3 Dry Scalp Treatments that Work: Complete Guide 2024

By Vanessa Richards

January 10, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

DRY SCALP TREATMENT

Dry scalp or seborrheic dermatitis is one of the skin conditions characterized by scaly, thick patches on the scalp. It is a common problem that can be uncomfortable and may lead to itchiness and dandruff. If you’re experiencing dry scalp, there are several treatments you can try to help alleviate the symptoms.

In this post, we’ll discuss the causes of dry scalp and offer some tips for how to get relief from those annoying flakes. We’ll also look at some popular commercial products that claim to treat dry scalps. So if you’re dealing with this issue, keep reading for helpful information.

Dry Scalp Treatment: What Causes Dry Scalp?

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is a rash caused by a Fungal infection. A dry scalp is a skin condition caused by several factors, including dry weather, cold climates, harsh hair care products, and underlying medical conditions. It is most common in people with dry skin. It can be caused by excess oil in the scalp or too much moisture. A family history of seborrheic dermatitis may also be a factor.

In some cases, the dry scalp may be caused by lifestyle factors. For example, people who regularly use hot styling tools or take hot showers may be more likely to develop a dry scalp. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Harsh detergents and soaps can also result in a flaky scalp as they dry out the skin cells.

How To Know if You Have a Dry Scalp?

There are a few ways to tell if you have a dry scalp. One way is to pay attention to your skin. Your scalp will likely have dry skin cells if you have dry skin.

Moreover, you can try the “scratch test.” Gently scratch your scalp with your fingernails. If your nails come away with white flakes, it’s a good indication that you have a dry scalp.

3 Dry Scalp Treatments

A dry scalp can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Luckily, a few simple treatments can help you with a flaky scalp.

Here we will discuss some treatment plans that might work for you. They include natural home remedies, medications, and medicated shampoo.

1. Natural Remedies

While several medicated treatments are available, many people prefer to use natural home remedies. Here are four of the most effective expert-approved remedies:

  1. Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that can help to alleviate dryness and itchiness. Massage a few drops into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before shampooing.
  2. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level of the scalp, which helps to reduce dryness and irritation. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and apply it to your scalp with a cotton ball. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
  3. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for dry scalp caused by dandruff. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo, and use it as you would normally to remove dead skin cells.

2. Medications

You know how uncomfortable it can be if you have a dry scalp. The good news is several effective medically reviewed medicines for dry scalp treatment.

One of the most popular choices is selenium sulfide, which helps to treat dry scalp by reducing sebum production. Another popular choice is ketoconazole, which helps to reduce inflammation and fight dandruff.

For severe cases of dry scalp and scalp psoriasis, corticosteroids may be recommended. These medications help to decrease inflammation and itching, and they can be very effective in easing the symptoms of dry scalp. A board-certified dermatologist approves them.

3. Shampoos

Choosing a shampoo or moisturizing conditioner containing salicylic acid that is gentle and free of harsh chemicals is essential. Look for products that contain natural ingredients, such as aloe vera or jojoba oil, which are known for their soothing properties.

Also, read the labels carefully and follow the directions to avoid further irritation. Here we recommend some hair products to help you treat a dry scalp.

13 Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp

ProductKey Feature

Dry Itchy Scalp Remedies by Mia Wadsworth

Top Consumer's Choice

WOW Hair Shampoo and Conditioner

Best for Removing Itchy Buildup

Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo

Best for Long-lasting Relief

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Best for Preventing Moisture Loss on Sensitive Skin

LivSo Complete Hair and Scalp Moisturizing Solution

Best for Scalp Moisturizing

Free & Clear Hair Shampoo

Best for a Clean Scalp

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Best for Healthy Moisture Balance

OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea tree Mint Shampoo

Best for Deep Cleansing Scalp and Hair with a Refreshing Smell

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating 

Best for Long-term Scalp Health

Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Best to Treat Dandruff

Aveeno

Best for Soothing Itchy Scalp with Deep Root Nourishment

Neutrogena Moisturizing Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo

Best for Locking Moisture in Scalp and Hair Strands

Moroccan oil Moisture Repair Shampoo

Best as Triple Care

1.Top Consumer’s Choice: Dry Itchy Scalp Remedies By Mia Wadsworth

dry scalp treatment

Mia Wadsworth’s Dry Itchy Scalp Remedies is an all-natural dry, itchy scalp remedy, this book is effective in soothing and relieving your dry, itchy scalp.

If you’re struggling with an itchy, flaky scalp, Mia Wadsworth’s Dry Itchy Scalp Remedies can help. Its gentle yet effective formulas relieve the itching and flaking associated with a dry scalp. It provides fast-acting relief.

The book is formulated to hydrate and nourish your scalp, helping alleviate dryness and itchiness symptoms.

Shop Dry Itchy Scalp E-Book at the Official Website.

2.Best for Removing Itchy Buildup: WOW Hair Shampoo and Conditioner

dry scalp treatment

If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner that removes itchy buildup, then Wow Hair Shampoo and Conditioner is the best choice. This product not only removes itchy buildup but also leaves your hair feeling softer and looking shinier.

This anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on your scalp and hair, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitive and dry skin.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

3. Best for Long-lasting Relief: Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength

dry scalp treatment

Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength will give you long-lasting relief from scalp itchiness, flaking, and redness. This top-rated shampoo contains 2% coal tar, which is clinically proven to help control the symptoms of psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.

The extra strength formula is also alcohol-free and non-drying, so it won’t strip your scalp of natural oils or irritate sensitive skin.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

4. Best for Preventing Moisture Loss on Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

dry scalp treatment

Are you looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser for your baby’s sensitive skin? CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is a great option. This unique formula is designed to maintain your baby’s natural moisture barrier and prevent moisture loss, keeping their skin soft, smooth, and healthy.

