How to moisturize your scalp is not usually the first thing we think of when it comes to hair care and all things related. We usually hop straight to the buzzy leave-in conditioners or maybe even hair oils on the market. But the truth is that a balanced, moisturized scalp is essential to having healthy hair and for keeping irritation at bay.
“A dry scalp is often a sign that your skin barrier needs a little extra support, and there are several simple steps that can make a big difference,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology.
Although everyone can experience scalp dryness, hair type and texture can play a role too. “Coarse or curly textures tend to produce less sebum, so they’re more prone to dryness,” says celebrity hairstylist Vanessa Ocando. “Fine or straight hair lets oil travel down the shaft more easily, which can make the scalp seem less dry, but it’s also more prone to buildup. The texture impacts how oils are distributed through the hair.”
Dr. Bowles adds, “People with finer or straighter hair may notice dryness more quickly if they’re over-washing or using products that strip the scalp. I always remind patients that their hair and scalp require a routine tailored to their unique biology. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Paying attention to how your scalp feels between washes is a helpful first step.”
Ahead, our complete guide on how to moisturize your scalp, choose the right products for your needs, and more.
The best scalp products, at a glance
- Best Hydrating Prewash Treatment: SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque, $10
- Best for Itchy Scalp: Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment, $38
- Best for Sensitive Scalp: Christophe Robin Hydrating Cream Scrub with Aloe Vera, $43
- Best for Scalp Buildup: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Hair Oil, $44
- Best for Reducing Flakes: Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Scalp Serum, $100
- Best for Dry Scalp: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox, $48
- Best for Scalp Barrier and Eczema: Nécessaire The Scalp Serum, $45
- Best for Oily Scalp: Christophe Robin The Cleansing Purifying Scrub, $54
How do you hydrate your scalp?
While we mostly focus our skin care on the face and body, we often neglect the scalp, even though it’s skin too. Dr. Bowles recommends a few simple steps for a hydrated scalp, starting with a gentle, hydrating shampoo. She recommends looking for one with calming ingredients, including aloe, glycerin, or oat extract, as those help to soothe irritation by adding moisture to the scalp. When it comes to wash day, she suggests avoiding hot water and opting for a lukewarm temperature while cleansing to avoid stripping the scalp of its natural oils and to prevent over-drying.
“Scalp exfoliation is another great step,” she says. “Massaging with your fingertips or using a soft brush once or twice a week can help remove dead skin, so hydrating treatments can absorb more deeply. I also love scalp masks or serums with nourishing oils like jojoba or squalane.”
How do you get rid of dry scalp?
Many things can cause dry scalp, including cold weather, low humidity, harsh shampoos, product buildup, or not cleansing hair enough. “I always recommend starting with a hydrating scalp treatment,” says Ocando. “If you have flakes or product buildup, take your time with a scalp scrub, really massage it in to exfoliate. Avoid over-washing or overusing dry shampoo, and consistently moisturize with a serum or oil that fits your scalp type.”
Monique McMahon, founder of Que Colour and global pro ambassador for Christophe Robin Paris, points out that internal factors like hormones and stress can also lead to scalp dryness, and the methods for addressing dry scalp depends on the cause.
“If there are surface flakes, I love the smoothing sea-salt scrub by Christophe Robin,” McMahon says. “It has amazing rock-salt crystals in it that exfoliate and cleanse the scalp.” She adds that maintaining a hydrated scalp is the best way to prevent flakes in the long-term. “Using those natural oils with a soft boar-bristle brush and really brushing the scalp (rather than the hair) will loosen any flakes from the scalp and get the blood flow going. And as you shampoo, those flakes will just wash out. But as I said, a dry scalp can also be a signal of something going on internally, whether it be a food allergy, stress, or hormones. But for the external element, my favorite approach to removing flakes is a high-quality, smoothing sea salt; Himalayan salt; or even a sugar-based scrub treatment.”
Does conditioner moisturize your scalp?
Generally, conditioners are meant to be applied on the mid-lengths down to the ends of the hair, not the scalp. Its purpose is to hydrate and soften the hair shaft, not the scalp. However, both Dr. Bowles and Ocando agree that there are certain products on the market that have hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol that can provide light moisture to the scalp or even some scalp-specific conditioners. “Just be mindful—using regular conditioner on the scalp can lead to buildup and greasy roots if it’s not rinsed out thoroughly,” says Ocando.
How do you moisturize the scalp without making your hair greasy?
To prevent the hair from getting greasy, McMahon recommends taking the time to hydrate and moisturize the scalp before shampooing. “Scalp treatments that hydrate, moisturize, or soften the scalp will need to be shampooed out,” she explains. “Paired with the right product, you are guaranteed to not have an oily scalp.”
Ocando suggests using a water-based scalp serum, as they’re lightweight and fast-absorbing, and won’t leave behind that greasy residue. “I like to apply it right after washing, ideally within three to five minutes, while the scalp is still a little damp,” she says. “It helps the product absorb better and keeps your roots fresh.”
How do dermatologists moisturize the scalp?
Dr. Bowles explains that dermatologists will seek out evidence-based solutions that tackle both the cause and symptoms of dryness. “Depending on what’s going on, whether it’s seasonal dryness, eczema, or product-related irritation, we may recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, topical corticosteroids, or hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides,” she says.
When it comes to more routine dryness, she suggests lightweight scalp oils or leave-in treatments that restore moisture without clogging hair follicles. “We also focus on preserving the scalp’s barrier by avoiding harsh products and encouraging regular, gentle exfoliation,” says Dr. Bowles. “Every scalp is different, so our approach is always tailored to the patient’s specific needs and skin type.”
How can you moisturize the scalp naturally?
Both Dr. Bowles and Ocando agree that natural oils can be great for moisturizing the scalp. Jojoba, coconut, or argan oils can be massaged into the scalp to help lock in hydration, but it’s important to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp to avoid buildup. Aloe vera can also help soothe dry, irritated areas, according to Bowles. Ocando suggests using just a few drops of your desired oil, then massaging it gently into the scalp with your fingertips before brushing it through with a boar-bristle brush to evenly distribute the oil. “It boosts circulation, enhances shine, and keeps the scalp balanced without overloading it,” she says.
Bowles adds, “Staying well-hydrated, and eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A and E can also support scalp health from the inside out. Consistency is key. Natural remedies work best when used regularly and paired with a gentle, non-stripping hair care routine.”
What causes a dry or irritated scalp?
There are a few factors that can throw your scalp off balance. Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.
“Buildup from dry shampoo, styling products, or even unwashed hats, especially after working out, can all contribute,” Ocando explains. “And don’t forget about skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, which can cause chronic dryness and irritation.” McMahon adds that hormones, stress, allergies, hot tools, and diet can also cause a dry or irritated scalp.
Do certain products impact scalp dryness?
Yes! Ocando says that products with drying alcohols or harsh ingredients like volumizers, strong-hold gels, or texturizers can slowly strip moisture from the scalp over time. “Overusing dry shampoo or clarifying shampoos can also lead to dryness or imbalance,” she says. “Even leftover residue or flaking from styling products can irritate the scalp if not washed out properly. It really comes down to balance and paying attention to what your scalp actually needs.” To look into shampoo ingredients, McMahon recommends a resource like the Yuka app “to check the formulations, see which ones are red flags, and avoid them.”
“The common ones are silicones, SLS, SLES, and resorcinol, and even natural oils can be highly irritating for the delicate scalp,” she adds. “For example, undiluted rosemary oil applied to the scalp can cause dryness and irritation.”
