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Is your hair feeling lacklustre? It could be a sign your scalp isn’t happy. This is where clarifying and soothing hair tonics come in.
From the rise of scalp care to viral head spas and at-home facials, we’re finally getting to grips with the idea that healthy hair starts at the roots. In the same vein, if you’re experiencing dryness, dandruff or irritation, it’s usually a red flag that you should pay more attention to your scalp.
While giving it a little TLC is always welcome, if your scalp is stressed, it may be time to bring in a specialist product to target the problem. Yes, we’re talking about hair tonics.
While scalp serums may be popular for boosting hair growth, these tonics take a more targeted approach at fixing every issue from dandruff to thinning to product build-up – all in a lightweight treatment format.
Whether it’s a pre-wash mask or a leave-in solution, there’s a scalp tonic for every hair type and conundrum. Here are the best tonics to refresh and renew your roots.
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner
Dandruff isn’t the sexiest topic to discuss, but it plagues all of us at times. If the flakes are in full force or your head is itchier than usual, squeeze some of this antimicrobial-packed formula onto your scalp after washing, and it will refresh the area and rid it of any product build-up or irritation that might be causing issues.
Moroccanoil Revitalizing Scalp Tonic
Sweet marjoram and Japanese plum are infused in this lightweight tonic to help promote volume and density and leave the scalp feeling refreshed. It’s designed to be weightless and absorb quickly, so you’re not left with any pesky residue or greasiness. Over time, expect to see less fallout, too.
Redken Acidic Grow Full System Hair Serum for Thin Hair, Strengthens & Thickens
Another formula designed to promote long, strong strands, this is powered by 5% azelaic acid (yes, the very same in your redness-reducing skincare serum) to help hydrate and rebalance the scalp. Spray on damp roots and massage in – no need to rinse – and it will gradually help to reduce breakage over time.
Cécred Scalp Refreshing Spray
This is essentially a hydrating micellar water for your scalp, making it seamless to refresh between wash days. Ceramides, honey, menthol and a fermented blend work to leave the scalp feeling fresh, soothed and cooled, while also relieving any pesky itching. It’s also safe to use with wigs and braids, whether the hair is human or synthetic.
Dr Hauschka Hair Tonic
We know the value of adding a face toner to your skincare routine, and this aims to provide the same hydrating qualities to your hair. Whether you’re dealing with dandruff, greasiness or irritation, this lightweight tonic can be spritzed onto roots for a healthier, happier scalp.
Aveda Thickening Hair Tonic Spray
Got fine hair in need of a zhoosh? This blends aloe and wheat amino acids to not only plump and volumise, but also inject shine into your strands at the same time. As with all Aveda products, this has a signature earthy, calming aroma that will leave your hair feeling fresh, too.
Cantu Guava Scalp Nourishing Treatment Serum
This oil-based treatment is a cocktail of clarifying tea tree, invigorating peppermint and spicy ginger to reduce dandruff and promote shine. Whether you’re struggling with dryness or itchiness, this will tick all your boxes.
Vichy Dercos Densi-Solutions Hair Mass Creator Treatment
Often, we’re sceptical about putting anything on our scalps in case it makes it feel clammy or greasy, but this leave-in tonic plumps sparse strands and nourishes without adding any weight to your roots.
Head & Shoulders DermaXPro Instant Moisturiser Scalp Treatment
Sometimes, excess flakiness is our scalp crying out for a little TLC. This soothing, non-greasy formula is enriched with ceramides and niacinamide to flood the area with much-needed hydration to replenish stressed scalps.
Charles Worthington Grow Strong Scalp Tonic
Claiming to revitalise locks in just four weeks, this tonic soothes as it works to stimulate the hair’s lifecycle, helping to speed up the process and strengthen strands from root to tip.
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