The Best Oils for Dry Scalps Calm Flakes and Itching
If you’ve noticed your scalp feeling extra dry lately, you’re not imagining it. Winter has a way of stripping moisture from the scalp just like it does from skin. Cold weather, indoor heating, and frequent air travel all play a role, making dry scalp far less mysterious than it seems. One of the easiest ways to bring moisture back is by incorporating one of the best oils for dry scalp into your routine.
Vogue’s Favorite Hair Oils for Dry Scalps
According to celebrity hairstylist Benjamin Mohapi, “The best scalp oils do three things: They mimic the scalp’s natural lipids, calm inflammation, and support circulation. Texture matters too. If it’s too heavy, it won’t rinse clean. If it’s too light, it won’t nourish deeply enough.”
How you apply the oil matters just as much as the formula. Massaging it into the scalp helps stimulate circulation and allows the product to penetrate more effectively. Personally, I love when a loved one does the massage for me—consider it a South Asian love language. But if your family sticks to more traditional tokens of affection like cards, using your own hands or a scalp massager works just as well.
Below, we rounded up eight of the best scalp oils on the market across hair types, price points, and ingredient profiles. All are lightweight, smell great, and genuinely help rehydrate the scalp, with recommendations informed by expert input and months of testing.
In This Story
Best Overall: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
- Why We Love It: Scalp oiling is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, which is exactly why Fable & Mane’s formula leads the category. The formula is packed with Ayurvedic ingredients like ashwagandha and amla, which Mohapi says “support scalp resilience.” He adds, “It’s rich, deeply nourishing, and meant to be massaged in slowly.” It also contains dashmool and castor oil, which are heavier oils that make it especially well-suited for textured, thick, or stressed hair. And while many traditional oils come with a very potent scent, this dry scalp treatment smells softly of Indian jasmine, so there’s no fear of being roasted by others for it (a personal childhood trauma).
- Editor’s Experience: “My family is Pakistani, so amla and castor oil were staples growing up. That said, as someone obsessed with all things beautiful, I love how Fable & Mane modernizes these ingredients while staying culturally rooted. Unlike the oils we used growing up that were sticky, impossible to wash out, or required serious effort just to melt and massage into the scalp, this one is refreshingly easy to use. The dropper makes application simple, it travels well, and it skips all the usual grievances while still delivering the nourishment.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, amla, castor oil
- Size: 55 mL
Best for Fine Hair: RŌZ Willow Glen Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil
- Why We Love It: You’d be hard-pressed to find a hair story where we don’t recommend something from RŌZ. Founded by celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak, the brand has earned our loyalty because every product feels intentional, and, most importantly, actually works. According to Mohapi, “It’s super-light and almost feels like nothing, but it still feels great on the scalp and leaves the hair shiny.” He does note, however, that while it’s ideal for fine hair, it may not be quite rich enough for coarser textures.
- Editor’s Experience: “Unlike many scalp oils that require serious elbow grease to wash out in the shower, this one rinses clean with ease. It’s also safe for color-treated hair, so I can use it without spiraling over my highlights fading in real time. It leaves just the right amount of shine, which is why I reach for it before big events or anytime my hair is looking a little dull and my ego needs a boost.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil
- Size: 60 mL
Best for Hair Growth: Mielle Organics Rosemary & Mint Hair Oil
- Why We Love It: An internet fan favorite, this rosemary and mint oil is especially great for dry scalps that also need a little stimulation. According to hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli, “Rosemary helps support circulation at the scalp, while mint provides a cooling, refreshing sensation that can soothe itchiness.” The formula blends lightweight oils that absorb easily without feeling greasy, making it ideal for targeted scalp application. “The herbal scent feels invigorating and spa-like, which many clients enjoy as part of their self-care routine,” she adds. Basically, we have the spa at home.
- Editor’s Experience: “I’ve been a fan of this Mielle oil long before it rose to TikTok fame—the brand makes many essentials perfectly-suited for curls and coils. I appreciate this oil because it is great not just for addressing hair loss, but to condition both the scalp and lengths. Its blend is dispensed seamlessly from a dropper, onto one’s mane without weighing it down. Such easy application means I’ll actually keep up with using it—and over time, see real results.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, biotin, mint, castor oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, peppermint oil
- Size: 2 oz.
Best for Textured Hair: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend
- Why We Love It: Containing a blend of jojoba oil, lavender oil, and saffron oil, this scalp oil is especially well suited for coily, curly, and wavy hair types. Puncerelli notes that “jojoba oil is one of my favorite ingredients for dry scalp because it closely mimics the scalp’s natural oils.” She adds that this particular blend is effective at softening dryness while still maintaining bounce and movement in the hair. The formula absorbs beautifully and delivers moisture without heaviness, which is key for textured hair. “The scent is warm and subtle, and the oil leaves both the scalp and hair feeling nourished rather than slick,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, lavender oil, saffron oil
- Size: 115 mL
Best Pre-Shampoo Oil: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
- Why We Love It: Safe for all hair types but especially great for oily scalps, this pre-shampoo oil helps rebalance the scalp so you’re not stuck dealing with flaky buildup. It’s formulated with soothing aloe vera, passion fruit oil, and castor oil, which Mohapi says gives it a unique edge. “The use of castor oil gives Ceremonia Aceite de Moska strength-building properties, while lighter oils keep it from feeling sticky or dense,” he explains. “It’s really good for anyone dealing with dryness and breakage, because it supports the scalp while reinforcing hair integrity”
- Editors Experience: “Ol’ reliable—this oil goes everywhere with me, partly because I’m obsessed and partly because the practically-sized plastic bottle (there’s even a travel version now) make it easy to toss into a bag without a second thought. I use it as a scalp treatment, but I’ll also run it through my strands to add shine and tame frizz. I especially love it on beach vacations, where it nourishes my curls, makes my hair smell amazing, and gets me from sand to dinner in about fifteen minutes flat.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Castor oil, passion fruit oil, aloe vera
- Size: 20 mL, 60 mL
Best Lightweight: Squigs Pre-Wash Scalp Oil
- Why We Love It: Another Ayurvedic standout, this pre-wash scalp oil is made with amla (Indian gooseberry), castor oil, and coconut oil. According to Mohapi, the formula focuses more on soothing the scalp and supporting circulation rather than just adding shine. “It’s excellent for people who experience tightness, itch, or stress-related dryness,” he notes. It’s gentle enough to use multiple times a week and can even be left on overnight without transferring to your pillowcase. The natural citrusy scent is light and fresh, meaning you can apply it before running errands and no one will be the wiser.
