You Should Be Using a Scalp Oil—Here's Why (2025)

Of all the products in your hair-care collection (and there are many), the best scalp oils feel like the most luxurious. For one thing, these scalp treatments require a massage with each application, so working them into the scalp is like taking a miniature spa break. And beyond that dash of zen, they deliver perks extending from the head's crown to the ends of the hair.

“The benefits of scalp-oiling are vast, for both dry-scalp sufferers and anyone with damaged hair,” says Kerry E. Yates, a Dallas, TX-based trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. “Scalp oils can enhance hair suppleness, enhance shine, assist in controlling dandruff, recondition mid-lengths and ends, improve hair texture, and decrease scalp tightness.” All that, and some of them double as hair perfume. (One even smells like a moonlit jasmine garden.) The only question is, how does one pick a scalp oil in such a, well, saturated market? We asked the pros.

Our Top Picks

• Best Scalp Oil Overall: Leonor Greyl Paris L’Huile de Leonor Greyl, $60
• Best for Flakes: SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Scalp Soother, $10
• Best for Curls: Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil Blend, $28
• Best for Thick Hair: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir, $27
• Best Splurge: Rahua Elixir, $176
• Best Silicone-Free: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, $32
• Best for Dandruff: Aesop Sage and Cedar Scalp Treatment, $37
• Best for Thinning Hair: Hair Thickness Maximizer Saw Palmetto Serum, $14
• Best for Dry Scalp: Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment, $40
• Best for Buildup: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox, $48

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which oil is best for the scalp?
• Does scalp oiling actually work?
• What is the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, find the scalp oils dermatologists, hairstylists, and a facial plastic surgeon recommend for various needs, from dandruff to flaking and thinning hair. Happy oiling!

Best Scalp Oil Overall: Leonor Greyl Paris L’Huile de Leonor Greyl

Why we love it: Leonor Greyl Paris L’Huile de Leonor Greyl is a go-to for Ted Gibson, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles, CA. “I love using this one because it isn’t too heavy,” he says. “It always gives optimum conditioning without weighing the hair down.” The pre-shampoo treatment nourishes dry, over-processed hair with natural, antioxidant-packed ingredients. Infused with jojoba, coconut, sunflower seed, and sesame seed oils, the product hydrates and conditions the hair; it also has strengthening vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids. To use it, run it through dry hair from the mid-lengths to the ends, rinse it out, and go merrily about your day.

Editor’s tip: If the oil solidifies, run the bottle under warm water—it will quickly liquify.

Key ingredients: organic jojoba oil, organic coconut oil, organic sunflower seed oil | Who it’s for: those with dry, over-processed hair

Best for Flakes: SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Scalp Soother

Why we love it: True to its name, SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Scalp Soother reparative treatment contains raw shea butter, a hero for reducing frizz and flooding the hair and scalp with moisturizing fatty acids. Another key ingredient is tea tree oil, an antiseptic that can soothe inflammation in the scalp, dissolve buildup, and even inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing yeast. “I recommend this product for clients with serious scalp issues, like flaking and dandruff,” Gibson says. The color-safe product can also relieve scalp discomfort caused by protective styles—and it’s easy to use. Just apply one to two drops to the scalp, leave it in, and reapply as necessary.

Editor’s tip: While tea tree oil can be irritating if used alone, SheaMoisture’s formulation mixes it with borage oil, which hydrates and soothes the scalp.

Key ingredients: tea tree oil, borage seed oil, aloe vera | Who it’s for: those with dry, flaky, or dandruff-prone scalps or synthetic hair

Best for Curls: Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil Blend

Why we love it: The Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil Blend is infused with nourishing ingredients to provide intensive moisture without the usual heaviness. (Cue angels singing.) “This is a very lightweight option with jojoba oil, safflower oil, olive oil, and rosehip oil,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL. “It focuses on moisturizing the scalp so that curls grows out healthier, less brittle, and less prone to breakage. When the scalp is dry and irritated, it can lead to weakened follicles.”

