Research breakthroughs are providing individuals with atopic dermatitis and eczema with an expanding array of treatment options. If you experience what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Additionally, if you are considering laser treatment to diminish a noticeable scar, it's important to be aware of key information beforehand.
Educational materials are available to young people, free of charge, which cover common skin conditions. This initiative aims to prevent misunderstandings and reduce instances of bullying. For those seeking specialized care, you can search for a dermatologist based on your location, specific condition, and the type of procedure you require. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who dedicates their practice to treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
If you find yourself frequently scratching your head, it's good news to know that there is hope for relief. The best dry scalp treatments can offer immediate comfort from itchiness and tightness. As an added benefit, these formulations may also contribute to healthy hair growth over time. Some scalp serums and sprays even come with additional perks, such as imparting a reflective shine to the hair or a pleasant scent. For those who desire itch relief accompanied by a delightful fragrance, such as woody, ambery orange blossom, there are suitable options available.
Understanding and Treating Dry Scalp
To identify the most effective dry scalp treatments, experts were consulted. The following section presents treatments and practical advice for managing a scalp that is not optimally hydrated. This information is based on input from three board-certified dermatologists and editors from Allure.
Top Picks for Dry Scalp Treatments
Best Dry Scalp Treatment Overall: Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum, a recipient of a 2023 Best of Beauty Award, is formulated with hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate the scalp. This humectant works in conjunction with a biotech-derived blend of natural ingredients to balance the scalp's microbiome, thereby alleviating dryness, dandruff, and itchiness. Additionally, the well-known skincare ingredient Centella Asiatica (also known as cica) provides soothing and calming effects to the scalp. Lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic, further aids in balancing the microbiome to prevent inflammation. Another significant ingredient is ectoin, an amino-acid derivative renowned for its potent hydrating properties. While the ingredients boast scientific credibility, the application is straightforward: simply massage the serum into your scalp before bed and allow the ingredients to work their magic overnight to soothe and hydrate.
Tester feedback: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein found the product to be a "godsend when my scalp is at its itchiest."
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, andrographis, lactobacillus ferment | Who it’s for: All hair types and scalp types.
Best Pre-Wash: Briogeo Scalp Revival Pre-Wash Oil
Briogeo Scalp Revival Pre-Wash Oil is recommended by Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, as her "go-to oil treatment." She highlights its blend of natural oils as beneficial ingredients for both hair and scalp, particularly on wash days. Dr. Mian notes that "Coconut oil is great for hair shine, while rosemary, olive, and grapeseed oils contribute an antioxidative advantage." She further explains that "The vitamins and fatty acids in the blend of oils help add strength to strands, prevent breakage, and clarify and nourish the scalp. Plus, this product in particular washes out very easily." The oil can also be utilized as an overnight mask.
Editor’s tip: Rosemary oil is a popular ingredient in scalp care due to its potential to reduce inflammation and boost circulation, thereby encouraging hair growth. However, it can cause irritation for some scalps. In this formulation, the ingredient is blended with other oils to ensure an ultra-gentle, non-tingly feel suitable for sensitive scalps.
Key ingredients: rosemary oil, castor oil, tea tree oil | Who it’s for: those with sensitive, dry scalps or dull hair.
Best Serum: Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate
Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate is designed to benefit both hair and scalp. It applies with a featherweight feel and is infused with glycopeptides that penetrate hair cuticles to strengthen natural hair fibers. The treatment also contains wheat protein to enhance hair's smoothness and elasticity. This French formulation has a light floral scent and makes hair feel softer and appear shinier. While its primary objective is to reduce hair breakage and strengthen fibers, it can also offer soothing benefits to a dry scalp. The formulation includes native plant cells that hydrate both the hair and scalp while strengthening the roots.
Editor’s tip: Ashley Graham has attributed this product to helping her hair regain thickness and luster after experiencing postpartum hair loss.
Key ingredients: glucopeptides, wheat protein | Who it’s for: those with thin or brittle hair.
Best Spray: Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum
Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum is an easy-to-spritz serum that instantly soothes the scalp. It contains aloe vera, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cooling peppermint oil. The serum also hydrates and protects the skin barrier with the humectant hyaluronic acid, while tea tree oil helps calm irritation such as redness and flaking. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that "Tea tree oil is included in scalp products because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can treat symptoms associated with dandruff." Tsubaki seed oil, a signature ingredient for Crown Affair, is also present, moisturizing the hair, adding shine, and helping to control frizz. As an added benefit, the product carries the brand’s signature scent, designed to boost mood with sparkling notes of yuzu and lemongrass.
Editor’s tip: The brand generally recommends using the serum on damp hair, either at night or before drying during the day. However, it can also be used as a quick pick-me-up for a dry and irritated scalp anytime by keeping it in your bag and spritzing as needed.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil | Who it’s for: Those with normal, dry, or mildly irritated scalp types.
Best for Styling: Ouai Scalp Serum
Ouai Scalp Serum from celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin's brand focuses on hair and scalp health while considering styling needs. This serum is formulated with natural ingredients that hydrate the scalp and strengthen its skin barrier, helping to retain moisture. It combines hyaluronic acid with skin-barrier-nourishing adaptogens such as Arctic root, chaga mushroom, and ginseng. The inclusion of red clover extract helps soothe the scalp from irritation caused by styling habits like tight ponytails or aggressive detangling. Another key ingredient, peptides, assists the serum in fostering healthy hair growth.
Editor’s tip: The serum is infused with Ouai’s Cape Town scent, a blend of wet grass, amber, ginger, basil, spearmint, green fig, and tomato leaves, creating an earthy, herb-garden-fresh aroma.
