8 Dry Scalp Treatments to Finally Calm Itching and Flakes
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Is it just me or has everyone been experiencing scalp dryness? One of the most common texts I get from friends, acquaintances, and anyone who knows I'm a beauty editor is something along the lines of: "My scalp is freaking out for XYZ reason—what are the best dry-scalp treatments?" And I get it: I also deal with the occasional dry scalp, where my skin feels tight, irritated, itchy, and inflamed as hell. All of these symptoms are signs of a damaged skin barrier and need to be remedied ASAP.
There's been a greater emphasis on scalp care recently—which, if you ask me, it's about time! Scalp care is skin care ! Still, with the influx of at-home dry scalp treatments hitting shelves, it's difficult to know what is a gimmick and what will actually help. Luckily, you came to the right place.
Below, discover team Cosmo's favorite dry scalp treatments, which include oils , serums, shampoos, and more, along with insights from dermatologists and trichologists into what could be causing your dry scalp.
1) Sienna Naturals Daily Elixir Scalp Treatment Oil
This multi-tasking oil doesn't just soothe and hydrate your scalp, it also helps keep hair moisturized and healthy for enviable shine from root to tip. The targeted nozzle makes it easy to deposit the silky formula directly onto your scalp—yes, even if you have thick hair—so the botanical mix of blue tansy oil, coconut oil, and baobab oil can effectively rebalance your scalp's moisture barrier.
One Cosmo editor says:"My scalp and curls drink up this lightweight oil. It gives my dry scalp the hydration it craves without leaving behind a greasy mess. Plus, a healthy base means my hair is more nourished and soft. The nozzle also really helps the product get through my curls, which is perfect for protective styles."—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
- Made with all-natural botanical ingredients
- Slim nozzle allows for a targeted application
- This might be a bit too heavy for those with fine hair
2) CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
CeraVe may be known for its gentle, ceramide-packed skincare, but did you know the brand also makes hair care? This mellow shampoo helps inflamed scalps, as well as dry hair, get back to baseline with the same ingredients found in most of its skincare products. Ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid rehydrate your scalp while gently cleansing away sweat, oil, and product buildup.
One Cosmo expert says:"This is a fragrance-free gentle shampoo with moisturizing actives like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. I personally use this, and I have eczema prone skin."—BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST DANNY GUO, MD .
- Gentle enough for sensitive scalps and those prone to eczema
- Great for all hair types
- This isn't the best at giving you a deep cleanse
3) Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Scalp Serum for Dry Scalp
Much like how a hydrating facial serum binds water to your skin, this serum does the same—but for your scalp (duh). Plant-based proteins and niacinamide fend off flakes and balance out the microbiome to nourish the scalp, which in turn strengthens your hair, too.
One Cosmo expert says:"This scalp serum is water based but contains glycerin and mineral oils for added moisture. It also includes other quality actives like vitamin C, niacinamide, and panthenol which can support the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection." — Dr. Guo
- Lightweight enough to use every day (non-greasy!)
- The dropper can leak and makes for a messy application
4) Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment Instant Soothe
Don't feel like dropping a ton of cash on your dry-scalp treatment? Same, which is why we're obsessed with this drugstore option from Head & Shoulders. Perfect for treating your scalp between wash days, this cooling spray (which uses menthol, peppermint, and tea tree oil) instantly soothes dry, itchy scalps. Just part your hair in sections and mist it wherever you need some relief, then lightly massage in with your fingertips.
