Don't Be a Flake: The Most Soothing Treatments for a Dry, Itchy Scalp (2024)

Many of us dedicate considerable time to keeping our hair healthy and strong while woefully overlooking our scalp. A dry scalp can cause physical discomfort (think itching and sensitivity), while flakiness or shedding can wreak havoc on overall hair health. However, getting to the root cause of these issues (pun intended) can take some digging.

“There can be a variety of reasons for dry scalp,” explains Dr. Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago. She says that besides psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, lifestyle and environmental factors can also contribute to an itchy, inflamed scalp. “Drier seasons, for example, can promote dry skin on the scalp in much the same way it does on the rest of our body,” Dr. Robinson says. “And product buildup and under-washing can also contribute to dryness and itchiness of the scalp.”

If you suffer from dry scalp or have experienced any of the common symptoms (itching, irritation, flaking, or peeling skin), a slew of new treatments, oils, and exfoliators can help. We conducted hours of research on the best dry scalp treatments, evaluating each pick by product type, key ingredients, and what scalp condition they treat (e.g., dryness or dandruff). After consulting with a board-certified dermatologist and hair stylist, we settled on these winning formulas.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Instantly hydrating

  • Good for all hair types

  • Long-lasting relief

What to Consider

  • Can leave a slight film on hair

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 around. 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 also contains a vitamin B3-based microbiome complex to help rebalance the scalp and restore its health over time. The treatment works on all hair types, but some users, particularly those with fine or oily hair, have reported seeing some greasiness from the product.

What We Like

  • Relieves irritation

  • Soothing, cooling sensation

  • Combats dandruff

What to Consider

  • Very liquidy (can spill easily)

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

If you want an effective dry scalp treatment at a reasonable price, you can’t beat this one from Head & Shoulders. Formulated with cooling menthol and peppermint oil, the elixir provides an instantly cooling sensation and major relief from itching and irritation. Plus, it contains zinc pyrithione to combat dandruff and flakiness, leaving your scalp soothed and squeaky clean.

What We Like

  • Fights irritation

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Strengthens hair

What to Consider

  • Has a slight herbaceous smell, which isn't for everyone

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 Ritual comes at a pretty penny, but it’s well worth the price tag. Taking a holistic approach to scalp health, it thwarts irritation and discomfort with just a few drops thanks to a blend of antifungal, dandruff-fighting piroctone olamine, moisturizing vitamin B5, and strengthening sage extract. In short: This serum nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair, leaving it healthier and softer than ever.

What We Like

  • Crystals don't dissolve immediately

  • Hydrating

  • Easy to apply

  • Smells Great

What to Consider

  • Can be tough to rinse out

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 scalp scrubs available. It harnesses the power of sugar crystals to gently exfoliate the scalp—removing dirt, flakes, and product buildup along the way—while glycerin, coconut oil, and panthenol nourish and hydrate. 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. And the best part about this exfoliant? You can use it from head to toe.

What We Like

  • Clarifying

  • Safe for color-treated hair

  • Great for sensitive skin

What to Consider

  • May be too gentle for some

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

According to hairstylist Angel 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 should be treated accordingly. This cleanser from Kevin Murphy is formulated with hydrating coconut oil and panthenol, and antibacterial witch hazel to create an incredibly gentle wash specifically for sensitive skin. The lightweight formula clarifies and nourishes the scalp and hair without making it heavy or greasy. Plus, this shampoo is color-safe, so it won’t strip your hair of its dye.

What We Like

  • Hydrating

  • Long-lasting moisture

  • Combats acne

What to Consider

  • May make hair oily

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 (an intensive hydrator loaded with vitamin E) and sebum-balancing geranium oil, to soothe and nourish 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 after use.

What We Like

  • Soothes and detoxifies

  • Increases scalp hydration

  • Fast-acting results

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t treat dandruff

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 sensitivity and itchiness. Clinically shown to increase scalp hydration by up to 144%, it uses tea tree and peppermint oils to calm irritation and refresh the scalp, charcoal to detoxify and clear buildup, and coconut oil to moisturize. Leave this mask on for 10 minutes—ideally after using a scrub—and after rinsing thoroughly, follow with your favorite conditioner. You should see results after just the first wash.

What We Like

  • Only needs to be used every two weeks

  • Soothes itchiness

  • Nourishing

What to Consider

  • Takes time to see results

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's haircare brand Fable & Mane is great for all hair types, especially curly hair. The lightweight serum is formulated with amla (aka Indian gooseberry) to relieve itchiness and encourage hair growth, bakuchi (an anti-inflammatory plant) to address dandruff, 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.

