I’m fussy about what I use to wash my hair with, and I’m constantly looking for the best shampoos to thoroughly clean my scalp and roots without leaving my long, fine hair feeling either limp or knotty. And I think I’ve found a strong – albeit unlikely – contender.
I was recently sent E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo, £6.49 at Superdrug, to test as part of my job as a beauty editor. E45 is known for its rich creams, designed to relieve eczema, psoriasis and itchy skin, and this fragrance-free shampoo uses that same idea to treat flaky scalps and dandruff.
I’ll be honest, I initially didn’t think it was for me. Although my scalp does sometimes get irritated I don’t have dandruff, and I couldn’t think of anything worse than applying anything even remotely like E45 cream to my already grease-prone roots. The bottle also isn’t particularly exciting. But, in the name of research, I lathered up.
Once washed, rinsed and dried, I was so surprised by the results. My scalp felt calmer and my hair felt fresh and clean, and stayed this way for a good two days. But what I was most amazed by was the shine. My long lengths are bleached blonde and never reflect the light well, but after using this E45 shampoo they positively gleamed. It’s a new favourite in my shower.
If you really struggle with a sore, itchy scalp or conditions such as psoriasis or eczema on your scalp, I recommend speaking to a doctor or trichologist. But if your symptoms are mild, this shampoo may help – as these Superdrug shoppers have also found.
"I've had psoriasis for the longest time. Only recently discovered this shampoo and it really helped," one review on the website reads. "No itchy scalp and reduced the flakiness by a lot. I definitely recommend this."
"Very pleased with the shampoo as it has really helped my itchy scalp when other products didn't. So good I've purchased more," another happy customer wrote.
Another haircare hero that has rave reviews from shoppers is The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum, £18, who say that it clears up a dry scalp from the first use.
And for a slightly more luxe alternative, Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £27, is approved by trichologists and shoppers alike.