The 15 Best Scalp Oils of 2023
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The Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment is our best overall
Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Scalp health is often overlooked. When you want to give it a little TLC, it's not always clear whether a skincare or haircare approach is best. Plant oils fall somewhere in between—they can do wonders not only for the skin on your scalp but also for the hair that grows from it.
According to UK-based trichologist Kate Holden, there are many potential benefits of applying oils to the scalp. "Tea tree, peppermint, ginger, and cade oil can help alleviate itchy scalps and reduce inflammation," she tells Byrdie. "Coconut oil is sometimes recommended as an emollient to help with dry skin and dandruff, and there is some evidence that rosemary oil may help with hair growth."
Ready to give your scalp the nourishment it deserves? We tapped an expert for recommendations, scoured the internet, read through countless reviews, and even tried a few top-rated products for ourselves. The result: This list of treatments that actually work, based on scalp-loving ingredients like avocado, tea tree, and rosemary oils, and how well they work to treat a wide range of concerns like dry, itchy, or thinning scalps. We then cross referenced our expert-recommended picks with top-rated products (aka those that have garnered five-star reviews and Byrdie staff praise).
Kiehl's Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
Best Overall
This top pick moisturizes the scalp, minimizes irritation, and helps support healthy hair growth.
What We Like
A little goes a long way
Multi-use formula
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
Contains PEGs
Our top pick is Kiehl's Magic Elixir, an oil-based formula that can be used on both your scalp and hair. Its hero ingredients include avocado oils and safflower oils, which provide deep moisture and nourishment while minimizing inflammation.
You'll also get a dose of rosemary oil, which, as Holden notes, has been shown to support hair growth. Considering you only need a few drops at a time, we appreciate the generously sized bottle. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or an overnight scalp mask, but the brand advises against applying it to wet hair.
Price at time of publish: $22
Key Ingredients: Avocado, rosemary, and safflower oils | Free of: Sulfates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance | Dosage: Small amount pre-shampoo | Size: 4.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Best Budget
This budget-friendly pick helps to reduce itchiness and promote hair growth.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Alleviates itchiness
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
May leave hair greasy
On a budget? Check out this supremely affordable formula from Mielle Organics. Whether you're dealing with itchiness, dandruff, or hair fallout, you can count on the blend of rosemary, peppermint, and castor oil to deliver. Use it in your everyday hair care routine or weekly as an intensive deep treatment, either way, you can expect increased circulation, less dandruff, and smoother strands.
Price at time of publish: $9
Key Ingredients: Castor, rosemary, and peppermint oils | Free of: Sulfates, synthetic fragrance | Dosage: A few drops as needed | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Derma E Scalp Relief Treatment
Best Drugstore
This drugstore formula dissolves buildup, minimizes itch, and supports healthy growth.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Supports healthy growth
Contains organic ingredients
What We Don’t Like
Some may dislike tingling feeling upon application
For an option you an quickly pick up at the drugstore, we love the Derma-E Scalp Relief Treatment. This pretty blue tincture calls on tea tree oil to cleanse and reduce buildup, plus blue algae and kelp to promote thicker, healthier hair growth. It feels like menthol upon contact with the skin (so those that don't like tingling may not like this one) and helps address stubborn dry scalp, dandruff, and more.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Tea tree and alma oils, blue algae, kelp | Free of: Gluten, soy, GMOs | Dosage: A few drops per section | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Philip B CBD Scalp + Body Oil
Best Splurge
This splurge-worthy oil nourishes the scalp, reduces irritation and inflammation, and can support hair growth.
What We Like
Nourishing
Minimizes irritation
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
This premium blend is priced pretty steep, but you only need a teensy amount per treatment, and you can expect noticeable results. Olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils help nourish the scalp and minimize inflammation, while hemp-derived CBD extract soothes irritation and supports hair growth.
Price at time of publish: $95
Key Ingredients: Olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils, hemp extract | Free of: THC, gluten, animal products | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Related:11 Legit CBD Oils to Use From Head-to-Toe
The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Serum
Best Serum
This serum is non-greasy and promises to balance oil production on the scalp.
What We Like
Non-greasy formula
Balances oil production
Trichologist-recommended
What We Don’t Like
Oil isn't primary ingredient
Holden recommends this serum-style treatment from The Body Shop. The non-greasy formula promises to nourish the scalp and balance oil production while soothing itchy, flaky skin.
Price at time of publish: $20
Key Ingredients: Ginger essential oil, birch bark extract | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops per section when hair is dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Rahua Founder's Blend Scalp & Hair Treatment
Best for Dandruff
The plant oils in this formula dissolves the bacteria that causes dandruff.
