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Dry scalp: what are the signs and how can you tackle it?

28/04/20267 min read

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Written byNatalie Beastall

Holland & Barrett

Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs

Female applying oil to hair
Your scalp might sit under your hair, but it’s having a serious beauty moment right now. Move over skincare – your scalp is officially in its glow-up era

Summary

1What is ‘skinification of the scalp’?

It's about caring for your scalp with the same attention you’d give your face: think gentle cleansing and hydration-first formulas.

2What causes a dry scalp?

It's usually down to lack of moisture, the change in weather, over-washing or using harsh shampoos.

3Dry scalp symptoms to look out for

Things to look for usually include flaky or itchy scalp, mild irritation or your scalp feels dry after washing your hair.

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Scalp itchy? Dry scalp? If your scalp’s been feeling tight, flaky or a little uncomfortable, it could be crying out for some extra care. Here’s how to spot a dry scalp and what to do about it. From routines found on social media to ‘skinification’ trends, we’re realising that great hair really does start at the root.

What is ‘skinification of the scalp’?

The ‘skinification of the scalp’ trend is all about caring for your scalp with the same attention you’d give your face: think gentle cleansing and hydration-first formulas. Why the shift? A healthy scalp creates the ideal environment for healthy-looking hair. When your scalp feels balanced, your hair tends to feel smoother and more refreshed too.

What causes a dry scalp?

A dry scalp usually comes down to one thing: lack of moisture.1 But what causes that can vary. Common triggers can include:2
  • over-washing or using harsh shampoos
  • cold weather or dry indoor heating
  • product build-up or environmental factors
  • naturally dry skin
When your scalp loses moisture, it can start to feel tight and flaky – basically, not its best self.

Dry scalp symptoms to look out for

Not sure if it’s dryness? Your scalp will usually give you a few clues:
  • flaky (typically small and dry)
  • itchy scalp
  • mild irritation
  • feels dry even after washing
If this sounds familiar, it’s likely your scalp needs a little extra hydration and care.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff – dead skin shedding from the scalp – is usually just a visible sign of having a dry scalp.4 However, it can also be caused by other factors like hormonal fluctuations, stress or a yeast overgrowth on the skin.4,5 Dandruff is generally harmless, but it’s a good idea to treat it if the itching or its appearance makes you uncomfortable.4 You can usually manage dandruff easily at home – however you should see a GP if it persists or it’s accompanied by leaking fluid, swelling, odour or other signs of infection.4

Dandruff vs dry scalp: what’s the difference?

They might look similar but they’re not the same. A dry scalp is often caused by lack of moisture and you’ll probably see small, dry flakes. Dandruff is often linked to excess oil, with larger, sometimes greasy flakes.3 Knowing the difference helps you choose the right products – whether you need one that’s hydrating or balancing.

How to get rid of a dry scalp

When it comes to dry scalp treatment, think gentle, hydrating and barrier-supporting. It’s less about stripping and more about restoring balance.

Shampoo for dry scalp: you’ll want to look for formulas that cleanse without over-drying. Avoid anything too harsh or overly foaming, as this can strip natural oils. 

Conditioner for hydrating the lengths: conditioners are great for adding moisture, but you’ll want to focus mainly on your lengths, not your roots. If applying near the scalp, opt for lightweight, non-heavy formulas.

Scalp serums and oils: just like a face serum, these are designed to deliver hydration directly where it’s needed for targeted TLC. Lightweight oils and a serum can help to soothe dryness, add moisture without heaviness and support a more balanced-feeling scalp.

Masks and treatments: think of these as a deeper conditioning step for your scalp. Used once or twice a week, they can help restore comfort and hydration over time.

Home remedies: Prefer a DIY approach? Ingredients like honey and oil can help support moisture. A simple mix of honey and olive oil can act as a nourishing scalp mask – just apply, leave for 15-20 minutes and rinse.

What ingredients are suitable for a dry scalp?

Just like you get a shampoo for coloured hair or oily hair, you can get a shampoo specifically formulated for dry scalps. Dry scalp shampoos tend to be gentle formulas made with certain ingredients, including:

Nourishing oils

Gentle oils like coconut and olive oil are very good for the scalp. Coconut oil is full of nourishing essential fatty acids and vitamins to help moisturise the skin, while olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin.6

Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that retain water – rather than providing additional moisture, they attract it and help keep it in.7 Popular humectants include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey and glycerin.8-11

Occlusives

Another type of ingredient to look out for is an occlusive, which forms a barrier over the skin or hair to prevent moisture from escaping.7 Popular occlusives include petroleum jelly, paraffin and mineral oil.12

What ingredients should you avoid with a dry scalp?