- Editor’s Experience: “While the branding leans a bit kitschy, I swear by Squigs and so do most of my friends and family thanks to my aggressive gifting habits. The oil is impressively lightweight and never requires a second shampoo. It’s generously sized for the price, so you can use it liberally without feeling like every drop is draining your bank account. I personally prefer it strictly as a scalp oil, but you can also work a small amount through your lengths if needed. Just warm it between your palms first so you don’t overdo it.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Amla, castor oil, coconut oil
- Size: 130 mL
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Innersense Renew Scalp Oil
- Why We Love It: According to Puncerelli, “This is an excellent option for sensitive skin or compromised scalps.” She explains that the formula focuses on restoring balance with a blend of lightweight, nutrient-rich oils that hydrate without causing buildup. It feels clean and calming on even flaky scalps, and the natural scent is subtle and grounding rather than overpowering. “I especially like this oil for clients experiencing dryness from over-washing, heat styling, or frequent color services.”
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower oil, sesame oil, argan oil
- Size: 29.5 mL
Best for Breakage: Chéribé Growth Oil
- Why We Love It: Chéribé is rooted in the founder’s heirloom Chébé seeds, grown on her family’s organic farm in Chad. Made for all textured hair types from 2A to 4C, the oil is designed to nourish both the scalp and strands, making it a strong option for anyone dealing with dryness alongside breakage, split ends, or slow growth. “Chéribé’s oil works on both the scalp and hair, which is key when you’re trying to support growth without sacrificing softness,” says Puncerelli. At under $15, the lightweight formula works across different hair porosities, so it treats the scalp without weighing hair down. Rosemary also plays a role here. As Puncerelli explains, it helps energize the scalp, while the blend of oils seals in moisture and adds softness for healthier-looking hair overall.
- Key Ingredients: Chebe complex, rosemary
- Size: 75 mL
Everything You Need to Know
What are the causes of dry scalp?
Puncerelli explains that dry scalp is often the result of a mix of environmental and lifestyle factors. “Cold weather, dry indoor heat, over-washing, and harsh shampoos can strip the scalp of its natural oils,” she says. Heat styling, chemical services, and even stress or dehydration can further disrupt the scalp’s moisture balance. Many people also confuse dry scalp with dandruff, which is typically linked to excess oil or yeast. Dry scalp, on the other hand, is simply a lack of hydration in the skin.
Lifestyle habits matter just as much. Mohapi notes that “stress, diet, and hormonal shifts all quietly show up at the root before they show up anywhere else.” He points out that historically, scalp oils were used preventatively rather than as a last resort. “The issue today is that we cleanse aggressively and moisturize reactively, which is a bit backwards,” he says.
How do you rehydrate a dry scalp?
“Hydration isn’t just about adding oils, it’s about restoring balance,” says Mohapi. The first step, he explains, is addressing what’s causing the dryness in the first place by using gentler shampoos, washing less frequently, and sticking to lukewarm (not hot) water. From there, hydration should be introduced in layers. Think of it the same way you would treat facial skin: cleanse gently, add moisture, then seal it in. “Pre-wash scalp oils work beautifully here because they soften the scalp before cleansing, allowing shampoo to clean without over-stripping.”
Should you oil your hair if you have a dry scalp?
Yes, but timing, the right oil, and the right amount all matter. Puncerelli explains that lightweight, non-comedogenic oils can help replenish moisture without clogging hair follicles or weighing hair down. “Oils rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and soothing ingredients can calm dryness and irritation while supporting overall scalp health. Heavy oils or buildup-prone formulas can sometimes make dryness worse, so quality and formulation really matter.”
Mohapi adds that oiling a dry scalp works best before washing, not after. “Applying oil to an already dehydrated scalp without water can sometimes just sit on the surface. Pre-wash oils help loosen buildup, feed the scalp, and protect it from the cleansing process itself.” This approach isn’t new either. You see it in Ayurvedic rituals in India and in Mediterranean traditions, where scalp care was treated as part of overall wellness, not just hair aesthetics.
What to Look for in an Oil for Dry Scalp
“Look for oils with clean, simple ingredient lists and a balance of nourishing and soothing properties,” says Puncerelli. Ingredients like jojoba oil, which closely mimics the scalp’s natural sebum, as well as argan oil, sunflower seed oil, and rosemary, can help hydrate while supporting healthy blood circulation. She also recommends opting for organic, cold-pressed formulas whenever possible, noting that they tend to be purer and more effective without unnecessary fillers or synthetic fragrance, which is especially important for sensitive or dry scalps.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity hairstylists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to oils for dry scalps, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, weight, application, and the hair-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
- Benjamin Mohapi is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Benjamin in Los Angeles and New York City.
- TerraRose Puncerelli is a celebrity hairstylist based in both Los Angeles and New York City.