What We Like

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Easy application

  • Plant-based

  • Smells good

What to Consider

  • Not great for serious/chronic dry scalp

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

A dry scalp is often much more than a little flakiness and can include painful irritation and continued itchiness. For those times, reach for this soothing scalp spray from Klorane. It’s enriched with moisturizing glycerin and antioxidant-rich peony extract, which work harmoniously to relieve scalp discomfort quickly. With a few sprays using the targeted applicator, this serum will restore the scalp’s natural balance and leave it protected and hydrated for up to 24 hours. Plus, the light peony scent smells amazing.

What We Like

  • Treats dandruff

  • Good for sensitive skin

  • Dermatologist-recommended

What to Consider

  • Can be drying for fine hair

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

Despite being formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this Vanicream packs a punch. 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 to kill the bacteria that can contribute to dry, flaky scalp. Nevertheless, it’s a very gentle shampoo that is free of fragrance and other harsh ingredients that might agitate irritation-prone scalps.

What We Like

  • Natural ingredients

  • Works for all hair types

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Scent can be too overpowering for some

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

Gisou, the haircare brand founded by influencer Negin Mirsalehi, calls on the power of honey in all of its products, and this Scalp Treatment Serum is no exception. As a natural humectant, honey helps hydrate the scalp and moisturize hair in one fell swoop. The serum also calls on ectoine to treat dryness and flakiness and a prebiotic complex to rebalance microflora, boosting scalp health for the long term.

What We Like

  • Long-lasting formula

  • Relieves itchiness and flaking

  • Dermatologist-recommended

What to Consider

  • Has strong chemical smell

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

Recommended by Dr. Robinson, this therapeutic shampoo from Neutrogena helps treat flakes and itchiness. “I often recommend starting with an over-the-counter shampoo that contains ingredients to address flakes and itching, such as the Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff collection,” she explains. This targeted shampoo contains 2.5% salicylic acid to control sebum production and prevent dry scalp, and it starts working after just one use.

What We Like

  • Designed for weekly use

  • Treats flakes and dandruff

  • Soothes and protects scalp

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

What to Consider

  • Some reviewers felt it made their hair greasy

Type: Pre-wash oil | Good For: Dandruff, dryness | Key Ingredients: Baobab oil, sunflower oil, basil leaf hairy root blend | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you love your current shampoo and conditioner and want to avoid switching them up, a pre-wash treatment like this oil from Act + Acre might be the solution. Designed for weekly use before your usual hair-washing routine, the formula uses sunflower oil to remove product buildup and impurities, baobab oil to hydrate skin, and basil leaf blend to protect the scalp’s dermal structure. With regular use, you should notice a calm, soothed scalp that’s free from flakes and debris. Act +Acre even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you really have nothing to lose.

What We Like

  • Uses AHAs and BHAs to tackle scalp flakiness

  • Dissolves only buildup

  • Promotes healthy hair growth

What to Consider

  • Scent is too overpowering for some

Type: Serum | Good For: Dandruff, flakes, scalp breakouts | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

So, you’re familiar with using AHAs and BHAs on your face, but did you know these common skincare ingredients can also help with scalp issues? This clarifying serum from Sunday Riley calls on a blend of chemical exfoliants (AKA acids and enzymes that help shed dead skin and unclog pores) like glycolic acid and salicylic acid to tackle excess oil, product buildup, and flakes, leaving the scalp clear and healthy. It also contains niacinamide, another dermatological powerhouse ingredient known to tackle acne and soothe inflammation—ideal if you suffer from scalp breakouts.

What We Like

  • Reduces hair shedding

  • Supports hair growth

  • Rebalances an oily or flaky-looking scalp

What to Consider

  • Might be drying for some

Type: Serum | Good For: Shedding, flakes | Key Ingredients: Rosemary, probiotics, peppermint, Redensyl™ | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Unfortunately, a dry scalp can go hand-in-hand with excess hair shedding. This “topical supplement” from The Nue Co. aims to address that problem, encouraging hair growth and reducing flakiness in the process. The serum is formulated with a blend of essential oils, including rosemary and peppermint, to stimulate circulation and refresh the scalp, along with a probiotic that helps tackle dandruff in less than two weeks. Plus, the brand’s patented follicle protection technology claims to increase the anagen (hair growth) phase and reduce the telogen (hair loss) phase, giving you fuller, longer strands with consistent use.

