If you live somewhere with chilly winters and dry indoor heat (hello, Midwest!), then you probably already know the struggle of dry, flaky skin. But what about your scalp?
Yep, your scalp is skin, too—and when it’s dry, it can feel tight, itchy, flaky, and just plain uncomfortable. The good news? You can soothe and nourish your scalp at home with simple, effective ingredients you might already have in your natural skincare stash.
Instead of grabbing a store-bought shampoo filled with harsh (and often toxic) ingredients, try a moisturizing, DIY scalp treatment. These oil-based treatments are deeply hydrating, easy to make, and can provide real relief—naturally.
What Causes Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp is super common—especially in the winter months. Cold weather and indoor heating zap moisture from the air (and your skin). Add in frequent washing, styling products, and hot showers, and your scalp can quickly become irritated and stripped of its natural oils.
Common symptoms include:
- Itchiness
- Flaking
- Tightness or tenderness
- Red or irritated patches
Why Use a DIY Dry Scalp Treatment?
Deeply moisturizing your scalp with a simple oil treatment a couple of times a week can make a world of difference. Natural carrier oils combined with essential oils help nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, fight off fungal issues, and restore balance.
Best Oils for Dry Scalp Relief
After using this nourishing mask, wash it out with a natural shampoo, if possible. This PH Balanced Shampoo Recipe is a great option.
DIY Recipes: 3 Natural Dry Scalp Treatments
Base Formula:
- 1 Tbsp carrier oil of choice
- 8 drops essential oil blend
Gently mix the carrier oil and essential oils together. Massage enough mixture into your scalp to cover the area. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes, then wash out with a gentle, natural shampoo.
- Blend #1 – Use for dry, itchy scalp
- 2 drops rosemary
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops tea tree
- 2 drops cedarwood
- Blend #2 – Use for dry scalp with flaking
- 4 drops lemon
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops peppermint
- Blend # 3 – Powerful anti-fungal blend
- 4 drops tea tree
- 2 drops lavender
- 1 drop geranium
- 1 drop patchouli
Make a Dry Scalp Treatment
- Gently mix your carrier oil and essential oils.
- Massage enough mixture into scalp to cover.
- Leave on for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash out with a gentle shampoo.
Pro Tips for Scalp Health
• Do a patch test first. Mix 1 drop of essential oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil and apply to the inside of your elbow. Wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
• Use 1–2 times per week depending on how dry your scalp feels.
• Avoid peppermint and rosemary essential oils on small children.
For kids over age 2, try this gentle version:
- 1 Tbsp carrier oil
- 1 drop tea tree
- 1 drop geranium
For children over 2 consider this simple blend:
- 1 Tbsp Carrier Oil
- 1 drop Tea Tree
- 1 drop Geranium
Bonus: Natural Shampoo for Dry Scalp!
Follow your treatment with a gentle, natural shampoo. Jess’s DIY pH-Balanced Shampoo Recipe is a great option and won’t strip your scalp like conventional shampoos can.
Say Goodbye to Itchy, Dry Scalp !
Treating your scalp doesn’t have to be complicated—or toxic. These nourishing DIY treatments are simple, effective, and made with real ingredients that work.
Looking for clean, high-quality ingredients? Many are available through Jess’s favorite affiliate links—brands she trusts and uses herself. Keep an eye out for them throughout the post and in her recommended resources!
Here’s to healthy, happy scalps!
Author: Mindy Benkert | Edited and Updated by Jess