If you’ve ever dealt with a dry, itchy scalp, you know how annoying (and kind of embarrassing) it can be. The constant scratching, the random white flakes on your shoulders—it’s enough to make anyone want to just shave their head and start over.

I’ve been there. After trying every “miracle” shampoo, drowning my head in oils, and even resorting to questionable DIY dry scalp treatments, I finally figured out what actually works.

Here’s everything you need to know about treating a dry scalp, 16 legit remedies, and how to tell if you actually have dry scalp vs dandruff (because they’re NOT the same thing).

16 Dry Scalp Remedies That Work

Remedy	Why It Works	How to Use It
Coconut Oil Massage	Deeply hydrates and reduces inflammation.	Warm coconut oil, massage into scalp, leave for 30 min or overnight, rinse.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse	Balances pH, removes buildup, and soothes irritation.	Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water, pour over scalp, leave for 5 min, rinse.
Aloe Vera Gel	Soothes itchiness and deeply hydrates.	Apply aloe gel directly to scalp, leave for 20 min, rinse with lukewarm water.
Avocado & Honey Mask	Provides deep moisture and nourishment.	Mash avocado, mix with honey, apply to scalp, leave for 30 min, rinse.
Tea Tree Oil Treatment	Antifungal and antibacterial, fights flakes.	Add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo or dilute with carrier oil before applying.
Oatmeal Rinse	Reduces irritation and locks in moisture.	Boil oats, strain, apply the liquid to the scalp, leave for 10 min, rinse.
Olive Oil Treatment	Deep conditioning, softens and nourishes dry scalp.	Warm olive oil, massage into scalp, leave overnight, wash with sulfate-free shampoo.
Dry Scalp Shampoo	Specially formulated to hydrate without stripping natural oils.	Use a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo 2-3x a week.
Castor Oil Massage	Deeply hydrates scalp while boosting hair growth.	Warm castor oil, massage into scalp, leave for 30 min or overnight, rinse.
Yogurt & Honey Scalp Mask	Probiotics remove dead skin; honey locks in moisture.	Mix yogurt with honey, apply to scalp, leave for 20 min, rinse.
Shea Butter Scalp Treatment	Ultra-moisturizing and rich in vitamins A & E.	Melt shea butter, massage into scalp before bed, leave overnight.
Rice Water Rinse	Amino acids and antioxidants soothe irritation.	Soak rice in water for 24 hours, strain, pour over scalp, rinse.
Flaxseed Gel Treatment	Reduces inflammation, hydrates, and strengthens hair.	Boil flaxseeds in water, strain, massage into scalp for 20 min, rinse.
Jojoba Oil Scalp Massage	Closest to natural scalp oils, hydrates without greasiness.	Apply jojoba oil directly to scalp, leave overnight, wash out in morning.
Witch Hazel Scalp Rinse	Calms irritation and balances oil production.	Mix 1 part witch hazel with 2 parts water, apply after washing hair, leave for 10 min, rinse.
DIY Hydrating Scalp Spray	Quick on-the-go moisture, soothes and prevents flakes.	Mix aloe vera juice, rose water, and tea tree oil, store in a spray bottle, mist onto scalp as needed.

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📌 Dry Scalp vs. Dandruff: What’s the Difference?

A lot of people confuse dry scalp with dandruff, but they’re not the same problem. Knowing which one you have makes a huge difference in treatment.

Condition	What It Looks Like	Main Cause	How to Fix It
Dry Scalp	Small white flakes, itchy but no redness	Lack of moisture, harsh shampoos, weather changes	Moisturizing treatments, scalp oils, hydrating shampoos
Dandruff	Larger, oily flakes, yellowish tint, often with redness	Overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia), oily scalp, buildup	Anti-fungal shampoos, tea tree oil, exfoliating scrubs

✅ If your flakes are small and dry, you need moisture (keep reading for remedies!).
❌ If they’re oily and yellow, you probably have dandruff, and a different treatment is needed.

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1. Coconut Oil (Best DIY Dry Scalp Treatment for Intense Hydration)

If your scalp is dry, flaky, and screaming for moisture, coconut oil is your best friend. It’s anti-inflammatory, deeply hydrating, and helps lock in moisture without making your scalp greasy.

How to Use It:

1. Warm 2 tbsp of coconut oil until it’s liquid.
2. Massage into your scalp for 5 minutes.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes (or overnight if you need serious moisture).
4. Rinse with a gentle shampoo.

✅ Tip: If you have fine hair, only apply it to your scalp, not your roots—or you might look like you haven’t washed your hair in weeks.

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2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Best for Removing Buildup & Balancing pH)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a game-changer if your scalp is dry, flaky, and itchy. It removes product buildup, restores scalp pH, and soothes irritation.

How to Use It:

1. Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water.
2. Pour over your scalp after shampooing.
3. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

✅ Tip: Use this 1-2 times a week—too much ACV can dry your scalp even more.

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3. Aloe Vera Gel (Best for Soothing an Itchy Scalp)

If your scalp feels like it’s on fire, aloe vera instantly cools it down. It also hydrates, reduces inflammation, and fights flakes.

How to Use It:

1. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to your scalp.
2. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

✅ Tip: Use fresh aloe vera (from the plant) for the best results.

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4. Avocado & Honey Mask (Best Dry Scalp Hair Mask for Deep Moisture)

Avocados aren’t just for toast—they’re packed with fatty acids that deeply hydrate your scalp.

How to Use It:

1. Mash ½ an avocado and mix with 1 tbsp honey.
2. Apply to your scalp and hair.
3. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

✅ Tip: This doubles as a moisturizing hair mask—your hair will feel SO soft after

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5. Tea Tree Oil (Best for Dry Scalp with Flakes & Itchiness)

Tea tree oil is anti-fungal and antibacterial, so if your scalp is dry and flaky, this will fight any irritation.

