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The Best Dry Scalp Treatment

Last updated on August 15, 2022

We looked at the top 10 Dry Scalp Treatments and dug through the reviews from 13 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Dry Scalp Treatments.

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Dry Scalp Treatments

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

OGX Tea Tree Oil & Witch Hazel Dry Scalp Treatment

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OGX

Tea Tree Oil & Witch Hazel Dry Scalp Treatment

Remove buildup of hair products with this scalp treatment, which combines tea tree, peppermint and witch hazel to give your scalp a fresh start. The bottle is only 4 ounces, but you’ll only need to apply a small amount after each shampoo and leave it on to relieve itching and help eliminate the root cause of scalp irritation. The lightweight form...

Overall Take

Easy to UseThe lightweight formula makes this easy to apply to large sections of scalp with just a light squeeze.

Pros
" It took me about 2 weeks to see tangible results. By the end of the second week, the redness and flakiness were pretty much gone."
 Best Dandruff Shampoo

Selsun Blue Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo

Selsun Blue

Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo

If you have dandruff, this shampoo can both offer relief and help avoid further recurrences. It works by including both medication and aloe. The formula is ideal for dry hair.

Overall Take

For Special UseThis budget-friendly option helps with dandruff issues and adds moisture.

 Runner Up

Renpure Apple Cider Vinegar Plant Based Dry Scalp Treatment

Renpure

Apple Cider Vinegar Plant Based Dry Scalp Treatment

Natural ingredients help improve scalp health without introducing additional chemicals. The formula combines tea tree oil, argan oil, shea butter and coconut to both nourish and cleanse your scalp. You can combine it with a scalp scrub to get a full treatment.

Overall Take

Pleasant ScentA lightweight, citrusy, tropical scent makes this scalp treatment great for use even before you leave the house.

Pros
" This deep-cleansing rinse also contains glycerin to moisturize your hair from root to tip and ginger root extract to provide free radical-fighting antioxidant benefits."
 We Also Like

Kamedis Anti-Dandruff Paraben-Free Dry Scalp Treatment

Kamedis

Anti-Dandruff Paraben-Free Dry Scalp Treatment

Leave this cream on your scalp overnight to nourish while you sleep. You’ll get a combination of mineral oil, shea butter and botanical extracts, each designed to work together to help reduce flaky, scaly and irritated skin. This option is recommended for those suffering from scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Overall Take

Gentle but EffectiveFree of dyes and chemicals, this scalp treatment uses natural ingredients for a gentle but effective solution.

Pros
" Steroid-free. SLS-free. Paraben-free. Benzoyl peroxide-free. Dye-free. Tar-free. Cruelty-free. Dermatologically tested."

Buying Guide

Your scalp is subjected to a variety of stressors, from the hair products you use to the environment you live in. Over time, you may find you’re one of many who develop itchiness and flakiness, often mistaken as dandruff. But while dandruff is a common issue, it’s not the only condition that causes these symptoms.

If you’re experiencing dry, itchy scalp, it’s important to get to the root cause. Patches of red, itchy skin can be a sign of psoriasis, which happens when skin cells grow too quickly. Hair loss combined with inflammation and itchiness can be a sign of a fungal infection called scalp ringworm, or tinea capitis. Dry, scaly patches combined with bumps often occur as a result of precancerous sun damage. Lastly, there’s dandruff, which is caused by a yeast that lives on the scalp.

Treatment will vary from one cause to the next to the next. A dermatologist may be required for more serious issues like psoriasis and scalp ringworm, especially in more advanced stages. You’ll often need prescription medication to fully resolve those more serious issues.

But for most dry scalp issues, over-the-counter treatments can work. Obviously, if you use them for a while and still see no improvement, a dermatologist should take a look. You should also take a close look at the affected area and make sure you aren’t seeing serious inflammation before you try to treat it on your own.

When choosing a dry scalp treatment, you’ll also need to make sure you’re choosing one that’s designed to treat your specific issue. Dry scalp treatment depends on your skin type, so what works for one person might not work for another. For dandruff, you’ll also need to follow a shampoo frequency recommendation that matches your skin type, in addition to treatment.

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17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the dry scalp treatments available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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13

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Allure, Sophie Uliano, Byrdie, Heavy, Naturally Curly.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Dry Scalp Treatments and also dug through the reviews from 13 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Dry Scalp Treatments.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • With many dry scalp treatments, it can take a little time to see results. You might have to follow the instructions on the label for several weeks before you start to see improvement.
  • Adding more chemicals to your haircare product routine can only worsen your issues. You can find treatments that use natural ingredients like tea tree oil and coconut oil that both soothe and nourish your skin.
  • Some scalp treatments come in small packaging, which makes them easy to store and transport. You might fear your treatment won’t last over the months you’ll be using it, but often with scalp treatment products, a little goes a long way. You may find you only need to apply a little one or two times a week to get the results you expect.
  • Exfoliating your scalp can help ensure treatment gets into the pores. You can find scalp scrubs to exfoliate, just as you would with scrubs for other areas of your body.
  • If you’re sensitive to scents, keep in mind that scalp treatments can come with fragrances. They might also interfere with your other scents, if you’re treating your scalp while getting ready to start your day. You might find that you prefer to do scalp treatments at night before bed.
  • Some scalp treatments are meant to be left on overnight while you sleep for longer treatment. If you prefer morning scalp treatments, steer clear of these options.
  • If you need a scalp treatment that can travel with you, you’ll need to look for one in a format small enough to tuck into a suitcase. It can also help to look for a treatment that only requires you to apply once or twice a week.
  • Pay close attention to the directions for any scalp treatment you choose. Some have you applying before you shampoo, while others have you applying after you’ve shampooed or even conditioned. You can even find scalp treatments that have you leave them in after washing your hair.

More to Explore

The scalp consists of skin, as with the rest of the body, but the skin isn’t the same in that area. The skin of your scalp is thicker than other areas of your body, with more blood vessels. You also have more hair follicles in this area, of course, and the sebaceous glands on your scalp naturally secrete more oils than other glands to help nourish your hair’s roots and promote growth.

This system of oil secretion has its issues, though. It can be susceptible to temperatures, pH, moisture and the chemicals you use. The frequency of washing your hair can also impact scalp health. Overall, though, your skin type will influence the health of your scalp more than anything.

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