There are many medical reasons why people experience a really dry scalp. No matter the cause, though, it can lead to itching, flaking, soreness, redness, pain, and embarrassment.
If you have an extremely dry scalp, the best treatment can help you get rid of these uncomfortable symptoms entirely. The good news is that there are some proven ways to stop your scalp from being overly dry and itchy.
Scalp dryness is more common than you may think. You’re not alone if you have dandruff-like flaking and itchiness. Because it’s so common, some remedies work quickly to provide relief.
The best thing to do before you start treating an excessively dry scalp is to determine the underlying cause. The most common reasons include weather, hair products, and skin problems. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis are often behind the problem.
It’s just as important to treat the symptoms as it is the condition itself. Choosing the right over-the-counter (OTC) product or home remedy can put an end to the itchiness and discomfort.
Click on the “CHECK PRICE” link to get up-to-date pricing information, read the latest customer reviews, discover how it works, etc. Beneath the table is an in-depth review of each treatment.
Treatment: | Conditions: | Ingredients | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Paul MItchell Tea Tree Shampoo | Dry and itchy scalp, Scalp psoriasis, Eczema, Seborrheic dermatitis, Dandruff | Tea tree oil, Peppermint, Lavender, Vitamin E, Shea butter, Willow bark, Soy protein | 10/10 |
Selsun Blue Dry Scalp Shampoo | Flaking and itching, Dandruff, Seborrheic dermatitis, Psoriasis | Pyrithione Zinc 1%, Benzyl alcohol, Aloe Vera, Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol | 8/10 |
Apothecary Australian Tea Tree Oil | Bacterial infection, Dry scalp, Ringworm, Head lice, Yeast | Tea tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) | 9/10 |
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse | Scalp dryness, Itchiness, Bacterial infection, Hair growth | Biotin, Folic acid, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Potassium, Magnesium | 6/10 |
One N’ Only Argan Oil | Itchy and dry scalp, Cleanse the scalp, Tenderness | Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil | 7/10 |
Listerine Total Care | Dandruff, Seborrheic dermatitis, Vibrant hair, Dry Scalp, Lice, Alopecia | Menthol, Thymol, Methyl salicylate, Eucalyptol | 5/10 |
“Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp Relief | Dry Scalp, Itchiness, Flaky skin | Coconut oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Aloe vera, Peppermint | 7.5/10 |
Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo | Dry and itchy scalp, Sensitive and tender skin, Flakiness | Organic coconut oil, Olive oil, Aloe vera, Rosemary, Shea butter | 9.5/10 |
Coconut Oil | Lice, Dandruff, Hair regrowth , Stronger hair | Copra oil, Lauric acid | 7.5/10 |
Aloe Vera | Dandruff, Burns, Heals skin, Strengthen hair, Reduced irritation, Itchiness, Psoriasis | Lignin, Saponins, Salicylic acids, Amino acids, Anthraquinones | 7.5/10 |
Table of Contents:
This guide will focus on ten of the best ways to treat an overly dry scalp. We’ll cover a mixture of home remedies as well as the best products you can buy to find relief.
The treatments (below) will help to reduce the negative symptoms. You don’t have to look any farther for the ten best ways to get rid of dry scalp. Let’s take a closer look.
This product can help a dry scalp regardless of the cause. Whether it’s other hair products, a skin condition or the weather, this is a solution that can give you relief.
This Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment can be used to soothe the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. It can also reduce itching, redness, flaking, and inflammation. But, you don’t have to have a skin condition for this treatment to be effective. Plus, because of its potent blend of natural ingredients, you can find relief quickly.
You never have to worry about it stripping your hair of its color or causing any problems due to a chemical reaction. In fact, this is one of the safest products to use for a dry scalp because it features natural ingredients. There is little risk in using it.
Some of the critical natural ingredients include:
If you love your cosmetic shampoos and hair treatments with strong floral fragrances, you won’t miss the perfumes and preservatives. This treatment has a light and refreshing peppermint scent thanks to the natural peppermint oil.
Believe it or not, this ingredient isn’t just to make the treatment smell good. Peppermint contains menthol. The second it touches your scalp, you’ll notice a cooling sensation. If you’ve been suffering from the urge to itch, this should help to take it away almost immediately.
Check the Price of Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment on Amazon!
One of the best ways to get rid of an itchy scalp is by using a shampoo specifically formulated for dryness. Selsun Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo is designed to add moisture and prevent itching. It contains six added moisturizers to help with the dryness of your hair and scalp so that you can find relief quickly.
