Best Oil for Dry Scalp: Top 12 (2019)

Updated 5 years ago

Hate dry and itchy scalp? It can be annoying and embarrassing to scratch your head all the time, especially when you are in public. Thankfully, you do not need an expensive salon treatment to get rid of your scalp dryness. An easy, affordable, and natural solution is to use hair oil. It can provide relief for dryness that you won’t find in shampoos and conditioners.

What to Look for in Hair Oils to relieve Dry Scalp

The problem with most oils, however, is that they might make your hair look greasy. That’s why it’s important to choose the right type of oil. Below are some of the essential considerations to help you find the right oil to address your dry scalp problems:

  • Ingredients: You need to look for ingredients that are effective in moisturizing the scalp. Some of the most common oils for the scalp include castor oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil, among others.
  • Purity: Look for natural and organic oils as they tend to be gentler on your scalp. Look out for harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and artificial fragrances
  • Versatility: The best oils will be good for multi-purposes. Luckily, most of the available products can also be used on the hair, face, and body.

Reviews of Highly Rated Oils to alleviate Dry Scalp

Let’s dive in! Below are some of the oils that you should consider if you are looking to relieve your dry scalp.

Pura D’or Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

The list of the best oils for an effective remedy against dry scalp will not be complete without mentioning this product. The main ingredient is argan oil, which is sourced from Morocco. The oil is unrefined and unadulterated. There are no chemicals added, keeping the purity of the oil high. It does not only stimulate the dry scalp, but it also helps in regenerating new hair follicles. The formula is gentle and does not contain parabens, alcohol, and sulfates, among others. Because of this, it is safe to be used daily.

Bliss of Greece 100% Organic Oil

Most of the highly-rated scalp oils that you can find in the market are multipurpose, including this product. Aside from promising to provide effective relief against the dry scalp, it can also be used on the face, cuticle, nail, foot, and skin, among others. The oil is cold-pressed and uses four natural ingredients – grapeseed, olive, almond, and lavender oil. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, which makes it an excellent moisturizer for the scalp. It is vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, and does not contain other harsh chemicals that can be unsafe for sensitive skin.

Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Although this is advertised as a shampoo, it exists in the form of oil, which is why it deserves a spot on our list. The main ingredient is unadulterated tea tree oil, which does not contain any chemicals or additives. It is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is great for the treatment of dry scalp. It also reduces itchiness and flaking. The special formula is not only for moisturizing the hair and the scalp, but it is also believed to be effective in promoting hair growth.

Pur360 Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil may not be as popular as castor and jojoba, but this product guarantees to be another exceptional option when it comes to dealing with dry scalp. Not only that, it can also be used for the skin and nails. It is certified USDA Organic, which can give you some peace of mind. This means that the ingredients are natural and have been carefully selected to make sure that they won’t cause any adverse effect. It also comes with a convenient pump, making it easy to dispense the oil while also minimizing waste.

Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil

If your hair and scalp need deep conditioning, this is one product to look out for. It does not only nourish the scalp, but it also smoothens the hair shaft and restores the shine of the hair. This is not only for dry scalp. It will also work for dry hair. The main ingredient that is used is extract from rosemary leaf. It does not contain synthetic components that can be harsh for those who have a sensitive scalp. Because of this, you can also expect that your hair won’t end up being frizzy.

Fine Vine 100% Pure Almond Oil

This is a popular choice for an oil that can be used as a skin moisturizer, which is also the reason why we are including it in this list. It can provide moisture that is needed by the scalp, although you have to be careful in its application as using too much will inevitably make the hair oily. It is 100% all-natural. The oil is packaged in a 16-ounce ergonomic container, which you can easily bring anywhere you go, even when you are traveling.

Viva Natural Sweet Almond Oil

With the use of this undiluted and unscented sweet almond oil, you can be confident that you are using a product that does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, which makes it excellent for the skin. Similar to most of the oils that are mentioned in this post, it is also versatile, providing you with endless possibilities when it comes to how the oil can be used.

Majestic Pure Sweet Almond Oil

Another oil that is extracted from sweet almonds, it is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants that can provide relief for dry scalp. It is therapeutic-grade and cold-pressed. It also has a high level of protein, which makes it an excellent product if you wish to have stronger hair. The oil also contains antioxidants, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.

Design Essentials Scalp and Skin Care Anti-Itch and Tension Relief

A quick look at the ingredients will give you a compelling reason to consider it. It uses tea tree oil and aloe vera as its main ingredients. It also contains peppermint oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, cottonseed oil, rosemary extract, sweet almond oil, and hemp oil. It is free of fragrances and dyes. Plus, it is also approved by dermatologists!