What We Like
Calms irritation
Contains organic ingredients
What We Don’t Like
Strong scent
If you're battling dandruff, reach for Rahua Founder's Blend. According to the maker, the rare combination of plant-derived oils dissolves the bacteria that causes the condition, then calms irritation and creates a healthy environment for hair growth. Just keep in mind that it has a potent fragrance, so if you're sensitive to smell, this one might not be for you.
Price at time of publish: $42
Key Ingredients: Rahua and palo santo oils | Free of: Mineral oil, sulfates, dyes | Dosage: Small amount left on overnight | Size: 1.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Related:The 17 Best Shampoos for Dandruff of 2023 to Keep Flakes Away
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil
Best for Damaged Hair
This pick leans on castor oil and jojoba oils to nourish and strengthen brittle hair and support new growth.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
A little goes a long way
What We Don’t Like
May weigh down fine hair
The remedy for damaged hair starts at the scalp. This pick leans on castor oil and jojoba oil to nourish and strengthen brittle hair and support new growth. In the brand's clinical trial, 94 percent of users reported less breakage.
Price at time of publish: $11
Key Ingredients: Castor and jojoba oil | Free of: Parabens, mineral oil, dyes | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Scalp Soother
Best for Wigs, Braids, and Weaves
This was formulated specifically with wigs, weaves, and braids in mind.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Dissolves buildup
Soothes inflammation
What We Don’t Like
Reviewers note formula is very watery
SheaMoisture Scalp Soother was formulated specifically with wigs, weaves, and braids in mind. Tea tree oil helps dissolve buildup, while borage oil offers immediate relief from tightness, tension, and overall scalp discomfort. The wallet-friendly price doesn't hurt either. The only caveat: Some say the formula is runny, so use a gentle hand when applying.
Price at time of publish: $11
Key Ingredients: Tea tree and borage seed oils, aloe vera, oat extract | Free of: Sulfates, mineral oil, silicone | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops to affected area | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
Best for Curly Hair
This pick calls on many plant oils to define and volumize curls.
What We Like
Designed for curls and coils
Adds bounce
Leaves hair shiny
What We Don’t Like
Strong smell
Tracee Ellis Ross knows a thing or two about good hair. If you have curls like she does, this moisturizing blend is your best bet. It combines the nourishing, anti-inflammatory effects of safflower, olive, rosehip, and jojoba oils to minimize breakage from root to tip while leaving your hair brilliantly bouncy and full of shine.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Jojoba, olive, rosehip, and safflower oils | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, silicone | Dosage: A few drops to targeted areas | Size: 3.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Related:The 14 Best Brushes for Curly Hair of 2023
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
Best Pre-Shampoo
Use this treatment before you shampoo to help achieve shiny, bouncy hair.
What We Like
Leaves hair shiny
Prevents breakage
Smells amazing
What We Don’t Like
Can be tricky to completely wash out
Apply this treatment oil to your scalp, then run it through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before hopping in the shower. After shampooing, you can expect shinier, healthier-looking hair. The citrusy-amber scent is pretty incredible too. Since it's so rich, you may have to use some elbow grease to get it completely out of your hair.
Price at time of publish: $29
Key Ingredients: Squalane, bisabolol, basil root extract | Free of: Sulfates, silicone | Dosage: Dropper-full 15 minutes pre-shampoo | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
Best Exfoliating
This treatment contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, dissolve buildup, keep flakes at bay, and balance oil production.
What We Like
Dissolves buildup
Balances oil production
Alleviates itchiness
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
In addition to Moroccanoil's signature ingredient, argan oil, this scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, dissolve buildup, keep flakes at bay, and balance oil production. In the brand's clinical trial, 94 percent of users said it minimized itchiness, too.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, salicylic acid | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, mineral oil | Dosage: 3 to 6 drops per section | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
Best Non-Greasy
It uses tea tree and rosemary to clear up the skin on your scalp and create an environment that supports new growth.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Helps promote healthy growth
Non-greasy formula
What We Don’t Like
May weigh down fine hair
If hair growth is the goal, go with The Mane Choice. This treatment blends castor, jojoba, and coconut oils to moisturize and nourish and then calls on tea tree and rosemary to clear up the skin on your scalp and create an environment that supports new growth.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Castor, rosemary, jojoba, coconut, and tea tree oils | Free of: Parabens, sulfates | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Oil Treatment
Best Itch-Relief
This oil calls on tea tree to minimize any itching on the scalp.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Dissolves buildup
Minimizes flakes and discomfort
What We Don’t Like
Not suitable for frequent use
For itch-relief, Holden says to look for products containing tea tree oil, like this generously sized blend from As I Am. It's also formulated to dissolve buildup and prevent dandruff while minimizing any flakes you might already have.
