Salicylic acid is now known as the latest, genuine all-in-one skincare powerhouse. Yeah, the wide-range of your skin. Salicylic acid has been shown to be effective at removing dead skin cells and other pore-clogging pollutants from the face, body, and scalp. While the advantages of salicylic acid for the face and body are generally publicised, there is less discussion about how beneficial the substance is for the scalp. 

Salicylic acid, according to board-certified international dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., is beneficial and well-tolerated by most skin types and is best used weekly, swapping between other shampoo as necessary. Yet, Dr. King warns that if you have rosacea or dry hair, the substance may be damaging to your roots or aggravating to your scalp, so consider incorporating it into your regimen a bit more frequently instead. 

To keep your hair silky and moisturised, make sure you use your salicylic acid shampoo in conjunction with hydrating components. Below, Beauty Insider listed some of the best salicylic products for hair. 

Source: Unsplash

First, What Is Salicylic Acid? 

Salicylic acid is a form of chemical exfoliant known as beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that aids in the removal of excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Because BHAs are oil-soluble, they can cut through surface oil and exfoliate deep into the pores. As a result, salicylic acid is a popular alternative for treating acne and excess oil on the skin. 

And since our skin took most of the majority of scalp surfaces, using salicylic acid is a terrific solution especially for those of us who suffer from flakes, keratosis psoriasis, product buildup, and clogged pores.

Benefits Salicylic Acid For Hair 

Salicylic acid is useful for much more than simply combating acne, it offers a number of advantages when applied to the scalp:

1. Reduce Dandruff Problem

By breaking down cell-to-cell adhesion, salicylic acid efficiently eliminates scaly, hyperkeratotic skin. 

2. Reduces Scalp Irritation and Itchiness

Heavy dead skin accumulation on the scalp can aggravate uncomfortable, itchy hair. Salicylic acid softens dead skin inflammation, making it simpler to remove in the shower. 

3. Efficient for Soothing Seborrheic Dermatitis

Which is a fancy term for having a dry, greasy scalp. Salicylic acid appears to solve the problem by removing oil accumulation and breaking down scaly, dead skin.

4. Eliminates Oil and Clogged Pores

Some of us are responsible for using too much dry shampoo to prolong a gorgeous hairstyle. Fortunately, salicylic acid naturally removes the epidermis’s outermost layer, allowing oil, dead skin, and product buildup to wash away. 

Source: Unsplash

These are just some of the benefits that can be proven. While there is no clear relationship between salicylic acid and hair loss, many people does say it helps solving the problem. Salicylic is particularly effective in removing sebaceous gland, which is a waxy, greasy material that may contain dihydrotestosterone (DHT). And DHT is a crucial growth factor for male hair loss. 

There is no clear evidence that DHT identified particularly in scalp sebum contributes to hair thinning, however there is evidence that scalp health influences new hair development and survival. Since salicylic acid helps maintain the scalp healthy and clean, it’s easy to understand why some have connected the dots.

How To Use Salicylic Acid? 

When it comes to scalp care, there are a variety of formulations and treatments available, just as in normal skincare. It all comes down to personal choice and requirements. We recommend medicated shampoos and topical serums for scalp problems such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

There are a few possibilities for the rest of us though—scalp shampoos are a good place to start because they don’t take any more effort beyond the ordinary wash-and-go. Simply replace your regular shampoo with a salicylic acid-based choice one to three times each week. The frequency, however, can vary depending on your scalp troubles and how frequently you wash your hair.

Try a scalp scrub for a more thorough cleaning. Whilst we would avoid manual exfoliation on our faces, we can say that we enjoy a nice rough scrub for stripping off dead skin on our body. Most scalp scrubs are designed with a fine texture that is safe to use on the scalp.   Finally, scalp serums, pre-cleanses, and treatments are excellent for addressing particular concerns and improving scalp hygiene.

Best Salicylic Acid for Hair in Malaysia

1. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment is a lightweight serum that gently exfoliates the scalp to eliminate dandruff and irritation, regulates oil production, and reduces inflammation. Salicylic Acid removes particles by gently exfoliating the scalp, and it also helps to regulate oil production, as it does in skincare. 

Why We Love It 

  • Helps to exfoliate and reduce the appearance of an oily scalp.
  • Helps to reduce the appearance of redness. 
  • Helps to hydrate and moisturise hair. 

Price: RM 103.00

Where To Buy: Shopee

2. Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment Serum

In a single rinse-off phase, this multi-tasking treatment by Sunday Riley clarifies, cleanses, and moisturises the scalp. Simply apply to the scalp, massage in, and leave on for three to thirty minutes before washing. As usual, follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Why We Love It 

  • Multi-tasking treatment
  • Cleanses, and moisturises the scalp
  • Smells devine

Price: RM 209.00

Where To Buy: Revolve.com

3. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Healthy hair begins at the roots, which is why Sachajuan’s specialists developed a two-step scalp care programme. Both treatments soothe inflammation, minimise dandruff, and aid in the maintenance of a healthy moisture ratio.

Why We Love It 

  • Combat dandruff
  • Anti-fungal benefits without using excessive toxins
  • Hair feels soft, refreshed and revitalised

Price: RM 257.00

Where To Buy: LookFantastic

4. First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Scalp Serum with 2% Salicylic Acid

This leave-in treatment is authorised by the FDA to combat dandruff and reduce scalp discomfort and pain. Best of all, it may be used including both dry and wet hair at any time and left in the whole day, allowing you to style your hair as desired while the treatment works.

Why We Love It 

  • Vegan, Clean, Cruelty-Free
  • Formulated with Aloe Juice, Colloidal Oatmeal
  • Relieve dry scalp irritation and discomfort

Price: N/A

Where To Buy: First Aid Beauty

5. DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub

T.L.C. Happi ScalpTM Scrub dissolves dead cells and grooming product buildup with a supercharged AHA/BHA combination, while biodegradable plant-cellulose exfoliating beads whisk them away. T.L.C. Happi ScalpTM Scrub nourishes, flake-free, and balances the scalp with a combination of 6 antioxidant- and fatty-acid-rich plant oils (including marula, mongongo, baobab, and maracuja) and a quick-absorbing multi-amino-acid blend.

Why We Love It 

  • Quick-absorbing multi-amino acid blend
  • Rapidly breaks down and dissolves dead skin cells
  • Scalp remains nourished, balanced and flake-free

Price: RM 160.00

Where To Buy: Sephora

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