8 Dry Scalp Treatments Dermatologists Swear By

• Hair
• Scalp Care

By

Caitlin Duggan

Caitlin Duggan

Caitlin is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things hair, from scalp health to the latest color trends.

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Published on 01/13/23 07:00AM

Medically reviewed by

Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD

Medically reviewed by
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD

Rachel is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more

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It’s a common but uncomfortable moment: You scratch your head to soothe an itch, only to find endless flakes that land on your shoulders and beyond. There are many causes for scalp flaking and itching, the most common being everyday dandruff, followed by seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, if you don’t have any of these conditions, the source of these issues can sometimes be as simple as a dry or irritated scalp.

Meet the Expert

• Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Maei MD.
• Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles and the founder of Ava M, Skin Five, and The Box by Dr. Ava.

The underlying cause of your scalp dryness will determine the degree to which you experience symptoms and will influence the correct course of treatment. Unlike yeast or bacteria-fueled dandruff, a dry scalp can result from many things, including using a harsh shampoo, sensitivity to fragrance, low humidity in the air, taking long or hot showers, certain medications, hormonal changes, and advanced age. When it comes to scalp dryness, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban says all of the associated conditions involve some form of dysregulation of skin cell turnover and low sebum production.

Our experts caution that several conditions may appear to be dry scalp but are actually something more serious. “If dry scalp is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to see a dermatologist to rule out a more serious diagnosis and ensure that whatever is causing the problem is appropriately treated,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus shares.

With that in mind, we asked both experts for their advice on how to treat a dry scalp. Keep reading to learn eight dry scalp treatments dermatologists swear by.

01
of 08

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers

At the end of a long day, a hot shower can be just the thing to help you unwind. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re enjoying the soothing heat of a shower, but our experts warn this can be a cause if you’re experiencing scalp dryness. “Limiting time in the shower and using warm, but not hot water may help. Overly hot showers can exacerbate dry skin, including dry scalp,” Marcus explains.

In addition to the temperature and length of your showers, you may also want to evaluate how often you wash your hair. “If your scalp is extremely dry, it may help to wash less frequently, maybe every other day instead of daily,” Marcus shares. Consider using a shower cap to protect your scalp when you shower and don’t plan to wash your hair.

02
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Use an Oil Treatment

Dry scalps can benefit from added moisture in the form of an oil treatment. Marcus says applying an oil, like castor or coconut oil, directly to the scalp can help soften flakes and ultimately help to repair the skin barrier. Coconut oil, in particular, is deeply nourishing to both the scalp and hair. Some hair oils contain ingredients, like rosemary oil, which may also have added benefits like promoting hair growth in addition to hydration.  

If you want to maximize the benefits of an oil, Shamban recommends creating a hot oil treatment. To do this, carefully warm the oil before applying it to your scalp (make sure the temperature isn’t too hot), then cover your hair with a shower cap and apply heat using a blow dryer or hot steam from the shower. Shamban recommends the Philip B Rejuvenating Oil, which she calls a “heavenly life-saver.”

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03
of 08

Use a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Shampoo

Dryness, itching, and even flaking can be from irritation, Shamban shares. She adds that harsh products with chemicals, excessive sulfates, or fragrances can create dryness and the same effects. Marcus agrees and recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, as this can help to repair the skin barrier if you have sensitive skin and experience irritation from harsh shampoos and common irritants.

If changing to a gentle shampoo does not improve your scalp irritation or you experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it’s time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. “If it’s inflamed, red, and scaly, it may be a condition beyond dry scalp. Dry scalp is often confused with dandruff or the more severe inflammatory condition known as seborrheic dermatitis,” Shamban cautions.

04
of 08

Add a Hydrating Hair Serum

Hair serums can treat a variety of hair concerns, and Shamban says some hydrating hair serums may also benefit the scalp. Specifically, she recommends The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum ($14), which is designed to be applied from roots to ends. If a product’s instructions don’t say to apply it to the scalp, it’s best to follow this, as it may contribute to buildup. While it may seem harmless, excessive product buildup can create dryness, worsening your initial problem.

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05
of 08

Try a Gentle Scalp Exfoliator

Many people love scratching their scalp while shampooing, but this can make flaking worse. Scratching may help to dislodge the flakes, but the damage it causes to the skin barrier will promote the creation of more dry skin as the scalp heals. Instead of using your nails, seek out scrubs and shampoos designed to gently exfoliate the flakes away without causing further damage.

