Itchy, irritated scalp? Yeah, we know the feeling, and the answer is surprising: oils. They're occlusive, says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, which means they seal in hydration. Here, nine of 'em that lock in moisture and provide soothing relief when your scalp goes berserk.
Photos: Courtesy of Brands (products)
Ogx Renewing Argan Oil of MoRoCco Penetrating Oil
This silicone-spiked formula also contains ultrahydrating argan oil, which "is great for conditioning hair and soothes a dry scalp," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of beautystat.com. Plus, it smells rich and sweet (kind of what we'd imagine liquid gold would smell like) and is thick enough to moisturize dry skin; apply a little bit directly onto a damp scalp to seal in the water, and smooth what's left on your hands over the length of damp hair to calm frizz.
Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray
This hydrating oil comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and contains nourishing vitamin E, soothing eucalyptus, peppermint oil, and coconut oil. Its tropical piña colada scent doesn't hurt, either.
Sheamoisture Organic African Black Soap Dandruff & Dry Scalp Elixir
"As chemists, we prefer to use a mixture of ingredients because there may be some synergy," says Robinson. This blend of African black soap, tea tree oil (to remove product buildup), plantain enzyme (to soothe), and willow-bark extract (to exfoliate) restores balance to your scalp and soothes it without leaving oily residue behind. Just spray directly onto your scalp and massage gently before styling your hair as you would normally.
Clear Scalp & Hair Ultra Shea Conditioner
For a normal scalp that gets dry occasionally, dermatologist Francesca Fusco recommends a conditioner or hair mask with a blend of shea butter and oils, like this one from Clear Scalp & Hair. (Fusco consults for Clear.)
MoRoCcanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
This lightweight blend of argan, lavender, and geramium oils is one of Robinson's favorites for soothing very dry scalps. One catch: You'll either love or hate its warm amber scent.
Ors Hairepair Vital Oils for Hair & Scalp
"If I were formulating a product, I wouldn't use one oil, I'd use a few," says Robinson. "That's what a consumer should look for." This blend of light oils (including grape-seed, soybean, and sweet almond) easily penetrates the hair and scalp without being too greasy.
Rejuvenol Dry Scalp and Skin Therapy With Argan Oil
You've probably learned by now that argan oil is a dry scalp's best friend, and not only does this weightless serum star the super oil, but it also contains hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, pulling that hydration into your skin. Even better: As a bonus, this pick can also be used to combat dryness elsewhere (like elbows and cuticles).
One 'N Only Argan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment
If you're looking for a no-frills product, this one's for you. Though the formula is slightly smelly (think bug repellent, but less pungent), it's easy to use and is effective at providing relief for a dry, itchy scalp.
Badger Jojoba Herbal Hair Oil for Dry Scalp
This blend of plant oils (including hydrating jojoba and sunflower oils and antibacterial tea tree oil) moisturizes and soothes the scalp, while peppermint essential oil lends a cool, tingly sensation.
Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Scalp health is often overlooked, and when you want to give it a little TLC, it's not always clear whether a skincare or haircare approach is best. Plant oils fall somewhere in between, and they can do wonders not only for the skin on your scalp but also for the hair that grows from it.
According to Kate Holden, a trichologist based in the United Kingdom, there are many potential benefits of applying oils to the scalp. "Tea tree, peppermint, ginger, and cade oil can help alleviate itchy scalps and reduce inflammation," she tells Byrdie. "Coconut oil is sometimes recommended as an emollient to help with dry skin and dandruff, and there is some evidence that rosemary oil may help with hair growth."
Meet the Expert
Kate Holden, AIT, is a trichologist based in the UK and an associate member of the Institute of Trichologists. She provides expert diagnoses, therapeutic recommendations, consultations, referrals, and treatments for various hair and scalp concerns.
With this insight in mind, we rounded up some of the best scalp oils below.
Amazon
What We Like
A little goes a long way
Multi-use formula
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
Contains PEGs
Who else recommends it? Reviewed also picked Kiehl’s Hair Restructuring Concentrate.
Our top pick is Kiehl's Magic Elixir, an oil-based formula that can be used on both your scalp and hair. Its hero ingredients include avocado oils and safflower oils, which provide deep moisture and nourishment while minimizing inflammation.
