Healthy Hair Starts at the Scalp, and These 12 Oils Just Might Change Your Life

You know when people say that a strong house starts with a strong foundation? Yeah, that applies to more than you think, like your haircare routine, for instance. While we're all striving for stronger, healthier hair, we tend to ignore the foundation of it (the scalp) and stock up on products made exclusively for the hair (specifically the mid-lengths and ends). We're talking about products like heat protectants, leave-in conditioners, and hair masks. Those are helpful, without a doubt, but so are scalpcare products like scalp oils. 

With time and proper usage, scalp oils can moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin on the scalp, thereby supporting hair follicles and creating the best environment for hair to grow long and strong. And according to reviews, some of them are legitimately incredible. Keep scrolling to see the 12 best scalp oils. Add one of these into your routine, and you'll never look back.

In this scalp oil, pomegranate seed, grape-seed, and fractionated coconut oils work together to support the scalp, provide antioxidants, and moisturize the hair shaft. Apply a few drops to your scalp daily, use it to unravel twist-outs and braid-outs, or you can even use it (sparingly) as a body oil. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "This oil blend is so light and hydrating! I currently wear my hair in scalp braids and it really helps to pull moisture back into my hair without weighing it down. It smells good and keeps my scalp from being too itchy."

Formulated to balance the scalp's microbiome, this product's star ingredient is hemp oil. Over time, it promises to soothe and moisturize the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "I love this! It smells lightly of peppermint, and doesn’t feel greasy or weigh my hair down at all! I don't worry about washing it out- I just leave it in! It seems as though my dry scalp has improved too."

Not only is this scalp oil good for dryness, oiliness, and flakiness, but it also gives the scalp a slight cooling and tingling feeling that's so refreshing. It's all thanks to ingredients like mandelic acid, gluconolactone, chinaberry extract, and eucalyptol. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "I bought a few different scalp serums to try because I was desperate. This was the winner by a long shot. Actually felt and saw results, my dry tired scalp loved this, and didn’t get overly oily after either!!"

If you're main scalp concern is irritation and itchiness, this scalp oil is for you. It's 100% pure tea tree oil, which is antimicrobial and soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "Cleared my dandruff & scalp itch in 2 uses!! I actually bought this based on the other reviews here about dandruff. I’ve struggled w dandruff since middle school. I’ve tried OTC & prescriptions but they never really made a difference. This stuff started clearing it up in 1 wash. It is the REAL DEAL." 

With squalane, rosemary extract, and basil root extract, this scalp oil moisturizes, stimulates the hair follicles, and minimizes hair loss. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "This truly helped with my itchy and flaky scalp, especially during the winter. I don’t find it hard to wash off and it doesn’t leave my hair greasy. I also love how it smells!"

Good for all hair types and scalp concerns, this balancing scalp oil contains passion fruit oil, castor oil, and aloe vera to soothe irritation, support healthy hair growth, and deliver antioxidant benefits. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "Have used this for a month - love the subtle scent and think it's making a big difference in my scalp heath." 

This cult-favorite scalp treatment contains a variety of amazing ingredients, including but not limited to baobab oil, basil leaf, moringa oil, and amaranth oil. It gently removes buildup, offers antioxidant benefits, and supplies necessary nutrients to the hair follicles. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "This does wonders. My scalp does not get itchy anymore and the flaking has reduced a lot." 

This fan-favorite pre-shampoo oil is inspired by ancient Indian haircare practices. It's formulated with ashwagandha, a strengthening adaptogen, to boost scalp circulation. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "This oil SAVED my scalp!! I had a dry & itchy scalp and not a lot of shine before using this but now my hair and scalp feel so healthy! I put it on and leave it for up to 4 hours and then shower like usual. Plus, the smell is amazing!"

Lipid-rich avocado oil and amino acid–rich rosemary oil instantly moisturize and soothe the scalp. If your scalp gets particularly dry in the winter, you'll love this one. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "I've had very fine hair with a flakey scalp with severe itching for a very long time due to autoimmune issues. I have tried so many different products over the years, and I found that most of them made my symptoms worse - including other oil scalp treatments. This oil is AMAZING. After 1 use I had a super clean, itch and flake-free scalp."

This can be used as a hair and scalp oil. As for the latter, apply a few drops wherever you need it and gently massage it in. Argan, apricot, and sunflower seed oils will moisturize, soften, and smooth the skin without leaving heavy residue behind. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "Lightweight and super hydrating! Living in Northern Canada makes curl care extra difficult during the winter. I found this and it's been amazing. Keeping forever." 

Use this as a scalp or hair treatment, and the biotin and over 30 essential oil and nutrients will go to work to smooth, moisturize, and protect. 

PROMISING REVIEW: "I picked this product up on a whim about three months ago because I suddenly started suffering from a dry, flaky scalp which I haven't had all my life. However what I HAVE had all my life was thin patches on my hairline and fine, fragile hair prone to breakage. I've started using this oil as a treatment mask every other wash and it has addressed every issue I mentioned."

This oil is a must for curly hair types. With Ceramides and manuka honey, it soothes and nourishes the scalp.

PROMISING REVIEW: "The oil makes for a luxurious scalp massage oil and I like that the ingredients are so nourishing for my hair follicles. Relaxing and healthy!"

Next, I Have Thin, Flat Hair, But This Old-School Product Gives Me '90s Volume