Key ingredients: arctic root, red clover flower extract, peptides | Who it’s for: those with shedding or thinning hair or a dry scalp.
Best Leave-In: Living Proof Dry Scalp Treatment
Living Proof Dry Scalp Treatment is favored by Dr. Camp, who appreciates that it is color-safe and free of sulfates, which can potentially dry out the scalp. He notes that "This leave-in scalp treatment contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to provide sustained hydration and soothe symptoms like itching and flaking." Designed to balance the microbiome, this fast-absorbing treatment has a bright citrus scent and can be used up to three times a week. The brand suggests dividing clean, damp hair into six sections and using the slim nozzle to distribute the treatment. While the product can provide immediate relief from itchiness, it may take about four weeks for its full, dryness-defying benefits to become apparent.
Editor’s tip: The formulation includes the hyaluronic acid derivative sodium hyaluronate, which has a small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the scalp easily for deep hydration.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic-acid-based molecular patch, niacinamide complex | Who it’s for: those with itching, flaking, and irritation on the scalp.
Best for Flakes: Jupiter Renewing Scalp Moisturizer
Jupiter Renewing Scalp Moisturizer is designed for daily use on damp or dry scalps, featuring a simple application method: massage it in and let the ingredients work. Powered by MoistuRestore Technology, the brand’s patented complex of hydrating ingredients, this moisturizer has a creamy gel texture that provides intense moisture to the scalp. It addresses dryness with glycerin, which strengthens the skin barrier by balancing moisture levels. The formula also contains olive-leaf extract, an emollient rich in antioxidants that balance the microbiome, and pre- and probiotics, which further support microbiome balance by regulating beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Editor’s tip: This moisturizer is fragrance-free, making it a suitable option for those who prefer unscented products.
Key ingredients: jackfruit, olive leaf extract, prebiotics, probiotics | Who it’s for: those with a tight, dry scalp and powdery flakes.
Best for Dandruff: Person & Covey DHS Tar Shampoo
Person & Covey DHS Tar Shampoo, while perhaps not the most appealing in name or scent, is highly effective. Dr. Camp explains that "Coal tar has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective ingredient for treating scalp conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis." He recommends this specific formula, which contains stabilized coal-tar extract to help shed dead skin cells. The fragrance-free cleanser has a minimal ingredient list to reduce the risk of reactions in sensitive skin. It is also antibacterial and antifungal, and this medicated shampoo can be used up to three times a week. For optimal results, lather the shampoo and let it sit on the scalp for several minutes before rinsing.
Editor’s tip: Coal tar can increase skin sensitivity to UV light, so it is advisable to avoid direct sun exposure or wear a hat after using this shampoo.
Key ingredients: coal-tar extract, citric acid, sodium laureth sulfate | Who it’s for: those with dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
Best for Fine Hair: Act + Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum
Act + Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum is praised by Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, for containing effective humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture to the scalp's surface and protect against dryness. She notes that "This is a great choice for those who want to avoid scalp oils while fighting dryness." Individuals with fine hair can particularly benefit from an oil-free solution to dry scalp, as oils can weigh down fine hair. Sensitive scalps also benefit, as the serum is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Editor’s tip: This serum is formulated by celebrity hairstylist and trichologist Helen Reavey.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, amino acids, glycerin | Who it’s for: those with dry and normal scalp types and straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair textures.
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum features Amla, an Ayurvedic ingredient derived from Indian gooseberry, recognized for its potent benefits in scalp care. Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that Amla "is rich in vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants, making it both nourishing and hydrating for the scalp." She adds that "These vitamins help fight free radical damage and support healthy scalp skin. It's also believed to have both calming and antiseptic benefits." In this formulation, Amla is combined with aloe and the anti-aging herb bakuchi to nourish dry and sensitive scalps. Despite its lightweight texture, a little of this oil-serum goes a long way, with one to three drops recommended for fine hair and a full dropper for thicker hair.
Editor’s tip: The scent, a blend of tea rose, blackcurrant, woody amber, and orange blossom, is said to have aromatherapeutic benefits and inspire feelings of peace and calm.
Key ingredients: amla, bakuchi, aloe | Who it’s for: those with dry, itchy, or sensitive scalps.
Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum
German physician Barbara Sturm employs a scientific approach to treating various concerns, including dry scalp. Her Scalp Serum contains hyaluronic acid and purslane, an anti-inflammatory plant extract, to hydrate the scalp, while panthenol provides additional moisture. Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, describes it as "a gem when it comes to hydration." The serum also features a special complex designed to offer anti-aging benefits to the scalp. This patented blend combines ATP-a naturally occurring molecule that reduces inflammation and boosts collagen production-with antifungal papaya extract. The complex also includes algin, an algae derivative that aids the scalp in retaining its moisture balance.
Editor’s tip: In addition to hydrating the scalp, the serum imparts a glossy sheen to the hair.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, purslane, panthenol | Who it’s for: those with irritation or signs of aging on the scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Scalp
How do you treat dry scalp buildup?
According to Dr. Murphy Rose, buildup that appears to be related to a dry scalp might not always be what it seems. "The scalp is a difficult area to self-diagnose because you cannot see it well on your own," she explains. "For this reason, I recommend consulting a dermatologist if a scalp issue isn’t improving with product adjustments or basic care. What may seem like simple dryness could be dandruff, psoriasis, a hypersensitivity reaction, or another condition, each requiring a unique treatment approach."
However, if the buildup is indeed due to dryness, increasing scalp moisture is a reliable solution. "Try mas..."