You'll also get a dose of rosemary oil, which, as Holden notes, has been shown to support hair growth. Considering you only need a few drops at a time, we appreciate the generously sized bottle. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or an overnight scalp mask, but the brand advises against applying it to wet hair.
Price at time of publish: $22
Key Ingredients: Avocado, rosemary, and safflower oils | Free of: Sulfates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance | Dosage: Small amount pre-shampoo | Size: 4.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Alleviates itchiness
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
May leave hair greasy
On a budget? Check out this supremely affordable formula from Mielle Organics. Whether you're dealing with itchiness, dandruff, or hair fallout, you can count on the blend of rosemary, peppermint, and castor oil to deliver.
Price at time of publish: $10
Key Ingredients: Castor, rosemary, and peppermint oils | Free of: Sulfates, synthetic fragrance | Dosage: A few drops as needed | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Derma E
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Supports healthy growth
Contains organic ingredients
What We Don’t Like
Some may dislike tingling feeling upon application
From the drugstore, we like Derma E Scalp Relief. This pretty blue tincture calls on tea tree oil to cleanse and reduce buildup, plus blue algae and kelp to promote thicker, healthier hair growth.
Price at time of publish: $16
Key Ingredients: Tea tree and alma oils, blue algae, kelp | Free of: Gluten, soy, GMOs | Dosage: A few drops per section | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Dermstore
What We Like
Nourishing
Minimizes irritation
Supports healthy growth
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
This premium blend is priced pretty steep, but you only need a teensy amount per treatment, and you can expect noticeable results. Olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils help nourish the scalp and minimize inflammation, while hemp-derived CBD extract soothes irritation and supports hair growth.
Price at time of publish: $95
Key Ingredients: Olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils, hemp extract | Free of: THC, gluten, animal products | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Non-greasy formula
Balances oil production
Trichologist-recommended
What We Don’t Like
Oil isn't primary ingredient
Holden recommends this serum-style treatment from The Body Shop. The non-greasy formula promises to nourish the scalp and balance oil production while soothing itchy, flaky skin.
Price at time of publish: $20
Key Ingredients: Ginger essential oil, birch bark extract | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops per section when hair is dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Calms irritation
Supports healthy growth
Contains organic ingredients
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
If you're battling dandruff, reach for Rahua Founder's Blend. According to the maker, the rare combination of plant-derived oils dissolves the bacteria that causes the condition, then calms irritation and creates a healthy environment for hair growth.
Price at time of publish: $42
Key Ingredients: Rahua and palo santo oils | Free of: Mineral oil, sulfates, dyes | Dosage: Small amount left on overnight | Size: 1.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Budget-friendly
A little goes a long way
What We Don’t Like
May weigh down fine hair
The remedy for damaged hair starts at the scalp. This pick leans on castor oil and jojoba oil to nourish and strengthen brittle hair and support new growth. In the brand's clinical trial, 94 percent of users reported less breakage.
Price at time of publish: $14
Key Ingredients: Castor and jojoba oil | Free of: Parabens, mineral oil, dyes | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Dissolves buildup
Soothes inflammation
What We Don’t Like
Reviewers note formula is very watery
SheaMoisture Scalp Soother was formulated specifically with wigs, weaves, and braids in mind. Tea tree oil helps dissolve buildup, while borage oil offers immediate relief from tightness, tension, and overall scalp discomfort. The wallet-friendly price doesn't hurt either.
Price at time of publish: $11
Key Ingredients: Tea tree and borage seed oils, aloe vera, oat extract | Free of: Sulfates, mineral oil, silicone | Dosage: 1 to 2 drops to affected area | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Ulta
What We Like
Nourishing
Adds bounce
Leaves hair shiny
What We Don’t Like
Strong smell
Curly hair? This moisturizing blend is your best bet. It combines the nourishing, anti-inflammatory effects of safflower, olive, rosehip, and jojoba oils to minimize breakage from root to tip while leaving your hair brilliantly bouncy and full of shine.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Jojoba, olive, rosehip, and safflower oils | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, silicone | Dosage: A few drops to targeted areas | Size: 3.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Leaves hair shiny
Prevents breakage
Smells amazing
What We Don’t Like
Reviewers note it's difficult to wash out
Apply this treatment oil to your scalp, then run it through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before hopping in the shower. After shampooing, you can expect shinier, healthier-looking hair. The citrusy-amber scent is pretty incredible too.
