9 Best Oils for Your Dry Scalp in 2024, According to Dermatologists
Sweet, sweet relief right this way.
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Dealin' with an itchy, flaky scalp? The weather, your age, hair products, and skin conditions (hi, dandruff, and psoriasis) can all contribute to a dry scalp. In fact, almost half (yes, half!) of the population suffers from dandruff right now. If you fall into the category of humans who deal with an angry scalp, first, I'm sorry, that sucks, and second, I know you're looking for a little relief. The good news: There are plenty of options to alleviate your symptoms, and one of my favorites is an oil for your dry scalp.
But before you grab any old oil, consult your dermatologist to find the root cause of your dryness. A dry scalp stems from a lack of moisture, whereas dandruff is caused by excess oil, meaning some products can make the condition worse."A scalp oil can help if the correct oils are used, but avoid olive oil as it feeds the yeast that causes dandruff," says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, M.D. Once you have confirmed what the cause is, check out this list for some sweet, sweet relief—and yes, there's even an oil safe and effective for those of you with dandruff!
Our top picks for the best oils for your dry scalp in 2024:
Best Dry Scalp Oil for Hair Loss and Thinning
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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We consulted a board-certified dermatologist on holy grail favorites, the buzziest products on your social feeds, and the newest scalp oils to hit the shelves over the past year. We evaluated each oil based on key ingredients, consistency, value, and results to compile this shoppable list of the nine very best oils for your dry scalp and hair concerns below.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Pros
- This rosemary oil has been diluted and filled with other scalp-friendly ingredients making it safe for everyday use
Cons
- It will take consistent use over a long period of time (~6 months) in order to see true results
Listen, no hair oil will magically make your hair longer and thicker overnight. There are, however, oils that will treat your scalp and hair with hydrating, scalp-lovin' ingredients that'll create an optimal environment for hair growth. And then there's rosemary oil—i.e., an oil that has been proven to be of similar efficacy as minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) in promoting hair growth. So, yes, rosemary oil is scientifically proven to work, but it will take consistent use over some time (~ six months) before you see any noticeable differences.
A good place to start? Mielle's Rosemary Mint scalp oil as it's one of the beauty community's holy grails. Testers swear by its efficacy in moisturizing their scalps, and all the way to the ends of their hair. As part of your daily routine, apply four to five drops of the oil to your scalp and massage it in with your fingertips for around five minutes.
- Key ingredient(s): Rosemary oil, biotin
- Size: 2 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I’ve been struggling with hormone-driven hair loss since 2016. Eventually, despite only washing my hair every four days, my hair became straw and I started to itch and have dandruff from a dry scalp. I specifically got it because several reviews mentioned dry scalps being cured. It sounds unbelievable to say, but my dry scalp and hair loss ended after a single use. No joke! Honestly, if this is the one miracle I get in life, I’ll happily take it!"
Pros
- Contains medicated antifungal, pyrithione zinc
Cons
- You'll need to confirm what you have is dandruff as this treatment won't work unless it is
PSA: Before you use this treatment, check with a derm to figure out if the flakes on your scalp are truly due to dandruff—if it's psoriasis, it won't respond to this treatment, and if it's just dryness, an alternative hair oil will be better. Checked? Ok, cool, let's proceed. Dandruff is due to an overproduction of yeast, so you'll need an antifungal like pyrithione zinc, which this scalp serum is formulated with. It also contains glycerin to hydrate, argan oil to moisturize, and vitamin E, which is a humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. So, while the antifungal reduces the overaccumulation of yeast, your scalp will still feel soothed.
- Key ingredient(s): Pyrithione zinc, glycerin, argan oil, vitamin E
- Size: 1.3 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "If you have a dry and sensitive scalp, you might like this product. The zinc form in this is able to check both fungus and bacteria, so if anything is going on, this has the ability to kill it. Also, it does moisturize. I used the dropper to apply directly to the scalp in evenly spaced dots in all areas that required treatment. It took about three days for it to totally clear and hydrate my scalp. I was shocked."
Pros
- Testers love how the consistency never makes their hair feel greasy
Cons
- Contains fragrance that sensitive skin types may not love or do well with
FYI, honey is a magical ingredient rich in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help repair damage and protect against environmental aggressors. Honey also happens to be the super ingredient in this scalp serum and every other product from the clean beauty brand Gisou. Honey has both emollient and humectant properties, which means that not only does it attract water to the surface of your skin (i.e., your scalp), but it also locks it in, resulting in a majorly moisturized scalp. To benefit most from it, apply twice a week on dry hair, rub it in well, and sleep on it.
- Key ingredient(s): Mirsalehi honey, glycerin
- Size: 3.4 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "Absolutely love this! I searched high and low for a serum to help soothe my scalp. This is the only thing that works. I keep it in my skincare fridge so it’s cold and it’s been a game changer for me!"
Pros
- Ricinoleic acid is a fatty acid rich in emollient and anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
- No studies to prove castor oil aids in hair growth
Castor oil is probably one of the most (if not the most) widely used oils for hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. For that one, you can thank your favorite TikTok beauty influencer and their "longer, fuller, thicker" hair they attribute to castor oil. Sadly, there are no studies to back up its ability to aid in hair growth, however, it is a fabulous moisturizer thanks to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid. It is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredient, meaning that castor oil can be your solution for an irritated, flaky scalp due to lack of moisture.
