The line between skincare and scalp care has never been more blurred; it's a trend that's been referred to as the skinification of hair. Once reserved for serums and moisturisers, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and probiotics are now finding their way into our hair routines, bringing with them a stack of benefits beyond the complexion. 

It makes sense – our scalp is quite literally an extension of our complexion. Applying the same barrier-supporting, hydrating and microbiome-balancing actives can help to soothe irritation, regulate oil production and support healthier hair growth at the root. If you want to improve your hair health, consider extending your skincare routine upwards. Our edit of the best formulas to try, below: 

AHA's

AHA's, or alpha hydroxy acids, are water soluble acids that break up the 'glue' holding expired cells together, exfoliating the upper layers of skin. For scalp, this can be useful for a deep clean, or dryness and flaking (but it's important to seek out medical advice if you're actually dealing with severe dandruff, psoriasis or other chronic conditions.

Try: Antipodes Lime Caviar Intense Nourishment Hair Mask

This formula is the epitome of skincare for your hair. It's enriched with AHAs from caviar lime, Manuka honey and protein-rich seaweed to deeply nourish dry, stressed hair.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide – also known as vitamin B3 – is one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare, loved for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, regulate oil production and improve the appearance of uneven tone. By supporting ceramide synthesis and calming inflammation, it helps skin retain moisture, as well. When applied to the scalp, niacinamide can help soothe irritation, balance sebum levels and support a healthier microbiome, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. 

Try: Kérastase Nutritive 8HR Magic Night Hair Serum

This cult formula contains niacinamide and proteins to strengthen dry, fragile hair while you sleep. Because it's a lightweight serum, it hydrates and reconditions without weight or greasiness for soft, healthy-looking hair come morning.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant naturally found in the skin that attracts and retains to keep things hydrated, plump and resilient. In topical skincare, it works across different molecular weights to replenish surface hydration while supporting the skin barrier and improving elasticity. When applied to the scalp, hyaluronic acid functions in much the same way: drawing in moisture to alleviate dryness, tightness and flaking, while helping to maintain a balanced, comfortable environment for healthy hair growth. 

Try: Antipodes Smooth & Hydrate Shampoo

This innovative shampoo is made without silicones, and instead contains plant-derived hyaluronic acid and oleosomes to smooth the hair fibre while replenishing moisture for bouncy, hydrated but purified hair.

Try: Act+Acre Cold Processed® Stem Cell Scalp Serum

This serum is packed with stem cells and hyaluronic acid, so it's great for both improving long-term scalp health and instantly rehydrating the hair.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules that occur naturally within the skin barrier, acting as the glue between skin cells to lock in moisture and replenish what’s lost through stress, over-exfoliation or ageing, helping to restore barrier integrity. Applied to the scalp, ceramides support the same function: reinforcing the skin barrier to prevent dryness, sensitivity and irritation. 

Try: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

This shampoo is made to strengthen both the hair and scalp, with rosemary, proteins and ceramides to reduce breakage while promoting a healthy, balanced scalp.

Try: Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

If you want an ultra-rich, buttery mask for super dry hair, this is the one to try. It's full of honey, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to repair damaged hair, restoring glossy shine and softness.

Plant Oils

Plant oils, like jojoba and avocado, are often rich in fatty acids to nourish dry skin, as well as dry hair that's lacking in moisture. If you're prone to frizz, flyaways, breakage and brittle ends, incorporating the extra nourishment will encourage smoother, softer, more resilient hair.

Try: David Mallet Hair & Scalp Elixir

This is essentially the scalp equivalent of a face oil, packed with nourishing botanicals and fatty acids to soothe dryness, reinstate shine and repair visible signs of damage. It's worth noting it's ultra light, so won't weigh down your blow dry.

Probiotics

Probiotics work by supporting the skin’s microbiome (the ecosystem of protective bacteria) to help soothe irritation, strengthen the barrier and reduce sensitivity. On the scalp, this is particularly beneficial for addressing concerns like flaking, itchiness or excess oil production, as a balanced microbiome is essential for maintaining comfort and minimising inflammation around the hair follicle.

Try: Perpetual Hair Cleanser by [sans] Ceuticals

This is a waterless cleanser (win) in completely refillable packaging. But beyond that the powder is full of pre- and probiotics to encourage a healthy, balanced scalp as well as ultra clean hair.

Try: The Nue. Co Supa Thick Scalp Treatment Serum

Designed to improve the health of your scalp microbiome and hair follicles, making it a great treatment for dandruff and flaking, as well as fine, thinning hair.

Images: @lauraharrier, @brycescarlett