How to Use It:

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo.
2. Use 2-3 times a week.

✅ Tip: Never apply tea tree oil directly to your scalp—it’s too strong and needs to be diluted!

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6. Oatmeal Rinse (Best for Sensitive Scalps)

Oatmeal is super soothing and reduces irritation fast.

How to Use It:

1. Boil ½ cup of oats in 2 cups of water.
2. Strain the liquid and let it cool.
3. Pour over your scalp, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.

✅ Tip: This is great for eczema-prone scalps!

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7. Olive Oil Treatment (Best for Dry Scalp Oil Massage)

Olive oil deeply nourishes your scalp and softens flakes, making them easier to remove.

How to Use It:

1. Warm 1-2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Massage into your scalp for 5 minutes.
3. Leave overnight and wash in the morning.

✅ Tip: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash it out!

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8. Dry Scalp Shampoo (Best for Daily Maintenance)

Sometimes, the right shampoo makes all the difference. Look for hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos with ingredients like:
✔ Coconut oil
✔ Aloe vera
✔ Tea tree oil
✔ Glycerin

✅ Tip: Avoid shampoos with sulfates—they strip moisture and make dry scalp worse.

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9. Castor Oil Massage (For Deep Hydration & Growth Boosting)

If you want a moisturized scalp AND thicker hair, castor oil is your best friend. It’s rich in omega-9 fatty acids, which lock in moisture and stimulate hair growth at the same time.

How to Use It:

• Warm 1 tbsp of castor oil until slightly heated.
• Massage it into your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight, then rinse with shampoo.

✅ Tip: Castor oil is super thick, so mix it with coconut or olive oil to make it easier to apply.

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10. Yogurt & Honey Scalp Mask (Cooling, Hydrating & Flake-Fighting)

Yogurt contains probiotics and lactic acid, which help remove dead skin and flakes, while honey locks in moisture and soothes irritation. This cooling mask is perfect for itchy, inflamed scalps.

How to Use It:

• Mix ½ cup plain yogurt with 1 tbsp honey.
• Apply to your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and a hydrating shampoo.

✅ Tip: Use Greek yogurt for extra thickness and richness.

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11. Shea Butter Scalp Treatment (Best for Extremely Dry Scalps)

Shea butter is thick, ultra-moisturizing, and loaded with vitamins A & E, which help repair dry, irritated skin.

How to Use It:

• Melt 1 tbsp of raw shea butter between your fingers.
• Massage it into your scalp before bed.
• Leave it overnight and wash it out in the morning.

✅ Tip: If your hair is fine or gets greasy easily, apply only a tiny amount and avoid your roots.

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12. ice Water Rinse (For Strength & Hydration)

Rice water isn’t just for hair growth—it’s also amazing for soothing dry scalps. It contains amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that calm irritation and lock in moisture.

How to Use It:

• Rinse ½ cup of rice and soak it in 2 cups of water for 24 hours.
• Strain and pour the liquid over your scalp after shampooing.
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

✅ Tip: Don’t leave rice water on too long—it can harden your hair if overused.

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13. Flaxseed Gel Treatment (For Soothing & Hydrating Dry Scalps)

Flaxseed gel is a natural moisturizer that reduces inflammation, soothes itching, and strengthens hair.

How to Use It:

• Boil 2 tbsp flaxseeds in 1 cup water until thick.
• Strain and let it cool.
• Massage into your scalp and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.

✅ Tip: Store leftover flaxseed gel in the fridge—it lasts up to a week!

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14. Jojoba Oil Scalp Massage (Closest to Natural Scalp Oils!)

Jojoba oil is the closest match to your scalp’s natural sebum, making it one of the best scalp moisturizers out there. It hydrates without making your scalp greasy.

How to Use It:

• Apply a few drops of jojoba oil directly to your scalp.
• Massage for 5 minutes and leave it overnight.
• Wash it out in the morning with a sulfate-free shampoo.

✅ Tip: Use jojoba oil as a leave-in scalp treatment for extra hydration.

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15. Witch Hazel Scalp Rinse (For Itchy, Inflamed Scalps)

If your scalp feels hot, irritated, or extra itchy, witch hazel calms inflammation fast. It’s anti-inflammatory and balances oil production without drying out your scalp.

How to Use It:

• Mix 1 part witch hazel with 2 parts water.
• Pour onto your scalp after washing your hair.
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

✅ Tip: Look for alcohol-free witch hazel—some contain alcohol, which can dry out your scalp more.

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16. DIY Hydrating Scalp Spray (Quick Fix for On-the-Go Moisture)

If you need a quick scalp refresher without making your hair greasy, this DIY scalp spray is perfect. It hydrates, soothes, and prevents flakes throughout the day.

How to Make It:

• Mix ½ cup aloe vera juice with 1 tbsp rose water and a few drops of tea tree oil.
• Pour into a spray bottle and mist onto your scalp whenever needed.

✅ Tip: Store it in the fridge for extra cooling relief!

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📝 FAQ: Dry Scalp Questions Answered

1. How do I fix my dry scalp fast?

Use coconut oil for deep hydration, or an ACV rinse to remove buildup fast.

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2. Can a dry scalp cause hair loss?

Yes! A chronically dry scalp can cause weak hair follicles and excessive shedding.

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3. How often should I wash my hair if I have a dry scalp?

2-3 times a week is best—washing too much strips natural oils.

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Say Goodbye to Dry Scalp!

A dry scalp doesn’t have to be your reality. Whether you try coconut oil, aloe vera, or a dry scalp shampoo, consistency is key. Your scalp will thank you—and so will your sweaters (no more flakes!).