A scalp tonic isn’t just another hair product that you’ll use once and then will sit collecting dust in your bathroom cabinet; you can think of it as skincare for your head!
The scalp is often forgotten, and shampoo alone is not enough to protect against the build up of product and dead skin.
As you can read in our How to manage hair loss and make hair grow faster guide, blood vessels that sit across your scalp help produce the cells that are ultimately responsible for helping the hair to grow through the skin.
Scalp tonics work to remove any build up and dead cells and help improve the health of the skin (and the blood vessels). This creates the perfect base for maximum hair growth, as well as nourishing the hair from the root.
We love these products because they encourage thicker, healthier hair growth, but if you’re concerned about significant hair loss we recommend speaking to a medical professional.
Here are what we consider to be the best scalp tonics for every budget.
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£14.99 | Buy now from Boots
Why we love it: The Inkey List’s Stimulating Scalp Treatment is packed full of active ingredients to stimulate hair regrowth and is clinically proven to prevent hair loss. Caffeine encourages stem cells to optimise hair growth, while Betain works to nourish the hair, providing a healthier and thicker look overall.
You can read more about this scalp treatment in our guide to the The Inkey List’s affordable hair care range.
How to use: This is an overnight treatment, so apply four-six drops to the scalp and leave while you sleep. No need to rinse or wash in the morning. Use nightly.
Buy now from Boots
£5.33 | Buy now from Boots
Why we love it: This tonic is ultra-lightweight, so won’t weigh down your hair or make it look oily or greasy. It contains pea sprout extract which works to extend the natural life cycle of the hair and improve its strength, resulting in longer and denser hair. Plus it’s an absolute bargain!
How to use: Apply to damp hair after washing. Massage into the scalp. Do not rinse.
Buy now from Boots
£36 | Buy now from Centred
Why we love it: Centred’s En-Root Detoxifying Scalp Treatment is ideal for when your scalp feels clogged with product residue or if you experience flaking.
Salicylic acid works to exfoliate the skin, with nourishing ingredients including jojoba, hemp seed, argan and coconut oil working to moisturise the scalp and the hair.
Peppermint and rosemary oils also encourage blood circulation in the scalp, resulting in faster growing hair.
How to use: This product is recommended for weekly use. Massage into the scalp and roots with your fingertips, and leave for between 20 minutes to 2 hours. Rinse with water.
Buy now from Centred£20.95 | Buy now from Boots
BAMbeautiful Why we love it: This scalp tonic works to nourish and hydrate dry or itchy scalps, using natural turmeric to soothe inflammation.
It also boosts hair growth, with bamboo silica promoting strength and shine, and pea sprout, which is rich in protein, to increase hair density.
How to use: Divide the hair into sections and massage 1ml of product into the scalp until fully absorbed. Do not rinse.
Buy now from BootsWhy we love it: Phillip Kingsley’s Scalp Toner is unique in its antibacterial properties, which cleanse the scalp to allow for optimal hair growth and healthier looking hair.
This is the perfect product for oilier hair types, or if you experience any acne in your scalp that could be the result of dead skin and product build-up.
How to use: The Stimulating Scalp Toner can be used on a wet or dry scalp, just comb the product through the roots of the hair with your finger tips. No need to rinse.
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Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