Editor’s tip: The treatment is also easy on the nose. “The lavender oil in this oil blend gives it a nice fragrance,” says Dr. Ibrahim.

Key ingredients: safflower oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil | Who it’s for: those with low-porosity hair, curls

Best for Thick Hair: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir

Why we love it: Another dermatologist-approved pick, “Kiehl’s Magic Elixir is great for dealing with dry, itchy scalps—especially if the ambient air gets really dry,” Dr. Ibrahim says. Infused with avocado and safflower oils to moisturize the scalp, the product also contains rosemary oil, which clarifies. Dr. Ibrahim recommends massaging the oil into the scalp before shampooing to loosen up dirt and product buildup. “It also helps the hair retain moisture usually lost during the washing process,” he says. Lauren Paglionico, a hair colorist in New York, NY, is also a fan. “The name says it all—this is magic for the scalp and the hair,” she says.

Editor’s tip: Avocado oil is packed with omega fatty acids to moisturize and nourish. In this formula, it tackles dryness, leaving your scalp and hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage.

Key ingredients: rosemary leaf oil, avocado oil, safflower seed oil | Who it’s for: those with all hair and scalp types

Best Silicone-Free: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil

Why we love it: While silicones wrap the hair in a protective coating that can tame frizz and lock moisture in, they can also have some not-particularly-desirable side effects—including dryness and dullness. Enter hemisqualane, the star ingredient of the JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil. A natural alternative to silicones, hemisqualane is a sugarcane-derived oil that tames frizz, prevents breakage, and moisturizes the hair without weighing it down. The treatment also contains rosemary oil, a buzzy herbal salve thought to increase blood flow to the scalp, nourish the hair follicles, and promote hair growth. As an added perk, a dash of turmeric extract helps soothe irritation and inflammation in the scalp.

Editor’s tip: An Allure-editor favorite, the formulation was designed to simultaneously clean and soothe the scalp.

Key ingredients: rosemary extract, bisabolol, hemisqualane | Who it’s for: those with all hair types and dry, itchy, flaky scalps

Best Splurge: Rahua Elixir

Why we love it: Made with rainforest-inspired ingredients, the Rahua Elixir is made with a 100 percent pure concentration of the brand’s signature scalp-soothing active: rahua oil. Derived from Amazonian tree nuts, the omega-fatty-acid-rich ingredient calms and soothes the scalp while promoting blood circulation. It can also preserve hair color, as it’s packed with tiny molecules that push pigmentation deep into the hair shaft. The formulation also contains palo santo, which imbues the elixir with a warm, earthy, calming scent.

Editor’s tip: The oil can be used in two ways. To add a little shine to freshly styled hair, warm one to three drops between your palms and run them through the hair, from scalp to roots. Alternatively, use it as an intensive repair mask: Apply a whole dropper’s worth to the scalp and hair, then leave it on overnight.

Key ingredients: rahua oil, palo santo | Who it’s for: anyone with dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair

Best for Dandruff: Aesop Sage and Cedar Scalp Treatment

Why we love it: You may not know this foresty fact: “Cedar is one of the main ingredients that helps hydrate the scalp,” says Paglionico. As such, she’s a fan of Aesop Sage and Cedar Scalp Treatment, which is infused with cedarwood bark oil. The pre-shampoo treatment is also made with rosemary leaf oil, a powerhouse for stimulating blood circulation; it also has sage oil to prevent dandruff and make the hair shine. At once cleansing, soothing, and hydrating, the botanical blend has a woody, herbaceous scent. The brand recommends using the oil up to three times a week before showering, but brush the hair first. This will help the oil loosen up dirt and buildup.

Editor’s tip: The treatment also contains sweet almond oil, which has antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff.

