Fridays are for face masks, Sundays for hair masks, but did you ever think to make room for the best scalp masks? The same beauty “mask” concept applies here as well—a higher concentration of ingredients help target skin- (the scalp is skin, too!) and hair-care concerns. Board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD, cosigns their efficacy: “There are various options on the market formulated for different reasons, whether that be to balance oil production, replenish moisture, or to detoxify.”
Vogue’s Favorite Scalp Masks
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It’s a point that board-certified nurse practitioner and aesthetics expert Vanessa Coppola, NPC, often drives home, reminding us that healthy hair always begins at the root. “A healthy scalp environment supports stronger, thicker hair, improves circulation, and even enhances how well your other hair-care products work,” Coppola previously told Vogue. Below, shop our nine favorite formulas that a suit a range of concerns, from oiliness and hair loss, to dryness and dandruff.
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Best With Fruit Enzymes: Nutrafol Build-Up Blocker Exfoliating Scalp Mask
- Why We Love It: Nutrofol’s entire ethos is about healthier hair, starting at the root—and exfoliating away scalp of buildup clears the way for an optimal enviroment for hair regrowth. After all, it’s tough to foster a long, lush mane when hair follicles are clogged with buildup or dirt. “Nutrafol’s scalp mask includes fruid acid AHAs and jojoba to gently exfoliate scalp skin and remove pore-clogging oils,” board certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD tells Vogue. He notes that the formula helps to improve itch and flakes without aggressive exfoliation or worsened dryness. Australian wild berries and glycerin also help to add hydration, promoting a squeaky clean and nourished scalp.
- Key Ingredients: AHA fruit acids, jojoba esters, Australian wild berries, glycerin
- Best for: Scalp health, dryness, flakiness, oiliness
- How to Apply: Apply to freshly washed, damp hair and leave on for three to five minutes before rinsing.
- Color-Safe: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 4 fl oz
Best Cooling: Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment
- Why We Love It: Sometimes scalp buildup requires a little comfort—and Oribe’s luxe leave-on treatment does just that. “[This’] is fantastic for calming irritation and adding lightweight hydration,” pro hairstylist and extensions expert Jewell Hingorani explains. It delivers a cooling sensation thanks to peppermint extract, which soothes while salicylic acid gently exfoliates loose flakes and soothes irritation. Let it linger post-workout, after styling, or anytime the insatiable urge to scratch your scalp strikes.
- Key Ingredients: Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss extract blend, salicylic acid, peppermint oil, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol
- Best For: Dry, itchy, or flake-prone scalps in need of soothing
- How to Apply: After washing your hair, apply to a clean scalp where needed. Theres no need to rinse.
- Color-Safe: Yes
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 fl oz.