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is lightly scented and sulfate-free, making it perfect for even the most delicate skin.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

5. Best for Scalp Moisturizing: LivSo Complete

dry scalp treatment

The unique blend of natural ingredients in LivSo is perfect for keeping your scalp hydrated and your hair looking healthy and lustrous. Plus, its formula is gentle enough for everyday use.

It moisturizes and conditions both the scalp and hair and helps to prevent dryness and flaking, which keeps hair looking healthy and shiny.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

6. Best for a Clean Scalp: Free & Clear Hair Shampoo

dry scalp treatment

Do you want a shampoo that will give you a clean scalp without all the fuss? Free & Clear Hair Shampoo is the answer. This gentle yet effective medicated shampoo is ideal for those with dry hair and dandruff.

Formulated with natural ingredients, it cleanses your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

7. Best for Healthy Moisture Balance: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

dry scalp treatment

Sachajuan’s Scalp Shampoo is the best way to achieve a healthy moisture balance for your scalp. This professional-grade moisturizing shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish your scalp.

Sachajuan’s unique blend of seaweed extract and ocean silk technology leaves your hair looking and feeling softer, shinier, and healthier.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

8. Best for Deep Cleansing Scalp and Hair with a Refreshing Smell: OGX Extra Strength

dry scalp treatment

The OGX Extra Strength is perfect for anyone looking to deeply cleanse their scalp and hair while enjoying a refreshing scent.

This shampoo uses a blend of tea tree oil and mint to leave your scalp feeling refreshed and invigorated. It’s also great for removing buildup and keeping your hair healthy and shiny.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

9. Best for Long-term Scalp Health: Briogeo Scalp Revival

dry scalp treatment

This anti-dandruff shampoo is specifically designed to exfoliate and remove buildup on the skin on your scalp while also providing long-term support for a healthy scalp.

Briogeo’s unique charcoal and coconut oil combine to detoxify and deep clean the scalp while providing essential nutrients. This shampoo is also great for those prone to dandruff or other scalp conditions.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

1o. Best to Treat Dandruff: Tea Tree Special Shampoo

dry scalp treatment

Tea tree oil is known for its potent cleansing properties, and this shampoo harnesses those properties to leave your scalp feeling refreshed and nourished.

Plus, the invigorating scent of tea tree oil will leave your hair smelling great all day long.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

11. Best for Soothing Itchy Scalp with Deep Root Nourishment: Aveeno

dry scalp treatment

This shampoo is specifically designed to calm and moisturize the scalp while cleansing and nourishing the hair. The unique blend of ingredients includes Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, which has been shown to provide soothing benefits.

In addition, this shampoo is sulfate-free, which means it won’t strip away natural oils or cause irritation.

 Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

12. Best for Locking Moisture in Scalp and Hair Strands: Neutrogena 

dry scalp treatment

Neutrogena is formulated with hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient that gently cleanses while boosting hydration levels in the scalp and hair strands.

This results in softer, shinier, and more manageable hair.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

13. Best as Triple Care: Moroccan oil Moisture Repair Shampoo

dry scalp treatment

This shampoo is formulated with three times the amount of Argan oil as our regular shampoo, making it the perfect choice for those with dry or damaged hair.

This shampoo also contains avocado oil and keratin, which help to repair damaged hair and prevent further damage.

Shop at the Official Amazon Store.

>>Related Article: 13 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp of 2024 According to Hair Experts

How To Prevent Dry Scalp?

A dry scalp can be a problem for anyone, but it is widespread in cold weather when the air is dry and cold. There are several things you can do to help prevent a flaky scalp.

First, ensure you use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that won’t strip your scalp of natural oils. Secondly, avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as this can further dry your skin. Instead, use lukewarm or cold water if you can tolerate it. Also, you need to avoid too much sun exposure to prevent a dry scalp.

Finally, consider using a humidifier in your home to add more moisture to the air and help keep your scalp from getting too dry. These simple tips can help keep your hair looking and feeling its best all winter.

Conclusion

All in all, several things can be done to treat dry scalp. By trying out different options and combinations, you should be able to find the perfect treatment for you. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and moisturize your hair regularly!

Here’s our top recommendation for the best product. Dry Itchy Scalp Remedies are packed with treatments that will have your scalp feeling hydrated and healthy in no time. This book has everything from home remedies to tips on what products to use. So say goodbye to dry scalp and hello to gorgeous, healthy hair!

>>Related Article: 13 Ways How To Thicken Your Hair: Complete Guide 2024

Dry Scalp Treatment FAQs

How long does it take to repair a dry scalp?

A dry scalp can be tricky to address because of several potential causes. The time it takes to repair a dry scalp will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. You can use mild dandruff or a normal shampoo to prevent scalp dryness.

Can a dry scalp cause hair loss?

A dry scalp can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and irritation, but it can also cause hair loss. When the scalp is dry, it produces less sebum, an oily substance that helps keep hair healthy and hydrated. Without enough sebum, hair becomes dry, brittle, and more likely to fall out.

In severe cases, a dry scalp can also cause inflammation, damaging the hair follicles and preventing new hair from growing.

Is dry scalp permanent?

A dry scalp is a condition that can be permanent if not treated properly. While a dry scalp is not usually a serious condition, it can be uncomfortable and itchy. You must measure the health and wellness space consistently for treating dry scalp.

Vanessa Richards

Vanessa is a mom of 3 lovely children and a software geek. Outside of her career as a health and wellness instructor. She enjoys writing and researching on topics such as finance, software, health and culinary.

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