We all know Head & Shoulders as the trusty anti-dandruff brand that actually works. It’s something many of us reach for when our scalps are feeling itchy, flaky or dry. But did you know that scalp issues are also central to hair thinning? From everyday stress, diet and ageing to hormonal and postpartum changes, there are all sorts of reasons behind our manes thinning out. And while so much of our focus goes on repairing dry and damaged hair, we should be concentrating on the scalp, where 99% of hair strength comes from. If the scalp is dry, it could leave hair roots undernourished and cause the hair anagen (or growing) phase to become shorter, leading to premature thinning. And although it happens to almost everyone at some point, hair dropping out can leave us feeling pretty flat.
That’s why Head & Shoulders has come up with a three-step routine to combat hair thinning: the new Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser collection. This range does more than simply moisturise the scalp - it seals in moisture and revitalises the roots, promising up to 95% less hair fall*. Sounds good so far, doesn’t it? Well, it gets even better. The shampoo, conditioner and leave-on Scalp & Hair Revitaliser are infused with skincare hero ingredient niacinamide, which is well-known for its ability to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. There’s also vitamin E, which is known for its improvement of the barrier function, plus good old aloe, which alleviates dry, itchy skin. The leave-on treatment also contains caffeine - hey, if it wakes us up every day, why shouldn’t it energise our scalps, too?
The three-step shampoo, conditioner and caffeine and niacinamide leave-on treatment routine promises thicker and stronger hair fibres in just one use - and improved hair quality in four weeks. But does it actually work? We decided to put the range to the test, and see if it can live up to those claims…
The Products
- Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Shampoo
- Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Conditioner
- Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Treatment
The Reviews
Nitasha, Condé Nast’s Director of Global Corporate Strategy: “Derma XPRO is a three-step treatment that promises to give you thicker, stronger hair in one use - and I’m pleasantly surprised to say that it actually does live up to its claims! I gave the leave-in treatment a try for a couple of weeks, applying before bed before every hair wash day and washing off in the morning with the Derma XPRO shampoo and conditioner. First off, the product is super easy to apply straight from the bottle and it smells amazing. On top of that, it felt really soothing and moisturising on my scalp, and I definitely noticed less hairfall in my brush and on the floors! My hair also feels stronger, which as a heat addict is great news for me. This feels like a specialist product from Head & Shoulders and I’d say it’s worth the investment - give it a try!” Rating: 9/10
Shei, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer: “As someone who wears protective hair styles a lot, my scalp is often compromised and it regularly needs to be revitalised, so Head & Shoulders’ new Derma XPRO range landed on my desk at the perfect time. I start off by lathering the foamy shampoo all over my 4b/4c Afro coils roots to tip, and gently massing it all over the scalp. A little squeeze of the bottle gives you just the right amount for your full head, though if you have long hair or a big Afro like me, you might need two). I’m obsessed with the fresh minty scent that is released upon application. The conditioner leaves your hair feeling softer, with no tangling in sight. You can almost feel the caffeine working through your scalp as this refreshing, tingling sensation takes over. I leave it for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with no issues and without having to overly lather, unlike with some very foamy shampoos and conditioners. After, I apply the caffeine & niacinamide Scalp Revitaliser, which moisturised my dry scalp, again with that soothing tingling feeling on my head. The comforting sensation during and after use of this new Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO range compares to the feeling you get after receiving a head massage at the hair salon - impressive.” Rating: 8.5/10
Chelsea, GLAMOUR’s Senior Visual Editor: “Naturally, my hair is fairly thin and limp, not the greatest for holding the big bouncy waves I love so much. Any treatment that promises to help growth and reduce fallout by up to 95% is a winner for me. I rarely use Head & Shoulders hair products, just because I usually stick to my usuals, but I was so surprised by the quality. It felt professional and smelt absolutely amazing - it really does feel like a salon at-home experience. I used the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment for a few weeks over the festive period and now, after around three weeks I can honestly say my hair feels considerably healthier. It feels thicker, more durable and it has much more shine. This product is here to stay on my bathroom shelves.” Rating: 8/10
Ella, Conde Nast's Head of Marketing: “To be honest, when I saw the Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser collection I was skeptical. I’m a curly girl through and through - I only ever wear my hair natural and I stick to the ‘Wash and Go’ method, so for me, a great product that is suitable for my hair type is vital. My hair is really fine though, so when I saw that the collection was proven to deliver thicker and stronger hair fibres, I was intrigued. I used the shampoo and conditioner, which I followed up with my normal hair care routine. The products smelt lovely, but I noticed that initially after the wash, my scalp was tingling - which surprised me at first, but it soon subsided. Before bed, I applied the leave-on treatment to my scalp and in the morning, I assessed how my curls were looking! I may have lost some definition and shape to my curls, but my hair did feel moisturised, clean and full.” Rating: 6/10
Saffy, Condé Nast Events Manager: “2023 is the year I vowed to myself to finally start taking my haircare more seriously. Coming out of a seriously busy few months meant my hair was feeling neglected and as I edge further into my late twenties, I’ve definitely noticed my notoriously fine hair start to feel even more so. It’s safe to say Head & Shoulders Derma XPRO couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. The three-step routine, Hair & Scalp Revitaliser Shampoo, Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Conditioner and Hair Revitaliser, is said to deliver thicker and stronger hair fibres in just one use, and this I can definitely agree with. After my usual double wash and condition, my hair was left smelling super fresh and once quickly blow dried it did look fuller. The Hair Revitaliser had the same fresh scent and was perfect for those days in-between washes to give my roots a boost, or even overnight to hydrate and energise thanks to the blend of caffeine and niacinamide. Over the weeks my hair did truly feel stronger, with less breakage.”
Does It Work?
The range focuses on scalp health as a foundation for hair strength. By targeting dryness and the moisture barrier with niacinamide and vitamin E, while caffeine provides a tingling, energising sensation, the routine aims to reduce hair fall and improve perceived thickness and strength. Real-user testimonials in the provided material broadly support improved scalp comfort, reduced shedding on brushing, and subjective improvements in thickness and shine after several weeks of use.
Practical notes
- Three-step regimen: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-on Scalp Revitaliser
- Key actives: niacinamide, vitamin E, aloe, caffeine
- Claims: up to 95% less hair fall, thicker and stronger hair fibres in one use, further improvements in four weeks
In summary, the Derma XPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser collection can be a valuable addition for those experiencing scalp dryness, itchiness, or early thinning, especially when paired with a broader routine that supports scalp health. While outcomes vary by individual, many users report tangible benefits in hair feel, strength, and perceived thickness after consistent use.
