Our Beauty Editor reviews Philip Kingsley's best-selling Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo, with surprising results...
Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo from Philip Kingsley is the award-winning formula to relieve and clear flaking and/or itchy scalps. It's available online at allbeauty.This product couldn't have come at a better time for me. For the past 6 - 8 weeks my poor scalp's been slowly drying out, thanks to overuse of the hair dryer, sea-bathing, and the sun. At this point my usual shampoo's just irritating my stressed-out scalp, with each hair wash followed by frantic towel rubbing to combat the itch. Then there are the dreaded flakes... I've had temporary success with hair oils but nothing that lasted. It seemed the only option was something medicated and unpleasant from the pharmacy.I tend to wash my hair every 3 days, but Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo can be used daily (and is suitable for use on coloured hair) - great when you're struggling with a sensitive scalp that needs extra TLC. As you can see from my pics, my hair's struggling with some dryness and frizz and there's a definite redness to the scalp.Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo: Using The Product
Philip Kingsley keep things simple, with no complicated instructions or leaflets to read. I'm simply advised to wet the hair and lather well with a gentle kneading of the scalp and to rinse and repeat if necessary. The bottle itself has a fantastic flip-top lid (I tried the 250ml size) with a really neat dispensing nozzle. No waste here, the clear gel shampoo came out easily into my hand and had a lovely, fresh apple scent.
There's no advice on how much to use, so I guessed at a tablespoon. After the first application I didn't find it was going very far and there was very little lather. I'll admit though I do have long, thick hair so may have underestimated how much was needed. Plan B: I dispensed another tablespoon into my hand and this time lathered it up before applying. Success! The shampoo doesn't lather as much as some products (no bad thing), but this worked for me. Taking the advice of 'kneading the scalp', I worked the product into my poor stressed head for around a minute and at this point I could genuinely feel a soothing sensation. Best of all - no itching! I finished with a cool rinse, patted my hair dry and left it for around half an hour before rough drying with a hairdryer.
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo: My Results
As soon as I towel dried my hair, I could tell there was no itch. And even after using the dryer, I wasn't getting that dry, itchy sensation. I was also happy to find the apple scent wasn't overpowering, in fact my hair just smelt clean. What I wasn't expecting was the amazing shine and my smooth, tangle-free, manageable locks!
The shampoo promises to leave hair 'shiny and manageable' but what I got was hair that looked and felt conditioned and was so tangle free I couldn't believe it. I could actually run my fingers through it without a comb! Unheard of for me! It was shiny, healthy and not an itch to be felt or a flake to be seen.
2 Days later, my hair's still free of the dreaded itch and I haven't seen a single flake. I'm so impressed with the condition of my hair, I'm looking forward to seeing how it improves with regular use.
Overall I'm giving Philip Kingsley's Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo a solid 9/10.
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo: What Our Customers Said
I have suffered from a dry and itchy scalp for years and this is a must buy for me now. It's the only shampoo ever to actually calm and sooth my scalp. So much so, I sometimes wonder if I have grown out of the condition and go back to trying other shampoos. Within just two hair washes I am back to being driven crazy by the itching again so I know it is this shampoo that is working for me - allbeauty Customer Jane
Does what it says and smells lovely - allbeauty Customer Julia
Great for a sensitive scalp :-) - allbeauty Customer Kate
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo: Where To Shop
You can shop all Philip Kingsley at allbeauty, however, if flaky/itchy scalp is your biggest issue then here is the full range:
- Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo - available from 75ml to salon size 1,000ml
- Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Conditioner - recommended for use alongside Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo and Toner
- Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner - a leave in scalp toner for flaky/itchy scalps that helps to relieve and clear flaking. It contains an anti-microbial and anti-flaking formula that provides immediate and long lasting relief from irritation