Best Scalp Oil for Dry Scalp: What to Use and How

The problem with a dry scalp is that it cannot retain moisture. Your scalp is either unable to produce as much natural oil as it should, or tends to lose whatever it releases rather quickly and easily. So you need a lending hand in the form of scalp oils to counter the dryness.

In today’s post, we’ll tell you why a good head massage with some natural hair oil can fix your problem and also recommend the best scalp oil for a dry scalp. Stick around till the end of the article to discover an alternative to hair oils, just in case you are looking for one.

Let’s get started.

Why Should You Use Oil for a Dry Scalp?

Because there’s science behind it.

The glands in your hair follicles produce natural oil, commonly known as sebum, that keeps your hair healthy and nourished. Sebum is your hair's built-in natural moisturizer, and it also forms a protective barrier to prevent infections.

A healthy scalp releases just enough sebum to keep your skin hydrated and your hair strands nourished.

But hormonal imbalance, harsh shampoos, extreme weather, and other factors can interfere with the balanced production of natural oils in your scalp. When this happens, the skin on your scalp cannot retain any moisture. It becomes itchy, gets irritated very easily, and starts flaking.

Hair oil contains omega fatty acids just like sebum does and acts as a nearly identical natural replacement for sebum. Because of this, massaging your scalp with hair oil makes up for the lack or loss of sebum.

Oils provide your scalp the nourishment it needs, lock in moisture, and reduce discomfort caused by dryness.

Gently massaging your scalp with oil also promotes blood circulation and seals the cuticles of your hair. This reduces frizziness and split ends which are common in people suffering from a dry scalp.

Which Oils Are Good for Treating a Dry Scalp?

Since we’re discussing the best scalp oils for dry scalps, we have handpicked our favorites with proven benefits. Oiling your hair with any of the following can be helpful in managing a dry scalp. You could also opt for a lightweight and non-greasy product like the NuMe Hairology Serum infused with botanicals, but we’ll give you more details later in the article.

All of them offer multiple hair care benefits, although some may be better for you if you experience specific problems.

Coconut Oil

A hair care staple, coconut oil is a powerhouse of omegas like lauric and linoleic acids which play a key role in retaining moisture in your skin. Massaging your scalp with cold-pressed organic coconut oil can therefore take care of its dryness.

Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that can be effective against skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. But in some extreme cases, it might be better to avoid coconut oil for your scalp.

Best for: Use coconut oil if you want a natural conditioner that’s readily available and affordable.

Avoid if: You have sensitive skin prone to allergies. Coconut oil can easily clog your pores.

Argan Oil

Known for its high concentration of Vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil acts as a soothing balm for a dry and irritated scalp. It gets absorbed quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind, making it one of the best oils for dry scalps.

Argan oil also protects your hair against sun damage and has anti-aging properties that can keep your crowning glory looking gorgeous for a long time.

Best for: Regular use and sun protection.

Avoid if: Argan oil is non-comedogenic and anyone can use it.

Jojoba Oil

With a composition that’s nearly identical to sebum, jojoba oil acts as a natural moisturizer for your skin. It rehydrates, softens, and smoothens the skin on your scalp to relieve dryness. It’s also hypoallergenic and is good for people with extremely dry scalps who may be allergic to other hair oils.

You can use it to treat dry skin on other parts of your body but be careful because overuse may clog your pores.

Best for: Those with extremely dry scalps that flake a lot.

Avoid if: Your scalp is dry but your hair tends to get oily very easily.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. That makes it one of the top contenders for the title of best scalp oil for dry scalps.

It’s particularly helpful for people suffering from a dry scalp as a result of dandruff. Tea tree oil can effectively treat skin conditions like dermatitis and provide soothing relief to those with an itchy scalp.

The only thing you need to be careful about is its application. Mix it with a carrier like coconut oil before applying it to your scalp.

Best for: Those with an acute case of dandruff.

Avoid if: You experience any burning sensation within 24 hours of application.

Avocado Oil

Avocados are great on toast but they are equally good in their oil form.

