A Beauty Editor’s Verdict on the STRAAND Hair & Scalp Products You’re Seeing Everywhere
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Did you know good-looking hair starts with a healthy scalp?
True story.
From reducing flakes and irritation to encouraging healthy hair growth, there are a trillion reasons I've been using dedicated scalp products in my hair routine for years.
Decades, even. Head & Shoulders, anyone?
Scalp issues are seriously common, but for a long time, we were made to feel like you couldn't look the shop assistant in the eye as they scanned your 'anti-dandruff' or anti-flake shampoos at the checkout.
Nah, not anymore. Scalp products are cool now!
Exhibit A: STRAAND.
The Aussie beauty start up recently launched with one scalp shampoo, and a simple tag line:
Skincare, for your scalp.
With its signature orange packaging and 'cool girl' aesthetic, I wouldn't blame you for wondering if this viral-ish brand is legit.
Keep scrolling for my full STRAAND review, but short version:
It's really good.
Why Is My Scalp Itchy, Flaky, Oily or Dry?
Back in 2020 when your scalp first started having a moment, we interviewed trichologist (aka a hair doctor) Dr Lisa Caddy on the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast.
The biggest mic drop from that interview? Your skin doesn't stop at your hair line.
"The structure of the skin [on your face] is basically the same as the structure of the scalp. However, the scalp has more sebaceous (oil) glands and more sweat glands, which means it gets dirty easily," Dr Caddy said.
"There are also different scalp skin types, varying from more oily to very dry, and scalp skin conditions like dandruff, eczema or psoriasis."
We talk all things scalp health in this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast below!
Dr Caddy also confirmed poor scalp health can impact how your hair looks, and even how it grows.
"If hair isn’t shampooed frequently (daily or alternate days) then sweat, oil, dead skin cells, pollution and styling products can all build up on the hair, leaving it dull and lifeless."
"The hair follicle is a function of the skin, each one has its own blood supply and is very influenced by its environment (the scalp). Poor scalp health is detrimental to hair growth. Scalp conditions, which are inflamed, flaky and itchy, can be a trigger for hair shedding."
Read more about how scalp health impacts hair on Beauty IQ here.
STRAAND Products.
Alrighty, back to STRAAND.
The Australian haircare brand is all about high-performing products designed to address the look of dandruff, itchiness, flakes and excess oil - all things that come with a sensitised scalp or unbalanced scalp microbiome.
But crucially, STRAAND promises to make your hair look like a glassy, glossy glazed doughnut, while looking great in your shower, too.
The vegan, cruelty-free and Aussie-made products (and a couple of game-changing accessories) are for all hair types and textures.
Literally, anyone with a scalp can use one or all of the brand's four-step routine.
My STRAAND Hair Review.
Since launching with their hero STRAAND Crown Cleanse Shampoo, the full routine consists of a scalp scrub, conditioning treatment and prebiotic scalp serum.
Bonus points for STRAAND Scalp Brush - an exfoliating scalp brush that feels like a salon scalp massage, but in your own shower.
STRAAND Microfibre Hair Towel is also THE BEST microfibre hair towel I've ever used.
The chic waffle microfibre material smooths frizz and cuts my blow dry time in half, but the design is pure genius.
I digress.
Here are my thoughts on every product in the STRAAND haircare range.
1. STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Prebiotic Shampoo.
Fast facts:
- STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Prebiotic Shampoo is a gentle yet effective shampoo that balances the scalp microbiome for hair that looks and feels healthier.
- Hero ingredient is Defenscalp, a prebiotic complex that works on balancing the scalp microbiome to combat dandruff-like flakes and itchiness.
- Also contains exfoliating salicylic acid, strengthening hydrolysed wheat protein, ylang ylang, rosemary, jojoba and sweet almond oils.
- It's free from sulphates, parabens and silicones, but the addition of synthetic polymer POLYQUATERNIUM-10 almost fills in porous hair for intense softness and shine.
My STRAAND shampoo review:
I've been obsessed with this scalp shampoo from the first double cleanse.
