A dry scalp can be an uncomfortable nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem. The key to relieving your dry scalp is choosing the right type of oil to moisturize and hydrate your hair follicles, so they can soak up the nutrients and keep your hair growing strong and healthy. The benefits of applying essential oils to your hair are numerous and we’ll explain why in detail below, but it’s important to choose the right oil for your needs. Here’s our list of Best Oils for Dry Scalp based on their health benefits and properties
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an amazing natural remedy that helps cleanse and soothe a dry scalp. It also treats dandruff and relieves itchy, scaly skin.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an effective, natural hair treatment because it conditions your hair and improves its texture. It also speeds up hair growth and delays graying. Coconut oil helps eliminate dandruff on your scalp and prevents dandruff from returning. Massage coconut oil into your scalp twice a week or apply it to wet hair and cover it with a shower cap while you sleep at night. (1) Follow with shampooing in the morning, as normal.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is considered a superfood due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol. Additionally, it contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E—two nutrients essential to skin health. Avocado oil is also considered an anti-inflammatory agent, which means it could help ease scalp inflammation and irritation associated with dry scalp. It’s also rich in minerals like magnesium and iron, which can strengthen hair growth. A recent study in Phytotherapy Research found that a 2.5 percent avocado oil moisturizer worked significantly better than mineral oil, petrolatum, and a commercial cream at keeping skin hydrated over 24 hours.
4. Argan Oil
Argan oil is extracted from a rare tree that grows in Morocco. It’s well known for revitalizing dry, brittle hair and stimulating growth. Argan oil has antioxidant properties and reduces dandruff as well as relieves itching caused by an itchy scalp. If you have fine or thin hair, argan oil can add volume to your hair. Another added benefit of argan oil is that it won’t make your scalp greasy like some other oils might.
5. Grapeseed Oil
The unsaturated fatty acids in grapeseed oil can penetrate deeply into your hair shaft to restore softness and shine. Grapeseed is also often the main ingredient in many popular shampoos and conditioners because of its ability to remove excess oils without stripping your scalp’s natural sebum. To relieve dry, itchy scalps, try massaging a few drops of grapeseed oil into your roots after you shower.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a very good natural remedy to combat dry scalp as it stimulates hair growth and thickens hair. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help soothe scalp itchiness. That is mainly because it contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that increases blood circulation to hair follicles and thereby enhances growth rate. Castor oil is also beneficial to those with dandruff as it helps eliminate dead skin cells that could otherwise contribute to flakes. Mix a few drops of castor oil with coconut or jojoba oil then apply to dry scalp after showering for best results.
7. Jojoba Oil
While jojoba oil isn’t a cure for dry scalp, it can be a great daily solution to your dry-scalp woes. Jojoba oil is most commonly used in commercial moisturizers and hair products because of its non-greasy texture and ability to penetrate hair follicles. A small amount of jojoba oil massaged into your scalp each day can help improve scalp health and restore moisture. This comes from jojoba oil, which is an excellent substitute for hair conditioner as it softens and naturally moisturizes your scalp.
8. Almond Oil
Almond oil is an effective remedy against the dryness of the scalp, as it hydrates your hair and nourishes it from roots to tip. It’s perfect to use if you have thick curly hair or wavy locks. Since it’s a light oil, almond oil is safe to apply to your tresses every day. It’s particularly rich in oleic acid, which helps soften and soothe skin, making it a great option for dry scalp. Almond oil also contains Vitamin E, which can help prevent hair loss by restoring moisture to your locks and strengthening them from within.
9. Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is known to be one of nature’s richest sources of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (such as omega-3 and omega-6), which help to nourish the dry scalp and restore a healthy skin barrier. Hempseed oil contains a host of fatty acids that promote healthy scalp skin, including omega-3 and omega-6. These are crucial to hair health and growth, especially because they are found in many common over-the-counter products. Its ability to penetrate hair follicles quickly helps reduce flaking, scaling, itching, and irritation. Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds and has a light nutty flavor that may take some getting used to.
10. Olive Oil
For centuries, people around the world have been using olive oil as a hair treatment. It’s an excellent moisturizer and leaves your hair soft, shiny, and manageable. Make sure to buy 100% extra virgin olive oil—it’s cold-pressed to preserve its maximum nutritional benefits. Apply a few drops of oil to your scalp and rub it in, then massage vigorously with your fingertips. Be sure to avoid getting any oil near your eyes!
11. Macadamia nut oil
Known to penetrate hair follicles, macadamia nut oil can soften even coarse hair, making it an excellent choice for people with frizzy or otherwise unmanageable hair. In addition to its natural lubricating properties, macadamia nut oil also helps your scalp stay hydrated and healthy by inhibiting bacterial growth. To use, massage into your scalp and then let it sit for about a half-hour before rinsing out. For best results, apply weekly or as needed.
12. Sunflower seed oil
This oil is highly sought after because of its many skin-rejuvenating qualities. Sunflower seed oil helps to soothe the dry and damaged scalp while preventing inflammation, which is responsible for redness, flaking and scaling. It has a thick consistency but absorbs quickly into hair and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. Sunflower seed oil works great as a daily conditioner or scalp treatment to help restore moisture balance and prevent further damage in just a few weeks!