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Certified Organic Jojoba Oil

Using this oil will revitalize your hair and scalp. Thanks to jojoba, you can expect it to provide the moisture that your dry scalp needs. It is sourced from ingredients that have been organically grown. It is also cold pressed and made without using additional preservatives. It is as pure as jojoba oil can be! It is easily absorbed by the scalp and the skin. The amber glass bottle is also a plus, protecting the oil from harsh external elements like heat.

TerraShifa Pure Moisturizing Oil

This is a deeply penetrating moisturizer, making it another top pick for treating dry scalp. It will address the root cause of the problem. Aside from moisturizing the scalp, it will also make your hair stronger and prevent hair loss. The power of this product can be attributed to the unique blend of its ingredients, which include oils from lavender, coconut, almond, and olive. It is free of parabens and GMOs. Because of this, it will work even for those with sensitive skin and scalp.

Kaffir Lime Essential Oil Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This is not your ordinary scalp oil. Rather, it is a shampoo that exists in the form of an essential oil. This is especially formulated for the treatment of dandruff. The kaffir lime infusion, which is cold-pressed, is one of the best things about this shampoo. Kaffir, which was sourced all the way from Thailand, is rich in citric acid. The citric acid removes residue from sweat while also providing a moisturizing effect to the scalp.

Understanding Dry Scalp

First and foremost, it is important to note that dry scalp and dandruff are not the same, although they are related. Dry scalp is one of the main causes of dandruff. When the skin is dry, there is a risk of having scaly flakes in your head.

What are the Causes?

The following are some of the most common causes of a dry scalp:

  • Dehydration: When you don’t drink enough water, your scalp can also suffer and may end up being dry.
  • Harsh Haircare Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products that contain harsh chemicals could be the culprits. They can have residues that will build-up on the scalp and cause dryness.
  • Psoriasis: This is a medical condition where the scalp becomes flaky, scaly, and red. The flakes are usually thicker than dandruff.
  • Eczema: Similar to psoriasis, this is also a health condition that causes the scalp to be flaky and itchy.

Other Ways to Deal with Dry Scalp

Besides the oils mentioned above, there are other things that can be effective when it comes to treating your dry scalp, including home remedies. Below are some home remedies that you can try:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: It has anti-microbial properties to get rid of fungi or bacteria that is causing the scalp to be dry and itchy. All that you have to do is to mix one part of apple cider vinegar with two parts water. Use this as a hair rinse. Leave it on the scalp before applying shampoo and make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
  • Witch Hazel: A popular choice, this is traditionally used to relieve dry and itchy skin.
  • Mashed Bananas: Bananas are great for nourishing and moisturizing the scalp. It also has anti-microbial properties. You just have to mash the banana with olive or coconut oil and apply directly on the scalp.
  • Avocado: Being a potent source of monosaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids, avocado is another excellent remedy for the dryness of the scalp. It can also be blended with a carrier oil, such as olive oil.
  • Yogurt and Egg: Yogurt has soothing and exfoliating properties. Meanwhile, eggs have protein and fats that will nourish the scalp and will prevent it from being dry.
  • Baking Soda and Olive Oil: Rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, baking soda combined with olive oil moisturizes and cleans your scalp. It is great for dandruff as well.

Prevention is Better than Cure

We talked about some of the home remedies that can be considered for your dry scalp. However, the best thing that you can do is to be proactive in preventing dry scalp:

  • Start with the use of the rightshampoo andconditioner. When they contain ingredients that are too strong or harsh, your scalp will inevitably be irritated and dry.
  • Don’t shampoo your hair daily. Instead, shampoo only once every other day to give the scalp a break and naturally produce oil. Shampooing often will get rid of the natural oils.
  • After showering, make sure that you rinse your hair thoroughly. Any residue from your shampoo and conditioner can cause a build-up
  • If possible, avoid using heat to style your hair. Drying your hair naturally is best. The heat from the styling tools can dry your scalp as well. If you need to use a dryer, make sure to use the cool setting.
  • Stay hydrated. Make sure that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of a dry scalp.
  • Eat the right foods. Vitamins deficiencies can make the scalp dry. It is best to load up on foods that are rich in Vitamin B and Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Avoid chlorine as it dries out your skin. Before and after a swim in the pool, rub a conditioning cream in the scalp to prevent it from getting dry.
  • Massage your scalp. This helps stimulate blood in the scalp and improved circulation.

Wrap Up

Indeed, oils are the unsung heroes that deserve to be included in your haircare routine. They provide hydration that is needed not only by your hair but also by your scalp. It is rich in ingredients that can promote a healthier scalp and prevent dandruff. To avoid regrets, make sure to keep an eye on the products that have been briefly reviewed above.