Itchy Scalp? These 7 Scalp Oils Instantly Moisturize and Rebalance

How can a hair oil help a dry scalp?

“Think about how a cleansing oil works in a facial skincare routine: It loosens makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and other residue so they can be washed away more effectively,” says clinical trichologist Emily DeNard. “A properly formulated scalp oil works similarly.”

Typically, you’ll want to apply a scalp oil pre-shampooing. On the days you oil your scalp, DeNard suggests making extra time for a double cleanse “Shampoo twice after an oil treatment. The first cleanse breaks down and removes the oil and loosened residue, while the second more thoroughly cleanses the scalp.” After rinsing, your scalp will likely feel balanced, refreshed, and hydrated.

Figure out the cause of your dry scalp

The cause of your dry scalp can be due to a number of factors like the weather, your age, medications, allergies, or even hair products. However, you could also be dealing with a skin condition like dandruff, psoriasis, or scalp eczema, says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, M.D. "Most commonly, it is caused by dandruff, which is due to a yeast that lives on the skin that causes inflammation," says Dr. Lal.

It's very important to determine whether you're suffering from an inflammatory scalp condition or if your dry scalp is due to environmental/personal factors, as each cause requires different treatments. In fact, "using the wrong oils like olive oil can exasperate dandruff as it feeds the yeast that causes dandruff," says Dr. Lal. As a rule of thumb, dry scalp flakes are smaller and whiter, whereas dandruff flakes are oilier and could have a slight yellow tint. But PSA, the only one who can confirm this is your dermatologist.

Evaluate the ingredients

If you have dandruff, look for scalp oils containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, three antifungals that kill the yeast and stop it from multiplying. A scalp oil can be used in combination with a hair wash treatment and routine guided by your doctor. A chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid is also a great option for dandruff treatment, as well as for a regular dry scalp, as it buffs away dead skin cells and flakes.

If your irritated scalp has caused inflammation and hair loss, you'll want to keep an eye out for anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil, as that will help soothe any itchiness. An inflamed scalp can also lead to hair loss and thinning, so by incorporating an anti-inflammatory, you'll be creating the best environment for your hair to grow. And finally, if you're looking to address hair loss—other than consulting your doctor or trying a minoxidil treatment like Rogaine—look for rosemary oil, which has been proven to have similar efficacy as minoxidil.

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• Danny Guo, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist.
• Emily DeNard is a clinical trichologist and founder of Emunah Beauty.
• Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she consulted with trichologists and dermatologists to find the best oils for dry scalps

Siena Gagliano is former Cosmopolitan editor, with four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing hair stories, like the best shampoos for curly hair and the best purple shampoos. She regularly tests dry scalp oils for efficacy and worked with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and brands for this story.