A salicylic acid shampoo can help to loosen flakes, and a gentle scalp scrub can also help to wash them away, Marcus explains. Shamban agrees and adds that using a light scrub on your scalp can help to avoid buildup. Shamban recommends the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ($42), a two-in-one shampoo and scrub.

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06
of 08

Try a Keravive Scalp Treatment

If dry scalp is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to see a dermatologist to rule out a more serious diagnosis. Another benefit of consulting your dermatologist? They have access to more intensive treatments to help your condition. “A dermatologist may prescribe a topical steroid to help control flaking on the scalp,” Marcus shares.

Your dermatologist will be able to rule out more serious conditions and then pursue a more rigorous regimen for your scalp dryness, which may include in-office treatments like the HydraFacial Keravive Scalp Treatment. The HydraFacial Keravive will clean the scalp, infuse moisture, and seal in nourishment to help heal and calm a dry, itchy scalp, Shamban explains.

07
of 08

Massage the Scalp

Massaging your scalp can provide many benefits. Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the area, which is believed to relieve tension and potentially promote new hair growth. When it comes to dry scalp treatment, massaging can help clear buildup that may cause dryness and help loosen flakes without causing irritation. Shamban recommends that you massage your scalp with your fingertips nightly, but you can also consider an in-shower scalp massager to use when you shampoo.

08
of 08

Receive Red Light Therapy

LED light treatments are popular for their use on the face to treat a variety of concerns. Red light therapy has been used to treat irritation and inflammation in the face, so it’s easy to see where it may be helpful for similar scalp issues as well. Shamban recommends red light treatment for the scalp, and there are both in-office and at-home options for treatment.

At-home red light therapy machines can be pricey, so consult your dermatologist before investing in one. It’s important to ensure you know what you’re dealing with, as certain scalp conditions require prescription medication or creams for effective treatment.

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FAQ

• A dry scalp can be the result of many things, including using a harsh shampoo, sensitivity to fragrance, low humidity in the air, taking long or hot showers, certain medications, hormonal changes, and advanced age.

• Scalp dryness can be indicative of more serious scalp conditions, such as everyday dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more.

• If you experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it’s time to visit a board-certified dermatologist.

The 16 Best Scalp Scrubs of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Kim I-H, Kim T-Y, Ko Y-W. The effect of a scalp massage on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy female. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016;28(10):2703-2707. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.2703

Home Remedies for Dry Scalp: Easy and Helpful Tips

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To help relieve inflammation and itchiness, there are several remedies for dry scalp you can try at home.

The telltale sign of a dry scalp is persistent itchiness, but it may also be accompanied by dandruff, soreness, and hair loss.

Dry scalp can have a number of different causes, though the most common is a reaction to the change in weather or a harsh ingredient in hair care products.

Sometimes, something as simple as washing your hair every day or not drinking enough water can be the cause, though medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis could also be the reason.

No matter the cause, we’ve put together some solutions for at-home treatment you can try to treat your dry scalp.

Coconut oil has long been used for its skin health benefits, and dry scalp is no exception. It can moisturize the scalp, and its antifungal and antibacterial properties can help reduce the risk of infections. Research shows it may even significantly help treat atopic dermatitis.

Where to buy: Coconut oil is available at grocery stores and online.

How to use: Apply a small amount of melted coconut oil directly to your scalp, massaging it into the skin. Leave it to sit for at least 10 minutes before washing your hair as you usually would. Not only will this help with dry scalp, but it will also leave your hair silky smooth.

Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic, antifungal, and antibiotic properties that can relieve dry scalp and its symptoms. It’s why many dandruff shampoos have tea tree oil in them.

Where to buy: You can purchase tea tree oil as an essential oil from many drugstores, as well as online at retailers like Amazon. It’s also possible to find shampoos that contain tea tree oil as an active ingredient that may be marketed for people with dry scalp.

How to use: You can use one of these products or mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it out.

Aloe vera has a number of properties that can help with dry scalp. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation, and it’s also an effective moisturizing agent.

Where to buy: You can buy hair care products containing aloe vera or buy pure aloe vera gel online and in many stores.

