8 Dry Scalp Treatments That Provide Immediate Relief

ProsMade with all-natural botanical ingredientsSlim nozzle allows for a targeted applicationConsThis might be a bit too heavy for those with fine hairThis multi-tasking oil doesn’t just soothe and hydrate your scalp, it also helps keep hair moisturized and healthy for enviable shine from root to tip. The targeted nozzle makes it easy to deposit the silky formula directly onto your scalp—yes, even if you have thick hair—so the botanical mix of blue tansy oil, coconut oil, and baobab oil can effectively rebalance your scalp’s moisture barrier.One Cosmo editor says: “My scalp and curls drink up this lightweight oil. It gives my dry scalp the hydration it craves without leaving behind a greasy mess. Plus, a healthy base means my hair is more nourished and soft. The nozzle also really helps the product get through my curls, which is perfect for protective styles.”—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGEFeatures at a glanceFormatOilKey ingredientsCopaiba resin, blue tansy oil, baobab oilSize3 oz.ProsGentle enough for sensitive scalps and those prone to eczema Great for all hair typesConsThis isn't the best at giving you a deep cleanseCeraVe may be known for its gentle, ceramide-packed skincare, but did you know the brand also makes hair care? This mellow shampoo helps inflamed scalps, as well as dry hair, get back to baseline with the same ingredients found in most of its skincare products. Ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid rehydrate your scalp while gently cleansing away sweat, oil, and product buildup.One Cosmo expert says: “This is a fragrance-free gentle shampoo with moisturizing actives like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. I personally use this, and I have eczema prone skin.”—BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST DANNY GUO, MD.Features at a glanceFormatShampooKey ingredientsCeramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acidSize12 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLightweight enough to use every day (non-greasy!)ConsThe dropper can leak and makes for a messy applicationMuch like how a hydrating facial serum binds water to your skin, this serum does the same—but for your scalp (duh). Plant-based proteins and niacinamide fend off flakes and balance out the microbiome to nourish the scalp, which in turn strengthens your hair, too.One Cosmo expert says: “This scalp serum is water based but contains glycerin and mineral oils for added moisture. It also includes other quality actives like vitamin C, niacinamide, and panthenol which can support the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection.” — Dr. GuoFeatures at a glanceFormatSerumKey ingredientsPlant-based proteins, niacinamideSize3.4 oz.ProsSpray bottle makes it easy to target specific dry, itchy patchesLeast expensive option on this listConsEssential oils can cause irritation for some sensitive scalpsDon’t feel like dropping a ton of cash on your dry-scalp treatment? Same, which is why we’re obsessed with this drugstore option from Head & Shoulders. Perfect for treating your scalp between wash days, this cooling spray (which uses menthol, peppermint, and tea tree oil) instantly soothes dry, itchy scalps. Just part your hair in sections and mist it wherever you need some relief, then lightly massage in with your fingertips.One Cosmo editor says: “Few things feel as good as a scalp cooling spray—seriously! When I can’t make it to a head spa this gives my scalp a quick refresh with each invigorating spritz.”—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceFormatSprayKey ingredientsCaffeine, zincSize4.2 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExfoliates flakes and buildup with two percent salicylic acidConsMight be stripping, so follow with a deep conditionerDermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, recommends this over-the-counter dandruff shampoo for those with dandruff-prone, dry scalps to exfoliate and control excess fungal growth. Why? Because it’s filled with two percent salicylic acid to gently lift and remove scales and dead skin, leaving you with a calm, flake-free scalp when you suds up once a week. Although this formula is sulfate-free, it does contain some other harsh surfactants, so make sure to follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.One Cosmo editor says: “Soooo even though I’ve never struggled with dandruff I still love using this shampoo because it gives my hair and scalp a serious refresh and leaves me with shiny strands.”—MHFeatures at a glanceFormatShampooKey ingredientsSalicylic acid, propanediol caprylateSize10 oz.ProsBoosts collagen production on your scalp with peptidesReviews said it helps reduce irritationConsSome testers said it leaves a greasy residueHate to be the bearer of bad news, but minoxidil is the only topical treatment that can make your hair grow faster, and it can definitely be a bit drying since you have to use it every day to keep seeing results. But you can give this dry-scalp treatment a try, because it includes two peptides to help stimulate collagen production, which can slowly boost your scalp’s health and ultimately create an optimal environment for hair growth. Plus, it’s filled with moisturizers like glycerin, arginine, and glycine soja-germ extract (an ingredient that helps draw water into your skin) to help ease some dryness and flakes.One Cosmo editor says: “I started using this because I was tempted by the hair growth benefits, but it has become a staple for how it makes my scalp feel. I didn’t even realize I was experiencing tightness! My hair looks fuller and longer now, too.” —MHFeatures at a glanceFormatSerumKey ingredientsRedensyl, Procapil, BaicapilSize2 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSmells incredibleNourishes scalp and hairConsThis is too heavy for fine hair Anyone with 4c hair knows that no matter how gentle and moisturizing a shampoo is, it’s still somewhat drying, especially if you’re already dealing with an irritated scalp. Enter: This pre-shampoo oil, which combines several oils (meadowfoam seed, babassu, rapeseed, maracujá, and chia seed to be exact) that lock in moisture on your scalp to help offset some of the dryness when you shampoo. Just drip two to three full droppers onto your dry scalp, massage in, then wait 10 to 15 minutes before hopping in the shower to cleanse. Alternatively, leave it on while you sleep for a major scalp-moisturizing moment.Features at a glanceFormatOilKey ingredientsPassion fruit oil, castor oil, aloe veraSize0.7 and 2 oz.ProsGently vibrates to help massage your scalpConsTakes one AA battery that’s not includedIf harsh actives still feel a bit irritating for your dry scalp, try this handheld scalp massager with soft, silicone bristles. It has two vibrating modes to help gently exfoliate some of the flakes off your scalp (and feels hella relaxing too). Just squirt your shampoo directly onto the teeth, then massage it into your roots in the shower. Or you can also massage all of your scalp treatments and serums into your dry scalp with this tool before bed.Features at a glanceFormatBrushPowerAA BatteriesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow to choose the best dry-scalp treatment:Look for moisturizing ingredientsMake sure your dry-scalp treatments includes one of these dermatologist-approved moisturizers: (1) humectants, like hyaluronic acid, honey, panthenol, and glycerin; (2) rich butters, like shea butter and cocoa butter; and (3) penetrating oils, like argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. All of these will actually help hydrate your skin, while sealants (like castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil) help lock in moisture and prevent water loss that can lead to a disrupted skin barrier and irritation.Consider your hair porosityQuick lesson: Hair porosity is all about how much moisture your hair can hold. Low-porosity hair has a difficult time absorbing anything, while high-porosity hair soaks up water, creams, and custards like a sponge. That said, you can sometimes get a dry scalp, even if your hair is super low porosity and typically oily. In that case, look for lightweight serums, not oils, to help moisturize and soothe your scalp. But if your hair is high-porosity and already on the drier side, feel free to load up your scalp with heavier oils and butters to not only increase moisture but help lock in water.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.