Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Commit the phrase to memory, share it with your friends, and repeat it every time you find yourself browsing beauty aisles. It's the golden rule of haircare! While not as "sexy" as a volumizing styler, good ol' scalp care is the absolute foundation of virtually every hair goal—strength, length, shine, et al. All that is to say that a high-quality scalp oil is a very solid investment for long, soft, salon-grade strands.
The only issue? It feels like there are millions of options on the market that promise to give your scalp the nourishment it needs. So here, I've whittled down the most effective formulas I've tried for every scalp concern—from run-of-the-mill dryness to hair thinning to flakes and dandruff. And because everyone's scalp is different, I've also enlisted the help of trusted experts: board-certified trichologist Aga Tompkins, board-certified dermatologist Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD, and board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD. Scroll ahead to find the best scalp oils out there, period.
The Best Scalp Oils, at a Glance
- Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
- Best With Rosemary: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
- Best for Dry Scalps: Fable & Mane Holiroots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil
- Best Pre-Wash: Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil
- Best for Sensitive Scalps: Rōz Willow Glen Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil
The Best Scalp Oils of 2025
Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
Pros: Easy-to-apply nozzle, instantly soothing and reduces flakes over time
Cons: Some reviewers note a strong cologne smell
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, castor oil
Size: 3 ounces
Hair type: Any
If dandruff is your main gripe, you can't go wrong with this dermatologist-tested serum. You can use it on damp, freshly washed hair or on dry strands in between washes; either way, it's a godsend for reducing itchy flakes—both immediately and long-term. "I also like that this product has castor oil, which also helps to hydrate and strengthen hair, promotes hair growth, and treats dandruff," notes Okereke.
Customer review: "This product has saved my scalp. I can finally walk around without dandruff. So easy to apply, has a nice scent and doesn't make your hair look like it is dirty. Must have for anyone with dandruff."
Best With Rosemary: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Pros: Easy-to-use applicator, helps with hair growth, gentle enough to leave on overnight
Cons: Better as a pre-shampoo treatment, as it leaves hair a little greasy
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, castor oil, tea tree oil
Size: 3.4 ounces
Hair type: Better for thicker hair (might make fine hair look oily)
Rosemary oil is frequently lauded for its hair growth abilities, so if you're looking to stimulate those follicles, this pre-shampoo oil is a fabulous one to try. It's my personal go-to for slicked-back styles, as it gives my strands a nice slip (plus, it's a pretty generous size, so I don't feel bad globbing it all over). The only thing I will say is that it leaves a bit of a greasy residue. If you have finer hair, you might want to use it only at night or on days you know you're going to wash your hair. My perpetually thirsty curls, however, drink it right up.
Customer review: "I love this stuff. I’m in grad school and the stress has been real, and this has helped the baby hairs grow back in full force. Have already repurchased. I use it about once a week and use a clarifying shampoo to get it out."
Best for Itchy Scalps: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Strengthening Treatment Oil
Pros: Super moisturizing and calming, elevated scent
Cons: Pricey for a smaller size
Key ingredients: Rosemary extract, turmeric oil, hemisqualane
Size: 1.7 ounces
Hair type: Any
In addition to nourishing sunflower seed oil and hemisqualane (a silicone-free ingredient that gives the hair tons of slip), this formula features turmeric oil to instantly soothe inflammation. Turmeric has long been used for its skin-calming properties, so it's an absolute game-changer for itchy, tender scalps. Don't let the small bottle fool you into a precise application; I'd recommend giving your entire scalp some love, as Okereke also considers it a hero for dryness.
Customer review: "I have self diagnosed scalp psoriasis. I was looking for something to relieve itchiness, flaking and smell. Before this oil I would need to wash every other day/every day if I’m going to the gym. I typically shampoo twice so no issue with build up. I used this 2-4 times a month and it’s helped tremendously. The only downside is the amount of uses per bottle as I need a good amount to cover my entire scalp."
Best Pre-Wash: Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil
Pros: Great for those with sensitive scalps, a little goes a long way
Cons: Can be difficult to get product out of the applicator
Key ingredients: Baobab oil, sunflower oil, basil leaf blend
Size: 3 ounces
Hair type: Any
No, this Detox Oil doesn't feature any exfoliants to dissolve scalp buildup, but it does have a potent 1.28% baobab oil, which breaks down impurities while infusing the skin with moisture. Translation? It's a fabulous pre-shampoo treatment for a soothed, supple scalp. In addition to the liquid gold, it includes sunflower oil and a basil leaf blend to protect and balance the scalp microbiome. I also love the precise applicator; although, for those with thick, long hair like mine, it might take some effort to get enough product out of the bottle.
Customer review: "This scalp product has really helped my dry scalp. It’s less flaky even after one use. My scalp feels less dry and more healthy. It not only feels better, but it looks better too! And it’s not just my scalp, the oil ran down the lengths of my hair when I washed it out, my hair looked much more shiny in a good way, not the greasy shiny way! Definitely recommend!"
