Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is found in many pre-made shampoos for dandruff and dry scalp, due to its potent antiseptic and antifungal properties. To make an easy mask of your own, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut, jojoba, or olive oil, massage it into your scalp, and leave it for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

After washing the mask out, let hair dry naturally before turning on any heat tools. “Let hair air dry at least 80 percent before blow-drying, or wear it au natural once in a while,” says dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, adding that blow-drying too often can worsen dry scalp.

Castor Oil

Here’s another antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, all of which might work to relieve a dry, itchy scalp. Mix one part castor oil with two parts aloe vera gel and a few drops of tea tree oil, apply to your dry head and rinse after 30 minutes. Do this up to four times a week.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera on its own may also soothe a dry scalp, thanks to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits. But be aware that some aloe vera products may contain additives that might actually harm hair (in other words, look for the pure variety rather than a product that just lists aloe as an ingredient).

Apply aloe vera directly to your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before shampooing. This application is especially great for those who have hypersensitive skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial, so it might help alleviate itch-causing bacteria. It’s also claimed to be exfoliating and can help remove residue from hair products which, as Shainhouse explains, can also contribute to dry scalp. “Styling products, including shampoos with sulfates, alcohol-based gels, mousse and hairsprays, and layers of oil-absorbing dry shampoo can also dry out the scalp skin,” she notes.

To reap the benefits, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and apply directly to the scalp. Rinse after five minutes with shampoo and condition as normal.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is incredibly moisturizing for the scalp and nourishing for the skin and hair, and it’s often used to treat conditions like acne and psoriasis. Even better, it doesn’t need to be diluted before being used. Just massage the oil into your scalp and leave it in for 10-20 minutes before shampooing.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that’s anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and compatible with sensitive skin. It also works wonders on dry and irritated scalps. In a 2014 study, those who used a witch hazel–based shampoo for six months saw a decrease in red scalp syndrome, a medical condition often marked by itchy and dry scalp.

“Witch hazel can be used alone to lift off build-up or cleanse the scalp before you shampoo,” trichologist Sophia Emmanuel says. “It can also be misted on the scalp with a spray bottle after you rinse out your conditioner.” Alternatively, you can mix one part witch hazel with two parts olive, coconut, or jojoba oil to make an easy pre-poo mask.

Coconut Oil

Antifungal, antibacterial, and highly moisturizing, coconut oil may be extremely helpful for dandruff and dry scalp. Dermatologist Dr. Marthe Dika recommends trying a leave-in conditioner “followed by a moisturizing cream or oil (coconut oil being one that has been shown to lower water and protein loss).” Simply apply a small scoop of food-grade coconut oil to your dry scalp before hopping in the shower, and comb through the ends. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes and then shampoo and condition as normal.

Avocado and Honey

Applying a moisturizing scalp and hair mask once a week will “hydrate and protect the scalp skin barrier,” says Shainhouse. She recommends utilizing a balancing, intensely moisturizing mask or making your own, using “avocado, honey, and mashed banana.” Apply to your scalp, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit for up to 30 minutes before rinsing. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vitamins A and B.

DIY Deep Conditioner

This one might go without saying, but it’s important to note that deep conditioners are a solid bet for treating dry scalp. “Dry scalp is due to depletion of natural oils/moisture from either washing too often or using harsh products (one example is sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate—which is found in some shampoos and can be very drying),” says Dika. “In the case of dry scalp, one should decrease the frequency of washing their hair, use a deep conditioner, and moisturize after washing.”

For a DIY deep-conditioning treatment, try a mixture of egg yolk and olive oil. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, which might work to nourish the hair and scalp. Shainhouse recommends “rubbing your hair conditioner into your scalp in order to moisturize it” and selecting moisturizing formulations with less alcohol and sulfates. After, be sure to rinse well.

Baking Soda and Olive Oil

It might sound strange, but baking soda and olive oil are a great combo for dry scalp. Try mixing equal parts of each, then rubbing it into the scalp and leaving for at least five minutes. Rinse and wash the treatment out and you’ll be left with silky, squeaky clean strands.