One Cosmo editor says: "Few things feel as good as a scalp cooling spray—seriously! When I can't make it to a head spa this gives my scalp a quick refresh with each invigorating spritz."—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
- Spray bottle makes it easy to target specific dry, itchy patches
- Least expensive option on this list
- Essential oils can cause irritation for some sensitive scalps
5) Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dermatologist Anar Mikailov , MD, recommends this over-the-counter dandruff shampoo for those with dandruff-prone, dry scalps to exfoliate and control excess fungal growth. Why? Because it's filled with two percent salicylic acid to gently lift and remove scales and dead skin, leaving you with a calm, flake-free scalp when you suds up once a week. Although this formula is sulfate-free, it does contain some other harsh surfactants, so make sure to follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
One Cosmo editor says:"Soooo even though I've never struggled with dandruff I still love using this shampoo because it gives my hair and scalp a serious refresh and leaves me with shiny strands."—MH
- Exfoliates flakes and buildup with two percent salicylic acid
- Might be stripping, so follow with a deep conditioner
6) The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but minoxidil is the only topical treatment that can make your hair grow faster, and it can definitely be a bit drying since you have to use it every day to keep seeing results. But you can give this dry-scalp treatment a try, because it includes two peptides to help stimulate collagen production, which can slowly boost your scalp's health and ultimately create an optimal environment for hair growth. Plus, it's filled with moisturizers like glycerin, arginine, and glycine soja-germ extract (an ingredient that helps draw water into your skin) to help ease some dryness and flakes.
One Cosmo editor says:"I started using this because I was tempted by the hair growth benefits, but it has become a staple for how it makes my scalp feel. I didn't even realize I was experiencing tightness! My hair looks fuller and longer now, too." —MH
- Boosts collagen production on your scalp with peptides
- Reviews said it helps reduce irritation
- Some testers said it leaves a greasy residue
7) Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Scalp Remedy Oil
Anyone with 4c hair knows that no matter how gentle and moisturizing a shampoo is, it's still somewhat drying, especially if you're already dealing with an irritated scalp. Enter: This pre-shampoo oil, which combines several oils (meadowfoam seed, babassu, rapeseed, maracujá, and chia seed to be exact) that lock in moisture on your scalp to help offset some of the dryness when you shampoo. Just drip two to three full droppers onto your dry scalp, massage in, then wait 10 to 15 minutes before hopping in the shower to cleanse. Alternatively, leave it on while you sleep for a major scalp-moisturizing moment.
- Smells incredible
- Nourishes scalp and hair
- This is too heavy for fine hair
8) Queenwill Electric Handheld Hair Massager
If harsh actives still feel a bit irritating for your dry scalp, try this handheld scalp massager with soft, silicone bristles. It has two vibrating modes to help gently exfoliate some of the flakes off your scalp (and feels hella relaxing too). Just squirt your shampoo directly onto the teeth, then massage it into your roots in the shower. Or you can also massage all of your scalp treatments and serums into your dry scalp with this tool before bed.
- Gently vibrates to help massage your scalp
- Takes one AA battery that’s not included
9) How to choose the best dry-scalp treatment:
Look for moisturizing ingredients
Make sure your dry-scalp treatments includes one of these dermatologist-approved moisturizers: (1) humectants, like hyaluronic acid, honey, panthenol, and glycerin; (2) rich butters, like shea butter and cocoa butter; and (3) penetrating oils, like argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. All of these will actually help hydrate your skin, while sealants (like castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil) help lock in moisture and prevent water loss that can lead to a disrupted skin barrier and irritation.
Consider your hair porosity
Quick lesson: Hair porosity is all about how much moisture your hair can hold. Low-porosity hair has a difficult time absorbing anything, while high-porosity hair soaks up water, creams, and custards like a sponge. That said, you can sometimes get a dry scalp, even if your hair is super low porosity and typically oily. In that case, look for lightweight serums, not oils, to help moisturize and soothe your scalp. But if your hair is high-porosity and already on the drier side, feel free to load up your scalp with heavier oils and butters to not only increase moisture but help lock in water.
FAQs
What causes dry scalp?
Dry scalp is essentially caused by lack of hydration. "Like our skin, our scalp can become dehydrated and get flaky," explains Dr. Mikailov. Dry skin on your scalp could occur after something as simple as shampooing without conditioner, washing and shampooing too frequently, or using shampoos that contain harsh, drying ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (aka sulfates) and synthetic fragrance. You could even experience scalp dryness and irritation from hair dye and buildup from too much dry shampoo or hairspray.
