Rejuvenate Your Hair: The 12 Best Dry Scalp Treatments of 2023

We invest a lot of time and effort into maintaining our hair strong and healthy, using a consistent array of shampoos, conditioners, masks, primers, and oils. But, for many of us, dealing with a dry or itchy scalp makes these efforts pointless. Both flakiness or shedding and a dry scalp can be quite physically uncomfortable and detrimental to the health of your hair as a whole. As the scalp is the actual source of our hair, it stands to reason that any issues with it may also originate there.

Although dry scalp is very prevalent, it may take some investigation to figure out what’s causing your particular case. Dr. Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago say that there are numerous causes of dry scalp. She claims that in addition to lifestyle and environmental variables, skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, which can all result in a dry scalp, can also cause an itchy, irritated scalp. Dryer seasons, for instance, might encourage dry skin on the scalp much like it does on the rest of our body, according to Dr. Robinson. Moreover, product accumulation and inadequate washing can cause the scalp to become dry and itchy.

Due to the numerous symptoms, you probably won’t detect a dry scalp until it’s almost too late. According to Angel Mendez, a stylist at Salon YOSHIKO at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, “symptoms of dry scalp include persistent itching, irritation, flaking or peeling skin on the scalp, and swollen skin that is sensitive to touch.” And while dandruff has a variety of symptoms that are often quite obvious, it is a cause of dry scalp rather than a result. The most typical signs and manifestations of dandruff, according to Dr. Robinson, are itching and greasy white to yellow flakes.

The good news is that hair stylists and businesses are becoming aware of the disease and are working to find a solution if you have a dry scalp or have seen any of these signs. A dry, itchy scalp may no longer be an issue with the introduction of a plethora of new treatments, oils, and exfoliators that are all intended to calm and hydrate. We spent hours researching the top dry scalp remedies, comparing each choice based on its kind, important ingredients, and the sort of scalp ailment it addresses, from dryness to dandruff. We filtered down our selections based on the advice of a board-certified dermatologist and stylist to give you the best of the best.

Best Overall: Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment

One of the most cutting-edge scalp products on the market is Living Proof’s Dry Scalp Therapy. The hyaluronic acid-based solution not only feels very calming when applied to your scalp, but the leave-in treatment, which resembles a serum, also forms a protective layer of hydration to ward off irritation and deliver long-lasting moisture until your next hair wash. It works on all hair types, however, some consumers, especially those with fine or oily hair, have complained about the lotion leaving their hair feeling greasier than usual.

Best Budget: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Scalp Elixir

You can’t match this Head & Shoulders product if you want a cost-effective dry scalp treatment. The elixir offers significant relief from discomfort and an immediate cooling sensation because it is made with soothing peppermint oil and menthol. Furthermore, zinc pyrithione is present to fight flakiness and dandruff.

It costs a hefty fortune, but Sisley’s Hair Ritualel’s hair and scalp serum is well worth the money. Thanks to a combination of anti-inflammatory piroctone olamine, vitamin B5, sage extract, and exotic verbena essential oil, it treats scalp health holistically and prevents inflammation and pain with just a few drops. It strengthens the hair and feeds the scalp, making it stronger and softer than before.

Best Exfoliant: OUAI Scalp and Body Scrub

One of the most well-liked scrubs on the market is this dual-action exfoliator from OUAI and for good reason. It uses the gentle exfoliating action of sugar crystals to remove grime, flakes, and product buildup while nourishing and hydrating skin with glycerin, coconut oil, and panthenol. Massaged into your scalp, the scrub has the brand’s distinctive Melrose Place aroma, a combination of rose, cedarwood, bergamot, and white musk, making it feel as opulent and sensual as it does useful. What is the finest aspect of this exfoliant, then? It has uses for your entire body.

Best Shampoo: Kevin.Murphy Scalp Spa Wash

Mendez advises that “it’s vital to keep in mind that your scalp is part of your skin and that many of the factors that contribute to dry skin on your face and body also apply to dry scalps.” Hence, if the rest of your body has sensitive skin, your scalp probably does too, and it needs to be cared for as such. It is advised for those with sensitive skin to use this cleanser from Kevin Murphy because it is so gentle. Because of the formula’s lightweight, the scalp and hair will be nourished and cleared without feeling weighed down or oily. Also, because this shampoo is color-safe, it won’t fade the color of your hair.