- Key ingredient(s): Castor oil
- Size: 2 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I use this mostly for my dry scalp and it does a great job. I usually put it in the night before hair wash day and my scalp always is moisturized afterward!"
Pros
- Harnesses the power of phytonutrients for their natural antioxidant properties
Cons
- Marketed as a serum, but definitely more of an oil consistency
Tester and editor-loved for its super soothing formula that feels virtually weightless on your scalp and roots, this serum/oil hybrid is one of the best when it comes to dry scalp relief. The powerhouse ingredients responsible for said magic? A slew of phytonutrients—hi, aloe vera, root extracts, seed oils, Indian gooseberry, and Bakuchi—which are both naturally anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidants. Apply one to three drops if you have finer hair and one full drop for thicker hair twice a week, and leave on overnight.
- Key ingredient(s): Aloe vera, Indian gooseberry, sunflower seed oil
- Size: 1.8 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "The lightweight formula allows instant absorption, providing instant relief without greasiness. The natural ingredients work synergistically to soothe and nourish the scalp effectively. With consistent use, I noticed a significant reduction in itching and flakiness. "
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Constantly sold out on Amazon
The beauty of this next pick is that it's formulated with all hair types in mind, including fine hair, due to its lightweight consistency and feel. It's also free of potentially icky ingredients, meaning sensitive skin types can safely apply this to their scalp on an as-needed basis without worrying about reaction. The MVP formula contains rosemary oil (which helps with hair thinning) and rich emollients, avocado oil, and safflower oil. On dry hair, apply the oil directly to your scalp pre-shower, rub it in, and allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes—either rinse thoroughly or shampoo per usual.
- Key ingredient(s): Rosemary oil, avocado oil, safflower oil
- Size: 4.2 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "Had a sore, dry scalp that was really irritated. A few drops of Magic Elixir as a pre-shower routine cured that almost immediately! Has secured a spot in my regular routine!"
Pros
- Great for type-4 and high-porosity hair
Cons
- Will be too heavy for finer hair types due to the rich texture
It's no secret that curly hair needs moisture, especially high-porosity hair types that are prone to frizz, damage, and dryness. So when you can find an oil that prioritizes scalp health and works with your curls at the same time, you're going to want to get your hands on that product. Tried and tested by Cosmo's beauty editor at large Julee Wilson, Aunt Jackie's Elixir hair and scalp oil earned a spot on our 2023 Holy Grail Beauty Awards for being that girl. "I love the cool feel this gives my scalp—and thanks to the rosemary oil and biotin in the formula, my hair looks and feels fuller, too," says Julee.
- Key ingredient(s): Rosemary oil, biotin
- Size: 2 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "This oil has worked wonders for me and the friends I have introduced to it. I personally oil my hair with the intention of washing it out within the next few hours. It does not leave my hair greasy or without volume and is easy to apply with the dropper. I have noticed my hair becoming thicker, longer, and super shiny since using this."
Pros
- Salicylic acid gently buffs away dead skin cells
Cons
- Those with dandruff should use this as a maintenance product as it may not be strong enough due to the lack of antifungal
So, we've established that a dry, flaky scalp that's full of build-up is probably not the best environment for a healthy, nourished scalp, right? Right. That's where the power of a chemical exfoliant comes in clutch. This oil from Morrocanoil uses my favorite AHA, salicylic acid, to gently buff away dead skin cells, oil, and gunk from your scalp and then soothe and moisturize your irritation with emollients like argan and geranium oil. Salicylic acid can also be a great option for those with dandruff that's under control if a lighter product in between treatments is needed, just consult your derm first.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, argan oil, geranium oil
- Size: 1.5 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "I’m amazed! My scalp has been in shambles with incessant itching for several weeks. I started noticing flakes as well. The winter months suck every ounce of moisture out of my scalp, and I’d tried some medicated shampoos for dandruff and even other oiling regimens to cure it. Everything just seemed to anger it. I tried this last night shortly after receiving it and today I have no itching whatsoever. I’m amazed! Worth every penny."
Pros
- Safe for synthetic hair
Cons
- Testers usually apply the oil at least every day, so they run through it rather quickly
Protective styles cause tension and tightness, and braids may also aggravate your scalp, leading to dryness and itchiness. The solution? A soothing scalp oil that moisturizes and combats irritation. This one from Shea Moisture combos hydrating aloe vera with tea tree oil—i.e., an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal ingredient that soothes and calms discomfort associated with your protective style. Bonus points because it's also safe for synthetic hair, making it a great option for your wig or weave.
- Key ingredient(s): Aloe vera, tea tree oil
- Size: 2 oz.
Glowing Customer Review: "We get the protective styles, but we often do not have the time to pre-wash the hair which results in the extreme itchiness. (You can get it from the hair and the chemicals they put in it.) Without this item, my scalp would end up so irritated that I would scratch until my scalp was raw with bumps. I would use this stuff more than three times a day in the first two days, and my scalp was good after that. This is mandatory!!!"
How to choose the best oil for your dry scalp:
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 (!!!!), and that's your best bet.
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 in. 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.
Meet the expert:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan, and has 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.
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