7 Best Scalp Serums for Healthier Hair & Scalp in 2025
Scalp care is the new skincare. These scalp serums will take your hair health from 0 to 100 – including a viral option that we rate.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
From hair oiling to Japanese head spas – it’s no secret that the ‘skinification of hair’ is a booming beauty trend that is very prevalent these days.
More than ever, people are now dedicating time, energy and money into scalp care – as they naturally would with their skin.
And it’s easy to do so thanks to the rise in scalp-centred products like scalp serums that a number of beauty brands are pumping out.
Scalp serums are a leave-on treatment that target specific concerns like dry, itchy scalp, flaky scalp, oily scalp, fine hair and thinning hair. They help hydrate and soothe the scalp, while creating a balanced microbiome to promote healthy hair.
In the simplest way, the scalp is like a garden bed with seeds. Once it’s watered, the flowers – or rather, our hair – will start blooming into stronger, healthier and thicker strands – which is what we all want. Right?
So if you too want to jump on the ‘skinification of hair’ trend by investing in a scalp serum, we’ve rounded up the best ones for each scalp concern – including the viral Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Scalp serum from The Ordinary that reviewers say “worked wonders” and “saved my scalp”.
There’s also the cult OUAI Scalp Serum that is “lightweight” and very “cooling and soothing”. Plus, it has over 600 five-star reviews on the Sephora website.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST SCALP SERUM OVERALL
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Scalp, $24.40 at The Ordinary
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Scalp
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
As someone with an insanely dry scalp – we’re talking itchiness, flaking, redness and soreness – I’m very careful about what I put on my hair and scalp in case of irritation.
However, I’m happy to report that The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for Scalp quite literally saved my scalp. It has worked wonders in soothing and hydrating my scalp, while keeping the flakiness at bay.
Formulated with hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and squalane, it has a lightweight and milky formula that effectively hydrates my scalp, and doesn’t weigh down my hair. Plus at $25, you truly can’t go wrong with this serum.
Not to mention, TikTok user @mennacareyspam posted a video sharing how much she loves the product and hopes it doesn’t get discontinued, which garnered over 500,000 likes with shoppers commenting “running to grab immediately” and “influenced”.
OUAI Scalp Serum, $94 at Sephora
OUAI Scalp Serum
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
Another favourite of mine is the OUAI Scalp Serum. This cult product has been amazing at making sure my scalp is hydrated.
It’s made with a combination of red clover flower extract, hyaluronic acid and peptides – all of which work together to promote hydration and support the appearance of fuller and thicker hair.
It has a great scent that isn’t too overpowering, and the formula itself is very lightweight and non-greasy so it doesn’t weigh my hair down. Plus, it’s cooling and soothing, and I can really see and feel the difference in my scalp health and hair health after using it.
BEST SCALP SERUM FOR DRY AND FLAKY SCALP
The Crown Fix Scalp Serum, $28 at STRAAND
The Crown Fix Scalp Serum
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
It wouldn’t be a scalp serum story if I didn’t include this top-rated product from STRAAND.
The Crown Fix Scalp Serum is another one of my favourites, not just because of it’s clever nozzle design – which isn’t messy and allows you to accurately spot treat certain areas on your scalp – but due to it’s formula and effectiveness.
It’s formulated with key ingredients like Defenscalp, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein and lactic acid to soothe, nourish, strengthen and clarify the scalp as well as keep your roots hydrated and healthy.
I love that it has a lightweight and watery texture that absorbs into the scalp quickly and has a cooling sensation. Importantly, it doesn’t leave a film or a greasy feeling. Not to mention, it leaves my scalp incredibly moisturised and really helps maintain my scalp balance.
BEST SCALP SERUM FOR ITCHY SCALP
Dermal Therapy Scalp Relief Serum, $16.99 at Priceline
Dermal Therapy Scalp Relief Serum
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
An itchy scalp has got to be one of the worst feelings on earth. Thankfully though, this Dermal Therapy Scalp Relief Serum has come in clutch time and time again.
Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, menthol, glycerin and Canadian willowherb, this scalp serum instantly moisturises, soothes and cools down the scalp for relief. The formula is lightweight and milky, has a subtle minty scent and is quick drying.
Plus, it’s the perfect serum to reapply throughout the day when your scalp gets itchy because it won’t leave a gross film or make your hair feel oily. So, if you’ve got an incredibly itchy and irritated scalp, I recommend trying this guy out!
BEST SCALP SERUM FOR OILY SCALP
Kérastase Specifique Potentialiste Balancing Scalp Serum, $99 at AdoreBeauty
Kerastase Specifique Potentialiste Balancing Scalp Serum
What You Need To Know
Whether your scalp is oily, dry, itchy or in dire need of balancing, the Kérastase Specifique Potentialiste Balancing Scalp Serum will do the trick.
It’s formulated with vitamin C and prebiotics to hydrate, refresh and balance the scalp’s microbiome and pH level, as well as defend it against heat styling tools, dirt, pollutants and any environmental aggressors.
It has a lightweight, gel-like texture that’s soothing and cooling, and it absorbs quickly into the scalp – so it won’t leave your hair or scalp feeling greasy and heavy.
It has over 1400 reviews on Google with shoppers hailing it as a “scalp saviour” and saying it’s “life changing”.
“I LOVE this serum! I have tried others from Kérastase, but this is my favourite one. I have very fine hair that gets oily within one-two days after washing. This serum prolongs my time without a wash, smells great, and leaves me feeling refreshed! Came back for seconds because I must have it in stock for weekly use!” one five-star reviewer gushed.
“I genuinely can’t believe how much and how quickly this has completely helped my scalp. I have psoriasis through my scalp with so much flaking and also incredibly oily hair two days after a wash. Looking for something to help two opposite problems has been a nightmare,” another five-star reviewer wrote.
