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A dry, itchy scalp can seriously mess with your day-to-day life. Beyond the maddening urge to scratch, there's the embarrassing component: dandruff and big white flakes studding your strands. And while dermatologists say that a dry, flaking scalp may be a sign of a medical condition called seborrheic dermatitis (this requires a prescription treatment like Zoryve), the best scalp moisturizers—hydrating shampoos for dry scalp, conditioners, and serums—can help.
"I always recommend starting with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping the scalp of its natural oils and following that up with a hydrating conditioner," says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City. You can then follow that up with a leave-in treatment or a scalp oil to really lock in moisture.
The best scalp moisturizers
Best For Itchy Scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash OilRead more
It's also a good idea to limit hair washing to two to three times a week. "I suggest washing your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot and avoiding excessive heat styling, which can make things worse," Kopelman says. Before adding a few scalp moisturizers to your routine, here's what you should consider before shopping.
What to consider
Ingredients
When shopping, look for ingredients like glycerin, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil, says Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. When you have a dry scalp, it's also very important to avoid sulfates. "Sulfates, while great at creating a lather and deep clean, can be drying for the hair and scalp," Dr. Mian says.
Leave-in vs. rinse out
Some scalp moisturizers are leave-in products, while others require a wait time before rinsing. Leave-in products tend to be more convenient, since you massage in and then can get on with your routine. However, those with very fine hair may find some leave-in products too heavy. If you're concerned about a scalp serum making your hair look greasy, you may want to consider a rinse-out product, which typically has a wait time of anywhere from three to 10 minutes. If you do choose to use a rinse-out product, though, make sure to allot time for washing your hair that day.
How we chose
To find the best scalp moisturizers to quell itchiness and banish dandruff and white flakes, the Women's Health team consulted two dermatologists and a hair transplant surgeon, plus asked our team of anonymous testers and in-house editors for feedback on the products they use and love. We then put a handful of the top-rated products to the test, evaluating them for attributes like ingredient list, ease of use, and overall efficacy.
Below, shop the seven best scalp moisturizers for all hair types, tested by editors and beauty experts.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Boosts shine
- No wait time
Cons
- Some users complain about the scent
The Women's Health team is regularly testing scalp moisturizers, and we found it's hard to beat this scalp serum from The Ordinary because of the exceptional value it offers. Yes, it's well-priced, but both dermatologists and testers alike love it. "It's great because it uses hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate without being greasy," Dr. Kopelman says. He also notes that it's suitable for all hair types, including fine, medium, and thick hair, whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily.
Since I find myself constantly scratching my scalp throughout the day, I added this scalp serum to my hair routine, and after a few days of using it, I found that my symptoms significantly improved. Plus, as an added bonus, my thick, wavy hair appeared shinier and felt softer.
Our testers also like that this Ordinary product is a leave-in treatment, too, since that makes application quick and easy (meaning there's no need to only use it on wash day).
Read more: Best Dandruff Shampoos
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Leave-in |
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Pros
- Great scent
- Soothing
- No wait time
Cons
- Some users wish the bottle was bigger
This drugstore pick is another very well-priced scalp moisturizer that dermatologists say really works. "It has aloe, which soothes the skin, green tea extract, which contains antioxidants, and peptides, which help make the scalp skin healthy," says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. It also has plenty of benefits for your hair: It enhances shine, reduces frizz, adds body, and helps prevent split ends.
Like our top overall pick, this is a convenient leave-in treatment. Users like the tingly sensation from the eucalyptus leaf extract, too, telling WH it not only feels refreshing but also smells great.
| Key ingredients | Seascalp, red raspberry seed oil, eucalyptus leaf extract, panthenol |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Leave-in |
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Best For Itchy Scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Can be used as pre-shampoo rinse or overnight treatment
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
Our editors can't get enough of Briogeo's hair products—from the shampoo to hair masks, we love just about everything the brand puts out. This scalp moisturizer is no exception. It's powered by antioxidant-rich rosemary oil that supports scalp circulation and healthier hair follicles, castor oil for hydration, and tea tree to fight flakes and reduce itchiness. It's also formulated with bisabolol to calm irritation from an itchy scalp.