(Yes, I always shampoo my hair twice and I recommend you do, too!)
The luscious lather makes my scalp feel amazing AND leaves my hair looking a million bucks.
But the biggest thing I notice using this shampoo is how shiny and full my hair looks after blow drying.
And the peppermint and patchouli scent.
It's herby and fresh, but also a bit sexy. I'd honestly wear it as a fragrance.
2. STRAAND The Crown Fix Prebiotic Serum.
Fast facts:
- STRAAND The Crown Fix Prebiotic Serum is a prebiotic scalp serum to reduce the appearance of scalp irritations.
- Contains Defenscalp and hydrolysed wheat protein, plus lactic acid.
- Apply to damp hair after washing and before blow drying, or to dry hair whenever you please.
- Especially great for sensitive scalp issues resulting from heat styling, braids, colour treatments and chemical treatments to your scalp.
My STRAAND scalp serum review:
I've tried this serum on both damp and dry hair, and I have some feels.
The brand says it won't leave a residue when applied to dry hair. Just about everything makes my fine-haired roots look greasy, but those with thicker or coarser hair textures reckon it dries completely clear and weightless!
I'm obsessed with the feeling of clean hair, so I like to either massage a generous amount of this scalp serum to problem areas (nape of the neck, hairline and along my part) the night before I'm going to wash my hair, or to damp hair before blow drying.
It's so easy to use. You literally shove the nozzle where you want to apply product and squeeze.
Once blow dried, there is zero residue. Just a scalp that feels hydrated and fresh.
3. STRAAND The Miracle Worker Prebiotic Scrub.
Fast facts:
- STRAAND The Miracle Worker Prebiotic Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells, product buildup, excess sebum, and tackles the look of dandruff.
- Formulated with salicylic acid and salt for physical and chemical exfoliation, and coconut and argan oils to hydrate, soothe, and nourish a sensitive, dehydrated scalp.
- Has a fairly solid texture that transforms as you warm it between your palms.
- I find I get the best lather from this scalp scrub when I use it as my second shampoo after the STRAAND shampoo.
My STRAAND scalp scrub review:
I've gone on record many times declaring my love for a certain cult scalp scrub...
Here's how the STRAAND scalp scrub compares.
Because it's packed with luscious oils to nourish the hair and scalp, the texture of this scrub is more solid than shampoo-esque.
It smells incredible, and although it doesn't lather as much as the Christophe Robin scalp scrub, it gives you similar gentle yet effective exfoliation.
It's also just as easy to rinse out - no salty debris for days. Oh, and the 200ml tube is $28 compared to the $70+ 250ml tub.
4. STRAAND The Head Doctor Prebiotic Conditioning Treatment.
Fast facts:
- STRAAND The Crown Boost Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Conditioning Treatment is a very nourishing conditioner that doubles as a hair mask for an intensive treatment.
- You've got the Denfenscalp, hydrolysed wheat protein, and jojoba and sweet almond oils.
- Plus, vitamin B5 detangles, strengthens, repairs and rebuilds hair prone to breakage.
- Use like a conditioner, or leave in like a mask and let your hair marinate while filling in time with other shower tasks.
My STRAAND mask review:
Was I sceptical this lightweight gel lotion-style conditioner would make my hair feel nourished? Yes.
But somehow, it delivered.
My hair felt soft and airy after using this product, and my partner commented on how good my hair smelt, win!
A very lovely conditioning treatment indeed.
Final Verdict...
So, you can probably tell I'm loving this brand, but here's another reason why:
Maybe it's placebo, but I feel like my hair looks better for more days between washing.
Dry shampoo is 100% in the mix, but my hair still has epic shine.
As a consistent every-second-day hair washer, this is kind of life changing.
If you want swishy, shiny TV commercial hair AND to cleanse, balance and soothe an oily, dry, flaky or generally cranky scalp, these products were made for you.
Please just add them to cart already, would you?
For more on scalp care, watch the YouTube video below:
Read more haircare recommendations on Beauty IQ below:
