Dry Scalp: 12 Expert-Backed Tips to Treat and Prevent It

Do you have an itchy, dry scalp? You’re not alone: Half of American adults have dealt with scalp itch, according to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, and nearly 40% have experienced scalp flaking. This doesn’t make the condition more pleasant to have, but there is a silver lining: Interest in scalp care has increased so much over the past few years that treating a dry scalp is easier than ever.

So whether you’re dealing with dandruff or product buildup (looking at you, dry shampoo), there’s a way to manage it. Need some guidance on your scalp care journey? You’re in the right place. Ahead, see expert insight from leading dermatologists and trichologists—a.k.a. hair and scalp specialists—on what causes dry and itchy scalp, as well as how to prevent and treat it.

Dry scalp, FAQs

• What’s the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
• What causes a dry scalp?
• How to prevent and treat dry scalp
• How to prevent dry scalp
• Best products for dry, itchy scalp
• When to see a dermatologist

What’s the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?

While dandruff is one of the many things that can cause dry scalp, they’re not the same thing. “Dandruff is caused by a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which has been linked to a yeast called malessezia that is naturally present on the skin,” Iris Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Seen Hair Care, tells Glamour. “For dryness and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff shampoos can be a big help, which include ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione.”

A dry, flaky scalp, on the other hand, can be caused by anything from to contact dermatitis due to a sensitivity to hair care products. Translation? Treating a dry, itchy scalp as if it’s dandruff won’t necessarily help—and could possibly make it worse. “If you’re unsure whether your dry, itchy scalp is due to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist,” Dr. Rubin suggests.

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What causes a dry scalp?

Dry skin

“A dry scalp may be due to dry skin, just like on the rest of your body,” Dr. Rubin explains—and so anything that dries out the rest of your skin, like dry weather and seasonal changes, can do the same to your scalp.

Dandruff

Dandruff is another common cause, according to Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. “While we do not completely understand all of the causes of dandruff, we do know that the oils on our skin (sebum), a friendly yeast that lives there (Malassezia), and our sensitivity to the interaction between the two can all play a role in how likely we are to get dandruff,” she explains. “Areas of high sebum production such as the scalp, parts of the face, and the center of the chest are the most common areas where we see dandruff.”

12 Best Dandruff Shampoos, According to Dermatologists and Hair StylistsGallery14 SlidesBy Kristine ThomasonView SlideshowProduct build-up

Possibly even more common than dandruff, however, is a buildup of products to which your skin might be reacting to. “Products can leave a residue on the scalp for hours—even with rinse-off products like shampoo and conditioner,” says Dr. Rubin. “That residue can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, leaving you with a red, flaky, or itchy scalp, so it’s important to be aware of your products’ specific ingredients.”

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By Danielle SinayPsoriasis

Psoriasis also commonly contributes to scalp itching, Dr. Robinson says. “Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that causes the skin cells to grow extremely fast and become patches of dry, itchy, flaky skin,” she says. “Psoriasis often requires management with prescription therapy, which is why I recommend speaking to your dermatologist if you suspect that you might have this.”

Seasonal changes

Dr. Robinson also points to seasonal changes as a common culprit. “Seasonal changes can lead to dry skin on the scalp much in the way that it does on the rest of our body for example,” she says.

Grooming habits

Dry scalp can also result from washing your hair too often, not often enough, or simply not cleansing it thoroughly. “There are so many factors including, sweat, pollution, oil, and product buildup that can all cause bacteria to fester, leading to discomfort, dryness, and itchiness throughout the scalp,” says Helen Reavey, board-certified trichologist, celebrity stylist, and founder of hair care brand Act+Acre. Thus, you need to make sure you’re cleansing your scalp properly—something that’s surprisingly easier said than done.

“I always try to tie scalp care back to skincare,” Reavey explains. “Can you imagine layering on makeup and leaving it on your skin for 3+ days without washing it? The answer is probably no, since it would leave your skin more prone to breakouts and extremely dry. The same goes for your scalp.” Dr. Robinson concurs, adding: “Overwashing or underwashing can each lead to dryness or itching.”

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Dry scalp: How to prevent and treat it

Switch up your hair care routine.

Assuming your scalp itch is the result of product buildup, managing the symptoms is as simple as modifying your scalp care routine. “Products that are heavy in sulfates and surfactants and some fragrances can all cause dry scalp,” Reavey explains.

It’s best to consider avoiding shampoos that are formulated with sulfates, as these ingredients tend to be more harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, adds Dr. Rubin. “Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo,” she says. Also, look at the ingredients in your hair-styling products, and avoid alcohols that may be drying. However, not all alcohols are bad—and this is where you need to be educated.” She also suggests avoiding alcohols like ethanol, SD alcohol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol.

Cut back on dry shampoo.

If you have greasy hair, this might be hard to hear, but cutting back on dry shampoo can work wonders on a dry scalp. “Using too much dry shampoo can lead to a large amount of buildup on the scalp, blocking the hair follicles and causing various scalp issues,” says Reavey. (Remember the makeup metaphor?)

That said, the type of dry shampoo you use can make a difference, she adds: “There are some cleaner options on the market: Act + Acre’s Dry Shampoo contains only six functional ingredients and has been specially formulated to not block the hair follicle.”

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Sometimes dry shampoo doesn’t cut it.

By Danielle SinayWash with gentle shampoo.

As for what to do instead of reaching for the dry shampoo? “It’s best to cleanse your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo periodically, rather than relying on dry shampoo to stretch the time between washings,” says Dr. Rubin.

Courtesy of brand

Seen Essential Bundle, Fragrance-Free

$50

SEEN

Courtesy of brand

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate Free Shampoo

$12

Amazon

And if needed, a clarifying shampoo.

