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The 16 Best Scalp Oils You Can Buy For Your Healthiest Hair Ever

Want longer, stronger hair? Healthier hair begins at the root, so it's crucial to develop a good scalp care routine. Although many hair oils are targeted toward sealing in moisture along the shaft, oils for the scalp can address a variety of concerns and improve the hair from root to tip. On top of that, scalp oils often contain therapeutic ingredients, like essential oils and herbal extracts, that can help balance oiliness and promote consistent new growth.

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When choosing the correct scalp oil for your skin and hair type, it's helpful to consider a few key factors. Fine and thin hair types may benefit from scalp treatments containing lightweight oils such as almond oil, while those with coarse or curly strands may see improvements with fuller-bodied ingredients like castor oil.

Trying to find the right scalp oil for your needs can be a dizzying experience, but we at Glam have simplified the process for you. After thoroughly reviewing the top-rated scalp oils on the market today, we've identified the best products for every hair type and concern.

How we selected the best scalp oils

To assemble our ranking of the best scalp oils, we carefully selected several categories to address particular scalp and hair concerns. From there, we reviewed hundreds of product descriptions, reviews, and online forums and narrowed them down until we identified the clear winners in each category. Beyond featuring scalp oils that we've personally tested and loved, we included products that have received generous amounts of praise and positive reviews.

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Though everyone's hair and skin have different needs, you can rest assured that you'll find your new favorite scalp oil on our list. We made it our mission to feature a diverse range of items to suit every hair type and budget while delivering beautiful results. What's more, several of the scalp oils on our list are made from plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients and come from women-founded beauty brands. Whether you're searching for a multitasking hair and scalp serum or a targeted treatment to tackle a specific problem, we've got you covered with dozens of hand-picked, high-quality products to choose from.

Best Overall Scalp Oil: Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend

The Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend is our top pick. While there are scores of great scalp treatments out there, Melanin's formula is filled with super-nourishing oils such as baobab, sage, and geranium, and it boasts near-perfect feedback from thousands of customers. Best of all, this blend promises to never leave your hair greasy or stringy, even after applying multiple coats of product. "I love that my curls drink this up while not behind weighed down. This is the first oil blend I've used that allows my big beautiful fro to bounce and move in the wind," writes one Melanin Haircare Oil user on the brand's website.

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Purchase the Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend at Target for $22.

Best Multi-Use Scalp Oil: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil

Can't resist a multitasking beauty product? Bread Hair Oil was made with you in mind. This dynamic scalp oil has received numerous beauty awards, and it's a hit with virtually everyone who tries it. "Not only does [Bread Hair Oil] take [me] right back to middle school where I would slather on Lip Smackers, but it makes my hair so soft and doesn't make it feel heavy or [have] a weird texture like some oils do," said one pleased customer on the company's website. Bread's strawberry-scented, cruelty-free scalp elixir contains an assortment of oils to suit all hair and skin types, like sweet almond and argan oil. In addition to being an excellent scalp oil and leave-in treatment, it's great for adding gloss to dry hair between wash days.

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Purchase the Hair Oil at Bread for $24.

Best Scalp Oil for Itchy Scalp: Laid Anti-Itch Scalp Soothing Growth Oil

If you've tried countless products but still struggle with an irritated, itchy scalp, it may be time to introduce this impressive oil to your routine. Laid Haircare's Anti-Itch Scalp Soothing Growth Oil may be able to address all of your concerns — and it has glowing customer testimonials to prove it. "I struggle with inflammation on my scalp, and this is the only oil that my hair loves ... I use [it] twice a week and have seen my hair start to grow back in areas that used to be thinning." writes one reviewer on Walmart. The vegan, color-safe oil is infused with an array of skin-friendly oils and extracts, from rich jojoba oil to stimulating rosemary oil

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Purchase the Laid Haircare Anti-Itch Scalp Soothing Growth Oil at Walmart for $12.48.