Scalp dryness can also be a symptom of another bigger scalp concern. For example, psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune condition) can lead to much thicker scales that are extremely itchy and can cause some inflammation and bleeding if peeled off. FYI, though, if you think you have scalp psoriasis, set up an appointment with your dermatologist, because you'll likely require prescription medication (like a topical steroid) to treat the scaling. Similarly, dry scalp can be a result of dandruff, which brings us to…
How can you tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
The difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff is caused by an overproduction of yeast, while dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick , MD. "Dandruff typically results in inflammation and excess oil on your scalp and may appear as thick, yellow-tinged greasy scales that stick in your hair and can sometimes clump together," she explains, "while dry scalp tends to feel tight, itchy, and irritated, and might have white patches or flakes," rather than the oily plaques you get with dandruff.
But keep in mind that you can have both dandruff and a dry scalp, which is exactly why a dermatologist is the best person to help you figure out what you're dealing with. Dandruff with a dry scalp can look like a combination of both: Maybe you'll have thick, oily scales with an itchy, irritated scalp that feels tight. Or maybe your dandruff swings back and forth between oily and dry, depending on the seasons. That being said, each concern requires different treatment.
"Those with dandruff should consider treatments containing exfoliating ingredients, like salicylic acid, as well as medicated antifungals, like ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, and selenium sulfide," says Dr. Garshick. "On the other hand, for dry scalp, look for soothers, including aloe vera and centella asiatica, to help with itch; exfoliators—like salicylic acid and salt or sugar-based scrubs—to slough off dead skin; and moisturizers, like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, to hydrate your skin."
How can you rehydrate a dry scalp?
There are quite a few things you can do to rehydrate your scalp. Clinical trichologist Emily DeNard first recommends taking a holistic approach by drinking enough water to "support overall skin hydration" and eating a balanced diet full of "sufficient protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals."
On wash days, DeNard says to avoid rinsing with very hot water, which can "strip the scalp's protective oils and increase moisture loss." Instead, wash with lukewarm water and a pH-balanced shampoo. "Leave-on hydrating scalp serums and weekly pre-shampoo oil treatments can also help support the scalp's moisture barrier," she adds. Any of the products listed above are a great place to start.
Should I see a dermatologist for my scalp?
You should see a dermatologist for your dry scalp if over-the-counter treatments (like the scalp serums, oils, and shampoos listed above) aren't relieving the dryness, or if you're also experiencing itchy, inflamed patches or plaques, says Dr. Garshick. "Speak to a board-certified dermatologist, as sometimes further evaluation with patch-testing, in the event your dryness is caused by allergies, or a prescription medication may be needed if you have persistent dandruff or psoriasis," she says.
What happens if dry scalp goes untreated?
A dry scalp isn't something you should ignore. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can lead to some more severe health issues down the line if not addressed. "Untreated dryness can lead to persistent tightness, itching, flaking, sensitivity, and irritation," says DeNard. "Repeated scratching may create small abrasions or further damage the skin barrier. Scratching and friction can also cause hair breakage or temporary shedding." Take this as your sign to give your scalp some love!
Meet the experts:
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Danny Guo, MD ,is a double-board-certified dermatologist.
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Anar Mikailov ,MD, is not only a board-certified derMassachusettstologist at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, MA, but also the founder of KP Away , a skincare line devoted to treating keratosis pilaris .
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Marisa Garshick , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell . Dr. Garshick specializes in general medical dermatology as well as cosmetic dermatology.
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Emily DeNardis a clinical trichologist and founder of Emunah Beauty.
Why trust Cosmopolitan ?
Mary Honkusis a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair . She's an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she consulted with trichologists and dermatologists to determine the best products to remedy a dry scalp.
Beth Gilletteis the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly five years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from shampoo for oily hair to hair-growth shampoo . She's an authority on all hair categories but is an expert when it comes to dry-scalp treatments, thanks to years of dealing with her own itchy, flaky scalp. She regularly tests and analyzes scalp products' efficacy, while working with the industry's top dermatologists and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
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