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

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 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 nourishes the hair and scalp with vitamins B, C, and E. Plus, it can reduce frizz.”

Meanwhile, Paglionico favors scalp oils that are 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?

Scalp oiling has its benefits—as well as its limits. “Massaging the scalp helps alleviate tightness, and will help promote optimal scalp health,” says Kerry E. Yates, a Dallas, TX-based trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. “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, she 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?

Your best bet is tea tree oil, which can decreasemalassezia, inhibit fungal growth, and calm an irritated, inflamed, and itchy scalp, as Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, shared with us. Otherwise, proceed with extreme caution. "Overtreating the scalp with oil-based hair products may exacerbate dandruff," Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas, previously told Allure. (Turns out, excess oil can inadvertently feed the fungus that causes dandruff—as science guy Bill Nye himself broke down for us.)

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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.

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