Price at time of publish: $29
Key Ingredients: Squalane, bisabolol, basil root extract | Free of: Sulfates, silicone | Dosage: Dropper-full 15 minutes pre-shampoo | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Sephora
What We Like
Dissolves buildup
Balances oil production
Alleviates itchiness
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
In addition to Moroccanoil's signature ingredient, argan oil, this scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, dissolve buildup, keep flakes at bay, and balance oil production. In the brand's clinical trial, 94 percent of users said it minimized itchiness, too.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, salicylic acid | Free of: Parabens, sulfates, mineral oil | Dosage: 3 to 6 drops per section | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Ulta
What We Like
Budget-friendly
A little goes a long way
Non-greasy formula
What We Don’t Like
May weigh down fine hair
If hair growth is the goal, go with The Mane Choice. This treatment blends castor, jojoba, and coconut oils to moisturize and nourish and then calls on tea tree and rosemary to clear up the skin on your scalp and create an environment that supports new growth.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Castor, rosemary, jojoba, coconut, and tea tree oils | Free of: Parabens, sulfates | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
iHerb
What We Like
Budget-friendly
A little goes a long way
Dissolves buildup
What We Don’t Like
Not suitable for frequent use
For itch-relief, Holden says to look for products containing tea tree oil, like this generously sized blend from As I Am. It's also formulated to dissolve buildup and prevent dandruff while minimizing any flakes you might already have.
Price at time of publish: $14
Key Ingredients: Olive and tea tree oils | Free of: Sulfates, parabens | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
The best scalp oil overall is Kiehl's Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment, a multitasking treatment that moisturizes, nourishes, soothes, and supports healthy hair growth. For those on a budget, we recommend Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, which tackles dandruff, itchiness, and hair loss.
What to Look For in a Scalp Oil
Treat vs. Prevent
If you already experiencing some itchiness or flaking, you'll want to help treat the area with a scalp oil that has soothing ingredients. (If your skin is inflamed or flaking excessively, see a medical professional.) However, if your scalp is already in tip-top condition, opt for a well-rounded formula containing ingredients designed to
keep your scalp balanced and hydrated.
Consider Your Individual Needs
Just like you would with skincare concerns, base your scalp oil choice on what your scalp needs. What works for one scalp may not be a benefit to another.
Thanks to today’s massive offering, you’ll find options specially formulated for oily scalp, dry scalp, curly hair, thinning hair—you name it.
Ingredients
Do you find yourself to be a fan of a certain ingredient because you love what it does for your skin? Then you’ll most likely love what it could do for your scalp, too. And like skincare, trendy ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, biotin, and even niacinamide (vitamin B3) are making their way into many a scalp oil formulation.
FAQ
What is the best scalp oil?
For the majority of us looking to up our skincare game by extending it to our scalp, one of the many one-size-fits-all formulations is sufficient to keep the scalp hydrated, soothed, and protected. However, the best way to choose scalp oil is to approach it as you would skincare, so if there’s a condition you’d like your scalp oil to address, such as oiliness or dryness, it’s best to shop around until you find one with the ideal ingredients.
How often should you apply scalp oil?
That depends on your lifestyle and scalp skincare concerns. Proper usage should keep the scalp moisturized and soothed without any buildup. However, if buildup is a real concern for you, try a formula with more of a water-based, serum-like consistency.
Will scalp oil make hair grow faster?
Many of today’s scalp oil formulations contain a bevy of natural ingredients that some believe can encourage hair growth. While the official science is still out on many of them, certain compounds like biotin can play a role in supplementing hair strength and quality. So, while no scalp oil has been proven to make hair grow faster, its ability to support scalp health is a great start in the battle for great hair.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer and content creator. She interviewed a trichologist for this story, who offered insight into the best oils for scalp health and product recommendations. When narrowing down the final selections, she combed through reviews and looked at scholarly journals to cross-reference ingredients. Theresa covers skincare, haircare, and wellness products at Byrdie.
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
8 Effective Products to Help With Thinning Hair. Reviewed.
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