Scalp Care Is Key in 2026—These Are the Best Solutions, According to Our Marie Claire UK Hair Awards Judges

This award-winning, dermatologically tested serum has sold out many times over, and our judges agreed that it lives up to the hype. Certified trichologist, Jade Summers said: "The inclusion of peptides such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, alongside actives like caffeine, niacinamide and oleanolic acid, helps support the scalp environment and improve hair anchoring, making it a strong supportive option for hair loss. It feels lightweight, soothing and easy to incorporate into a routine, while hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients help maintain overall scalp comfort."

Formulated for regular use, this featherweight, water-based formula is enriched with AMELIORATE’s LaH6 Skin Hydration Complex, which combines AHAs and humectants to retain moisture, soothe redness, reduce flakes and improve comfort; helping to support a stronger, healthier, more nourished scalp over time.

Our judges praised Rosemary Hair Oil Co’s Intense Growth Syrup for both its sustainability credentials—it’s 100% natural and free from plastic and silicones—and its efficacy.

This next-gen tool was designed to bring the trichologist office to your home. Their clinically tested Bio-Pilixin formula uses billions of exosomes to deliver growth-supporting factors and signalling peptides directly to the scalp. Plus, the precision rollerball applicator also makes it easy to target the areas that need it most.

This smart serum claims to reduce flakes by 23 per cent in the first 72 hours, thanks to the brand's Klean Complex, which counteracts mineral buildup and balances scalp pH. Our expert panel highlighted its innovative design—it uses dual chamber technology to keep its actives separate until the first press, preserving potency and pH stability.

Judge and Marie Claire UK's Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas stated: "This is so brilliant, so effective and so affordable!" She also commended the bestseller’s clarifying benefits, along with its ginger root density complex, which leaves the scalp feeling soothed and hydrated after just one use.

Judges and hair experts Gina Conway and Tabitha James-Kraan were impressed by this clarifying shampoo's results and rich lather. They also noted that it’s particularly beneficial for those living in hard water areas.

Judge Tom Smith hails Kat Burki's Bio Ferment Renewing Shampoo as an "exceptionally well-considered formula", praising its inclusion of copper peptides and a Pro B Vitamin Complex, which help rejuvenate each and every strand for boosted volume.

This conditioner is packed with hyper-branched polymers and hydrolysed pea peptides to encourage volume, even in the finest of hair. Meanwhile, biomimetic ceramides help replenish lost lipids in damaged strands, smoothing the cuticle, and making it a doddle to detangle post washing.

Judge and London-based trichologist, Hannah Gaboardi, vouched for the efficacy of Viviscal's best-selling hair supplements, saying: "They come at a great price point for the quality of ingredients. The vitamins inside are all necessary for healthy hair, and it's convenient to have them in one tablet."

This impressive product instantly disguises grey hair and thinning roots, effortlessly concealing sparse areas. Plus, the precision formula adheres to each strand and the scalp, meaning application is mess-free and the results stay natural-looking for up to 48 hours.