Do tiny snowflakes of dry skin drop in front of your eyes every time you itch your head? You don’t have to admit it out loud. But if that sounds like you, you’ve got a serious case of dandruff.
And since we have all experienced it at one point or another, there’s really no shame in a dry scalp – only extreme inconvenience every time your updo is ruined by the need to obsessively scratch.
What causes a dry scalp?
There are a number of triggers that can lead to a dry scalp. Using products that are too strong, washing your hair too much, not washing enough, diet-related factors, product build-up and even stress can lead us to produce an excess of hormones that release inflammatory chemicals that compromise the scalp’s barrier function.
After all, the scalp is just an extension of the skin on our faces, which is why it deserves a bit of regular TLC. So to repair, protect and soothe a dry and irritated scalp, here are four products you need to try today.
Moroccanoil’s Dry Scalp Treatment
Moroccanoil’s Dry Scalp Treatment has been formulated to protect your scalp from the dryness, irritation and discomfort that is a common byproduct of chemical or colour services. The regeneration of the delicate skin that houses our hair follicles results in instant shine, volume and lustrous locks.
“Doesnt make you feel oily at all and makes your hair smell like it was touched by angels.” – Ezzaloui
$42.95 at Adore Beauty
Lady Jayne Restorative Scalp Brush
Lady Jayne’s Restorative Scalp Brush is a shower shelf must-have for keeping your scalp healthy. It might seem counterintuitive to exfoliate a dry, itchy area, but when it comes to the skin on your scalp, it’s product build-up and dead skin cells that are causing the issue! This brush’s soft-tip bristles are effective but gentle, and it’ll get the area feeling fresh and comfortable in a flash.
“This brush surprised me. Great to use on all hair types especially sensitive scalp. It felt relaxing as I used it with every stroke. Feels like I get a massage everytime I use this.” – Chris8
$22.99 at Lady Jayne
De Lorenzo Tricho Scalp Balance Toner
The De Lorenzo Tricho Scalp Balance Toner works to stimulate circulation, which provides quick and effective relief from dandruff, itching, flaking and redness. Catering to all scalps, De Lorenzo has created a formula for fine-to-oily, normal-to-dry, sensitive and irritated – just take your pick.
“Love love love this range from de lorenzo!! These are the only products that provided me with relief from my crazy dry itchy flakey scalp.” – Aimee615
$29.95 at Myhaircare.com.au
JUSTICE Professional Scalp Treatment Shampoo
The JUSTICE Professional Scalp Treatment Shampoo contains zinc pyrithione, a proven anti-fungal that will help provide effective control of dandruff and other scalp conditions. It also contains vitamin B5 to lock in hydration, add gloss and work to reduce split ends.
“All the gunk and flaky yuck is gone after one use. It has a minty smell that reminds me of tea tree oil and it leaves your hair moisturized, shiny and soft without it being too oily.” – Bettina44
$17.95 at Just Cuts
Wella SP Balance Scalp Hair Mask for Sensitive Scalps
For an intensive treatment that leaves irritated scalps calm, soothed and protected, the Wella SP Balance Scalp Hair Mask for Sensitive Scalps has been tested by dermatologists to ensure it offers a balanced and skin-friendly pH formula.
$29.95 at Ozhairandbeauty.com
Main image credit: @mindykaling
Have you struggled with a dry, itchy scalp before
Thankfully I rarely suffer from dandruff.
need to try the morrocan oil for sure!
These are a must try
Thank you ccw, will check it out!
Sukin Natural Balance scalp scrub yoh! It’s the best!!
I definitely don’t get a dry scalp so this is a great article for those that do have that issue. When I was a little girl I remember my dad had an issue with dandruff because I remember mum and dad talking about it and how he said he’d get embarrassing flakes at work on his suit. Funny the things we remember as little kids!!
I sometimes have a dry scalp but not often.
Not having scalp issues luckily. Do need a good clean as follicles get clogged easy fast.
My problem is the opposite, too much oil.
Same with me, Katma Llama! At least I don’t have to deal with a flaky scalp.
I swap my shampoo and conditioner around depending on the seasons. I need something a little more hydrating for the Winter months. I always use a hair oil.
No probs! I think you will absolutely love it!! xo
Not an issue for me.
This may work for me . I will have to check if we can get in NZ – If not another thing to add to my list for my next Oz holiday in the future ( not too fat away I hope )
I get a dry scalp at the back of my head only near my neck line but as I have an allergy type skin is not un expected – I get lots of reactions so possibly the shampoo is too strong.
I do need a good scalp scrub. Looking at trying Sukin or Grow.
I don’t suffer from a dry scalp but it does get itchy. Might need to try the Wella mask.
Fortunately not an issue for me.
My scalp loves a good oil treatment, except for the 4 shampoos needed to remove the grease
Not a problem for me, but I have tried a few Wella SP products and WOW they are amazing!
My scalp gets too oily.
I’ll keep these in mind for my teen son
I used to get a dry scalp but haven’t suffered it for years now. Finally found the perfect shampoo/conditoner but I do use two depending on the season.
Have used Moroccanoil’s Dry Scalp Treatment and found it really nice and comforting, might have to give the Wella Mask a go have not used a mask for my scalp before.
What about products for an oily scalp that is itchy?
Is that possible?
De Lorenzo products are great!
JUSTICE Professional Scalp Treatment Shampoo sounds like it would be a good dandruff shampoo. At the moment I am looking for Shampoo’s and Conditioners for Thinning Hair.
That’s a great idea. Do you have a recommendation for your favourite hair oil? I’ve never used one before.
Really interesting products, i have scalp psoriasis so i’m not sure if this would for me. Id love to give them ago. I have super dry hair.
Ive used a few and it really depends on how much you are willing to spend but always remember that you use so little of it that a bottle will last you ages and work out to be quite reasonable if you look at it that way.
Loral have a product called Mythic oil which is lovely. There is also the Morrocan Oil which many people love. Nak have a product called Aromas oil and you can get it at Price Attack. It smells amazing. Kerastace is another one thats lovely.
I don’t have to worry about this.
Dont have the problem often. I usually just need to change my products.
I usually only get dry scalp in winter, so this is a good list to have when winter rolls around again (thankfully it’s spring and getting warmer so won’t have to worry about this for a little while!!)
I have used a mask for HASK and Brigeo enjoyed them as they were from different budgets and both worked well
I don’t have a dry scalp until I use dry shampoo from certain brands 🙁
Thanks for responding – I’ll check out some of these products 🙂
You are most welcome RINNY….. I hope you find one you love.
I love scalp care products – the De Lorenzo scalp toner sounds very interesting!
It really does!
My scalp gets dry and itchy, I love Moo Goo shampoo’s and conditioners, in saying that, I’m always on the hunt for new products to try – thanks for the recommendations
haha…..well thats awesome 😀
Thanks Meedee!! I totally forgot I own a Moroccan Oil product for reducing frizz – just used it for the first time in years and it’s really helped with my dry hair..
I just think of hair oil as actually being oil. Mine is more of a cream, but my hair is looking half decent for once!! I’ve gotten so used to my lockdown dried out hair. Thanks again 🙂
A dry and itchy scalp is the bane of my existence. Loving these recommendations!
I have an incredibly itchy and flaky scalp.