3 Telltale Signs You Should Use A Scalp Serum + What To Look For

Year after year, the beauty industry leans more into the "skinification of hair," which calls for treating the hair and scalp with the same level of care as the face. You know, exfoliants, masks, oils, and so on.

First up, we have hair thinning. "Thinning hair is usually the result of a process called miniaturization, where the diameter of the hair shaft decreases in size," explains stylist and certified trichologist Shan Christen. 

This could be due to hormone-related hair loss, stress hair loss, or simply a buildup of natural oils on the scalp—the latter can happen if you don't wash your hair enough or frequently use heavy or tacky hair products on the scalp (think dry shampoo). 

There are two types of flakes you might see on the scalp: dryness and dandruff, the latter of which calls for targeted shampoos for treatment. 

Technically, dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a form of eczema, that's caused by a yeast called Malassezia furfur, board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D., tells us about the condition. These flares tend to happen for a multitude of reasons (read all about 'em here), but the most common triggers tend to be a change in weather—both cold and humid temperatures—as well as stress. 

With a dry scalp, you may see symptoms such as tight skin, itchiness, flakes, ashiness, or redness—some of which overlap with dandruff.

If it's dryness-induced flakes you see, look for a hydrating scalp serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides. Some A+ options include the Ouai Scalp Serum and Innersense Hair Renew Daily Active Serum. 

Finally, we have congestion. You may have heard this word used in the context of skin, but it certainly happens to the scalp as well. A congested scalp is generally packed with buildup from hair products, natural oils, and even dead skin. 

When you peek at your roots in the mirror (and yes, you'll have to get up close), you may see little skin visible under the buildup between strands. Or you can massage your scalp with your fingers and see if any buildup appears broken up afterward. 

For buildup, you'll want a scalp serum infused with a chemical exfoliant. Sometimes these are called "detox treatments" as well. For two great options, try the Act+Acre Exfoliating Scalp Renew and The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Scalp Treatment.