This thick, green oil contains powerful ingredients like vitamins E and B, potassium, lecithin, and biotin that are great for hair. But what makes it excellent for dry scalp is avocado oil’s capacity to moisturize and soften your hair.

You can use avo oil before shampooing your hair to make sure it does not strip your scalp of moisture. It can also be used as a leave-in conditioner after a hair wash.

Best for: Avocado oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a good choice for people suffering from scalp psoriasis and eczema.

Avoid if: You experience any adverse reactions to it.

Almond Oil

This fragrant, lightweight oil softens the flakey skin of a dry scalp, providing intense hydration to rough and cracked skin. It also strengthens brittle hair shafts, promotes growth, and reduces split ends. Almond oil can even prevent product build-up on your scalp.

Almond oil is helpful to people with skin sensitivities, unlike some of the other options we discussed. So if you’re looking at a hair oil that has non-comedogenic leaning properties, this one would be a good choice.

Best for: Regular use.

Avoid if: Almond oil is non-comedogenic and can be used by most without any problem.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has a thick, sticky consistency that may be off-putting to some but these properties make it an excellent emollient. When used with a carrier, castor oil can provide nearly instant relief to dry and irritated scalp and combats almost all kinds of scalp and hair problems.

Castor Oil is effective against dandruff, promotes new hair growth, provides intense hydration, and reduces frizz too. You can add castor oil to your hair care routine if you want to see holistic improvement in your hair.

Best for: Controlling dandruff and promoting hair growth

Avoid if: You have oily hair or are prone to acne. What you use on your scalp can worsen your acne.

So, you should take your pick guided by your immediate concerns, but remember that it’s not an overnight fix. Oiling your hair should be a part of your daily hair care routine for you to see results.

How to Apply Scalp Oil to Your Hair?

Now that you know what are some of the best scalp oils for a dry scalp, learn how you should use them to improve your overall scalp and hair health.

1. Start by gently combing your hair to remove knots and tangles.
2. Divide your hair into small sections and use a dropper to drench your scalp with the oil. This step ensures that the oil reaches your scalp and does not get absorbed by the strands of your hair.
3. Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into the roots of your hair and your scalp. Use circular motion that improves blood flow and enhances quick absorption of the oil.
4. Once you have massaged your entire scalp, let the oil sit for 15 to 30 minutes. You could use a shower cap or a silk scarf and wrap your head with it. This should help maintain the warmth of your scalp and allow for proper absorption of the oil.
5. Wash off with tepid water to remove all traces of the hair oil. Don’t scrub your scalp using your fingernails, though. Use the same circular motion to massage your scalp. Condition and style your hair as usual.

Follow these steps to hydrate your scalp with hair oils. Just remember to oil your scalp when it’s squeaky clean.

Oiling over scalp build-up will defeat the purpose of this routine. Follow this routine 2-3 times a week for at least 2-3 months to notice visible changes.

However, the itchiness and irritation should subside after a few uses. Don’t forget to consult your dermatologist before trying a new hair oil, especially if you’re suffering from any medical condition like psoriasis or eczema. Always do a patch test before trying a new product.

The Best Scalp Oil for Dry Scalp

If you need an easy, hassle-free fix, go for the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum. This lightweight formula is fortified with hair-loving botanicals like rosemary, Alfalfa, hops, and malilito that take care of your scalp. Apply a few drops of this serum to clean and dry hair to moisturize your scalp and tackle dryness.

Its advanced formulation will repair the skin barrier on your scalp, seal the cuticles of your hair, and promote a healthy scalp.

The Hairology Scalp Serum won’t make your head feel heavy or weigh your hair down. So don’t forget to give this hair care serum a shot.

Discover A New You with NuMe

While we’re still on the topic of hair care, don’t forget to browse the products in our hair care collection. We offer a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, serums, heat protectant sprays, hair styling tools, and more. Our products are made from premium ingredients and are made to suit all hair types. Try them to experience the NuMe difference.

Visit our website to know more. Give your hair the NuMe makeover and join the tribe of 2 million happy customers today!