A Dry, Itchy Scalp Is No Fun—Derms Share 4 Ways to Instantly Deliver Moisture

In case you missed it, scalpcare is having a renaissance, and beauty enthusiasts everywhere are stocking up on their scalp brushes as well as ultra-hydrating haircare and styling products. Suddenly, no washday is complete without an effective scalp scrub followed by a moisture-replenishing serum. I'm extremely excited to see the renewed interest in intensive scalpcare (the products dominating my TikTok's algorithm are almost always sold out), but as a beauty editor, I'm always aware of how easy it is to hop onto a beauty craze without considering how beneficial it will be for your particular concerns and problem areas.

Different skin types are commonly discussed as it pertains to the face, but dry, itchy scalps, have been neglected for long enough without proper input from experts who can educate us on what matters. I've tapped James Kilgour, MD, for his guidance on how to restore a dry scalp to its healthiest, most hydrated, and most moisturized state. Say goodbye now to your flakes; you won't be missing them.

1. Determine the Cause of Your Scalp's Dryness

To truly understand the many culprits that can cause a dry scalp, it's important to know what how scalp should feel in its healthiest state. According to Kilgour, sebum is one of the biggest contributors to skin barrier health and is produced by the sebaceous glands that connect to our hair follicles. These glands are predominantly found on the face's central zone, also known as the T-zone, as well as on our scalp. The fluid plays as essential role in moisturizing and reinforcing our skin barrier since it locks in hydration and plays defense against harmful actors such as environmental aggressors.

"Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands at our hair follicles, and the fluid then moves down our fibers from root to end," he explains. "Longer and curlier hairstyles are more prone to dryness, given the time taken for the fluid to reach the ends compared to shorter hairstyles that are more quickly moisturized." Sebaceous fluid production is regulated by a number of factors, including genetics, sex, and hormonal levels. If you're noticing itchiness, dryness, and flakiness, it may be time to update your haircare routine to include products that can address it.

2. Be Picky About Your Shampoos

Next, you'll want to pay attention to the ingredients on the back of shampoo bottles while you're on the hunt for one to add to your moisturizing product lineup. "One of the biggest modifiable factors influencing the moisture level of your scalp is the products that you use. Overly stripping or 'clarifying' shampoos, especially those containing sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, will lead to dryness and irritation over time in all but the oiliest of scalps," Kilgour tell me. Opt for shampoos formulated with gentle cleansers such as cocamidopropyl betaine to promote scalp health by adding moisture instead of stripping it away.

3. Keep Hydrating and Moisturizing Conditioners on Deck

After washing your hair with a non-stripping shampoo, support your scalp's skin barrier by using a moisture- and hydration-replenishing conditioner. If you have a dry scalp, take the extra steps during washing and conditioning your hair to protect your scalp. Kilgour also reminds us that some people's scalp skin is naturally drier than others. Some scalps need extra attention to help lock in hydration post-shampoo. Consider also incorporating a scalp scrub into your wash routine. While using a scalp scrub may seem counterintuitive, it can help remove buildup and dead skin, allowing serums and oils to penetrate deeper into the skin.

4. Start Using Scalp Serums, and Stop Using Products With Denatured Alcohol

After you've thoroughly cleansed your scalp and strands with gentle, moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner, Kilgour recommends finishing your haircare with a scalp serum designed to deliver hydration to the scalp. His favorite serum product to ensure the scalp's skin barrier remains healthy and hydrated is KilgourMD's Prevention Scalp Serum. Just apply a few drops to the scalp and gently massage it in. "[It's] a gentle yet effective serum designed to maintain optimal scalp health for growth. In addition to growth and anti-aging benefits, the serum contains hydrating and soothing ingredients, including panthenol," he says of the product.

Alternately, Kilgour encourages individuals suffering from a dry scalp to avoid haircare and styling products with formulas containing denatured alcohol, as it can worsen the dryness and irritation. To help you build a product lineup that will revive your dry scalp, keep scrolling for my edit of the six best shampoos, conditioners, serums, and treatments to combat a dry scalp.

The Best Products to Restore Your Scalp's Moisture