“For some, a clarifying shampoo may be helpful and necessary to remove build up,” Dr. Rubin continues. But again, that’s not an everyday kind of thing.

Courtesy of brand

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo

$38

Sephora

Courtesy of brand

Pattern Clarifying Cleansing Shampoo

$21

Amazon

$21

Nordstrom

$20

Ulta

Use oil-based scalp treatments.

Reavey suggests incorporating oil-based treatments, like the Glamour Beauty Award-Winner Scalp Detox, into your scalp routine, as this helps to remove excess scalp buildup. “You want to make sure you’re adding restorative oils, such as Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Serum, that boost hydration and moisture in the scalp,” she says.

Courtesy of brand

Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox

$48

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrating Jelly Mask

$38

Amazon

$38

Planet Beauty

Drink more water.

Keeping your body hydrated will also help hydrate your scalp. Thus, it can also be beneficial to increase your water intake, according to Reavey.

Courtesy of brand

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle Dreamy Field

$50

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Yeti Rambler Water Bottle 26oz

$40

Yeti

Use a humidifier.

If your dry scalp is caused by temperature changes or dry skin, Heavey also suggests using a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate your home’s climate.

Courtesy of brand

Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool

$820

Dyson

$820

Crate & Barrel

Courtesy of brand

TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

$53

Walmart

Wash your hair less (or more) often.

Dr. Robinson concurs and adds that if you’re over- and under-washing, switching up how often you wash could help too, “depending on your hair type,” she says. “[Dry scalp] can be managed by using an exfoliating shampoo that’s gentle enough to use every hair-wash day, and/or an extra-strength exfoliating shampoo once every two weeks.”

Courtesy of brand

Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Hair Shampoo

$47

Walmart

Courtesy of brand

Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Build-up Control Shampoo

$10

Walmart

Exfoliate with salicylic acid.

Finally, if you have dandruff, Dr. Robinson recommends opting for an over-the-counter shampoo formulated with salicylic acid to address the condition. “I often recommend starting with Neutrogena’s Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff collection, [because it has] four different salicylic acid formulas to effectively help with flakes and control many of the symptoms of dandruff,” she says.

This can also help assuage psoriasis symptoms until you see a pro (more on that below).

Courtesy of brand

Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Itchy Scalp Shampoo

$10

Walmart

Courtesy of brand

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

$42

Sephora

Courtesy of brand

DHS Sal Shampoo

$12

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner

$36

Amazon

Consider DIY alternatives.

If you find that you have a sensitive scalp and have trouble finding products, there are also natural and DIY alternatives. “A few DIY options include hair masks with moisturizing ingredients—any combinations of milk, honey, coconut oil, avocado,” says board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, Dr. Melanie Palm, MD. The proteins and lipids in milk work together to help strengthen hair, while calcium promotes hair growth and hair loss prevention.

Try regular scalp treatments.

Dr. Palm recommends products that are rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins. “I recommend Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment, formulated with hyaluronic acid to amp up hydration and vitamin B3, which helps to rebalance your scalp’s natural ecosystem,” she explains. “I also recommend Nutrafol Stress Reliever Scalp Microbiome Essence, a gentle after-shampoo essence that soothes a dry scalp with prebiotics.”

See a dermatologist.

If relief is not achieved with over-the-counter shampoos, however, Dr. Robinson encourages seeking out the opinion of a board-certified dermatologist. “I will often treat my patients with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe form of dandruff, with prescription topical anti-inflammatory solutions and prescription shampoos to gain control,” she says.

Such is the case if you think you have psoriasis as well. “Psoriasis often requires management with prescription therapy, which is why I recommend speaking to your dermatologist if you suspect that you might have this,” Dr. Robinson says. To hold you over until your appointment, however, shampoo containing salicylic acid should help ease the symptoms.

Best products for dry, itchy scalp

Best scalp treatmentsCourtesy of brand

Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox

$48

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrating Jelly Mask

$38

Amazon

$38

Planet Beauty

Courtesy of brand

Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Nutrafol Stress Reliever Scalp Microbiome Essence

$59

Amazon

Best dry scalp shampooCourtesy of brand

Seen Essential Bundle, Fragrance-Free

$50

SEEN

Courtesy of brand

Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Build-up Control Shampoo

$10

Walmart

Courtesy of brand

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate Free Shampoo

$12

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Hair Shampoo

$47

Walmart

Best clarifying shampooCourtesy of brand

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo

$38

Sephora

Courtesy of brand

Pattern Clarifying Cleansing Shampoo

$21

Amazon

$21

Nordstrom

$20

Ulta

Courtesy of brand

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Sephora

Courtesy of brand

Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

$49

Sephora

$49

Amazon

Best dandruff shampooCourtesy of brand

Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Itchy Scalp Shampoo

$10

Walmart

Courtesy of brand

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

$42

Sephora

Courtesy of brand

Dove Beauty Dermacare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$5

Walmart

Courtesy of brand

OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$38

Sephora

Best scalp scrubsCourtesy of brand

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt

$54

Amazon

$54

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Crown Affair The Cleansing Scalp Scrub

$54

Sephora

$43

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Fable & Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scalp Scrub

$36

Sephora

$34

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

R+Co Crystal Halo Balancing Scalp Scrub and Shampoo

$38

Amazon

When to see a dermatologist

“You should speak to a dermatologist about your scalp if the dry, itchy conditions don’t improve or seem to worsen after at-home care,” says Dr. Robinson, and Dr. Rubin agrees.

“If your dry, itchy scalp persists after avoiding potentially irritating or overly drying hair care products and/or trying an over the counter medicated shampoo, seeing a dermatologist should be your next step.”

Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.

The post Dry Scalp: 12 Expert-Backed Tips to Treat and Prevent It appeared first on Glamour.