Having issues with a dry scalp? You aren’t alone! Today I want to share what I use for my dry scalp issues because so many others suffer from this issue and I’d like to talk about the products that give me some relief. NOT the $500 shampoo my doctor told prescribed me, but instead, products you can get at stores near you or online. PS The $500 shampoo worked just so/so.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had issues with a dry scalp. I’ve been to a regular doctor for help, who sent me to a dermatologist. Basically the doctor said I have severe seborrheic dermatitis (a form of eczema) and sometimes it’s good, then it’s not so good. I have flare ups that often happen when the weather changes or something irritates my very sensitive scalp. I get red spots all over my scalp (a lot around my hairline) and around my ears. Sometimes I’ll also notice that it goes to my face as well (eyebrows mostly) and I’ll be red and itchy for days. Plus, there will be dryness and flaking before it’s all healed. It’s not fun, but it is manageable.

Here’s What Haircare I Use For My Dry Scalp
So to keep my seborrheic dermatitis under control, these are the products that I swear by to help keep my scalp clean, healthy, and in good shape. For me, this has been a lot of trial and error when it comes to products my scalp can handle.
Like I said, I’ve been to several doctors and have tried prescription shampoos and other treatments to help with my seborrheic dermatitis and other scalp issues. Here’s what I have found that works for me, so I’m hoping that if you also have sensitive scalp issues, that these will offer some much needed relief.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
First of all, this scalp scrub smells like Thin Mint Cookies and who doesn’t love that?!?! When my hair is really in need of a good scrub, this is what I turn to. This sulfate-free scrub helps to detoxify and removes any build-up that I might have on my scalp. It also helps to hydrate the scalp and will soothe any scalp irritations. When my scalp has flare-ups and is flaky, this is a must-use hair product.
- Features Binchotan Charcoal which detoxifies and helps unclog any hair cuticles
- Coconut Oil helps to hydrate and moisturize the scalp
- Peppermint, Spearmint, and Tea Tree helps with any irritation on the scalp
The Briogeo Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is the real deal. I swear by it!
How I Use The Scalp Scrub
I like to take a decent amount of this and work it on my scalp. I part my hair into several sections and allow the product to really get into all areas using a scalp massager. I let the product sit on my scalp for a minute or so and I’ll then rinse it out. It feels amazing on my scalp (cooling) and I can tell a big difference when I use this product. My scalp will be way less oily, no more product buildup and it actually feels clean. If you suffer from product build-up, this is a great product to try.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
Along with the Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub, this Dandruff Relief Shampoo was recommended to use. This shampoo features lactic and salicylic acid which help to reduce flaking and irritation, but it doesn’t strip your hair of moisture it needs. This is what I’d consider a purifying shampoo, but it’s totally safe to use on color treated hair. The charcoal helps to unclog pores on the scalp and the acids help with flaking, irritation, and redness.
Salicylic acid shampoo is a medication that breaks down layers of thick skin on your scalp. It treats dandruff, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. You can apply this shampoo to your wet hair and massage it in. You can leave this shampoo on your scalp for several minutes before rinsing it off.
If you suffer from redness, flakiness, dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, I’d suggest using this shampoo. I’ve tried several over-the-counter formulas, as well as prescription shampoos, but this one is the best I’ve used. It does have that sort of medicated scent, BUT not as strong as some of the others I’ve used.
How I Use The Dandruff Relief Shampoo
If I’m in the middle of a flare up, I use this about twice a week. If my scalp is pretty normal, I use this once a week or once every other week. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner on mid to ends. I apply the shampoo on my scalp, after I’ve wet my hair, and really work it in, allowing it to sit on my scalp for several minutes. Then I rinse.
I want to note, that when you use this, your hair can feel a little dry. This is why I really make sure to condition my mid to end hair area. It’s exfoliating, so we need to replenish that moisture.
Scalp Massager
I’ve used a scalp massager for years now. I’ve used it on wet hair as well as on dry hair. I think it’s helped with exfoliating my scalp, improving circulation which in turn helps with hair growth. I use this after using my micro-exfoliating product as well as the shampoo. I don’t use it every single time I wash my hair, but at least once a week.
Ouai Detox Shampoo
I’ve been using this particular detox shampoo for years. Even when my scalp isn’t suffering from redness or irritation, I do use dry shampoo from time to time, so I find it important to have a clean scalp. I like to use this when I notice that my scalp is getting oily quicker than normal. This formula features Apple Cider Vinegar, Chelating Agents, and Keratin. It’s color safe and helps to increase shine as well as doing a fantastic job of really cleansing my scalp.
Also, this is fragranced with their Melrose scent. It smells incredible. Bergamont, Lychee, Cedarwood, and White Musk. Smells incredible!
Why I Use This Clarifying Shampoo
I don’t necessarily us this for my sensitive scalp issues, BUT more so have found that it doesn’t irritate my scalp if I need a good clarifying shampoo. With use of dry shampoos and other products, our scalp gets loaded with excess products. Using a clarifying shampoo helps tremendously.
Dae Signature Conditioner
Not only does this smell heavenly, BUT this hydrates my hair perfectly. I’ve been using this for over two years now and I swear by this brand for my everyday hair products. Seriously, it smells amazing and leaves my hair really soft.
Why I Like This Conditioner
I love this conditioner because it does not weigh my hair down. I have fine hair and as I’ve gotten older, its become even more fine. So I need a conditioner that hydrates my hair, but doesn’t make it feel heavy. The Dae Signature Conditioner is perfect for that!
- Moringa Seed Oil to repair
- Coconut Oil to hydrate and helps with shine
*I also use their shampoo, styling cream, dry shampoo (if you have really oily roots, this is a game-changer) and their leave in conditioner
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
This award winning hair mask is a go-to for me! It’s amazing for all hair types (it doesn’t weigh down my fine hair at all) and it’s very hydrating. As I not only have scalp issues, BUT I also have chemically treated hair, so it’s really important for me to keep my hair hydrated.
Briogeo’s rich, intensely conditioning mask is 97 percent naturally derived and scientifically shown to reduce hair breakage in ten minutes and strengthen hair up to 2X after three uses. It is silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified.
- Why I like it: It hydrates and doesn’t weigh my hair down
Make Sure To Protect Your Scalp From The Sun
If you’re consistently having issues with your scalp, make sure that you’re also protecting your scalp from harmful UV rays! I now consistently wear a hat outdoors, if I’m going to be outside for a considerable amount of time. Also, consider an SPF for your scalp! I always have this one on-hand!
This is even stressed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association , which also has a lot of very helpful information for a variety of scalp issues!
Some dandruff shampoos, such as those containing coal tar, can make your scalp more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. A sunburn on your scalp can also increase flaking. To protect your scalp from the sun, seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your scalp if you have thinning hair. Try powder or spray sunscreen for easier application to your scalp.
So there you have it. All the products I’m currently using to tackle my dry scalp issues. Now I didn’t include my normal everyday shampoo I use when my scalp is under control, nor did I mention any styling products I use. I’ll put together a separate post for those!
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