How to Moisturize Scalp: 7 Methods

When the skin on your face feels dry and tight, you probably reach for a moisturizer to slather on before bed. But how to moisturize your scalp might not seem as straightforward. It turns out there are many ways to boost your scalp’s hydration and get rid of that itchy, tight feeling.

Not only is a dry scalp uncomfortable, but it can interfere with how your hair looks. Research shows a connection between hair and scalp health — basically, if your scalp feels dry, your hair probably looks dry too. But fortunately, a dry scalp is usually fairly easy to fix.

Here, we’ll discuss the potential causes of a dry scalp and seven ways to help keep it hydrated.

If your scalp is itchy, flaking, irritated, or feels tight, you’re probably dealing with dry scalp. But what causes this condition?

Dry scalp is common and could be caused by a number of factors (or a combination of things). This includes:

• Cold weather and indoor heating. Both cold weather and the indoor heat accompanying it lead to dry hair, which can dry out the scalp.

• Hot showers. Regularly washing your hair with very hot water can strip your scalp of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated.

• Certain scalp conditions. Dry scalp is a symptom of several scalp conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema), psoriasis (in some cases), or dandruff. If you suspect a scalp condition is the underlying cause of your dryness, see a dermatologist or another healthcare professional who can help discern the best treatment option.

• Regular heat styling. Like hot water, regular heat styling (specifically using a hair dryer) can strip natural oils and sebum from the scalp.

• Harsh products. Shampoos and conditioners that contain potentially irritating ingredients like sulfates or parabens can disrupt the natural oil production needed for a hydrated scalp.

• Product buildup. Regular use of hair care products like gels, mousses, or hair oil can lead to product buildup on the scalp, which can cause flaking or a blockage of the hair follicles.

• Aging. Dry skin is a natural part of the aging process. It happens because the skin gets thinner over time, loses water more easily, and produces fewer natural oils, increasing dryness.

Wondering how to moisturize a dry scalp? Good news — there are many easy ways to moisturize your scalp and keep it hydrated:

• Use moisturizing hair care products

• Exfoliate your scalp

• Try at-home ingredients

• Use scalp care products

• Try a humidifier

• Try scalp massage

• Drink more water.

Keep scrolling for more details.

1. Use Moisturizing Hair Care Products

Wondering how to keep your scalp moisturized? Look for moisturizing products that hydrate your hair. For example, a hydrating shampoo and conditioner will include natural oils (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil) that add moisture back to the scalp.

Some products also contain ingredients like honey or hyaluronic acid, which are humectants, meaning they pull water into the skin from the air. On the other hand, clarifying shampoos can be drying, and they’re usually meant to be used only once or twice a week.

You could also try a scalp oil treatment, which is massaged into the hair and scalp and usually left on for a few hours or overnight. If you’re unsure which products are right for you, ask your barber or hairstylist what they recommend.

2. Exfoliate Your Scalp

Exfoliating the scalp helps remove dead skin and flakes that can cause itching and dryness. You can use a scalp scrub with a gritty texture to physically slough off dead skin or a scalp exfoliator brush.

This also helps remove product or sweat buildup, which can block hair follicles from producing oil.

3. Try At-Home Ingredients

If you’re interested in trying a DIY scalp treatment, a quick Google search will reveal many recipes for soothing a dry scalp. Some ingredients to look out for (that you might already have at home):

• Apple cider vinegar

• Tea tree oil

• Avocado oil

• Aloe vera

• Coconut oil

• Jojoba oil

Remember, if you plan to use essential oils, always dilute them with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) so they’re less likely to irritate your skin.

4. Use Scalp Care Products

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Think of scalp care products as skincare for your hair and head.

These types of products can help combat dry skin underneath dry hair:

• Scalp serums

• Scalp moisturizers

• Scalp masks

Scalp products are typically formulated with specific concerns in mind, like hair loss, dandruff, dryness, or general irritation.

5. Try a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture into the air, helping combat dry skin on the body and supporting a moisturized scalp. This may be especially beneficial in the winter, if you live in a cold, dry climate, or if you use indoor heat regularly, which can dry out the air.

6. Try Scalp Massage

You can think of scalp massage as an extension of exfoliating your scalp. Not only does it feel nice, but it’s also a good way to remove product buildup and dead skin that can cause dryness.

Bonus: Some research has shown that regular scalp massage can help hair growth and slow hair loss. The thought is that it dilates hair follicles and blood vessels in the scalp, potentially leading to hair growth.

7. Drink More Water

One of the easiest ways to hydrate skin from the inside out is to drink plenty of water. This won’t necessarily translate into dewier, more hydrated skin, but staying hydrated increases blood volume, which helps with circulation and overall skin and scalp health.

If you’re Googling how to moisturize a dry scalp because you’re tired of that itchy, tight feeling, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what to remember when it comes to how to moisturize your scalp:

• Identify the cause. Many factors can contribute to a dry, itchy scalp, including cold weather, harsh products, age, and product buildup. Pinpointing the reason behind your dry scalp can help you choose the most effective treatment.

• Use gentle, moisturizing products. Look for hydrating shampoos, scalp oils, and treatments that hydrate and clean the scalp without stripping it of the natural oils needed for hydration.

• Make small lifestyle tweaks. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and giving yourself regular scalp massages can help create the conditions for a moisturized, healthy scalp.

To learn more, check out our guide to scalp care.

If you’re interested in exploring over-the-counter or prescription hair loss treatments, start with our free online consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.