Price at time of publish: $10
Key Ingredients: Olive and tea tree oils | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum
Best Overnight
What We Like
Designed to work while you sleep
Skin-loving ingredients
What We Don't Like
Water-based
This overnight oil treatment from Aveda helps defend the delicate skin on the scalp from signs of aging (read: shedding, hair loss, and dryness) while you sleep. Loaded with nourishing castor oil, fortifying centella asiatica extract, antimicrobial lactobacillus ferment, hydrating sunflower seed oil, and stimulating ginger root extract, this hair serum targets a wide range of concerns all at once. Apply it directly to the scalp at bedtime to wet or dry hair and massage it in.
Something to keep in mind: It's water-based, so those with natural or chemically treated hair might cause hair to curl up.
Price at time of publish: $52
Key Ingredients: Adaptogenic centella asiatica, Lactobacillus ferment, Hyaluronic acid | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Revela The Growth Concentrate
Best for Hair Growth
What We Like
Lightweight
Promotes hair growth
What We Don't Like
Expensive
This oil-based formula from Revela is designed for fast, long-lasting hair growth results. It's lightweight—so you can apply it at any time of day without worrying about ruining your hairstyle—and has helped tons of people re-grow hair. It's powered by a argan oil, castor oil, fruit extracts, and ProCelinyl (an ingredient discovered by artificial intelligence to directly target hair follicle health).
Price at time of publish: $115
Key Ingredients: Agran oil, castor oil, ProCelinyl, grapefruit peel extract, olive leaf extract | Free of: Parabens, phalates | Dosage: 2-3 drops several times a week | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
The best scalp oil overall is Kiehl's Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment, a multitasking treatment that moisturizes, nourishes, soothes, and supports healthy hair growth. For those on a budget, we recommend Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, which tackles dandruff, itchiness, and hair loss.
Kate Holden, AIT is a trichologist based in the UK. She is an associate member of the Institute of Trichologists. Holden provides expert diagnoses, therapeutic recommendations, consultations, referrals, and treatments for various hair and scalp concerns.
What to Look For in a Scalp Oil
Type
If you already experiencing some itchiness or flaking, you'll want to help treat the area with a scalp oil that has soothing ingredients, like the As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Oil Treatment. (If your skin is inflamed or flaking excessively, see a medical professional.) However, if your scalp is already in tip-top condition, opt for a well-rounded formula containing ingredients designed to keep your scalp balanced and hydrated (like the JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil).
Consider Your Individual Needs
Just like you would with skincare concerns, base your scalp oil choice on what your scalp needs. What works for one scalp may not be a benefit to another. Thanks to today’s massive offering, you’ll find options specially formulated for oily scalp, dry scalp, curly hair, thinning hair—you name it. Those dealing with extra-dry scalps might especially like the Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment. Those with curly hair will love the Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum, which was designed for curls and coils.
Ingredients
Do you find yourself to be a fan of a certain ingredient because you love what it does for your skin? Then you’ll most likely love what it could do for your scalp, too. And like skincare, trendy ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, biotin, and even niacinamide (vitamin B3) are making their way into many a scalp oil formulation. The Aveda Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serum, for example, is loaded with a bunch of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ginger root extract, giving it similar benefits to a skincare serum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scalp oil?
For the majority of us looking to up our skincare game by extending it to our scalp, one of the many one-size-fits-all formulations is sufficient to keep the scalp hydrated, soothed, and protected. However, the best way to choose scalp oil is to approach it as you would skincare, so if there’s a condition you’d like your scalp oil to address, such as oiliness or dryness, it’s best to shop around until you find one with the ideal ingredients.
How often should you apply scalp oil?
That depends on your lifestyle and scalp skincare concerns. Proper usage should keep the scalp moisturized and soothed without any buildup. However, if buildup is a real concern for you, try a formula with more of a water-based, serum-like consistency.
Will scalp oil make hair grow faster?
Many of today’s scalp oil formulations contain a bevy of natural ingredients that some believe can encourage hair growth. While the official science is still out on many of them, certain compounds like biotin can play a role in supplementing hair strength and quality. So, while no scalp oil has been proven to make hair grow faster, its ability to support scalp health is a great start in the battle for great hair.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer and content creator. She interviewed a trichologist for this story, who offered insight into the best oils for scalp health and product recommendations. When narrowing down the final selections, she combed through reviews and looked at scholarly journals to cross-reference ingredients. Theresa covers skincare, haircare, and wellness products at Byrdie.
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