“I bought this and from the first use I could feel and see such a big difference! I haven’t seen a single flake since, and I get at least four days between washes now … It smells amazing, it’s so easy to apply, and it feels so soothing and lightweight. I don’t know how I’ll ever live without this!”
BEST SCALP SERUM FOR THINNING HAIR
Vita-Growth Scalp Serum, $69.99 at JSHealth
Vita-Growth Scalp Serum
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This scalp serum from JSHealth might be the most surprising of the bunch – I personally haven’t tried any products from the brand, however this serum is enough to make me a fan.
While I wouldn’t necessarily say my hair is ‘thinning’, it’s definitely pretty fine and flat at the crown but after using the Vita-Growth Scalp Serum, I’ve been seeing some changes. The serum not only supports my scalp by keeping it hydrated but it has also helped create the appearance of thicker and fuller hair, and kept the dryness and flakiness at bay which is amazing.
Plus it’s formulated with a number of key ingredients like Capilia Longa™, Baicapil™, Capixyl™, Hairiline™, peptides, vitamins and amino acids – so the serum helps rebalance the scalp, supports the appearance of thicker and healthier hair and promotes moisture retention.
BEST SCALP SERUM FOR FINE HAIR
TYPEBEA G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum, $80 at Sephora Australia
TYPEBEA G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Personally I have really loved using the Overnight Boosting Peptide. I like how lightweight it is and that I can apply it whenever and not worry about any greasy residue, unlike other hair serums I’ve tried in the past. I found that it also helped enhance the volume and body of my hair too.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SCALP SERUM
These are a few things to consider when it comes to buying a scalp serum.
Concerns: If you want to get the best out of a scalp serum, you should identify your hair and scalp concerns and purchase one that is catered to it.
These are some common scalp concerns:
• Dry, Flaky Scalp –Choose a serum that contains hydrating and soothing ingredients in order to keep your scalp comfortable and hydrated, as well as avoid flakiness.
• Itchy Scalp – A serum that is equal parts hydrating and soothing will be your best bet.
• Oily Scalp – Pick a serum that will refresh and balance your scalp’s microbiome.
• Fine Hair/Hair Thinning –You should opt for a lightweight, non-greasy scalp serum so that it doesn’t weigh your hair down. Instead, look for a scalp serum that’s enriched with hydrating and conditioning ingredients to maintain the scalp’s health and promote thicker, fuller-looking hair.
Ingredients: Along with knowing your scalp concerns, ingredients play a big part in how effective a scalp serum will be for you.
These are some key ingredients to look out for:
• Dry, Flaky Scalp –Hydrating and soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol or camomile and gentle exfoliating agents like salicylic acid or fruit enzymes.
• Itchy Scalp – Soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, peppermint or tea tree oil.
• Oily Scalp – Oil-absorbing ingredients like zinc, witch hazel or green tea extract.
• Fine Hair/Hair Thinning – Conditioning ingredients like biotin, niacinamide and caffeine + hydrating yet non-greasy ingredients like hyaluronic acid and silk proteins.
Price: There are tonnes of scalp serums within different price ranges, so it truly depends on whether you want to go affordable or go luxurious. If you plan on using a scalp serum every day, perhaps opt for an affordable serum so that it won’t be too heavy on your bank account as you need to purchase top-ups more frequently.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of scalp serums available in the market, it’s impossible to test every model out there. However, to help you find the best scalp serum that’s suitable for you, we tested a number of well-known brands at different price points.
In addition, we spoke to DECIEM’s Scientific Communications & Brand Engagement Manager, Rita Silva, and STRAAND’s Global Product Manager, Este Tchung for their key advice and knowledge. Our shopping team also read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES A SCALP SERUM DO?
There’s no one and done purpose of a scalp serum – they can have varying functions and offer a wide range of benefits.
“Similar to serums for the face, serums for the scalp can target specific issues or concerns, such as dryness, irritation, sensitivity, excess oil and dandruff,” Este explains.
However, they can also “help with hydrating and nourishing the scalp, through to [supporting] the look of hair thickness and density,” Rita says.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HAIR OIL AND A SCALP SERUM?
From a formula perspective, Este says the main difference between a hair oil and scalp serum is the “types of actives they can deliver and the consistency of the product”.
Rita further explains how they function differently: “Our hair is no longer living once it is visible to the eye, whereas the scalp is the centre of ensuring healthy hair growth and functioning,”
“Hair oils help to condition the hair strands, making them appear healthier, while helping reduce breakage or providing heat protection depending on the ingredients.
“Scalp serums meanwhile, help to promote denser-looking hair by focusing directly on the scalp and supporting its essential functions.”
SHOULD I APPLY A SCALP SERUM TO WET OR DRY HAIR AND HOW OFTEN?
Generally, scalp serums can and should be applied to a clean, dry scalp daily, and it doesn’t matter if your hair is dry or wet.
However, it’s best to read the directions of use for your scalp serum to make sure you’re using and applying it correctly (and consistently!) for best results.
More Coverage
More hair coverage:
Sign up to our free weekly shopping newsletter – you’ll get the best sales, shopping tips and guides delivered to your inbox.
‘Liquid gold’ buy that ‘transformed my hair’
If you want lusciously soft and hydrated hair, there’s one key ingredient known as “liquid gold” that you need to use right now.
Viral hair ‘hack’ ends bad hair days
Say goodbye to the traditional blow drier with this easy-to-use alternative sparking a frenzy online.
‘Hooked’: $40 buy Aussie hairdressers swear by
This five-star product is proven to transform hair within hours — and it’s approved by hairdressers across Australia.
‘Silky’: $13 Woolies buy hairdressers swear by
The budget-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo is my secret to salon-worthy blonde hair.