EastEnders’ Martine McCutcheon ‘never had dandruff again’ after using £12 hair buy

Loved by celebrities and shoppers alike, the budget-friendly shampoo has left users ‘absolutely gobsmacked’ at the results

Dandruff can cause flakiness and irritation, affecting confidence and how our scalp and hair look and feel. While there’s many shampoos and topical products on the market that claim to help, it can be tricky to know where to start.

Now, Love Actually and Eastenders star Martine McCutcheon has shared an affordable £11.99 find she says she used and ‘never had dandruff again.’ The buy Martine is referring to is Polytar’s 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo which claims to be ‘clinically proven to treat Psoriasis, Eczema, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis and itching and scaling.’

Polytar’s shampoo can be purchased for as little as £11.99 for one bottle for those wishing to sample the product, but for haircare fans looking to bag a deal, the brand also sells three bottles for £30.57 (was £35.97) and six bottles priced at £53.95 (was £71.94).

READ MORE

Polystar says the shampoo reduces redness, swelling, and irritation, while also acting as an antiseptic to cleanse the scalp. It works to breaks down excess keratin to reduce scaly skin whilst also offering users a soothing, exfoliating effect that helps to rid the scalp of built up dead skin cells.

Meanwhile, Polytar ambassador Martine opened up to the brand about navigating a sensitive scalp as a child, and the impact it had on her confidence.

The star is reported to have 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.

“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. “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. We all love to wear it; it’s stylish, it hides a multitude of sins, it’s that safe colour that you just know you can look good in.

“But it also shows when you have a flaky scalp. 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.

“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.”

If Polytar doesn’t suit, then elsewhere on the market The Body Shop’s Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo costs £12. Designed to help clear flakes and soothe an itchy scalp, it’s another popular choice.

At the time of writing, at Space NK the Ouai Anti-dandruff Shampoo 300ML has been cut in price to £27.20 from £34. It claims to be a gentle shampoo infused with salicylic acid.

Back to Polytar, and in an Instagram video posted by the brand, Martine says she ‘never had a problem with dandruff again’ after using the product, adding ‘unless I don’t use it.’ It isn’t just Martine who has been left impressed by her results using the shampoo either.

Shoppers have also shared the benefits they’ve noticed using the product online. 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 raved in a five star review: “Definitely improving the condition of my scalp. Very pleased so far.”

A third said: “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. It’s a small bottle but all you need for limited use, an amazing product.”

One deducted a star for a minor concern, writing: “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.”

Despite this, another happy user commented as part of a lengthy review: “Absolutely gobsmacked at the results.”

A final five star review reads: “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.

“I’ve been using it for the past three months, a couple of times per week (I have very short hair) and have no flakes or itching. I hope it works as well for you as it did for me. I does leave my hair a little dry, but I still give it 5 stars because of how effective it is.”

Shop the 4% Coal Tar Scalp Shampoo (150ml) at Polytar.