As someone who relies on heat styling [1] to perfect my hair, it's no secret that my scalp goes through the wringer. For years, I would prioritise the ends of my hair to avoid split ends [2], often forgetting that the scalp also takes the brunt of the damage. I used to think my scalp was very oily, but it turns out that I have a dry scalp that's overcompensating for my hair-care habits. My scalp was dry and flaky yet oily at the same time, all while feeling irritatingly itchy. To treat my imbalanced scalp, I would use clarifying shampoos [3], and it would dry out my scalp even more. Clearly, I was stuck in an endless cycle.
I've been a huge fan of Fable and Mane [4] hair care ever since I tested out the Ayurvedic-inspired line [5]. I'm obsessed with their bestselling HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil [6] — it smells absolutely heavenly. In fact, the brand's HoliRoots Hair Mask [7] won a Popsugar Beauty Award for the Best Hair Mask in Conscious Beauty. Their newest release, the SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum [8], seemed like the perfect product for my scalp issues. Its goal is to nourish a dry, flaky scalp and soothe itchiness for a balanced and healthy scalp — it's exactly what I needed. So, I put it to the test. Keep reading for my in-depth review.
What's in the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
The Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum [10] ($34) is a lightweight oil treatment that is supposed to be used mainly on the scalp for nourishing dryness and flakiness while soothing itchiness. Its texture is nourishing like oil yet weightless and fast-absorbing like a serum. It has nourishing ingredients, including vitamin C-rich amla, bakuchi, aloe, and turmeric. All hair types and textures can use this, including those with colour-treated hair and sensitive scalp.
How I Use the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
I like to use the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum [11] ($34) the night before I wash my hair. I part my hair down the middle and use one dropper full from the crown of my head to the nape of my neck and massage it in. I do the same thing while parting my hair on each side using a dropper full of the serum. I concentrate the serum on my scalp and really massage it in making sure my roots are getting all the nourishment. In total, I use around three-four dropper fulls of the serum on my scalp for a deep conditioning treatment and any excess I bring down to the ends of my hair. I sleep with it in my hair overnight and wash it the next day.
Pro Tip: If you have any dry spots on your scalp or want to give your scalp a boost of nourishment, use a two-three drops of the serum and massage it into your scalp for instant hydration without weighing down the hair.
My Results After Using the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
After washing out the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum [12] ($34), I immediately noticed that my scalp didn't have that squeaky clean feel but more of a hydrated and soft texture. My scalp didn't feel or look flaky and dry either. It looked and felt like I put a hyaluronic serum on my scalp, yet my hair did not look or feel weighed down. I noticed that it was easier to glide through my hair while heat styling as well. Even after a few days, when my scalp usually wreaks havoc, I felt no itchiness and the flakes practically diminished. My scalp clearly needed this, and I'm absolutely hooked, so I bought two more bottles.
The Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum Also Smells Good
Just like the HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil, it has a heavenly scent. The Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum [13] ($34) has a fresh floral scent, with notes of fresh blackcurrant, tea rose, orange blossom, and woody amber.