We love that you can tailor the treatment to suit your preferences—use it as a pre-shampoo rinse (a wait time of 10 to 15 minutes) or use it as an overnight hair mask. Either way, testers found the pointed tip on the bottle very easy to use, saying it made for a much more precise application.
| Key ingredients | Rosemary oil, castor oil, tea tree |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Rinse-out |
Best Scent
Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment
Pros
- Smells great
- Easy to apply
- Works quickly
Cons
- Some users say they noticed a slight residue on their hair after using
Living Proof makes another fantastic leave-in treatment for dry scalps. Like our top overall pick, it's hyaluronic acid-based to offer lightweight (read: won't leave hair greasy) but intense hydration. It also contains vitamin B3 to help improve overall scalp health.
The product is easy to use, thanks to a precise applicator tip. And there's no rinsing required, so you can more seamlessly integrate it into your routine. Users say it works quickly, minimizing symptoms in just a few uses and almost completely eradicating any itchiness and flakes in just about two weeks. They love the smell, too—some say it's reminiscent of the 0cean.
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Leave-in |
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Best Clean Beauty Product
Gisou Honey Infused Scalp Treatment Serum
Pros
- Minimal ingredient list
- Works quickly
Cons
- Bottle is very small, especially for the price
For those with sensitive skin, Gisou makes a product that's free from common irritants (parabens, formaldehydes, sulfates, and more), but still works wonders on a dry, itchy scalp. The formula's main moisturizer is honey, which is a natural humectant that helps to restore the natural moisture of the scalp and hair. It also boasts ectoine to relieve dryness, flakiness, and redness, and a prebiotic complex that promotes a balanced scalp microflora.
Users like the faint smell and say the product works its magic within a few uses, though some say you have to get through an initial purging period in which symptoms get slightly worse.
| Key ingredients | Honey, ectoine, prebiotic complex |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Leave-in |
Best For Exfoliation
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
Pros
- A little bit goes a long way
- Doubles as a scalp exfoliator
- Smells great
Cons
- May be too heavy for finer hair
- Must be left in for 5 to 10 minutes
Dr. Rabach is also a fan of Moroccanoil's Dry Scalp Treatment, namely because it contains argan oil. "It contains both vitamin E and antioxidants," she says. It also contains salicylic acid, which is a gentle exfoliator that helps lift any flakes and can prevent scalp buildup that could lead to itchiness and more flakes in the future. Geranium oil also helps soothe the scalp and addresses any lingering dryness.
Like other Moroccanoil products, users overwhelmingly rave about this scalp treatment, saying it's hydrating, soothing, and smells great. We also love that a little bit goes a long way, which helps add to the overall value of the product.
| Key ingredients | Argan oil, salicylic acid, geranium oil |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Rinse-out |
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Best For Fine Hair
OUAI Hydrating Scalp Serum
Pros
- Great for the scalp and hair
- Lightweight
- Smells great
Cons
- Testers say there's not enough product for the price
If you have fine hair and want to avoid greasy-looking strands, reach for OUAI's scalp serum. "It's lightweight and doesn't make your hair greasy because it has glycerin and hyaluronic acid for moisture delivery," says Dr. Mian. It also has ingredients like red clover flower extract to help soothe an inflamed scalp while it heals. There are hair benefits, too, thanks to peptides that promote fuller, thicker strands.
It is the most costly serum on our list, but users say it's a worthy splurge for those who want something lightweight and effective with the added benefit of a great scent.
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, red clover flower extract, peptides |
|---|---|
| Leave-in or rinse out | Leave-in |
Meet Our Experts
- Ross Kopelman, MD, is a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City.
- Kiran Mian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
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Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
