Australian haircare brand Straand takes a refreshingly skin-first approach to hair, concentrating on the scalp as the foundation for healthier-looking locks. Its formulas are designed around the scalp microbiome, with a focus on hydration, balance and keeping irritation and flakes under control. The result is haircare that feels a little more considered than simply shampoo, condition and hope for the best.

The Scalp Care Starter Kit (pictured above) is an excellent introduction to the brand, bringing together the Crown Cleanse Shampoo, Crown Boost Conditioning Treatment and Crown Fix Scalp Serum. It’s a straightforward three-step ritual designed to cleanse, nourish and protect, and is particularly appealing if your scalp tends towards dryness, oiliness or irritation.

The peppermint-and-rosemary-infused cleanse leaves the scalp feeling fresh, while the conditioner puts softness and moisture back into hair. The kit is also a clever way to trial the system without committing to a full-sized arsenal.

The Crown Cleanse Shampoo is the true workhorse here: a sulfate-free formula containing salicylic acid to help tackle buildup and flakes, alongside hydrating ingredients and oils. It gives that satisfying clean-scalp feeling without the aggressively stripped sensation some clarifying shampoos can leave behind.

Then there’s The Crown Fix Scalp Serum, arguably the standout. Lightweight, fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, it is applied directly to the scalp and left in, helping soothe itchiness and dryness while supporting the scalp barrier. It disappears without greasy residue, which is a bonus.

My verdict: Straand is a welcome addition to my haircare regime; it makes scalp care feel less like a chore and more like a beauty ritual proper. A smart choice for anyone wanting healthier roots, calmer skin on their head, and of course hair that feels noticeably better.

Lisa Andrews

Straand products are available at Priceline stores nationwide. For more information and pricing visit straand.com.au.

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