The £12 scalp treatment people swear by for stubborn dandruff when nothing else seems to work
If you’ve ever dealt with an itchy scalp, visible flakes or dandruff that seems to come back no matter which shampoo you try, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be.
It’s a much more common problem than you might think, too.
Research from Polytar found that more than a third of women experience a persistently itchy scalp, while 27 per cent deal with a dry or tight-feeling scalp and 25 per cent have increased flaking.
For anyone who’s tried swapping shampoos and still can’t seem to get their scalp under control, there’s one treatment that’s been around for decades and it costs less than £12.
Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo, 150ml
£11.99
Two images of Polytar Scalp Shampoo next to each other on a beige background
What makes Polytar different?
Polytar isn’t any old anti-dandruff shampoo that you use every time you wash your hair.
It’s a medicated scalp treatment containing 4 per cent coal tar solution, an active ingredient that’s been used to treat scalp conditions for decades.
The formula is designed to soothe irritation and itching while helping to reduce flaking and scaling.
It also has exfoliating and keratolytic properties, which means it helps remove the build-up of dead skin and thickened, scaly skin on the scalp.
It’s clinically proven to help treat psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, making it an option for people whose scalp problems go beyond the occasional flake.
Despite being a treatment shampoo, Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo still cleanses the hair and scalp at the same time.
Polytar has actually been around since 1960, so this is a longstanding treatment rather than a recent beauty trend.
It’s built up a loyal following among people who struggle with persistent scalp problems.
It’s designed for more than just dandruff
One of the reasons scalp problems can be so frustrating is that not every type of flaking has the same cause.
Dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis can all cause symptoms such as itching, dryness, scaling and visible flakes, so finding a product that’s specifically designed to treat the underlying scalp condition can make a difference.
Polytar’s 4% coal tar solution works in several ways.
It’s anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce redness and irritation; antiseptic, helping to cleanse the scalp; and antipruritic, meaning it can help soothe persistent itching.
Why Polytar has developed such a loyal following
For people who’ve struggled to find a shampoo that actually helps with their scalp condition, finding something that works can make a huge difference.
Polytar has developed a loyal following among people who have found it difficult to get persistent symptoms such as itching and flaking under control.
One of those users is Sarah Griffiths, who has psoriasis.
She began using Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo as part of her routine before her wedding, where it helped her feel confident about wearing the updo hairstyle she’d always wanted.
“I always use Polytar on my first wash,” Sarah said.
How do you use Polytar?
This is where Polytar differs from your usual everyday shampoo.
The official instructions recommend using the Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo once or twice a week to help alleviate scalp-condition symptoms.
You wet your hair thoroughly, apply enough shampoo to create a rich lather, then gently massage it into the scalp.
The shampoo should be left on the scalp for three to five minutes before being rinsed thoroughly.
Taking a little bit more time on a dedicated routine is worth it for the results.
29-year-old Sarah says, "If anything, it encourages me to take things a little bit more slowly, leave it on for five to seven minutes, maybe do some breathing, which is going to help with stress anyway."
The £12 treatment that sees results
When you’re dealing with persistent dandruff, itching or flaking, finding a shampoo that actually works can be more important than having one that simply leaves your hair feeling clean.
That’s where Polytar stands out.
The Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo formula is clinically proven to help treat scalp psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, while also helping to relieve symptoms including itching and scaling.
For anyone who’s tried seemingly every anti-dandruff shampoo going and still finds themselves dealing with flakes or an itchy scalp, this is one old-school treatment that’s clearly not going anywhere.
Rosie Floyd