Stop Dry Scalp in Its Track With These 12 Derm-Backed Scalp Treatments (2024)

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Type: Leave-in treatment | Good For: Itchiness, Flakiness, Irritation | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Living Proof’s Dry Scalp Treatment is one of the most innovative scalp products out there. Not only does the hyaluronic acid-based formula feel incredibly soothing while applying it to your scalp, but the serum-like leave-in treatment also creates a protective layer of hydration to keep irritation at bay and provide lasting moisture until your next hair wash. It works on all hair types, but some users, particularly those with fine or oily hair, have reported seeing some greasiness from the product.

Type: Treatment | Good For: Irritation, dandruff | Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, menthol, peppermint oil | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

You can’t beat this formula from Head & Shoulders if you want an effective dry scalp treatment at a reasonable price. Formulated with cooling menthol and peppermint oil, the treatment provides an instantly cooling sensation and major relief from irritation. Plus, it contains zinc pyrithione to combat dandruff and flakiness. We love a good multi-tasker, especially with a scalp condition that can cause several different issues. It is a little runny though so be careful when dispensing in the shower.

Type: Serum | Good For: Irritation, dryness | Key Ingredients: Piroctone olamine, sage extract, vitamin B5 | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This hair and scalp serum from Sisley’s Hair Rituel comes at a pretty penny, but it's well worth the price. It takes a holistic approach to scalp health by thwarting irritation and discomfort with a blend of anti-inflammatory piroctone olamine, vitamin B5, sage extract, and exotic verbena essential oil. These ingredients nourish the scalp and strengthen hair, leaving it healthier and softer than before. All you need are just a few drops to get the job done. It does have an herby scent, which we enjoyed, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Type: Scrub | Good For: Dryness, Flakes | Key Ingredients: Sugar crystals, coconut oil, glycerin, panthenol | Size: 8.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This dual-action exfoliant from OUAI is one of the most popular scrubs on the market—and for good reason. It harnesses the power of sugar crystals to gently exfoliate—removing dirt, flakes, and product buildup along the way—while glycerin, coconut oil, and panthenol nourish and hydrate skin. The scrub boasts the brand’s signature Melrose Place scent—a blend of rose, cedarwood, bergamot, and white musk, so massaging it into your scalp feels as luxurious and indulgent as it does functional. The best part is you can use it on your body, too.

Type: Shampoo | Good For: Sensitive skin, dryness | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, panthenol, witch hazel | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

According to Mendez, “It’s important to remember that your scalp is part of your skin, and many reasons why the skin on your face and body become dry are the same for a dry scalp.” So, if you have sensitive skin on the rest of your body, your scalp will too, and it should be treated accordingly. This shampoo from Kevin Murphy is incredibly gentle and recommended for those with sensitive skin. The formula is lightweight and will leave the scalp and hair clarified and nourished without feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, this shampoo is color-safe, so you don't have to fret about it stripping your color treatments. However, since it's gentle, it may not be strong enough for thicker hair types.

Type: Oil | Good For: Dryness, flakes | Key ingredients: Argan oil, salicylic acid, geranium oil | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Moroccanoil’s Dry Scalp Treatment features a slew of impressive ingredients, including argan oil, vitamin E, and geranium oil, to soothe and hydrate the scalp, as well as salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and prevent buildup and flaking. The oil is formulated with the brand’s signature fresh scent and keeps the scalp and hair moisturized and soft for several days. Take note though, it may weigh down finer hair.

Type: Mask | Good for: Painful irritation, itchiness | Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, charcoal | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This hydrating mask from Briogeo provides instant relief for dry scalp pain and itchiness (seriously, we've tried it). Clinically shown to increase scalp hydration by up to 144%, this mask uses tea tree and peppermint oils to calm irritation and refresh the scalp, charcoal to detoxify and clear buildup, and coconut oil to moisturize.It feels amazing on contact, and won't trick color, but it doesn't work on dandruff.

Type: Serum | Good for: Curly hair, irritation | Key Ingredients: Amla (Indian gooseberry), bakuchi, aloe | Size: 1.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This soothing scalp serum from Ayurvedic haircare brand Fable & Mane is great for all hair types but especially curly hair. The lightweight serum is formulated with amla (aka Indian gooseberry) which helps relieve itchiness, bakuchi to rejuvenate, and aloe to hydrate. The best part is that you only have to use this treatment once every two weeks—though, you can use it more frequently if needed. It just may take longer to see/feel the results than other products on this list.

Type: Serum | Good for: Itchiness, irritation | Key Ingredients: Peony extract, glycerin | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dry scalp is typically more than a little flakiness—it can cause painful irritation, tightness, and frequent itchiness. When the itching gets really bad, this soothing scalp serum from Klorane provides instant relief. With a few sprays using the targeted applicator, this serum will restore the scalp’s natural balance leaving it protected and hydrated for up to 24 hours. Bonus: the light peony scent smells amazing.

Type: Shampoo | Good For: Dandruff, flakes, itchiness | Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, glycerin | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Don’t let the gentle nature of this Vanicream shampoo fool you; it’s deeply effective. Designed to treat dandruff and flakiness, it contains a maximum over-the-counter strength of zinc pyrithione, an antifungal used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and kill the bacteria that can contribute to dry, flaky scalp. The shampoo is free of fragrance, parabens, and other harsh ingredients, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin, however, some folks with fine hair have noticed it can be drying.

Type: Serum | Good For: Flakes, dryness | Key Ingredients: Honey, ectoine, prebiotic complex | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Honey-based haircare brand Gisou has been sharing the powers of honey and propolis with the world since its launch. Its Honey-Infused Scalp Treatment Serum is up there with the best of its products. Formulated with Mirsalehi honey, a natural humectant that helps restore moisture balance, the lightweight serum also features ectoine to treat dryness and flakiness and a prebiotic complex to promote lasting hydration.We love that it's made from 99% naturally derived ingredients, but wish the packaging was similarly environmentally-friendly.

Type: Shampoo | Good For: Dandruff, flakes | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Apple cider vinegar | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This therapeutic shampoo from Neutrogena helps treat flakes and itchiness and is recommended by Dr. Robinson. “I often recommend starting with an over-the-counter shampoo that contains ingredients to address that skin, flakes, and itch such as the NeutrogenaScalpTherapy Anti-Dandruff collection,” she says. This targeted shampoo contains 2.5% salicylic acid to control sebum production and prevent dry scalp, and it starts working after just one use. It does have a bit of a chemical smell, but it's not overpowering.

FAQ

• How do you get rid of dry scalp?

  There are many different approaches to treating a dry scalp and the best one for you will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. That said, there are several preventative measures and lifestyle changes that are good places to start. “First, don’t wash your hair every day, as it will strip the scalp of oils that naturally moisturize the scalp,” Mendez explains. “Additionally, do not go to sleep with or tie back wet hair after you’ve washed it—it’s important to allow the scalp and hair to fully dry,” Mendez adds. “This will help alleviate symptoms and also help to prevent hair breakage.”
  

• What’s the best treatment for an extremely dry scalp?

  For extreme cases of dry scalp, look for products formulated with active ingredients, like zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid. If you don’t see any changes with over-the-counter treatments, schedule an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe a medicated shampoo or topical anti-inflammatory solution if necessary.

• How often should I use a scalp scrub or treatment?

  The frequency of application will vary from product to product, so it’s important to read the specific directions thoroughly. In general, scalp scrubs and chemical exfoliants should be used once or twice a week; masks should be used once a week; serums and oils can be used as regularly as every day.

Updated byAlly Hirschlag