How to use: Apply it topically to your scalp, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it out. You can also take oral aloe vera supplements or drink aloe vera juice, but keep in mind that they can act as a laxative.

Apple cider vinegar has several great health benefits that can reduce symptoms of dry scalp.

It’s antimicrobial, which means it can eliminate the bacteria or fungi that could cause itchiness. It’s also anti-inflammatory, and it can help exfoliate your scalp, both of which can help treat dry scalp itself.

Where to buy: You can find apple cider vinegar in most stores and online.

How to use: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and apply it directly to your scalp. Let it sit for 5 minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo and conditioning your hair like usual.

Witch hazel is often marketed in anti-itch products designed for dry and sensitive skin, and it’s historically been used in herbal medicine.

You can use it to decrease inflammation that could be causing dry scalp from certain conditions. It also has powerful astringent properties that may soothe symptoms of dry scalp.

Where to buy: Witch hazel can be purchased online on its own in a liquid form or be found in a number of soaps and lotions.

How to use: Mix 1 part liquid witch hazel with 2 parts water or carrier oil. Massage it thoroughly into your scalp and let it sit for 5 minutes before washing your hair as you usually would.

Olive oil is moisturizing, and baking soda has antifungal and antibacterial properties. The two together can exfoliate your scalp.

The baking soda and olive oil combination is a good choice if you have dandruff alongside dry scalp, as the moisture, exfoliation, and antifungal properties combined can treat those itchy white flakes.

Where to buy: You can purchase both baking soda and olive oil at a grocery store.

How to use: Mix equal parts baking soda and olive oil together and thoroughly massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 5 minutes before washing your hair well with shampoo and conditioner to remove all the residue.

Bananas are nourishing and moisturizing, making them a great treatment for dry scalp and even dandruff.

In addition to being moisturizing, they’re a natural antimicrobial. The two benefits combined can help clear up your dry scalp.

Where to buy: You can buy bananas at a grocery store.

How to use: Mash or blend a banana with a few tablespoons of coconut or olive oil. Blending it will make it easier to rinse out of your hair. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Though this may sound like breakfast, yogurt and eggs both have unique benefits that can relieve dry scalp.

Yogurt is soothing on the skin and can also be exfoliating, while the fat and protein content in eggs can nourish and protect the scalp by preventing free radical damage at the cellular level.

Where to buy: You can purchase both yogurt and eggs at a grocery store.

How to use: Use a few tablespoons of plain, unflavored yogurt with no added sugar and mix in one well-beaten egg. Massage it into your hair and scalp, and wait 10 minutes before washing it out. Rinse with lukewarm or cold water, or the egg may cook and can be difficult to remove from your hair.

Like coconut oil, jojoba oil can be an effective moisturizer that can relieve dry scalp quickly. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may treat skin conditions affecting the scalp.

Where to buy: You can find jojoba oil in stores and online, often in liquid form.

How to use: To use it for dry scalp, you can add a few drops of jojoba oil to your shampoo. This will allow for regular hydration and prevent your shampoo from drying out your scalp further.

Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can both moisturize and protect your skin. In addition to eating the avocado, you can apply it or avocado oil topically to soothe a dry scalp.

For an extra boost, you can blend avocados and bananas together to use as a treatment.

Where to buy: You can grab avocados at your local grocery store or find avocado oil in stores and online.

How to use: You can use either avocado oil or blended avocado topically to reduce dry scalp and its symptoms. If you’re using blended avocado, mix it with a few drops of carrier oil like olive oil before massaging it into your scalp. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it out.

A baby’s dry scalp may be caused by skin conditions such as eczema or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap.”

To treat a baby’s dry scalp, try the following home remedies:

• Gently rub either mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil onto the baby’s scalp before shampooing.
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo containing pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide that is formulated for babies. Shampoos containing salicylic acid are not recommended for infants.
• With a doctor’s approval, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the baby’s scalp to relieve inflammation and itchiness.

Treating dry scalp with these home remedies is generally considered safe and risk-free. Before using any new product, especially essential oils, you should do a test patch on the inside of your wrist to avoid an allergic reaction.

It’s important to remember that essential oils are not monitored for purity or quality, so you should use caution when choosing a quality brand.

These oils are also potent and should always be diluted with a carrier oil. In this case, using coconut or olive oil as a carrier oil could have added benefits for treating your scalp.

