Scalp Peel

Scalp Peel

Do white flakes on your shoulders, an itchy scalp or greasy roots by evening keep coming back, whatever shampoo you try? A scalp peel is a clinic treatment that applies exfoliating acids to lift away flakes, oil and product build-up, leaving your scalp clean, calm and comfortable again.

Best for dandruff, an itchy or oily scalp and product build-up.

Scalp Peel at a glance

  • Aesthetic-trained doctors
  • Female doctors available
  • Genuine, sealed products
  • 12 clinics, 7 cities
Sessions
4–6 sessions, a few weeks apart
Appointment
About 30 minutes
Downtime
None: back to normal straight away
Results show
Fresher scalp from the first visit
Results last
Weeks; dandruff shampoo helps
Comfort
Mild tingling; no numbing

What can a scalp peel help with?

Dandruff and flakingFar fewer visible flakes.
An itchy scalpCalm, comfortable skin with less itching.
Oily, greasy rootsRoots that stay fresh for longer.
Product build-upA clean scalp and lighter, shinier hair.

How does a scalp peel work?

Your doctor applies a peel, usually based on salicylic acid, to the scalp, leaves it for a few minutes and then rinses it off. It dissolves the dead skin and oil that clump together as flakes, and clears the residue left by styling products.

Dandruff is linked to scalp oil and Malassezia, a yeast that lives on everyone’s skin. Dermatologists recommend salicylic acid for dandruff, and in a study of a salicylic acid scalp treatment, dandruff and itching scores more than halved within four weeks. The right shampoo at home keeps the results going.

Who shouldn’t have a scalp peel?

It isn’t suitable during pregnancy, with broken skin, sores or an infection on the scalp, a sunburnt scalp, or an allergy to aspirin or salicylic acid. Thick, red, scaly patches may be psoriasis, so your doctor diagnoses those first.

Scalp peel, step by step

  1. Free consultation: your doctor checks whether it is dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.
  2. Preparation: your hair is parted in sections so the peel reaches the scalp.
  3. Treatment: the peel stays on for a few minutes, about 30 minutes in all.
  4. Course: usually 4–6 sessions, a few weeks apart.
  5. At home: the dandruff shampoo your doctor suggests keeps flakes away.

Results and recovery

Your scalp feels cleaner and lighter after the very first session, and flaking and itching ease further over the course. Dandruff likes to return, so a dandruff shampoo once or twice a week keeps your scalp fresh and your results lasting.

There is no downtime. A mild tingle during the peel is normal, and slight redness or dryness can last a day or two.

Aftercare

  • Skip washing your hair until the next day
  • No hair colour or rebonding for a week
  • Don’t scratch or pick at loose flakes
  • Cover your scalp in strong sun

Why choose Cutera Aesthetics

  • Doctor-led: your scalp peel treatment is assessed, planned and performed by our qualified doctors.
  • Free consultation: an honest assessment and a clear plan before you commit to anything.
  • A plan made for you: your treatment is tailored to your goals, your skin and your health.
  • 12 clinics in 7 cities: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Hyderabad and Sialkot. Find your nearest clinic.
Sources
  1. American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat dandruff. Dandruff ingredients, including salicylic acid, and when to see a dermatologist.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology. Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment. How dermatologists treat and prevent flare-ups.
  3. Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology, 2015; 3(2).
  4. Ge L, Liu Z, Xu S, et al. A cohort clinical study on the efficacy of topical salicylic acid/piroctone olamine dandruff pre-gel and cleanser in improving symptoms of moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025; 24(1): e16742. A small study of 20 patients.
  5. American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss: who gets and causes. The common causes of hair loss.

Better together

Treatments often combined with Scalp Peel.

Keravive: Scalp HydraFacialDeep-cleans and hydrates the scalp.Exosomes for HairAdds growth signals for thicker, stronger hair.PRGF Hair TreatmentSupports stronger, thicker hair.

Patient stories

Scalp peel: your questions answered

How much does a scalp peel cost in Pakistan?

The price depends on the peel used and how many sessions your scalp needs. You get the full figure at your free consultation, with nothing done before you agree. Most people have a course of four to six, so ask about the cost of the full course.

Is a scalp peel worth it?

Yes, for stubborn dandruff, an oily scalp or heavy build-up: it clears your scalp with no downtime. It isn’t a treatment for thinning hair, though; for that, scalp microneedling is the better choice once your doctor finds the cause.

Does a scalp peel hurt?

No. Most people feel a mild tingle or warmth for a few minutes while the peel is on, which fades once it is rinsed off. No numbing is needed.

How long does a scalp peel take to work?

Your scalp feels cleaner after the first session. Flaking and itching ease over the first few sessions, especially when you also use the dandruff shampoo your doctor suggests.

How long does a scalp peel last?

A few weeks per session. Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis like to come back, so a dandruff shampoo once or twice a week keeps flakes under control, with a top-up peel whenever a flare returns.

Is a scalp peel safe? What are the side effects?

Yes, it is a gentle treatment when a doctor chooses the right peel. Expect a mild tingle, and sometimes slight redness or dryness for a day or two. It isn’t used in pregnancy, on broken skin, or with an aspirin allergy.

Can a scalp peel stop hair fall?

Not on its own. A clean, calm scalp is a great start, but hair fall usually has another cause: inherited thinning, hormonal change, iron deficiency, thyroid disease or stress. Your doctor finds the cause first and plans the right treatment around it.

Is it dandruff or just a dry scalp?

A dry scalp gives small, fine flakes and feels tight, and often improves with a gentler shampoo. Dandruff flakes are larger, often oily and itchy, and linked to scalp oil and yeast. Your doctor tells them apart at your consultation.

Scalp peel vs Keravive: which should I choose?

A scalp peel targets flakes and oil head-on, so it suits stubborn dandruff. Keravive is a gentle cleanse with hydration and peptides, so it suits a flat, oily scalp. Your doctor can combine them for the freshest result.

Can I have a scalp peel if my hair is coloured or rebonded?

Yes, with a little spacing. Leave about a week between a peel and any colour, bleach or rebonding, so your scalp stays comfortable. Tell your doctor about any recent chemical treatments.

Will I still need dandruff shampoo after a scalp peel?

Yes. Dermatologists advise carrying on with a dandruff shampoo, often once a week, to keep flare-ups away. Your doctor tells you which shampoo and how often, to suit your scalp and hair type.

Can I have a scalp peel before my wedding?

Yes. Start the course about two to three months earlier for a calmer scalp, and have your last session about a week before the day, so any redness or dryness has gone before styling.

Ready when you are

Book your free Scalp Peel consultation

A doctor checks your skin and goals first. No obligation.

  • Mon–Sat, 11:30 AM – 9 PM
  • 4.8 on Google (8,309 reviews)
  • 12 clinics in 7 cities
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Open Mon–Sat, 11:30 AM – 9 PM

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12 clinics in 7 cities

Karachi3 clinics4.8
Lahore3 clinics4.8
Islamabad2 clinics4.9
RawalpindiSaddar4.9
FaisalabadKohinoor City4.9
HyderabadAuto Bahn Road4.9
SialkotSialkot Cantt4.9
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