12 Expert-Backed Tips to Treat and Prevent a Dry, Itchy Scalp

It’s best to consider avoiding shampoos that are formulated with sulfates, as these ingredients tend to be more harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, adds Dr. Rubin. “Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo,” she says. Also, look at the ingredients in your hair-styling products, and avoid alcohols that may be drying. However, not all alcohols are bad—and this is where you need to be educated.” She also suggests avoiding alcohols like ethanol, SD alcohol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol.

Cut back on dry shampoo.

If you have greasy hair, this might be hard to hear, but cutting back on dry shampoo can work wonders on a dry scalp. “Using too much dry shampoo can lead to a large amount of buildup on the scalp, blocking the hair follicles and causing various scalp issues,” says Reavey. (Remember the makeup metaphor?)

That said, the type of dry shampoo you use can make a difference, she adds: “There are some cleaner options on the market: Act + Acre’s Dry Shampoo contains only six functional ingredients and has been specially formulated to not block the hair follicle.”

Wash with gentle shampoo.

As for what to do instead of reaching for the dry shampoo? “It’s best to cleanse your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo periodically, rather than relying on dry shampoo to stretch the time between washings,” says Dr. Rubin.

And if needed, a clarifying shampoo.

“For some, a clarifying shampoo may be helpful and necessary to remove build up,” Dr. Rubin continues. But again, that’s not an everyday kind of thing.

Use oil-based scalp treatments.

Reavey suggests incorporating oil-based treatments, like the Glamour Beauty Award-Winner Scalp Detox, into your scalp routine, as this helps to remove excess scalp buildup. “You want to make sure you’re adding restorative oils, such as Act+Acre’s Stem Cell Serum, that boost hydration and moisture in the scalp,” she says.

Drink more water.

Keeping your body hydrated will also help hydrate your scalp. Thus, it can also be beneficial to increase your water intake, according to Reavey.

Use a humidifier.

If your dry scalp is caused by temperature changes or dry skin, Heavey also suggests using a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate your home’s climate.

Wash your hair less (or more) often.

Dr. Robinson concurs and adds that if you’re over- and under-washing, switching up how often you wash could help too, “depending on your hair type,” she says. “[Dry scalp] can be managed by using an exfoliating shampoo that’s gentle enough to use every hair-wash day, and/or an extra-strength exfoliating shampoo once every two weeks.”

Exfoliate with salicylic acid.

Finally, if you have dandruff, Dr. Robinson recommends opting for an over-the-counter shampoo formulated with salicylic acid to address the condition. “I often recommend starting with Neutrogena’s Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff collection, [because it has] four different salicylic acid formulas to effectively help with flakes and control many of the symptoms of dandruff,” she says.