Not only can it fall victim to external conditions (read: dry winters) and internal ones (stress!) just like your face, it's also the key to having good hair days. Show your scalp some serious TLC with these seven essential follicle finds.
The Oil
If you have combination skin on your face, it's likely you have it on your scalp too (which makes for a mixed bag of dry, oily, sensitive patches). Balance things out by massaging in this essential oil blend, to purify and stimulate circulation. Phyto Paris Botanical Scalp Treatment, $38; Phyto-usa.com
The Balm
Developed by a trichologist (that's a scalp doctor, if you're asking "tricho-what?"), this soothing coconut oil, candelilla wax and salicylic acid ointment pumps moisture into the scalp while softening dandruff flakes, so you can whisk them away with your comb. Lush Superbalm Scalp Treatment, $20; Lushusa.com
The Shampoo
Here's the thing: many anti-dandruff shampoos do a bang up job of banishing flakes, but leave hair brittle in their wake. Not so, in the case of this miracle product that contains pyrithione zinc to curb itching, and rosemary oil to leave hair shiny and fresh-smelling. Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Shampoo, $18; Kiehls.com
The Conditioner
Think: lotion for your scalp. This dermatologist-formulated cruelty-free conditioner hydrates hair follicles and stimulates the scalp. The result? Less shedding. Yes, please! Dr. Dennis Gross Nourishing Scalp Conditioner, $38 ; DGSkincare.com
The Facial
You pamper your face with a once a week mask treatment, why not do the same for your scalp? This exfoliator reverses dryness with fruit enzymes, microbeads, and a feel-good massage brush that slough away dead skin. Alterna Haircare Caviar Clinical Exfoliating Scalp Facial, $36; Sephora.com
The Tonic
Strands looking skimpy? It may have more to do with your scalp than your hair. Pump this tonic onto your roots—testers found immediate results gave strands a thicker, fuller appearance. L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Tonic, $7; LorealParisusa.com
The Detox
That three-day juice diet did your body good, huh? Get similar results on your scalp with this detox treatment that blends oregano, tea tree, and rosemary essential oils to rejuvenate roots and give your tired scalp a much needed break. Balanced Guru Scalp Detox, $12; BalancedGuru.com
The Daily Spray
A black shirt and dandruff flakes? Not a chic combo! But, it's a non-issue with this daily leave-in treatment that combines lippia, sugar beet extract and herbs to soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff by a whopping 41 percent in one week. Aveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution, $26; Aveda.com
