EastEnders and Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon has revealed that an affordable Polytar shampoo ended her dandruff problems for good. In a video for the brand, she says she "never had a problem with dandruff again" after using it – "unless I don't use it."
The product is Polytar's 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo, which the brand claims is "clinically proven to treat Psoriasis, Eczema, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis and itching and scaling." It is available for £11.99 for a single bottle, with multi-buy deals including three bottles for £30.57 (down from £35.97) and six for £53.95 (was £71.94).
How Polytar shampoo works
According to Polytar, the shampoo reduces redness, swelling and irritation, while acting as an antiseptic to cleanse the scalp. It works by breaking down excess keratin to reduce scaly skin, and offers a soothing, exfoliating effect that helps rid the scalp of built-up dead skin cells.
Martine's childhood scalp battle
Martine, a Polytar ambassador, opened up about having a sensitive scalp as a child. She said: "I battled with a sensitive scalp as a kid. I also had asthma, and I thought it was one of my sensitivities, and it was only when I moved back to London that I realised London’s water is so hard."
She recalled that her symptoms worsened: "My hair just happened to act up, and my scalp had more dandruff flakes. I have really dark hair, and I didn’t know what was going on and why." She added: "It’s not just the state of my scalp and hair that can impact my confidence; it’s also the flakes that can fall onto my clothes, especially when I wear black." Describing an awards show mishap, she said: "I remember realising after an awards show that my black dress looked like I’d been snowed on as my shoulders were covered in flakes. The last thing I wanted to be worrying about was dandruff."
Martine concluded: "Dandruff and a sensitive scalp can be something you really worry about, especially when your hair is part of your job. I knew that because of what I do for a living, it was just another issue that I didn’t need coming back to haunt me. I’m so glad that I went back to Polytar and tried it, because it genuinely does make all the difference."
Other anti-dandruff options
If Polytar doesn't suit, The Body Shop's Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo costs £12 and is designed to help clear flakes and soothe an itchy scalp. At Space NK, the Ouai Anti-dandruff Shampoo 300ml has been cut from £34 to £27.20 at the time of writing, and is described as a gentle shampoo infused with salicylic acid.
Shopper and celebrity fans
Polytar is also a favourite of singer Nicole Scherzinger. Online shoppers have shared similarly positive results. One said: "I've used Polytar shampoo on and off for years. I get itchy, flaky scalp and occasionally psoriasis, and this product always works. I have several part used bottles and tubes of many other 'wonder' products I've tried, but I find that Polytar is the ONLY one that actually works for me."
Another wrote: "Helped discomfort after one use. Recommend by a pharmacist for a family member to help sooth irritated skin behind their ear. After using this product for the FIRST time they felt less discomfort! Now after 3/4 uses the area has cleared, just needing moisturiser."
A further review added: "Absolutely gobsmacked at the results." One five-star review said: "Absolutely brilliant product. I had real problems with dandruff, scaly skin on my ears and scalp. This stopped it all within two weeks of use. I've tried other anti dandruff and medicated shampoos, this is hands down the best."
One shopper deducted a star over a minor concern: "Arrived quickly and in a good sized bottle. I haven’t used it much yet but seems ok so far - although a bit drying on my hair."
The Polytar 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo (150ml) is available from £11.99.
