like the skincare industry, there’s a whole lot of buzzwords and ingredients that we may or may not know a lot about. CENTRED says ‘gentle exfoliants such as salicylic acid can help lift away build-up, while calming ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera and botanical oils help support the skin barrier.’ ‘One of the biggest mistakes we see is overloading the scalp with products. Heavy hairsprays, dry shampoos and styling creams can build up over time, blocking follicles and disrupting the scalp’s natural balance. On the flip side, scrubbing too aggressively or washing too often can strip the scalp and trigger irritation. The goal is balance. Cleanse properly, but gently, and let the scalp breathe.’ En-Root Scalp Oil, £36. (Picture: Metro/CENTRED) Products like the brand’s very own En-Root Scalp Oil, which retails for £36 is a brilliant oil to prep and soothe the scalp before shampooing. It gently helps improve circulation, calm inflammation and support follicle health at the scalp, therefore promoting better hair growth. Simply leave it to sit on the scalp for 20 minutes up to 2 hours, and then rinse away to leave your scalp and hair feeling like it’s had its own spa treatment. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Exfoliating Pre-Shampoo Scalp Serum, £12.99. (Picture: Metro/L’Oreal) L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Exfoliating Pre-Shampoo Scalp Serum, £12.99, is another brilliant option to add. The two-in-one product has Salicylic acid that gently exfoliates, removing any dead skin cells, product build-up, and excess oil, whilst the hyaluronic acid works to deeply hydrate and nourish. The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £15. (Picture: Metro/Space NK) Similarly, The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £15, works in the same way by exfoliating and opening up the follicles to reduce irritation, dryness, and flakes. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Fluidipure™ 8G to help reduce the scalp’s redness, and panthenol, which works to moisturise and hydrate hair, this is one of the best pre-wash treatments to add to your routine. CENTRED adds: ‘Scalp care should feel soothing, not tingly or aggressive. If a product leaves your scalp feeling tight, itchy or irritated, it’s often a sign it isn’t right for you. It’s also important to remember that the scalp, like the rest of our skin, has its own microbiome. Using products that respect the scalp’s natural pH and support a healthy skin environment can make a real difference over time. While not always the case, professionally formulated products using high-quality ingredients are more likely to be rigorously tested, dermatologically safe and effective.’ Obagi Nu-Cil® BioStim™ Scalp Serum, £135. (Picture: Metro/Obagi) Obagi’s Nu‑Cil BioStim Scalp Serum, £135, is a lightweight treatment designed to strengthen hair at the root and improve overall scalp health for fuller, denser‑looking hair. Powered by the BioStim™ Complex – a blend of biotin, amino acids, peptides and essential nutrients – it helps hydrate, soothe and support a balanced scalp environment. Clinical studies show visible improvements in as little as two weeks and fuller, denser hair within three months, with a 2025 trial reporting a 52% increase in hair volume and reductions in scalp redness and oiliness over 24 weeks. Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum, £54. (Picture: Metro/Living Proof) If you’re tackling thinning or shedding, Living Proof’s Scalp Care Density Serum, £54, feels more targeted and clinical in its approach. Packed with healthy ingredients such as pea and botanical extracts, and zinc, these all combine to tackle hair thinning from the roots. Better yet, its brilliant antioxidant and amino acid blend aids in preventing and reducing the appearance of grey hair. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, £21.90. (Picture: Metro/Boots) If you want big results on a smaller budget, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, retailing for £21.90, continues to be a cult favourite thanks to its strong, peptide-rich, caffeine and plant extract formula. The leave-in treatment is specifically designed to support healthier-looking hair over time. Massage daily, ideally at night, and let the science work its magic whilst you enjoy a restful sleep. OUAI Scalp Serum, £48. (Picture: Metro/LookFantastic) If your priority is overall scalp comfort and health, plus a smoother, better moisturised base for hair to thrive, OUAI Scalp Serum, £48, provides hydration and a feel-good base. This lightweight serum is skincare-inspired with hyaluronic acid for moisture, peptides to support density, and adaptogens like Siberian ginseng to keep your scalp balanced. Apply a few drops along your parting and massage it in, whether your hair’s wet or dry, and let this product work its magic. Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin® Hairline Booster, £30. (Picture: Metro/Scandinavian Biolabs) Using a product like Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin® Hairline Booster, costing £30, every morning whilst doing your skincare is a brilliant addition to your daily routine. This smart tool applies the brand’s game-changing Bio-Pilixin® formula through a rollerball applicator to spread peptides and niacinamide to your hairline. The amazing treatment promotes healthier circulation by triggering blood flow to the follicles, leaving your hairline thanking you. Hello Klean Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum, £30. (Picture: Metro/Hello Klean) This lightweight Hello Klean Full Control Anti-Thinning Scalp Serum, £30,targets water‑related thinning using peptide growth factors to strengthen hair and Klean Complex™ to break down mineral build‑up that weakens follicles. It helps rebalance the scalp’s pH, hydrates, soothes inflammation and supports a healthier microbiome, all while absorbing quickly during the post‑wash window for up to 72 hours of protection. Its dual‑chamber packaging keeps the ingredients potent, and as dermatologist Dr Sonia Khorana explains, peptides and antioxidant‑rich green tea work together to boost cell repair, reduce inflammation and encourage stronger hair growth. Rhute The Precision Growth Set, £87. (Picture: Metro/Rhute) The Precision Growth Set from Rhute (£87) offers a simple two‑step routine that pairs gentle microneedling with a growth‑supporting serum. The microneedling step lightly stimulates the scalp and creates tiny pathways that help boost circulation and improve how well the active ingredients can absorb. Once the scalp is prepped, the serum works more effectively at the roots, supporting healthier, stronger hair growth over time. Bouf Flouf Factor Growth™ Tonic, £21.99. (Picture: Metro/Bouf) The Flouf Factor Growth™ Tonic from Bouf, £21.99, is a lightweight, non‑greasy formula powered by the brand’s FGF5 hair technology, designed to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair from the roots upwards. Its aim is to improve resilience along the entire strand, helping hair appear thicker, denser and more robust over time – and crucially, to help you hold onto it for longer. It’s a hardworking daily treatment that slots easily into any routine, and for the best thickening results, the brand recommends applying it twice a day for at least three months. From Kurt Geiger to Neom, Primark and more - here's 18 items a shopping expert is buying 15 men’s essentials from L’Oréal, Nike and M&S to elevate his everyday routine The beauty‑level upgrade mums are obsessed with - and it’s not makeup If you’re still wondering if there is a routine like that of skincare, then the answer is yes, there absolutely is. Your scalp is just an extension of your face; treating it and keeping it clean is of utmost importance. CENTRED says to ‘Cleanse regularly, exfoliate occasionally, then nourish and protect. That might look like a regular shampoo, a weekly scalp exfoliation or oil, and a daily habit such as a gentle massage to boost circulation.’ Ultimately, scalp care isn’t about overhauling your entire routine or adding multiple complicated steps. It’s about being a little more intentional with the skin your hair grows from. Whether you’re dealing with thinning, dryness or simply want healthier-looking hair, treating your scalp with the same care you give your face can make a noticeable difference over time. Consider this your sign to stop ignoring it, because great hair doesn’t just happen; it starts at the scalp. And there you have it. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!

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