One of the best things about this shampoo is that it will work for almost any scalp condition. It’s especially useful for seborrheic dermatitis. This is because the formula is designed to stop flaking and itching, two of the most common symptoms of that condition.
Many people have also seen success with it if they have other conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It’s important to keep in mind that if you do have these conditions, they are not entirely treatable. But, the right product can make them easier to manage.
The active ingredient in Selsun Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo is Pyrithione Zinc (1%). It’s a common ingredient for getting rid of dandruff. It also helps to protect your scalp from fungal and bacterial infections. That’s why this particular shampoo works so well for different scalp conditions.
Of course, it also contains moisturizing ingredients that help to stop the urge to itch. Some of these ingredients include:
It’s made for regular use, so you can safely apply it whenever you wash your hair. If you have light or gray hair, its blue color won’t tint your hair color in any way. It’s also safe for color-treated hair and won’t cause fading.
This shampoo is also one of the most affordable products on the market for treating a dry scalp. No matter what the cause of your very dry scalp may be, introducing this shampoo into your regular hair care routine can make a difference.
Check the Price of Selsun Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo on Amazon!
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural ingredients for dealing with a dry, itchy scalp. You can use it in a variety of different ways. It contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. So, no matter the cause of your itchy scalp, it can help when dealing with a variety of skin conditions.
Because it is an essential oil for dry scalp, it will also help to add moisture to your hair and scalp. It will help to unclog the pores and follicles on your scalp, leading to healthy oil production. This will leave you with relief from itching and luscious locks.
Let’s cover a couple of different ways you can use tea tree oil efficiently and safely:
Follow these steps:
If you use tea tree oil directly on your scalp, be sure not to skip the first step: Always add tea tree oil to a neutral carrier oil. It’s rare for someone to have an adverse reaction to this essential oil. But, it is quite potent. Some people might experience irritation if it’s applied directly to the skin. Even applying 2-3 drops into a carrier oil will be strong enough to make a difference. Its rich properties won’t be diluted.
Additionally, you can find shampoos and creams that already contain tea tree oil. These can be just as effective in adding moisture to your scalp. But, if you choose a pre-made product comprising of tea tree oil, make sure the other ingredients are natural, too. If the formula contains chemicals and preservatives, it could outweigh the benefits.
Check the Price of Apothecary Tea Tree Oil on Amazon!
This has been used for years as a home remedy for different types of ailments. One of the best uses you can get out of it is to treat a dry scalp quickly. Apple cider vinegar for dry scalp works for a few reasons.
First, it helps to balance out the pH levels of your scalp. If you’re dealing with dandruff, this can get rid of the large and heavy flakes that seem to be falling from your head.
Apple cider vinegar is also an astringent. It cleanses your scalp of bacteria and microbes that could be stealing moisture or clogging your pores. With those pesky microbes out of the way, your scalp can return to its regular oil production, naturally moisturizing your scalp.
Using ACV to treat a dry scalp couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps for the best results:
This is a powerful natural solution for a dry scalp. But, if you have extremely sensitive skin, you should use caution when trying this method. You can still see effective results when you dilute the vinegar slightly with water. This will help to protect sensitive skin while still treating the scalp.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can try this method with lemon juice. It also works as an astringent and will balance the pH levels of your scalp. Be careful to use it directly on the scalp, though. Lemon juice is a natural lightening agent and could lighten your hair color.
Argan oil is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ because it’s so beneficial for a dry scalp and hair. One N’ Only Argan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment works double duty by creating luscious, soft and smooth locks and moisturizing your scalp at the same time. If you’re suffering from a skin condition that is causing your dry scalp, this treatment can help you find relief from some of those symptoms.
The main ingredient in this product is, of course, argan oil. It’s been used for years to treat different skin conditions and can do wonders for your scalp. Not only does it help to moisturize your skin. But, it also contains antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients. If you have a scalp condition like ringworm, the antifungal properties can help to soothe your symptoms. It can also help to ease the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
Argan oil is high in vitamin E. This will help to add elasticity to your skin and moisturize it naturally. It will also repair your skin thanks to the fatty acids in the oil. Because it has so many antioxidants, it will also help to heal and repair damaged skin quickly. If you’ve accidentally scratched your scalp, this treatment can help to close any scratches and heal open sores faster.