Dry scalp can be bothersome, just alone for its visible effects on your hair and scalp. However, it can also lead to dandruff and visible hair loss. Hair loss may be due to persistent scratching.

Some people will scratch enough that it causes soreness or even open wounds. If not cared for, these sores could become inflamed. In extreme cases, the sores — whether caused by scratching or infections — could result in scarring.

If you believe you have any sores or wounds, you should contact a doctor before applying any oils or home remedies, as they may irritate the wound.

In cases where dry scalp is caused by or associated with an infection — particularly a fungal infection — treatment is necessary to prevent it from spreading. You should contact a doctor.

Dry scalp can be uncomfortable, but it’s highly treatable. Many cases of dry scalp respond well to a change in your hair care products or routine, and home remedies can certainly help speed up the process.

If home remedies have not started to work after 2 weeks, you can make an appointment with a doctor to make sure there is not an underlying health condition that requires prescription treatment.

If you notice that you’re experiencing hair loss along with dry scalp, particularly with sores or blisters, it’s also a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.

Read this article in Spanish.

Dryness of the scalp: how to moisturize the scalp

Thick, shiny, well-groomed hair is the main decoration of a woman. But with the modern pace of life and the negative impact of the environment, it is not so easy to keep the curls beautiful and healthy. Brittleness, itching and dandruff are the main signs of hair problems, and there is only one reason for this – dry scalp. But do not despair: proper hair care and thorough moisturizing will return the strands to their former splendor and shine.

Dry scalp: main symptoms and causes

Scalp problems can be identified by the following signs:

• Itching and peeling of the skin, up to the appearance of seborrhea. This is a type of dermatitis, an inflammatory disease associated with improper functioning of the sebaceous glands of the epithelium.
• Breakage and hair loss.
• Dull and lifeless hair color.
• Electrification of curls when combing.
• Feeling of tightness of the scalp after washing.

If you have these symptoms, you should look into the cause of them. The decrease in the protective function of the sebaceous glands can be affected by:

• Genetics. The activity of sebum secretion is an innate characteristic. In some, for example, owners of curly hair, it is naturally lowered. With excessive dryness, such curls also require additional care.
• Wrong diet. The predominance of sweets, fatty foods and fast food in the diet, the lack of vitamins A, B and E – all this provokes disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, and as a result, the appearance of problems with the scalp and face.
• Diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems. Stress and bad ecology have a direct impact on the entire body, causing hormonal failure and allergies. Therefore, it would be useful to also check the thyroid gland.
• Too frequent coloring of the hair, the use of aggressive products during coloring.
• Improper care of hair and scalp. For example, you can use shampoo for oily hair only with increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, otherwise it will surely cause dryness and irritation of even normal skin. You should also use a hair dryer, curling iron and various styling products with caution – too frequent use of them also negatively affects the condition of the skin and hair.
• Dehydration. Lack of water in the body causes dryness and premature aging of the skin, so you should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. To reduce the negative effect, it is necessary to wear panamas, hats or bandanas, otherwise peeling and dandruff cannot be avoided. It is also recommended to use special hair care products with additional UV protection in the summer.

The factors affecting the condition of the skin are very diverse. Therefore, in order to achieve the fastest result, it is necessary to combine the elimination of negative influences and intensive moisturizing of the scalp.

Care and proper care: how to moisturize the scalp

Dry skin requires special care. In addition to the basic rules, such as washing with warm soft water, drying naturally without using a hair dryer, and protecting from direct sunlight, it is important to choose the right products to treat dryness. Experts give recommendations on how to moisturize the scalp.

Special shampoo

For dry scalp, it should be sulfate-free and include ingredients with a softening and moisturizing effect. These components include:

• ceramides;
• panthenol;
• niacinamide;
• various vitamins and fatty acids;
• soothing oils (almond, coconut, burdock).

It is also good to use shampoos with a creamy base and a neutral pH level, which are gentle on the skin, for excessive dryness. You need to use special shampoos as your hair gets dirty.

Oils

You can use both natural preparations and special serums that not only cover the skin, but also penetrate the scalp. Oil-based care products are recommended to be applied immediately before styling, natural oils – at night, with gentle massaging movements. It is necessary to apply oils no more than a couple of times a week.

