The Best Scalp Treatments to Soothe Your Dry, Itchy Scalp

Hey, did you know that dry scalp and dandruff aren't exactly one in the same? I know, it's confusing because they're both related to the scalp and share some of the same symptoms (flakes and itchiness), but the underlying causes could be totally different. To help you figure out if your flaky scalp is actually due to dryness or dandruff (or maybe even something else) and make sure your scalp sitch is getting exactly what it needs, we gathered tons of expert advice below. For all the explanations to your questions and the best dry scalp treatment to finally get rid of your flakes, read on.

Why is my scalp so dry and flaky?

A dry scalp is a pretty clear indication that there's a lack of hydration. “Like our skin, our scalp can become dehydrated and get flaky,” explains Anar Mikailov, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of KP Away. What's not so clear is whether you're actually experiencing dry scalp or something that looks and feels a whole lot like it but isn't. Here, a breakdown of dry scalp and a couple of other things it could be instead.

Dry scalp symptoms

When you think of dry scalp, think of small, dry, whiteish flakes. According to Dr. Mikailov, dry skin could occur after something as simple as shampooing without conditioner, washing and shampooing too frequently, or using shampoos that contain harsh, drying ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (aka sulfates) and synthetic fragrance. You could even experience scalp dryness and irritation from hair dye and buildup from a product like dry shampoo. With so many different causes from seemingly harmless everyday activities, there's a good chance your scalp sitch is due to dryness, but if not, it could be a sign of dandruff, which brings us to:

Dandruff symptoms

Dry scalp and dandruff are commonly lumped together, but the flakes that come with seborrheic dermatitis (the clinical term for dandruff) are typically stickier than dry scalp flakes. Unlike small dry scalp flakes, “dandruff can often appear oily, and it sheds as larger flakes that are usually clumped together,” trichologist Dominic Burg, chief scientist at Evolis Professional, has told Cosmo. Because dandruff is caused by your scalp's yeast production, the fastest treatment would be a topical steroid combined with an antifungal shampoo.

Psoriasis symptoms

Unlike dry scalp, which typically results in small little flakes, or even seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis (a chronic condition) is known for having a much thicker scale or plaques. Psoriasis sometimes requires a prescription topical steroid, so you'll def want to check with your doctor for the best treatment plan.

How do you get rid of dry scalp?

If you have a true dry scalp, Dr. Mikailov says it could help to cut back your shampoo to only twice per week so you’re not constantly removing your scalp’s natural oils. You'll also want to avoid any products causing the dryness, so anything with SLS (sulfates) and irritating synthetic fragrance. Dr. Mikailov says for some people, essential oils, like peppermint and rosemary hair oil, that are common in “natural” dandruff solutions can actually be irritating and lead to more plaques. So if that's the case, avoid fragrance the best you can.

What's the best treatment for extremely dry scalp?

What you want to look for, according to Dr. Mikailov, are moisturizing plant-based oils (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil, Brazil walnut oil, hemp oil, and camellia oil), exfoliating ingredients (salicylic acid, azelaic acid, bakuchiol, and lactic acid) as well as CBD, beta-glucans (from oat or mushroom extracts), aloe, and vitamin B5. And what do ya know?! Looks like we've got a whole list of products containing all those ingredients, right here, so get to shopping for your scalp's sake.