This product isn’t 100% pure argan oil. Instead, it’s a specially-formulated product that makes it easy to get the benefits of argan oil on your scalp. Because it contains other ingredients, it’s not all-natural. It is a great way, though, to moisturize your scalp and find relief from dryness and itchiness. The formula was created to make it easy to use. You massage a small amount of the solution into your hair. Since it’s not a shampoo, you don’t have to worry about rinsing it away.
It comes in a small bottle, but the beauty of this product is that a little goes a long way. So, it will last a long time even with regular use. When you’re suffering from a dry scalp, it’s important to use a treatment that will help to treat it until it’s completely healthy again. You can use this product to treat your dry scalp, and you can also continue to use it as needed to keep the skin of your scalp healthy and hydrated.
Check the Price of One N’ Only Argan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment on Amazon!
Listerine might sound like a strange remedy for a dry scalp, but there are several reasons why it’s effective. First, it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Any microbes that are causing your scalp to become dry and flaky will be killed off. Not only will this help to get rid of your dry scalp, but it will reduce your urge to itch.
Follow these steps to use Listerine properly on your scalp:
It’s important to make sure you dilute the Listerine with water before using it on your scalp. It’s a strong solution and could cause your scalp to burn if it’s not diluted. This can be especially true for people with sensitive skin, or if you have any existing cuts on your scalp. The diluted version is safe and will be more comfortable for you.
Just because you buy an over-the-counter treatment for your dry scalp doesn’t mean it has to be full of chemicals. One of the best solutions you can buy is “Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp Relief. This over-the-counter treatment contains all-natural ingredients. They are proven to help soothe an irritated and dry scalp. It is one of the best solutions for seborrheic dermatitis.
The formula is based on a mixture of natural oils that work together to provide relief from itching. These oils also add moisture back to your skin, so you don’t have to worry about flaking. Some people have more sensitive skin than others – including the skin on your scalp. For those people, cosmetic hair products can be the reason behind a dry scalp. Treating it with a natural formula can help things heal faster.
Some of the main ingredients in “Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp Relief includes the following:
These ingredients are meant to add moisture, promote healing and soothe your dry, itchy scalp right away. If your scalp starts feeling hot or like it’s burning, ingredients like aloe vera and peppermint can provide relief quickly.
One of the best parts about this treatment is that it’s so easy to use. Plus, a little goes a long way. A single bottle can last a long time. This is beneficial because it can be used to maintain a healthy scalp once you’ve treated it. You apply a small amount of the oil into your palm or directly onto the scalp. Then, massage it in for a few minutes. You don’t need to rinse it away or follow up with a different product.
If you already are experiencing the symptoms of a flaky scalp, you can use this product up to two times each day for best results. When your scalp has returned to a healthier state, you can maintain moisture by using it once every few days. It won’t leave your skin greasy and won’t weigh down your hair.
If you’ve been looking for a natural product that can treat your scalp, this is one of the best on the market. It was developed by a licensed salon owner with over 15 years of experience and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Check the Price of “Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp Relief on Amazon!
If your current shampoo is the culprit behind your dry scalp, switching to a natural option can help. Many times, the chemicals in hair products like shampoo cause our follicles to become clogged. This prevents your scalp from producing the right amount of sebum naturally.
When your scalp can’t produce sebum, it dries out quickly. You may even get a condition called folliculitis. So, it’s important to make sure your scalp and hair aren’t reacting negatively to what you’re washing them with each day!
If you do have sensitive skin or you’ve had scalp problems for awhile, it might be a good time to make a switch. One of the best options is Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo. This shampoo is meant for regular use.
You can wash your hair without worrying about damaging chemicals or preservatives. There is nothing in the formula that will strip your hair of its natural oils. It also won’t clog your follicles and dry out your scalp and can help to prevent folliculitis. It’s even safe for babies to use because it is hypoallergenic.
Some of the main natural ingredients include:
All the ingredients in the formula are organic. That means they are entirely free of anything artificial and don’t contain additives. If you’re someone with sensitive skin, that can make a big difference.
One thing to keep in mind when using this shampoo is that it’s not considered a medicated treatment. But, many people use it to ‘reset’ their hair and scalp if they’ve been using products that contain a lot of chemicals. It can detoxify your hair and scalp in as little as one use. Any conditions you might have shouldn’t get irritated or inflamed by using this product. It’s even safe for people with eczema and psoriasis.
It’s designed for all different hair types, and you can use it just as often as you would your regular cosmetic shampoo. Because of the natural ingredients, it’s unlikely you’ll have any adverse side effects. But, it may take some getting used to.
This shampoo doesn’t have the same strong and pleasant fragrance as many cosmetic formulas. It has a light and fresh rosemary fragrance. If you’re used to perfumes in your shampoo, you’ll have to get used to the subtle scent of this one. But, it’s worth it when it comes to the health of your scalp.
Check the Price of Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo on Amazon!
One of the best natural ways to get rid of a dry scalp is with coconut oil. Coconut oil is used for a variety of different health treatments. It’s a great moisturizing agent that can start working right away. But, there are many reasons why coconut oil is great for a dry scalp. You can also use it in a few different ways on your scalp.
So, what makes it so effective? First, it locks in moisture. It will also help to reduce any redness, inflammation, and irritation you might have. This will make it easier to stop itching your scalp and can minimize flaking.
Coconut oil also has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. If a bacterial infection like folliculitis is causing problems, it can help. It can also treat fungal infections like ringworm.
The best part about using coconut oil is that it acts as a barrier for your scalp. You can use it as a conditioner or a leave-in hair mask and have similar results. Things, like shampooing your hair each day or using hot water, can strip your scalp of moisture. When you regularly apply coconut oil, it will seal in that moisture. So, you can go about your regular hair care routine, and you won’t lose as much moisture from your scalp.
Making your own coconut oil treatment at home is easy with these simple steps:
When you’re using coconut oil as a dry scalp treatment, make sure it’s 100% natural and organic. Sometimes, coconut oil can be found in pre-made treatments or shampoos. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But, you should pay attention to the other ingredients listed. Make sure they won’t counteract the effects of the oil.
If you’ve ever had a cut, scrape, or burn, you probably already know how soothing aloe vera can feel. It can provide the same cooling and soothing sensation to a dry scalp. There are so many reasons aloe vera is beneficial to the skin of your scalp.
Some of the primary benefits include:
Aloe vera is an excellent solution for dry scalp, no matter the cause. The best part? You’ll feel a cooling sensation almost instantly. This can help to prevent further itching and protect your scalp from possible infections.
If you want to go the more natural route, you can use pure aloe vera juice directly on your scalp.
Follow these steps for the best results:
You can use aloe vera on your scalp in different ways. Some shampoos or existing hair products contain it as an ingredient. If you choose to use one of those products, make sure the other ingredients won’t counteract the benefits of the aloe vera.
It’s important to understand what’s causing your scalp to be extremely dry, to begin with. Whether you’re using home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, you’ll have a better chance of treating it if you know the reason for the problem.
Factors like weather and hair products can be the reason for your symptoms. But, there are some common scalp conditions that people face. These conditions can create a lot of negative symptoms, including itching, burning, and flaking. Unfortunately, many of these conditions have similar symptoms. Sometimes it can be hard to tell them apart. Knowing what to look for can help.
Some of the most common conditions to affect the scalp include:
Keep in mind that not all these skin conditions can be fully treated. Scalp psoriasis, for example, never goes away. For most people, it comes and goes through flare-ups. It can be managed, though, and people who have it can live a completely normal life.
If you do have a condition that never totally goes away, the best thing to do is treat the symptoms, so you don’t have to experience constant discomfort. If you think you have a scalp condition but aren’t sure how to identify it, a dermatologist can help.
Dandruff and dry scalp flakes are two different things. In fact, dandruff is usually caused by a buildup of oils on the scalp. Dry scalp flakes are smaller and whiter in color. If you use one of the treatments, symptoms like flaking should subside.
But, the best thing you can do to stop your scalp from flaking is to make sure it’s producing the sebum it’s supposed to. When your hair follicles get clogged, your scalp can produce the right amount of sebum. Unfortunately, this continues the cycle of the follicles becoming clogged.
Your skin then gets dry, itchy, and flakes off. You can stimulate your follicles in different ways, like giving yourself a scalp massage. It may also be as simple as changing hair products to something natural. Not only will you help to stop flaking, but your hair will look healthy and shiny.
One of the most prominent symptoms of a dry scalp is the desire to scratch. Several problems come with scratching your scalp. First, it can cause flakes to appear. These flakes can fall from your scalp and land on your clothes, causing a lot of embarrassment.
Scratching your scalp doesn’t just put you at risk for unsightly flakes. It can be dangerous and painful. The more you scratch at your scalp, the more you put yourself at risk for accidentally breaking open your skin.