Best Lightweight: Innersense Organic Beauty Hair Renew Scalp Oil
Pros: Won't make hair look greasy, great fragrance
Cons: Smaller size
Key ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil, sesame seed oil, sunflower oil
Size: 1 ounce
Hair type: Better for fine hair (super lightweight)
"I adore [the] Hair Renew Scalp Oil by Innersense Organic Beauty," notes Marcus. "Featuring omega fatty acid rich sesame and sunflower oils, this lightweight oil is ideal for supporting the scalp’s skin barrier, moisturizing, and soothing the scalp without weighing hair down." It also features pomegranate seed oil, which has impressive antioxidant properties that keep the scalp healthy and balanced. As for the texture? Marcus says it's "light enough for daily use on dry scalps, smells divine, and feels like a luxurious treat in your self-care routine." Sold!
Customer review: "This is great for scalp care, it contains a variety of different oils, including argon, sesame, bergamot, and ginger. It has a mild fragrance and is super easy to apply using the pump top. It is lightweight, so it doesn't build up or weigh down the hair. I especially like that it is made with certified organic ingredients."
Best Serum: Nutrire T.2 Night Serum
Pros: Soaks in quickly and doesn't leave hair oily, gently exfoliates without overwhelming the scalp
Cons: Pricey for a smaller size
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, tea tree oil, rosemary leaf extract, pumpkin seed extract
Size: 1.7 ounces
Hair type: Any
An overnight exfoliating scalp serum might sound like a recipe for irritation, but believe me, Nutrire's T.2 Night Serum is an absolute dream. It features lactic acid, tea tree oil, rosemary leaf extract, pumpkin seed extract, and a bouquet of other potent actives to purify the scalp, but it has a high-tech slow-release system that perfectly doses out these ingredients throughout the night. The result? A refreshed, soothed, resilient scalp in the a.m. I've been using it for over six weeks and have convinced multiple friends to give it a try. Not for nothing, it's a serum (so much lighter than an oil), which means you won't have to worry about waking up with a greasy mane.
Customer review: "I love everything about this product. I have scalp issues and ever since I started using this they have not been a problem. My itching and flaking are almost entirely gone!"
Best for Dry Scalps: Fable & Mane Holiroots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil
Pros: Can be used on scalp and strands, smells amazing
Cons: Can leave a greasy residue
Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, amla, castor oil, jojoba oil, safflower seed oil
Size: 1.8 ounces
Hair type: Any (although castor oil can weigh down finer strands)
It's TikTok-viral for a reason! This pre-wash oil is basically liquid gold for dry scalps and brittle, damaged strands. "After using this for a few weeks, my hair is all the better for it," Who What Wear beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock writes in a review. "I'm seeing fewer split ends and less fall-out every time I brush my hair. Plus, my hair looks shinier than it did before using it. That's why I used every last drop until the bottle was totally empty. That might not sound that special, but as a picky beauty editor who regularly cycles through products, it is."
Customer review: "I have gone through 4 bottles of this hair oil and it has changed my life! I always had really thin hair growing up that I only made worse with bleach. I’ve put all my friends and family on this hair oil because I get compliments on my hair now! People literally stop to tell me I have nice hair! Any thin haired girl knows this is amazing."
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Rōz Willow Glen Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil
Pros: Smells amazing, leaves you with salon-grade hair
Cons: Can be difficult to shake a lot of product out of the bottle
Key ingredients: Kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil
Size: 2 ounces
Hair type: Any
If you've ever tried celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak's ultra-nourishing treatment oil, congrats—you've experienced salon-grade magic. With kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, and macadamia nut oil, its main gig is moisture and hair strength (as opposed to essential oil-infused potions, which can be irritating on sensitive skin). A little goes a long way, so it's great for a tension-relieving scalp massage. Simply apply a little on your fingertips and go to town on your crown and temples. Trust me, it's heaven.
Customer review: "The Roz Nourishing Hair Oil is everything I’ve ever wanted in a hair oil. It’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating, giving my hair the perfect amount of moisture without weighing it down. I have been using it after styling, and it leaves my hair looking so glossy, smooth, and healthy. A little goes a long way, and it absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy or heavy.
"Ever since incorporating this oil into my routine, my hair feels stronger, softer, and more manageable. The scent is just as incredible as the shampoo and conditioner—a fresh, clean fragrance that lingers in the best way. My husband keeps complimenting how good my hair smells! I’ve also noticed way fewer flyaways and frizz, even on more humid days. This is definitely the best hair oil I’ve tried, and I don’t think I can go without it now. Roz haircare has completely changed my hair, and I’m officially obsessed!"