Key ingredients: rosemary leaf oil, cedarwood bark oil, sage oil | Who it’s for: those with dry, itchy, or flaky scalps

Best for Thinning Hair: Hair Thickness Maximizer Saw Palmetto Serum

Why we love it: While hair transplant surgery is an option for treating hair loss, there are also less invasive (and far less pricey) solutions for thinning hair. Anil Shah, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago, IL, has noticed the Hair Thickness Maximizer Saw Palmetto Serum gaining hair-growth buzz on TikTok. The treatment is infused with pumpkin seed oil and organic moringa oil, which are some of Dr. Shah’s “favorite ingredients” for treating brittle, thinning hair. “It also has saw palmetto, which can block dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone responsible for androgenic hair loss in both men and women,” he says.

Editor’s tip: Saw palmetto is also a key ingredient in some of Allure’s favorite volumizing shampoos.

Key ingredients: organic saw palmetto, organic pumpkin seed oil, organic moringa oil | Who it’s for: those with thinning, dry, or frizzy hair

Best for Dry Scalp: MoroccanOil Dry Scalp Treatment

Why we love it: MoroccanOil Dry Scalp Treatment has a stamp of approval from Rishi Chopra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. “It has a targeted blend of hydrating, soothing, and exfoliating ingredients to balance scalp moisture levels without leaving residue, making it a versatile option for dry, itchy scalps,” he says. The treatment is infused with argan oil, which has omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that support the skin barrier. It also has lavender and geranium oils to reduce dryness and irritation and salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores and remove buildup. “This promotes a cleaner, healthier scalp microenvironment,” says Dr. Chopra. The oil’s fragrance—a mix of lavender, tea tree, and bergamot—is an aromatherapeutic perk.

Editor’s tip: Argan oil is a natural source of vitamin E. The fat-soluble antioxidant can repair damaged hair and balance moisture levels in the scalp.

Key ingredients: argan oil, salicylic acid, geranium oil | Who it’s for: dry and flaky scalps

Best for Buildup: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox

Why we love it: Leave it to a celebrity hairstylist-slash-trichologist to whip up a scalp oil that has pro stylists (and Allure editors!) hooked. Created by Helen Reavey, a trichologist who's worked with Tilda Swinton and Harry Styles, “Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox is perfect for clearing buildup and nourishing the scalp,” says Marie Nino, a hairstylist and colorist in New York, NY. “I love using it to refresh the scalp. It creates the ideal foundation for healthy hair growth.” The salve is infused with a basil-leaf blend, which whisks away buildup; it also has baobab and moringa oils to lift dirt, buildup, and other pollutants from the hair and scalp.

Editor’s tip: The color-safe product can be applied to a dry scalp before washing. Massage it in, then wait 20 minutes before rinsing it out.

Key ingredients: baobab oil, basil leaf, moringa extract | Who it’s for: those with hair loss or thinning hair

Best for Dandruff: Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment

Why we love it: Think of the Oribe's Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment as calming TLC for the scalp. Designed to remove loose dandruff flakes, relieve redness, and hydrate, the leave-in product is infused with peppermint oil to soothe itching and irritation. It also has chamomile and cucumber, which protect the scalp from oxidative stress, and a touch of beta hydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation. Nino uses it on clients with the tenderest of scalps. “It’s perfect for dryness, flakes, or sensitivity,” she says. Dermatologist-tested and sulfate-free, the treatment is safe for color or keratin-treated hair.

Editor’s tip: Patricia Oyetaken, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, GA, previously told Allure that peppermint oil is one of the most effective ingredients for treating an itchy scalp.