What to Look for in a Dry Scalp Treatment

  • Dandruff-fighting ingredients: While dandruff is actually a cause of dry scalp rather than an effect, it too has myriad symptoms that are typically pretty easy to spot. “Dandruff can have a variety of symptoms and appearances, but most commonly, greasy white to yellow flakes and itching are present,” Dr. Robinson says. Look for formulas containing zinc pyrithione, which is proven to address dandruff.
  • Hydrating and nourishing ingredients: When looking for a dry scalp treatment, keep an eye out for nourishing ingredients. “Rice oil, madecassoside, pro vitamin B5, and skin-loving oils, like marula and baobab, will all work to nourish and hydrate the scalp,” Mendez notes. “Other ingredients to look for, like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and charcoal, are also great options to help relieve dry scalp symptoms.”
  • Gentle formulas: It’s just as important to avoid harmful ingredients. Steer clear of any hair or scalp products that contain alcohol, sulfates, or even some fragrances. “Take a look at the ingredients list on all of the hair products you use from shampoo and conditioner to gel, hairspray, and hair dyes,” Mendez adds. “If you see any form of alcohol or sulfates as ingredients, it’s best to stop using it and find alternatives.”

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 a number of 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. Take inventory of the ingredients your haircare products contain, and stop using anything that has alcohol or sulfates. “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.”

    From there, it’s important to find a cleanser that will help alleviate symptoms and replenish hydration. “Addressing any sort of dryness or itchiness on the scalp always starts with the cleansing step.” Dr. Robinson says. “Cleansing the scalp at an appropriate frequency and with appropriate products for your scalp is essential.” She recommends starting with an over-the-counter shampoo that contains nourishing ingredients, and if that doesn’t help your dry scalp, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist may be in order.

  • 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 daily.

Why Trust Byrdie

Gabby Shacknai is an experienced beauty writer whose writing has appeared in Forbes, Fortune, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Departures, Women's Health, Air Mail, and more. For this roundup, she consulted with qualified skin and hair experts to ensure that the information presented is accurate and helpful. She also combed through reviews and tested many of the scalp products featured to offer readers the very best picks.

Esme Benjamin is a freelance writer, editor, and podcaster based in New York. She began writing and editing for the Byrdie commerce team in 2023. As a wellness expert, she has a particular interest in naturally-derived beauty ingredients and the intersection of beauty rituals and self-care.

Additional guidance was provided by:

  • Caroline Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago. She treats a full range of skin conditions but specializes in preventative skincare and ethnic skin dermatology and is well-versed in the importance of scalp care to dermatology.
  • Angel Mendez is a hairstylist based in New York City. He began his career at Frederic Fekkai, perfecting his craft and specializing in Bridal and Fashion Week. Because his work focuses on the natural movement of hair, he’s experienced in all things scalp care.

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.

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  2. Kim, HT., Park, HS., Kim, YM. et al. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of hair loss prevention shampoo containing salicylic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide in alopecia patients. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. 14, 173–185 (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-022-00126-9

  3. Leyden JJ, McGinley KJ, Mills OH, Kyriakopoulos AA, Kligman AM. Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in the treatment of dandruff: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading. Cutis. 1987 Jun;39(6):557-61. PMID: 3301220.

  4. Yu JY, Gupta B, Park HG, Son M, Jun JH, Yong CS, Kim JA, Kim JO. Preclinical and Clinical Studies Demonstrate That the Proprietary Herbal Extract DA-5512 Effectively Stimulates Hair Growth and Promotes Hair Health. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4395638. doi: 10.1155/2017/4395638. Epub 2017 Apr 30. PMID: 28539964; PMCID: PMC5429933.

  5. Barak-Shinar D, Green LJ. Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff Therapy Using a Herbal and Zinc Pyrithione-based Therapy of Shampoo and Scalp Lotion. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Jan;11(1):26-31. Epub 2018 Jan 1. PMID: 29410727; PMCID: PMC5788265.

  6. Kostarelos K, Teknetzis A, Lefaki I, Ioannides D, Minas A. Double-blind clinical study reveals synergistic action between alpha-hydroxy acid and betamethasone lotions towards topical treatment of scalp psoriasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2000 Jan;14(1):5-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2000.00006.x. PMID: 10877245.

Don't Be a Flake: The Most Soothing Treatments for a Dry, Itchy Scalp (2024)
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