14 Ways to Moisturize Your Scalp Effectively, According to Experts

Find the Root Cause

"Dry scalp occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture," says Friese. Like other forms of dry skin, this can cause itching, flaking, and irritation. Dry scalp can also cause the actual hair to look dry since it's oil from the scalp that helps to condition the hair," explains Friese. "People with dry skin are more prone to dry scalp," she adds. "This means many of the things that cause dry skin can also cause a dry scalp, including dry air, excessive washing, and skin conditions such as eczema."

"Other common causes of a dry scalp include an irritation or allergy from a haircare product and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), which may be related to a yeast called malassezia that lives on the skin," says Dr. Rubin.

To play it safe, it's always good to check with a dermatologist to see what's really up. Different causes of dry scalp require different treatments, even if dry skin is the common factor.

Avoid Shampoos With Sulfates

Some shampoos and conditioners may strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. "Consider avoiding sulfates in shampoo, which tend to be more harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils," says Dr. Rubin.

Dr. Kilgour adds, "Avoid harsh or clarifying shampoos, especially those with sodium laureth sulfate." The first step to fixing scalp dryness is to stop washing with astringent stripping shampoos. This includes common detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). "While these are both very effective cleansers, they will overly strip the hair of its oil, resulting in a dry scalp and dry strands. Only the oiliest of scalps need such cleansing power," he warns

Instead, Try Formulas With Zinc Pyrithione

If scalp dryness is a problem, consider switching to shampoos and conditioners specially formulated to suit the scalp. Friese adds, "Pyrithione zinc is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It works great for dandruff, dry scalp, and also oily scalp."

Keep Dandruff Under Control

"Often when people feel that their scalp is dry and itchy, it’s dandruff (also known by its medical name seborrheic dermatitis) that is to blame," says Dr. Kilgour. Telltale signs of this chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp include redness, thick, greasy scales, and itch. "Keeping dandruff under control using a ketoconazole shampoo three times weekly will go a long way to making your scalp feel more comfortable," he explains.

For mild dandruff, Friese recommends cleansing daily with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin-cell buildup. She says that if that doesn't help, the next line of defense is to try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Warning: it may take some trial and error, and you will likely need to try more than one shampoo to find the haircare regime that works for you.

Dr. Rubin suggests more frequent washings with a medicated shampoo for those with dandruff, which will help more than just using a moisturizing product on its own.

If it gets to the point where shampoos and long-term treatment options don't seem to be cutting it, it's time to seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist. They can help point you in the direction of a better cleansing routine that may include prescription methods.

Apply a Hair Oil or Serum

If dandruff isn't your main issue, "there are scalp serums, lotions, and oils that can moisturize the scalp just like you would moisturize other skin areas," says Dr. Rubin.

Replenish the scalp's moisture directly with an oil or a serum specifically intended for the scalp and hair. If you do this step at the start of your day, wet your hair first to avoid too much of the product being picked up by the strands, and use a cotton swab to apply it directly to the scalp. Dr. Kilgour's choice? Argan oil, which is non-fragrant. "A non-fragrant oil can be a wonderful emollient for the scalp and hair, which, alongside moisture, will also add shine, manageability, and frizz control. He prefers these types of oils because they are less irritating on the scalp, too.

However, using too much oil can potentially cause other issues. "I would recommend serums versus oils, as oils can clog the follicles and cause other issues," Friese explains.

Exfoliate Your Scalp Every 1-2 Weeks

If you're noticing a lot of product or dead skin buildup, you can also exfoliate your scalp, similar to how you would the rest of your skin. Friese says, "A scalp massage brush may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, which can encourage hair growth. The use of a scalp scrub while massaging can also help remove any dead skin cells, oils, [and] product buildup that can clog follicles, causing hair loss."

But make sure you're not overdoing it. "Avoid exfoliating too often so you don't irritate your skin, advises Dr. Rubin. "And it's best to avoid exfoliating if you have eczema or psoriasis on your scalp since the skin is already inflamed."

Try a Scalp-Targeting Treatment

If your scalp seems to get irritated just by looking at it, it's time to enlist the help of a full scalp health-focused regimen. The most important thing? "Make sure your haircare products agree with your skin and are not the cause of the dryness," says Dr. Rubin. From exfoliating scalp "facials" to masks to anti-aging serums, there are plenty of scalp-focused products on the market ready to soothe, moisturize, and revive dry, irritated scalps.

Cut Back on the Number of Products You Use

While all of the previous steps require adding new products into your haircare regimen, the secret to a healthy, moisturized scalp might actually be to press the reset button and pare back your product lineup. Try to keep your haircare routine relatively simple, nixing harsh ingredients and chemicals and opting for a streamlined approach that makes use of non-stripping and irritant-free, natural formulas. Kind of like doing the Whole 30 diet, but with haircare products. Start minimal and slowly add products back in to see what the culprit may be.

"Too many products can throw off the pH balance of the scalp and cause
additional issues. Cleansing the scalp and making sure it is free of product
buildup is also very important," Friese concludes.

Try Scalp Oiling

Massaging oil into your scalp, AKA scalp oiling, is best for those who need extra moisture. It will help with both circulation and decongesting the scalp. And when used as a regular treatment will help bring dry strands back to life, too. Bonus: it helps to prep the hair for styling.

Scalp oiling, however, is not recommended for those with dandruff.

Use an Anti-Aging Serum for Your Scalp

If you think of your scalp like the skin on your face, it's easy to understand why you'd want to use anti-aging ingredients on it. "In the same way that environmental stressors (think UV, pollution, smoking) age our facial skin and cause wrinkles, these same forces also age our scalps and lead to sensitivity, compromised barrier, and hair thinning. Anti-aging serums for the scalp are emerging as game changers for maintaining scalp health as we age," says Dr. Kilgour, who recommends his own line, The Prevention by KilgourMD, which is comprised of L-ascorbic acid, which he describes as "a super potent antioxidant, encapsulated within liposomes to enhance penetration into the scalp and hair follicles and it's combined with piroctone, a gentle anti-dandruff ingredient for optimal scalp health benefits. "This serum has been shown in clinical studies to decrease visible hair fall by up to 30% in two months," he notes.

Visit a Head Spa

Head spas offer what are essentially facials for your scalp, providing treatments that address concerns from dryness to build-up. The head spas of today often stem from Japanese influence, where scalp-focused services are offered at nearly every hair salon. But, be warned, if your scalp concerns are on the more severe side, a head spa visit may only offer temporary relief. In that case, a trip to the dermatologist may be the best course of action.

Cover Your Head

Wearing a hat to protect your scalp from the elements can also keep it nice and hydrated. In the winter, you can opt for a silk scarf or baseball cap (or both!), but in warmer weather, a wide-brimmed straw hat can work double-duty for scalp and sun protection.

Drink More Water

We know—it begins to sound like a broken record when the answer to almost every problem is to drink more water, but it's true. Your scalp is an extension of your face, so if your face is showing signs of dehydration, your scalp is too. Make sure you're properly hydrated and your scalp will reap the benefits as well.

See Your Dermatologist

If all else fails (aka the aforementioned options), make an appointment with your dermatologist. Most cases of dry scalp will clear up thanks to at-home remedies, but if your dry scalp persists, it is best to consult a physician.

They are able to prescribe extra-strength shampoos or topical steroids depending on the root cause of the issue.