Dry Scalp Products

A dry scalp feels tight after washing, itches through the day and can shed small, white flakes. It is usually brought on by everyday things such as hot showers, central heating and washing too often, so the most useful dry scalp remedies put oil and moisture back before you wash. Our dry scalp products are Ayurvedic pre-shampoo treatments. The Bio Active Scalp Oil for a Dry, Itchy Scalp is our dry scalp oil, made with cold-pressed sesame, sweet almond and avocado oils infused with neem, tulsi and centella. If your flakes are larger and oily-looking, the Anti-Dandruff Scalp Oil for Itchy, Flaky Scalps is the better choice. You can add Rosemary Essential Oil for Hair Growth & Scalp Health to either oil for a scalp massage.

Dry Scalp Causes: Why Is My Scalp So Dry?

Most dry scalp causes are everyday habits and surroundings, and several often add up. Knowing which applies to you helps you choose the right dry scalp remedy.

• Hot showers. Hot water removes the scalp's natural oils faster than lukewarm water.
• Central heating. From October to March, dry indoor air draws moisture from the scalp, just as it does from the skin on your hands and face.
• Hard water. Much of England has hard water, which can leave a residue that makes the scalp feel tight after washing.
• Washing too often. Daily washing, especially in hot or hard water, gives the scalp little time to restore its natural oils.
• Product build-up. Styling products and conditioner that are not fully rinsed out can leave a dry, itchy scalp.
• Dandruff, not dryness. A dry, flaky scalp sheds small, white, dry flakes. Larger, yellowish or oily flakes usually point to dandruff, which is linked to a yeast on the scalp and needs a different approach. See our dandruff products.
• When to see your GP. If your scalp is sore, red, weeping or has raised, scaly patches, see your GP or a trichologist before trying a new product.

Match Your Dry Scalp to the Right Product

Why Choose Our Ayurvedic Dry Scalp Products

• Pre-shampoo treatments. Both scalp oils go on before you wash and come out with your shampoo, so nothing is left sitting on the scalp between washes.
• Ayurvedic herbs. Neem, tulsi and centella (gotu kola) have long been used in Ayurvedic scalp care. In our oil for dry scalp, they are infused into cold-pressed sesame, sweet almond and avocado oils.
• A choice for dry or flaky scalps. The Bio Active Scalp Oil is made for dryness and itching. The Anti-Dandruff Scalp Oil is made for flaking.
• No mineral oil or silicones. The Bio Active Scalp Oil is silicone-free with no synthetic fragrance, and we don't use mineral oil.
• PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free. All three products are PETA certified, vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK.

Home Remedies for Dry Scalp

A few simple changes make a real difference and work alongside any dry scalp product. Most cost nothing, which makes them the easiest dry scalp remedy to start with.

• Turn the temperature down. Hot water makes a dry scalp worse, so wash and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Wash less often. If you wash every day, try every other day and see whether the tightness eases.
• Oil before you wash. Massage an oil for the dry scalp into the scalp, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo. Put the shampoo on the oiled hair before adding water, as this lifts the oil out more easily.
• Rinse thoroughly. Make sure no shampoo or conditioner is left on the scalp.
• Keep it up. One treatment will not undo months of dryness. Keep to your routine for several weeks before you judge the results.

Building a Dry Scalp Routine

What to Look for in Dry Scalp Products

• A pre-shampoo oil. A dry scalp oil that goes on before you wash nourishes the scalp and then rinses out, so it won't leave your hair greasy.
• Herbs suited to the problem. For a dry itchy scalp, look for Ayurvedic herbs such as neem, tulsi and centella. For flaking, choose a product made for dandruff.
• Cold-pressed plant oils. Cold pressing extracts oil without heat or chemical solvents. Sesame, sweet almond and avocado oils are rich in fatty acids that help condition the scalp, and every plant oil we use is cold pressed, on its own or in a blend.
• No mineral oil. Mineral oil sits on the surface of the scalp. We don't use it in our products.
• Realistic claims. Dry scalp remedies can ease tightness and itching, but they can't treat skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. See your GP if your scalp is sore, red or scaly.

Dry Scalp Care for UK Conditions

• Central heating. From October to March, use the Bio Active Scalp Oil twice a week, dropping to once a week in warmer months.
• Hard water. In hard-water areas, rinse thoroughly after every wash, and use a pre-shampoo oil for a dry scalp to help stop it from feeling tight afterwards.
• Hats and scarves. Wash winter hats and scarves regularly, as they collect sweat and product residue against the scalp.
• Winter showers. Keep showers warm rather than hot, and finish with a lukewarm rinse.

Shop our dry scalp products above. For oils made just for the scalp, see our scalp oil collection. If itching without flakes or an oily scalp is your main concern, see our itchy scalp products and oily scalp products.