If the usual product makes the hair too greasy, you can use essential oils (tea tree, lavender), adding them to the shampoo or mask for a milder effect.

Peeling

Dry skin, like all other skin types, needs to be exfoliated. In this case, the peeling should be very soft, and the exfoliating agent should contain moisturizing ingredients without salt. Remove dead skin particles regularly, preferably every week, for more effective hydration.

Balm and mask

For problems with the scalp, both special silicone products that protect against harmful environmental influences and homemade masks are good. Preparations based on aloe vera actively fight dandruff and hair loss. A honey-based mask relieves irritation and nourishes the skin.

Reducing the amount of drugs used

The less hair care and styling products you use, the better for your hair. Limit yourself to two or three cosmetics, preferably from the same manufacturer.

However, when it comes to moisturizing the skin, there is no better solution than using professional products. Contact our salon for a consultation and a course of moisturizing treatments. Our experts will recommend the best option for masks, balms and other products from world manufacturers. Professional products are good because they contain only the necessary components, do not cause allergies and purposefully act to solve the problem.

Dry scalp is not a sentence. Constant hydration is the most important part of care for such a problem. The use of nutrients and regular treatment procedures help to make hair strong, thick and shiny, and you will be given health and beauty.

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Treatment of dry scalp seborrhea – Publications – An-Tek Laboratory

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Dry seborrhea is a problematic condition of the scalp, in which the processes of sebum production are disrupted. A feature of the dry version of seborrhea is a thicker composition of sebum, which as a result clogs the sebaceous glands and prevents its normal outflow. Most often, dry seborrhea affects children and adolescents. Adults also complain of dry seborrhea, but somewhat less frequently. The treatment regimen will differ depending on the age of the patient, the characteristics of the skin condition, the severity of seborrhea and other factors. In the treatment of a diagnosed dry form of seborrhea, various means of normalizing the condition of the skin are always used – both medications, physiotherapy, and cosmetics.

Causes of seborrhea

Causes of dry seborrhea are individual, but most often seborrhea is provoked by the following factors:

• heredity;
• violations of metabolic processes in the body;
• immunity weakened as a result of disease;
• violations of the rules of hygiene and care of the scalp and hair;
• excessive psycho-emotional stress;
• non-compliance with the norms of a healthy diet.

In order to successfully treat the skin and determine the cause of seborrhea, you need to consult a trichologist who will help you choose the right scalp care products and prescribe treatment to ensure a comprehensive approach. This will help in a short time to return the head to a fresh and neat appearance, normalize the scalp and eliminate seborrhea.

Symptoms of seborrhea

In the dry variant of seborrhea, most patients have tangible signs that prompt them to consult a specialist and undergo treatment for seborrhea:

• fine dandruff;
• thinning and weakness of the scalp;
• increased daily hair loss compared to normal;
• crusts and traces of scratching of the scalp;
• itching, dry peeling, burning of the skin on the head.

With seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic alopecia can develop: the hair becomes thin, weak and dull, begins to split, lose its healthy appearance and shine, and can fall out intensively.

The disease does not have a systematic effect on the body, but makes it suffer from a violation of the appearance of the hair, dries the scalp, and with serious causes of its occurrence, emotional disorders are also possible.

Treatment of dry seborrhea of ​​the scalp is always aimed at eliminating provocative factors. It is necessary to establish what disorders the patient has, and draw up a scheme for their treatment in the first place. If there is a pathogenic flora on the skin, special cosmetics designed for seborrhea will be required. In any case, the doctor will recommend products with a calming and anti-inflammatory effect – special shampoos, emulsions for application to the skin.

With seborrhea, it is important to establish the correct functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, establish a healthy daily routine with enough sleep and rest, and minimize existing stress. In addition to treatment, attention should be paid to physical activity, psycho-emotional health.

Seborrhea Treatment

During treatment, An-Tech Research Laboratories physician may recommend the following:

• a healthy diet, including a special diet rich in protein, plant foods, and healthy fats;
• taking vitamins and minerals both separately and as part of complex preparations;
• refusal of aggressive effects on the skin that occur during hairdressing procedures – dyeing, laminating hair, perming or blow-drying;
• elimination of bad habits of smoking and drinking alcohol;
• application to the skin of special ointments;
• taking medications;
• physiotherapy course.