Best for Growth: SickScience PowerCycle
Pros: Contains patented exosome technology, fragrance-free and well-suited for sensitive skin
Cons: Pricier than other options
Key ingredients: NX35 technology, rosemary leaf extract, biotin, hyaluronic acid
Size: 2 ounces
Hair type: Any
Ready to nerd out on haircare? This high-tech serum uses biotech-derived exosomes from wheat and garlic stems (called NX35) to target specific cells in your scalp that prompt hair follicles to grow. This is essentially a very scientific way to say that it promotes hair growth at the molecular level. And unlike traditional exosomes (which are typically extracted from human stem cells), the ones in this serum are 100% vegan. Neat, right? Hair growth starts with a healthy scalp, and this serum is certainly one of the most innovative I've ever tried.
Customer review: "I’ve been using PowerCycle for about 3 months now & am noticing remarkably thicker hair especially in the crown area of my head. I just had my hair cut, my hair dresser said I’ve got new growth all over my head. I’m 75 years old & my hair is looking better than it has in 10 years. I will keep using this product and highly recommend to anyone with fine thinning hair."
What to Look for
When shopping for scalp oils, it's important to suss out different ingredients; different players have unique haircare perks. Below, find a few standouts depending on your goal.
- Hair growth: "For those looking to support hair growth, ingredients like pumpkin seed extract and rosemary leaf extract help stimulate circulation and nourish the scalp," says Tompkins. In clinical studies, both pumpkin seed and rosemary were found to have similar effects to minoxidil (aka, the active ingredient in Rogaine). Antioxidants, like vitamin E, are great to seek out as well, as they protect the scalp from free radicals and oxidative stress (which can lead to hair thinning over time).
- Calming: "Tea tree oil is often used for itchy scalps," notes Okereke, as the ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint oil also has cooling properties, which can provide immediate itching relief. And according to Tompkins, "evening primrose root extract and jojoba seed oil mimic natural sebum while calming irritation."
- Hydration: "Argan oil, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, can help to soothe and hydrate the scalp with minimal risk of irritation," adds Marcus. "Lighter oils such as jojoba, sunflower, and sesame seed oil tend to be good choices for most skin types."
- Buildup and flakes: Tea tree oil is great for clearing buildup, as it also has naturally-purifying properties. You'll also want to toss a salicylic acid treatment into the mix, advises Okereke, for some gentle exfoliation.
Of course, your hair type also plays a role. While every strand pattern can benefit from using scalp oil, you'll want to find the right consistency to suit your individual texture.
"Those with oily hair will likely do best with lighter oils, such as jojoba oil, which helps to regulate sebum production by mimicking the scalp’s natural oil. Those with dry hair may benefit from argan oil, which is rich in fatty acids and minerals and moisturizes without leaving hair greasy," notes Marcus. "Curly or coarse hair tends to be drier and therefore benefits from a thicker and deeply moisturizing oil such as castor oil." If your strands are in desperate need of repair, she also recommends opting for avocado oil, which is brimming with antioxidants and fatty acids to help nourish the hair.
How often should you use a scalp oil?
Again, it depends on your hair and scalp type. Generally, though, if you have a dry scalp, Okereke recommends oiling two to three times a week. Those with oily scalps, however, should oil once or week or less to avoid excess buildup. Finally, if you have dandruff, Okereke suggests applying a treatment oil one two times a week to help with flaking and oil balance.
That being said, it's difficult to dole out a general rule of thumb. Everyone's scalp is different! Marcus recommends starting out with one scalp oil every wash day then dialing up the frequency as you see fit. "Certainly experiment with different frequencies to see what works best for you," she notes.
What oils should not be used on the scalp?
- Coconut oil: According to Okereke, coconut oil can clog pores and worsen flaking, especially for those with oily or dandruff-prone scalps.
- Mineral oil: Both Okereke and Tompkins advise against mineral oil (aka baby oil). "[It] coats the scalp without actually penetrating or nourishing," Okereke notes, which can lead to buildup.
- Undiluted essential oils: Never, ever, apply straight-up essential oils (rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, etc.) on your skin. They're super potent, and without some sort of carrier, they can cause irritation or burns.
How We Chose
When it comes to our testing process at Who What Wear, personal recommendations always come first. Senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider first selected the formulas she personally swears by for her own scalp and hair, making sure to include a variety of textures, key ingredients, and price points. Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, as everyone has a different scalp type, so we also made sure to scour the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling this list.
Finally, we also consulted trusted experts. Tompkins, Okereke, and Marcus advised us on what ingredients to seek out (and avoid) in a scalp oil, which helped us whittle down our list to these nine heroes.
Who's Who
- Aga Tompkins, board certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist
- Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD, Massachusetts-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetics, hair loss, and skin of color
- Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD
- Jamie Schneider, author and senior beauty editor at Who What Wear, who has nearly a decade of experience testing and researching beauty products (scalp oils included!)
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