Key ingredients: beta hydroxy acid, peppermint oil, cucumber | Who it’s for: those with dandruff-prone, color-treated, or keratin-treated hair

Best for Shine: Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum

Why we love it: With the dreamiest infusion of Indian jasmine, the Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum doubles as a hair perfume. While its scent is a perk, the real advantages come from a blend of Ayurvedic ingredients that fortify the hair and give it a glossy gleam. “This hair serum incorporates alma, sunflower oil, and jasmine to promote hydration, shine, softness, and strength,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. Plus, the serum has science to back up its claims. “I love that this has been clinically tested,” Dr. Engleman says. “It’s shown to reduce hair breakage by 50 percent.”

Tester feedback: The jasmine-laced scent doubles as aromatherapy. Rub a couple of drops between your hands and breathe in the flowery aroma before smoothing it onto your scalp.

Key ingredients: alma extract, sunflower oil, jasmine oil | Who it’s for: those with dull, thinning, or damaged hair and a flaky or dry scalp

Best Budget: Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Why we love it: A Best of Beauty Award winner, the TikTok-famous Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil packs more than 30 essential oils into one affordable blend. Though the has been the subject of some controversy, dermatologists stand by its perks. “This is an especially great formulation for those with textured hair,” says Dr. Engelman. “Dry scalps are more common in high-porosity hair, which is prone to moisture loss.” The treatment can also smooth split ends. Just run it through the ends of your hair before you shampoo.

Tester feedback: Infused with jojoba seed, rosemary leaf, and peppermint oils—just to name a few—the viral product impressed associate beauty editor Annie Blay. "After a few weeks of applying the oil on my scalp while I had braids, I started to see a difference," she says. "My hair feels thicker and healthier. Not to mention, I love how moisturized this keeps my scalp, and the dropper makes it easy to apply between my braids."

Key ingredients: rosemary-leaf oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil | Who it’s for: all hair types, especially types 3A to 4C, chemically treated hair, braids, and weaves

Frequently Asked Questions

Which oil is best for the scalp?

Jojoba oil for nearly all scalp needs. “Jojoba is a lighter oil, which makes it easier for the scalp and hair to absorb,” says Gina Rivera, a San Diego, CA-based hairstylist and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “ It’s also known to help with dandruff, and it moisturizes and nourishes the hair and scalp with vitamins B, C, and E. Plus, it can reduce frizz!” Meanwhile, Paglionico favors scalp oils rich in protein, which helps nourish the scalp and repair damaged hair. (Avocado and coconut oils are both protein-rich picks.) Paglionico also suggests using scalp oils that contain antioxidants, as they can protect the hair and scalp from environmental stressors and heat. Lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood oils all have antioxidant properties.

Does scalp oiling actually work?

Yates says that scalp oiling has its benefits—as well as its limits. “Massaging the scalp helps alleviate tightness, and will help promote optimal scalp health,” she says. “Good scalp health leads to proper follicle fitness, which is ideal for maintaining gorgeous hair.” However, she says, “Consumers tend to overuse hair oiling, thinking if a little is good, a lot is better. This thinking will lead to clogged follicles, which can lead to hair loss if it’s prolonged.” In general, Yates recommends oiling the scalp once a week at the most; she says that less frequent, monthly treatments can also benefit hair health.

What is the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff?

For dry scalps or anyone with dandruff, “I recommend using oils with antimicrobial properties,” says Paglionico, listing rosemary, bergamot, and lemongrass oils as a few of her go-to's. “They help fight bacteria and balance the scalp.”

Meet the Experts

• Rishi Chopra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York.
• Ted Gibson, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles, California
• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois
• Marie Nino, a hairstylist and colorist in New York, New York
• Lauren Paglionico, master colorist and founder of LRN Beauty in New York, New York
• Gina Rivera, hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, based in San Diego, California
• Anil Shah, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago, Illinois
• Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective in Dallas, Texas

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best scalp oils, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from [TK experts you interviewed for the piece]. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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Show your scalp some love with these dermatologist-approved products:

• 16 Best Scalp Treatments to Relieve Dryness, Flaking, and Itching
• The Best Dandruff Shampoos to Minimize Flakes and Itching
• 13 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Dermatologists

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