Everyday, you see it first
Flakes on the shoulder. Redness around the hairline. That subtle scratch. As a trusted professional, your clients often turn to you, not just for hair advice, but for scalp health, too.
Scalp Health Resources for Your Salon
We’ve created a free education pack for barbers and stylists who want to feel more confident when it comes to their clients' scalp care
About Polytar
Polytar is a coal tar-based medicated shampoo that’s been trusted in the UK for over 60 years. It’s dermatologically tested, licensed, and available without prescription making it easy to recommend when clients need a gentle, effective option.
Coal Tar Solution 4%
A natural, thick oil with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itch properties. It cleanses and soothes the scalp while slowing excessive skin cell growth to reduce itching and irritation.
✅ Anti-inflammatory
Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation from scalp conditions.
✅ Antiseptic
Cleanses the scalp and helps prevent infection.
✅ Keratolytic
Breaks down excess keratin to reduce thickened, scaly skin.
✅ Antipruritic
Soothes the scalp to relieve persistent itching.
✅ Exfoliating
Promotes natural shedding of dead skin cells to reduce build up and dryness.
How to use Polytar
Advise clients to apply once or twice a week to alleviate scalp condition symptoms. If symptoms persist, consult your GP.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
Apply Shampoo. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather.
Gently massage the scalp and surrounding areas with your fingertips.
Leave on the scalp for 3-5 minutes
Rinse and repeat steps 2-5 once.
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Common Questions
Polytar is formulated to help manage scalp conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
For best results, use Polytar 1-2 times per week or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Polytar is designed for use 1-2 times a week, but for daily concerns, consult with your dermatologist.
Yes, Polytar is generally safe for colour-treated hair, but a patch test is recommended.
Polytar has a distinctive coal tar scent, which fades after rinsing.
Leave the shampoo on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing for maximum effectiveness.
Polytar is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age. Consult a healthcare provider for younger children.
Yes, Polytar can be used alongside other treatments, but consult your dermatologist to ensure compatibility.
Talk to your GP before using Polytar if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
*Do not use if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Coal tar solution 4% (w/w)
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Phosphate Dihydrate, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Benzyl Alcohol (1% w/w), Macrogol 150 Distearate, Hexylene Glycol, Oleyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Fragrance oil (contains: Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone (3-Methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one), Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal (Hexyl cinnamaldehyde), Benzyl salicylate, Benzyl benzoate, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Benzyl alcohol, Amyl cinnamal, Amylcinnamyl alcohol, Anisyl alcohol (Anise alcohol), Benzyl cinnamate, Cinnamal, Cinnamyl alcohol, Citral, Farnesol) and Purified Water.
You have had an allergic reaction to coal tar or any other listed ingredients.
You have infected, open, or damaged skin or pus-filled blisters (pustules).
You are under 12 years old.
You have sensitive, broken, or inflamed skin, as it may cause irritation.
Discontinue use if irritation develops.
Contact with eyes occurs rinse thoroughly with clean water.
You are exposed to strong sunlight or sunbeds, as coal tar may increase sun sensitivity.
You are wearing clothes or using fabrics (like bedding) exposed to Polytar, as it may cause staining or increase flammability.
You are taking medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as:
- Thiazide diuretics (water tablets)
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Phenothiazine tranquilisers