Best Physical Exfoliator: R+Co Bleu Scalp Therapy Pre-Shampoo Exfoliating Scrub
R+Co
Scalp Therapy Pre-Shampoo Exfoliating Scrub
Just launched last month, R+Co Bleu (the more luxe, specialized arm of R+Co) introduced a standout scalp therapy exfoliating scrub. It’s essentially a physical hybrid exfoliator reimagined for your scalp: Natural sugar crystals and beads slough away dirt, oil, buildup, and dead skin cells, while fruit-derived AHAs renew the surface. When I tested it, I loved how the scrubbing action felt effective without ever crossing into harsh territory. It’s also infused with the brand’s signature Bleu Molecule Complex, a proprietary blend designed to strengthen strands from the root. To use, wet your hair, work the lotion-like texture into your hands, and massage it into your scalp before rinsing. It’s potent, so once a week is all you need for a fresh reset.
Best Densifying Spray: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Treatment Spray
Oribe
Serene Scalp Densifying Treatment Spray
This spray from luxury OG Oribe is ideal if you’d rather mist on scalp care than fuss with a dropper. I loved the cooling, hydrating feel, and how it makes hair denser and adds texture with a few sprays. The formula is loaded with powerful ingredients: niacinamide to support the scalp barrier and boost circulation, pea sprout extract to encourage growth, biotin to strengthen and reduce breakage, green tea to calm and protect, and caffeine to promote blood flow to the follicles. By day, it almost doubles as a texturizer; by night, it works as a treatment—and with consistent use, you’ll notice the rejuvenating payoff.
Best Styling Foam: Patricks SF1 Sea Salt Foam
Patricks
SF1 Sea Salt Foam
I know what you’re thinking: This is about serums, shampoos, and masks—so why is a styling product here? Because even stylers are now pulling hydration and barrier-repair cues from skin care. Patricks, the grooming brand that never does basic, makes the case with its Sea Salt Foam. Dropped this past summer, I tested it on my shag cut and loved the volume, texture, and just-off-the-beach vibe it gave my finer hair. But, of course, Patricks gave it a skin care-minded upgrade: hyaluronic acid to hydrate, antioxidants to fight inflammation, and vegan keratin to nourish. Unlike most sea salt sprays, it won’t dry out your hair, and doubles as a mini-targeted treatment. Now that’s thinking outside the scalp-care box.
Best Exfoliating Mask: Nutrafol Build-Up Blocker Exfoliating Scalp Mask
Nutrafol
Build-Up Blocker Exfoliating Scalp Mask
We all know Nutrafol for its next-level supplements (I take them daily, and yes, they deliver thicker, healthier hair over time), but the brand has also become a leading player in physical formulas for scalp care, long before the term “microbiome” became a buzzword. Hair is their expertise after all, and this exfoliating scalp mask is a physician-backed reset, powered by AHAs, enzymes, and prebiotics that gently dissolve pore-clogging oil and buildup while supporting the scalp’s microbiome (we will get to that). It’s a treatment that will appeal to seasoned scalp-care devotees and curious newcomers alike. After one use, I felt a noticeable reset, and with occasional use (no more than once a week), it will help keep your scalp in tip-top health.
What to Look for in the Best Scalp Care Products
Skin care ingredients in hair care are a growing trend, and the science behind them is well-established; however, not every product will be for everyone. Some folks won’t need a scalp-focused exfoliator, while others may dig a weekly mask. Perhaps you’re perfectly fine sticking with your usual shampoo, but others may opt for a formula to use occasionally for denser, healthier hair. If dandruff or oiliness is your issue, you’ll want to focus on treatments that target these specifically. Overall, it’s about trial and error and finding what works for you. And no shade to the latest buzzy mushroom extract, as plant formulas often work in tandem with science-y ingredients. The bigger picture is that scalp care now mirrors skin care, with products formulated with clinically backed actives for real results. To help break it down further, we were fortunate to draw on the expertise of Dr. Alexander GolBerg, MD, DO, double board-certified doctor for answers to common scalp-care questions.
Scalp Care FAQ
Why is scalp care essential to maintaining healthy hair?
“Healthy hair begins at the scalp,” Dr. GolBerg explains. “Just like soil determines how plants grow, the scalp environment dictates how strong, thick, and vibrant hair can be. If the scalp is inflamed, clogged, or overly dry, follicles simply don’t perform at their best leading to shedding, dullness, or slowed growth.”
What do some of the more common skin care ingredients bring to scalp health?
“Peptides signal the scalp to support stronger hair growth, much like they signal the skin to build collagen,” Dr. GolBerg explains. “Niacinamide (vitamin B3) improves circulation, calms inflammation, and strengthens the scalp’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid draws in water to deeply hydrate, while exfoliating acids like salicylic, glycolic, and lactic remove dead cells, excess oil, and buildup—keeping follicles clear and healthy.”
Do they work differently on the scalp versus the face?
“Yes, slightly,” says Dr. GolBerg. “The scalp has more sebaceous glands and thicker skin than the face, which changes how these ingredients act. On the scalp, they must balance oil production without irritation.” Still, he emphasizes, “the principles are the same: hydration, exfoliation, repair—but formulations are carefully adapted to the scalp’s environment.”
Should we think of the scalp as an extension of the skin?
“Absolutely,” Dr. GolBerg stresses. “The same rules apply: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize.” He points out that “a well-cared-for scalp is more resistant to dandruff, irritation, and even premature thinning,” and even ties it to clinical treatments: “That is why we apply similar therapies for the face as well as for hair loss, like PRP with exosomes.”
What are a few other science-based ingredients to look out for?
“Caffeine is believed to stimulate hair follicles.” He also notes that “zinc and copper complexes help regulate scalp balance and reduce dandruff, while antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extract protect follicles from oxidative stress and aging.”
How important is scalp exfoliation?
“Exfoliation is very important,” Dr. Golberg says. “It removes buildup from styling products, pollution, and sebum, keeping follicles open and receptive to nutrients.” At the same time, he cautions, “the key is balance—gentle acids or enzymatic scrubs once or twice a week, without stripping away the natural oils that protect the scalp.”
What is the microbiome and why does it matter?
“The scalp microbiome is the ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that live on the scalp,” Dr. GolBerg explains. “A balanced microbiome means healthy organisms keep potential irritants in check.” He adds, “When this balance is disrupted, you may see dandruff, itching, or inflammation. Supporting the microbiome with gentle cleansers and soothing ingredients promotes scalp harmony, which in turn fosters stronger, healthier hair growth.”
Dr. Alexander GolBerg, MD, DO, is a double board-certified doctor specializing in functional and aesthetic care. After completing his medical education at St. Petersburg Medical Academy and the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, he went on to a fellowship at the American Academy of Anti-Aging and served as chief resident at Peninsula Hospital. His New York–based practice focuses on groundbreaking, concierge-style integrated medicine and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Today, he brings a revolutionary approach to integrative health, bridging functional diagnostics with aesthetic innovation in a practice trusted by celebrities and discerning patients alike.
