3 Shampoos That My Flaky, Winter Scalp Isn’t Hating Right Now
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Safe space? I have a flaky scalp.
Not the super obvious visible kind, but the kind where as soon as I decide to use any sort of new shampoo and get to lathering, 9 times out of 10, it exacerbates the flakes and my hair (even post-styling) looks like a snow field.
It is getting better, but like clockwork, the cooler weather rolls in and my scalp decides to have a meltdown (read: decides to get extra flaky) no thanks to the hot showers I know I shouldn’t take but do so anyway.
If you're looking for a new shampoo recommendation that’s salon-level (because once you level up to a luxe shampoo, it’s hard to go back) here’s three shampoos I currently have on high rotation at the moment that don't disturb my flaky scalp and give me a salon-sleek finish.
While not specifically designed to tackle dandruff or flakes, for some miraculous reason they keep my scalp pretty chill and flake-free.
1. Davines OI Daily Nourishing Shampoo.
Main features:
- $54.95 for 250mls.
- Has a milky-smooth formula and is suitable for all hair types.
- Is cruelty-free and vegan.
Why I love this shampoo:
I really think people are sleeping on this sustainable haircare brand.
This Davines shampoo was a surprise to me, in the sense that I didn’t think I would love it as much as I did.
I find a lot of Davines products (while amazing haircare) smell a little too strong for my liking. I’ve tried one of their other shampoos and unfortunately it weighed my hair down a bit.
This one though? Different story. If you’re looking for a good shampoo for greasy hair, you will love the Davines OI shampoo.
I first road-tested it for this article and though there were first impression features I loved about it (the scent which was very present but not aggressive and how it lathered in my hair) I didn't expect it not to flare up my flaky scalp. So that was an added bonus.
After styling, my hair feels fluffier (in a “it’s had a good clean” kind of way, not a frizz-ball kind of way) and because of this, it gives a fuller finish.
My hair is also left feeling softer and with more body. It doesn't leave my hair as sleek as my other shampoos, but once I go over it with my ghd, you can hardly tell:
Another huge bonus after using this really good shampoo for oily hair, is my hair doesn't get as greasy as quickly, which extends my wash days!
Want to see what other shampoos AB staffers are loving? Watch the YouTube below:
2. Kérastase Densifique Bodifying Shampoo.
Main features:
- $60 for 250ml.
- A gentle shampoo for fine and thinning hair.
- Improves density and helps build hair strength.
- Restores plumpness and prevents breakage.
Why I love this shampoo:
Kerastase make incredible haircare and that’s a fact. From their hair loss serums and iconic hair oils to their shampoos which I always have on rotation.
It’s also a fact that there is a Kerastase shampoo for pretty much every type and concern.
I find Kerastase shampoos not only give my quick-to-get-oily hair a good clean, but also give me sleek finish every time, and that's what sets this one apart (besides not bringing out my flakes).
I know that this Kerastase shampoo is designed for thinner, finer hair to give it more body, but my thick hair loves it.
I love how it feels on my scalp and the smooth finish it gives my frizzy hair, so I will always have this in my shampoo rotation.
While not targeted specifically for dandruff, it actually contains salicylic acid (an ingredient found in lots of dandruff shampoos) in the ingredient profile and I think that’s what is actually helping keep my flakes at bay.
It also contains Gluco-peptides to improve the hair cuticle and ceramides to strengthen the hair. Triple win!
3. Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Shampoo.
Do I love this shampoo only because, for some odd reason, it doesn't awaken my dandruff as much? No.
You can read this article to find out why I am obsessed with this shampoo and conditioner (well, the whole Wella Ultimate Repair range, actually).
However, this Wella shampoo is on this list because when I work it into my hair, it doesn't really flare up my flakes.
The other main reason? Post-wash, my hair is left looking silky, smooth and is more manageable to style.
This one gives me the most "salon-looking" finish too...
If you have coloured or damaged hair - trust me, you're also going to want to try this range, it will give your dull colour second life in an instant (just look at my mum's before and after pics in the article for visual proof).
Want more hair content to binge? Catch up on more of our recent hair articles below:
