13 Ways to Effectively Treat a Dry Scalp, According to Experts

Reviewed by Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD

When it comes to beauty, there are some things that are not so, well, beautiful. Dealing with a dry scalp for instance. In addition to being itchy and producing flakes that look like dandruff, a dry scalp can be super sensitive and in some situations, even feel painful.

But luckily, you don't have to suffer in silence and there are ways you can treat a dry scalp and its many causes including seasonal dryness or a skin condition such as psoriasis. Whatever the root of your dry scalp may be, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban says all of the associated conditions involve some form of dysregulation of skin cell turnover and low sebum production. Understanding that is the first step toward finding a solution.

With that in mind, we tapped Dr. Shamban along with dermatologist, Rebecca Marcus MD, and professional hairstylist, Michelle O'Connor, to share everything there is to know about treating dry scalps and returning them to their natural healthy state. From using scalp-friendly exfoliants and spacing out your wash days to hair brushing techniques and the shampoo formulas you should use, keep scrolling for all the healthy scalp tips.

Meet the Experts

• Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Maei MD.

• Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles and the founder of Ava M, Skin Five, and The Box by Dr. Ava.

• Michelle O Connor is a celebrity hairstylist and the global artistic director for Matrix.

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers

At the end of the day, a long, hot shower can be just the thing to help you unwind. But, it's not all that it's cracked up to be, in fact, our experts warn this could be the cause of your dry scalp. "Limiting time in the shower and using warm, but not hot water may help. Overly hot showers can exacerbate dry skin, including dry scalp," Dr. Marcus explains.

Reduce How Often You Wash Your Hair

In addition to the temperature and length of your showers, you may also want to evaluate how often you wash your hair. "If your scalp is extremely dry, it may help to wash less frequently, maybe every other day instead of daily," Dr. Marcus shares. Consider using a shower cap to protect your scalp and prolong your style on days you don't plan to wash your hair.

Apply an Oil Treatment

Dry scalps can benefit from added moisture in the form of an oil treatment. Dr. Marcus says applying an oil, like castor or coconut, directly to the scalp can help soften flakes and ultimately help to repair the skin barrier. Coconut oil, in particular, is deeply nourishing to both the scalp and hair. Some specially formulated hair oils contain ingredients, like rosemary oil, which may also have added benefits like promoting hair growth in addition to hydration. We like Aavrani's Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil ($35) which uses rosemary, amla, and a proprietary bond complex.

Step It Up With a Hot Oil Treatment

If you want to maximize the benefits of an oil, Dr. Shamban recommends creating a hot oil treatment. To do this, carefully warm the oil before applying it to your scalp (make sure the temperature isn't too hot), then cover your hair with a shower cap and apply heat using a blow dryer or hot steam from the shower. Dr. Shamban recommends Philip B's Rejuvenating Oil ($45), which she calls a "heavenly life-saver."

Switch to Gentle, Fragrance-Free Shampoo

Dryness, itching, and even flaking can be from irritation, Dr. Shamban shares. She adds that harsh products with chemicals, excessive sulfates, or fragrances can create dryness and the same effects. Dr. Marcus agrees and recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo— like Odele's Ultra Sensitive Shampoo ($12)— this can help to repair the skin barrier if you have sensitive skin and experience irritation from harsh shampoos and common irritants.

If changing to a gentle shampoo does not improve your scalp irritation or you experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it's time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. "If it's inflamed, red, and scaly, it may be a condition beyond dry scalp. Dry scalp is often confused with dandruff or the more severe inflammatory condition known as seborrheic dermatitis," Dr. Shamban cautions.

Add a Hydrating Hair Serum

Hair serums can treat a variety of hair concerns, and Dr. Shamban says some hydrating hair serums may also benefit the scalp. Specifically, she recommends The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum ($15), which is designed to be applied from roots to ends. If a product's instructions don't say to apply it to the scalp, it's best to adhere to them, as it may contribute to buildup. While it may seem harmless, excessive product buildup on the scalp can create dryness, worsening your initial problem.

Use a Scalp-Friendly Physical Exfoliant

"Exfoliating is the first step in creating a clean canvas on your scalp to allow moisturizing products to really penetrate and help combat the dryness," says O'Connor. And while many people love scratching their scalp while shampooing, this can make flaking worse. Scratching may help to dislodge the flakes, but the damage it causes to the skin barrier will promote the creation of more dry skin as the scalp heals. Instead of using your nails, seek out scrubs designed to gently exfoliate the flakes away without causing further damage. Furthermore, O'Connor suggests using a scrubbing brush especially in a circular motion to get blood flow going.

Use a Scalp-Friendly Chemical Exfoliant

If physical exfoliants aren't your thing, consider a chemical one instead. A salicylic acid shampoo can help to loosen flakes, and a gentle scalp scrub can also help to wash them away, Dr. Marcus explains. Dr. Shamban agrees and adds that using a light scrub on your scalp can help to avoid buildup. She recommends Briogeo's Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ($42), a two-in-one shampoo and scrub.

Massage the Scalp

Massaging your scalp can provide many benefits. Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the area, which is believed to relieve tension and potentially promote new hair growth. When it comes to dry scalp treatment, massaging can help clear buildup that may cause dryness and help loosen flakes without causing irritation. Dr. Shamban recommends that you massage your scalp with your fingertips nightly, but you can also consider an in-shower scalp massager to use when you shampoo. We like Ceremonia's Scalp Massager ($16).

Brush Your Hair Gently

O'Connor says to not brush your hair too rough since that can lead to irritation. "Go slow and really focus on detangling and trying to massage the scalp," she suggests. And if you're stuck on what type of brush to use, O'Connor recommends boar bristle hairbrushes.

Try Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy has been used to treat irritation and inflammation on the face, so it's easy to see where it may be helpful for similar scalp issues as well. Dr. Shamban recommends red light treatment for the scalp, of which there are both in-office and at-home options.

At-home red light therapy machines can be pricey, so consult your dermatologist before investing in one. It's important to ensure you know what you're dealing with, as certain scalp conditions require prescription medication or creams for effective treatment.

Consult the Pros

We repeat: If dry scalp is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, it's important to see a dermatologist to rule out a more serious diagnosis. Another benefit of consulting your dermatologist? They have access to more intensive treatments to help your condition. "A dermatologist may prescribe a topical steroid to help control flaking on the scalp," Dr. Marcus shares.

Consider a Keravive Scalp Treatment

Your dermatologist will also be able to rule out more serious conditions and then pursue a more rigorous regimen for your scalp dryness, which may include in-office treatments like the HydraFacial Keravive Scalp Treatment. The HydraFacial Keravive will clean the scalp, infuse moisture, and seal in nourishment to help heal and calm a dry, itchy scalp, Dr. Shamban explains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a dry scalp?

A dry scalp can be the result of many things, including using a harsh shampoo, sensitivity to fragrance, low humidity in the air, taking long or hot showers, certain medications, hormonal changes, and advanced age.

What can scalp dryness be a symptom of?

Scalp dryness can be indicative of more serious scalp conditions, such as everyday dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more.

When do I need to consult a doctor about my dry scalp?

If you experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it's time to visit a board-certified dermatologist.

Read the original article on Byrdie.