Long, Fairytale Hair Is My Goal—9 Scalp Oils I Swear Are Magic Potions for Healthy Growth

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Commit the phrase to memory, share it with your friends, and repeat it every time you find yourself browsing beauty aisles. It’s the golden rule of haircare! While not as “sexy” as a volumizing styler, good ol’ scalp care is the absolute foundation of virtually every hair goal—strength, length, shine, et al. All that to say: A high-quality scalp oil is a very solid investment for long, soft, salon-grade strands.

The only issue? There are no less than one gazillion options on the market that promise to give your scalp the nourishment it needs. So here, I’ve whittled down the most effective formulas I’ve tried for every scalp concern—from run of the mill dryness to hair thinning to flakes and dandruff. And because everyone’s scalp is different, I’ve also enlisted the help of trusted experts: board-certified trichologist Aga Tompkins, board-certified dermatologist Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD, and board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD. Scroll ahead to find the best scalp oils out there, period.

The Best Scalp Oils, at a Glance

• Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum
• Best With Rosemary: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
• Best for Dry Scalps: Fable & Mane Holiroots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil
• Best Pre-Wash: Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil
• Best for Sensitive Scalps: Rōz Willow Glen Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil

The Best Scalp Oils of 2025

Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum

Best With Rosemary: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil

Best for Itchy Scalps: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Strengthening Treatment Oil

Best Pre-Wash: Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil

Best Lightweight: Innersense Organic Beauty Hair Renew Scalp Oil

Best Serum: Nutrire T.2 Night Serum

Best for Dry Scalps: Fable & Mane Holiroots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Rōz Willow Glen Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil

Best for Growth: SickScience PowerCycle

What to Look for

When shopping for scalp oils, it’s important to suss out different ingredients; different players have unique haircare perks. Below, find a few standouts depending on your goal.

• Hair growth: “For those looking to support hair growth, ingredients like pumpkin seed extract and rosemary leaf extract help stimulate circulation and nourish the scalp,” says Tompkins. In clinical studies, both pumpkin seed and rosemary were found to have similar effects to minoxidil (aka, the active ingredient in Rogaine). Antioxidants, like vitamin E, are great to seek out as well, as they protect the scalp from free radicals and oxidative stress (which can lead to hair thinning over time).
• Calming: “Tea tree oil is often used for itchy scalps,” notes Okereke, as the ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint oil also has cooling properties, which can provide immediate itching relief. And according to Tompkins, “evening primrose root extract and jojoba seed oil mimic natural sebum while calming irritation.”
• Hydration: “Argan oil, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, can help to soothe and hydrate the scalp with minimal risk of irritation,” adds Marcus. “Lighter oils such as jojoba, sunflower, and sesame seed oil tend to be good choices for most skin types.”
• Buildup and flakes: Tea tree oil is great for clearing buildup, as it also has naturally-purifying properties. You’ll also want to toss a salicylic acid treatment into the mix, advises Okereke, for some gentle exfoliation.

Of course, your hair type also plays a role. While every strand pattern can benefit from using scalp oil, you’ll want to find the right consistency to suit your individual texture.

“Those with oily hair will likely do best with lighter oils, such as jojoba oil, which helps to regulate sebum production by mimicking the scalp’s natural oil. Those with dry hair may benefit from argan oil, which is rich in fatty acids and minerals and moisturizes without leaving hair greasy,” notes Marcus. “Curly or coarse hair tends to be drier and therefore benefits from a thicker and deeply moisturizing oil such as castor oil.” If your strands are in desperate need of repair, she also recommends opting for avocado oil, which is brimming with antioxidants and fatty acids to help nourish the hair.

How often should you use a scalp oil?

Again, it depends on your hair and scalp type. Generally, though, if you have a dry scalp, Okereke recommends oiling two to three times a week. Those with oily scalps, however, should oil once or week or less to avoid excess buildup. Finally, if you have dandruff, Okereke suggests applying a treatment oil one two times a week to help with flaking and oil balance.

That being said, it’s difficult to dole out a general rule of thumb. Everyone’s scalp is different! Marcus recommends starting out with one scalp oil every wash day then dialing up the frequency as you see fit. “Certainly experiment with different frequencies to see what works best for you,” she notes.

What oils should not be used on the scalp?

• Coconut oil: According to Okereke, coconut oil can clog pores and worsen flaking, especially for those with oily or dandruff-prone scalps.
• Mineral oil: Both Okereke and Tompkins advise against mineral oil (aka baby oil). “[It] coats the scalp without actually penetrating or nourishing,” Okereke notes, which can lead to buildup.
• Undiluted essential oils: Never, ever, apply straight-up essential oils (rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, etc.) on your skin. They’re super potent, and without some sort of carrier, they can cause irritation or burns.

How We Chose

When it comes to our testing process at Who What Wear, personal recommendations always come first. Senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider first selected the formulas she personally swears by for her own scalp and hair, making sure to include a variety of textures, key ingredients, and price points. Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, as everyone has a different scalp type, so we also made sure to scour the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling this list.

Finally, we also consulted trusted experts. Tompkins, Okereke, and Marcus advised us on what ingredients to seek out (and avoid) in a scalp oil, which helped us whittle down our list to these nine heroes.

Who’s Who

• Aga Tompkins, board certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist
• Uchenna Okereke, MD, FAAD, Massachusetts-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetics, hair loss, and skin of color
• Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD
• Jamie Schneider, author and senior beauty editor at Who What Wear, who has nearly a decade of experience testing and researching beauty products (scalp oils included!)