Best Oil: Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment

Argan oil, vitamin E, and geranium oil help to calm and moisturize the scalp in Moroccanoil’s Dry Scalp Therapy. Salicylic acid helps to gently exfoliate the skin and prevent buildup and flaking. The oil is made with the company’s distinctively light aroma and keeps the hair and scalp silky and nourished for several days.

Best Treatment: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask for Dry, Itchy Scalp

The itching and pain associated with dry scalp are instantly relieved by this moisturizing mask from Briogeo. This mask uses tea tree and peppermint oils to soothe inflammation and refresh the scalp, charcoal to purify and eliminate debris, and coconut oil to moisturize. It has been clinically demonstrated to boost scalp hydration by up to 144 percent.

Best for Curly Hair: Fable & Mane Shah Scalp Amla Soothing Serum

For all hair types, but especially curly hair, Fable & Mane’s calming scalp serum is a terrific choice. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, Takeuchi, and aloe is included in the light serum’s formulation to help with hydration, rejuvenation, and itching relief. The best feature of this treatment is that it only needs to be used once every two weeks, though you can use it more regularly if necessary.

Best for Itchiness: Klorane Soothing Scalp Serum with Peony

In addition to a little flakiness, a dry scalp is frequently characterized by unpleasant irritation and persistent itching. For those moments, Klorane’s calming scalp serum offers immediate relief. This serum will restore the scalp’s natural balance with a few sprays using the focused applicator, leaving it protected and nourished for up to 24 hours. The delicate peony scent also has a wonderful aroma.

Best Natural: Gisou Honey Infused Scalp Treatment Serum

Gisou, a brand of honey-based hair care products, has been promoting the healing properties of propolis and honey since its inception, and its Honey-Infused Scalp Therapy Serum is no exception. The lightweight serum is formulated with Mirsalehi honey, a natural humectant that aids in reestablishing moisture balance, along with ectoine to cure dryness and flakiness, and a prebiotic complex to encourage long-lasting hydration.

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Build-up Control Shampoo

Dr. Robinson suggests using Neutrogena’s therapeutic shampoo to reduce flakes and itching. I frequently advise beginning with an over-the-counter shampoo, such as the Neutrogena Scalp Treatment Anti-Dandruff collection, because it contains components to address the skin, flakes, and itching. To regulate sebum production and prevent dry scalp, this targeted shampoo includes 2.5 percent salicylic acid, and it begins to work after just one usage.

Final Verdict

It’s crucial to consider your particular scalp and hair needs when searching for the appropriate treatment. Yet, we discovered that Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment is the most all-encompassing and provides noticeable effects for every type of dry scalp, earning it our top overall ranking. We also adore Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir’s Royal Oils, a budget-friendly option for treating dandruff as well as a dry and irritated scalp.

The Qualities of a Dry Scalp Therapy

It’s a good idea to determine the cause before you can choose the best scalp treatment for your requirements. Go to the bottom of what is causing your dry scalp first, advises Mendez. Once you’ve done that, deciding how to handle it will be simpler.

Look for elements that are mild and nutritious when choosing a dry scalp treatment. The skin-loving oils marula and baobab, madecassoside, pro-vitamin B5, and rice oil, Mendez says, “will all cooperate to nourish and hydrate the scalp.” Additional components to check for are tea tree oil, coconut oil, and charcoal, all of which are excellent choices for treating the symptoms of a dry scalp.

Avoiding dangerous components, however, is equally crucial. Avoid using any products on your hair or scalp that contain alcohol, sulfates, or even certain perfumes. Check the ingredient lists on all of the hair products you use, including shampoo, conditioner, gel, hairspray, and hair dyes, Mendez advises.”If you see any form of alcohol or sulfates listed as components, it’s advised to cease using it and look for alternatives.” Also, read Embrace Your Natural Hair! 20 Hairstyles for Teenagers