Itchy, Flaky Scalp? Try These Dermatologist-Recommended Scalp Treatments (2024)

When it comes to dandruff, Head & Shoulders is usually one of the first brands that comes to mind. And for good reason: "The shampoo contains pyrithione zinc to treat dandruff and help with the dryness and itch that comes with it," says Danusia Wnek, a senior chemist at GH's Beauty Lab.

Wnek typically experiences dryness with flaking in the winter months and always turns to these shampoos to help with it, especially the classic formula due to its pleasant, clean scent. "It’s a tried-and-true product for me and one that I can trust with dandruff dryness." Some users do find that the formula can be drying on hair, though.

"Clarifying shampoos can help debulk the skin on the scalp and allow better circulation of the scalp and penetration of nutrients," says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein in New York. "Clarifying shampoo can typically be used at the roots once or twice a week depending how oily the scalp is and how much buildup there is."

Dr. Kobets loves this one from Redken, which claims to be safe for color-treated hair, and suggests using it specifically at your roots to get rid of any and all residue and leave hair shiny. While it will remove residue from the scalp and roots, it can be drying so follow up with a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner.

Chances are, if you have sensitive skin on your face or body, you may have it on your scalp too. And if that's the case, pros say to "avoid harsh smells and fragrances, as dry scalp can be predisposed to absorbing allergens and irritants," says Dr. Kobets.

She recommends Vanicream shampoo (and also the brand's dandruff shampoo if you struggle with that), as it is a mild formula that the brand says is pH-balanced and free of fragrance and many common chemical irritants. While it should not be irritating, a few reviewers found it could be a little drying, so make sure to use a hydrating conditioner with it.

Caspara shares that this luxe oil is her go-to hair oil for a dry scalp. "It's full of antioxidants that stimulate, moisturize and purify the scalp," she says. "Scalp oils can be used as needed at the scalp and throughout the hair and sometimes even before washing the hair," Dr. Kobets says.

Apply a few drops after shampooing onto hair and scalp and gently rub it in for instant hydration and smoothness. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo massage treatment or mixed with conditioner as a weekly hair mask. A pricey pick, reviewers love the scent and instant shine. Oil can reduce volume in hair so keep that in consideration depending on your hair type.

Franzino tested out this new formula from Dove and was amazed by the texture and effects. "It was totally undetectable and absorbed instantly — it felt more like a skincare serum than a hair serum." Containing vitamins B3 and E, zinc and peptides, it nourishes the scalp and helps fortify and strengthen strands.

Vitamin E is an "antioxidant essential for scalp health and healthy hair growth as it minimizes hair loss caused by oxidative stress," says Caspara. "Best used in a topical leave-on product, it soothes and moisturizes the scalp and nourishes hair."

Stop the scratching with this leave-in liquid that contains soothing hydrocortisone for instant relief. (But keep in mind that hydrocortisone should not be used for long periods of time as it can thin skin over time.) "The applicator has a small nozzle that makes applying it directly to the scalp a breeze," says Wnek. "I love that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any residue."

Wnek is very sensitive to the feeling of leftover product on her hair or scalp and finds that "this one feels invisible yet is still effective with just occasional itching." One reviewer found that it dripped a little when applying, so just use a small amount to start.

Dori Price interviewed all of the experts quoted above, compiling their top product picks and expertise on scalp treatments of all types. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories and is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.

For this story, she worked alongside Birnur Aral, who shared her knowledge on scalp treatments. In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, Birnur has R&D experience through her seven-year stint at Unilever U.S. She has contributed to content in countless beauty categories ranging from anti-aging products to sunscreen safety. She also has helped to tease out the science behind beauty products and debunk misconceptions, like the effects of sulfates in shampoo.