There are also ingredients that dry scalps don’t tend to like, including:

Exfoliants

Exfoliants are used in skincare and haircare products to tackle flakiness and strip away dead skin cells. While this might seem useful for dandruff, exfoliation may contribute to dryness – so it’s best to avoid if you have a dry scalp.13 If you do want to exfoliate with dry skin, then look for products containing milder exfoliants.

Astringents

Astringents tone and tighten the skin.7 They tend to dehydrate the skin, so should be avoided if you’re prone to dryness. Look out for alcohol and witch hazel.14,15

Dry scalp FAQs

Can a dry scalp cause hair loss?

A dry scalp on its own isn’t usually a direct cause of hair loss but it can create an environment that’s not ideal for healthy hair. Think flaking, tightness and irritation – none of which your scalp loves. If you’re scratching a lot, that can also lead to breakage, so keeping your scalp hydrated and comfortable is key for happy, healthy-looking hair.
 

Is a dry scalp the same as dandruff?

Not quite. They might look similar but they’re different things. A dry scalp is usually caused by a lack of moisture, leading to small, dry flakes. Dandruff, on the other hand, is often linked to excess oil and can come with larger, slightly greasy flakes. In short: dry vs oily – your scalp will tell you which one you’re dealing with.
 

Does dry scalp cause itching?

It definitely can. That tight, dry feeling often goes hand in hand with itchiness – especially if your scalp is lacking moisture or feeling a bit irritated. The good news? Giving your scalp a little extra care can help bring things back into balance.
 

How to get rid of dandruff?

The key is using the right kind of products to keep your scalp feeling fresh, comfortable and cared for without over-drying or overloading it. Start with a gentle, targeted shampoo designed for dandruff-prone scalps and use it regularly to keep flakes in check. Follow with a lightweight conditioner and consider adding in a scalp treatment or serum if your scalp needs a little extra support.
 

The final say

Your scalp deserves just as much love as your skincare routine and once you start paying attention, you’ll wonder why you ever ignored it. Dryness, flakes and itchiness are all signs it’s time to switch things up, but with the right mix of gentle care and hydration, it’s easy to get things feeling back to normal. Think of it less as a fix and more as a glow-up for your roots.

Keep going on your haircare journey and discover some of our favourite shampoos and conditioners for all hair types.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

Sources

1. Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology. 2015;3(2).‌

2. Patel MN, Patel N, Apeksha Merja, Patnaik S. An Assessment of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of a Novel Scalp Treatment Regimen Combining a Hydroxy Acid-Based Scrub and Copper Tripeptide Serum in the Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults. Cureus. 2024 Sep 24;‌

3. Locker KCS, Bacon RA, Caterino TL, Breyfogle L, Alperet DJ, Sarkar P, et al. Understanding the dandruff flare‐up: A cascade of measurable and perceptible changes to scalp health. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2025 Mar 31;47(4):703–17.‌

4. NHS. Dandruff [Internet]. NHS [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/

5. BreastCancer.org. Menopausal Hair Changes [Internet]. BreastCancer.org [reviewed 2024 Jan 30; cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/menopause/hair-changes

6. Nayak BS, Ann CY, Bin Azhar A, Ling ECS, Yen WH, Aithal PA. A Study on Scalp Hair Health and Hair Care Practices among Malaysian Medical Students. Int J Trichology [Internet]. 2017 Apr-Jun [cited 2026 Sep 17]; 9(2): 58-62. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5551307/

7. European Commission. CosIng – Functions [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/reference/functions

8. European Commission. CosIng – Hyaluronic Acid [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/34315

9. European Commission. CosIng – Aloe Vera Callus Extract [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/89702

10. European Commission. CosIng – Honey [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/92416

11. European Commission. CosIng – Glycerin [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/34040

12. DermNet. Emollients and moisturisers [Internet]. DermNet [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/emollients-and-moisturisers

13. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). How to safely exfoliate at home [Internet]. AAD [reviewed 2026 Feb 6; cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home

14. European Commission. CosIng – Alcohol [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/31401

15. European Commission. CosIng – Hamamelis Virginiana Extract [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Sep 17]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/96284

 
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