A single scratch can go too deep and cause your skin to get ‘cut’ open. This can cause you to bleed. If that happens, you’re putting yourself at risk for a possible infection. This can become quite harmful, especially if you’re already dealing with bacteria on the scalp.
Scratching the scalp can also cause you to lose more hair. Not only are you pulling at the strands every time you scratch, but it can make it difficult for new hair to grow if the follicles become agitated.
Believe it or not, it’s possible to have a dry scalp and oily hair at the same time. The most common cause of this is seborrheic dermatitis. Your scalp can still feel dry and itchy, but the buildup of oils can cause your hair to look and feel greasy.
The best thing to use if you do have a dry scalp with oily hair is usually a clarifying shampoo. One of the most popular is Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo. This shampoo is designed to help with any scalp condition and rejuvenate both your skin and hair. It’s recommended by dermatologists and will work for several days after you use it. So, one bottle will last a long time.
If you’re prone to a dry scalp but oily hair, this shampoo is one of the best ways to treat your unique situation.
Many people are seeking out more ‘DIY’ solutions to different health issues. Natural treatments for dry scalp are a great option, especially for people with sensitive skin or other health conditions. More often than not, natural treatments won’t cause any harmful side effects. They are also easy to apply and are usually made from ingredients you might already have on hand!
Any of the home remedies for an itchy scalp listed in this guide can help you find relief right away. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, you can safely treat your dry scalp without worrying about harmful side effects.
But, the most powerful option is to heal your scalp with tea tree oil. It works so well because it has so many beneficial properties. It is an antifungal solution so that it can help with scalp fungus or ringworm. It also contains antibacterial properties that can fight against bacteria. If your scalp is red and itchy, the anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief right away.
It’s important that tea tree oil is diluted somehow before it’s applied to your skin. But, when used correctly it can provide the best relief for your scalp no matter what condition you may be facing.
There is no specific timeline for getting rid of a dry scalp. It all depends on what’s causing it. If you have a condition like psoriasis, it will never ‘go away.’ But, you can manage the symptoms, and you won’t experience them all the time.
It still will take treatment for the symptoms to fade. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to go away completely. If you don’t treat certain conditions that start on the scalp, they can spread to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, that means they can take even longer to clear up.
If it is caused by something like weather, stress, or hair products, getting rid of those things and using a treatment option is the best way to cure it quickly. For example, if you switch your hair products to natural solutions, you could start to feel relief immediately.
If you’ve been dealing with an itchy scalp for a long time, the best way to treat it is first to determine the reason for dry scalp. From there, you should have a better idea of how long it will take before you experience relief from the adverse symptoms.
Again, treating your dry scalp effectively depends on the cause. For some people, they experience this dryness due to a lack of proper nutrition. You should make sure you’re eating the right things and drinking enough water.
A dry scalp can sometimes start from within. If you’re not drinking enough water, you could experience itching and flaking. An excellent way to tell if you’re dehydrated is to look at the skin on other areas of your body. If it seems dry, that’s probably why your scalp is dry, too. Aim for eight glasses of water a day to stay fully hydrated.
What should you be eating for a dry scalp? Consider what your skin and hair need to be healthy. Your diet should be rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. You can get these nutrients through things like lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Try to reduce the number of carbohydrates and sugars you take in on a daily basis.
What Are the Best Vitamins for a Flaking Scalp?
A vitamin deficiency can contribute to a dry scalp. Making sure you get enough of the vitamins you need can also help to treat it. If you feel you can’t get enough vitamins through your regular diet, you can take a daily supplement. Different vitamins are crucial to your skin and hair health.
The best vitamins to take to treat your dry scalp include:
There are so many factors that cause a dry scalp that it’s nearly impossible to prevent it altogether. Some people are more prone to it than others. But, there are things you can do to avoid getting an itchy scalp based on certain conditions.
Use the following tips to lower your risk:
We hope this guide has given you some great ideas on the best dry, flaky scalp treatments. Our recommendation for the best product is the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment. It received the highest rating based on our criteria. Plus, the ingredients are all-natural, so it’s safe and easy to use.
Whether you choose a home remedy for dry scalp or an over-the-counter product, you don’t have to live with itching and flaking forever. Use one of the best ways to treat a dry scalp, and you can find relief quickly.
Copyright 2018 by DryScalpGone.