Best Organic Scalp Oil: Captain Blankenship Nourish Hair & Scalp Serum

For some beauty enthusiasts, nothing beats products made exclusively from organic ingredients. If you prefer to stick with all-natural haircare, you'll be over the moon with Captain Blankenship's Nourish Hair & Scalp Serum. Inside this whimsical little bottle is a mixture of certified organic and wild-harvested oils, from fragrant balsam fir to soothing camellia. Though Captain Blankenship's serum is especially beneficial for those with coarse or curly hair, a little bit of it can go a long way to support just about anyone's hair or scalp. "I have course curly hair and this makes it so soft and shiny. Not heavy at all and a little goes a long way," says one Captain Blankenship fan on the brand's website.

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Purchase the Captain Blankenship Nourish Hair & Scalp Serum at Credo Beauty for $48.

Best Scalp Oil for Sensitive Skin: Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Anti-Itch & Tension Relief

Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Anti-Itch & Tension Relief is gentle enough for use on delicate skin while providing numerous benefits for the scalp. Not only is this serum dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, but it's also made without dyes or mineral oil. Though it has a lighter consistency than other oils on our list, it features a robust lineup of plant-based extracts, such as sunflower and peppermint oil. With that said, it's worth noting that the Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care serum also contains macadamia nut extract, so those with tree nut allergies may want to seek an alternative scalp treatment.

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Purchase the Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Anti-Itch & Tension Relief at Ulta for $9.99.

Best Strengthening Scalp Oil: Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum

It's far easier to stay consistent with your haircare routine when you look forward to using a particular product. Camille Rose's hair oils are a treat for the senses, created with subtle, long-lasting scents that smell good enough to eat. The brand's Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum is no exception, judging by its cult-favorite status among haircare devotees. Thanks to its proprietary blend of holistic herbs and soothing oils, such as virgin sesame, amla, and coconut, the Cocoa Nibs + Honey Serum is a total game-changer for those with weakened strands. "This oil really makes my hair grow. My hairdresser practically begged me for the name of this product," wrote one reviewer on Amazon.

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Purchase the Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum on Amazon for $15.79.

Best Pre-Wash Scalp Oil: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil

Once you introduce the right pre-wash product to your styling regimen, chances are you'll never return to your old wash day routine again. Pre-wash treatments can help protect your hair and scalp from the stripping effects of shampoos, clarifying treatments, and hot water. Give your scalp the care it deserves with Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil, a unique blend of several potent botanical extracts. "Loved this! Going through recent scalp issues I felt like this was perfect!" writes one reviewer on Sephora. Many customers report positive results from using the HoliRoots Pre-Wash Oil, though some note that it's best to use a small amount of product when massaging it into the scalp.

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Purchase the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil at Sephora starting at $16.

Best Invigorating Scalp Oil: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

It's never too late to incorporate an invigorating scalp oil into your haircare routine, and Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil is a champion of this category. The product has gone viral on social media sites like TikTok and has amassed thousands of admiring reviews across retail platforms. Inside each bottle of Mielle's Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil is a hair-friendly cocktail of ingredients like castor oil, rosemary, and nettle extracts. However, its viral online presence has inspired several subpar imitators with similar packaging. As such, we strongly advise you to purchase your Mielle Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil from reputable beauty retailers.

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Purchase the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Growth Oil at Target for $11.79.

Best Hair Oil for Dry Scalp: Act+Acre Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil

One of the newest brands featured on our list, Act+Acre is already making a name for itself in the hair care sector. Its Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil is our top recommendation if you're searching for an effective hair oil to treat the symptoms of a dry scalp. This clean scalp oil uses clinically researched botanical extracts to fight dryness and support the skin's microbiome. To preserve the potency of its ingredients, such as basil leaf complex and moringa, Act+Acre uses a patented "Cold Processed" extraction method. "This is a great product to reset your scalp. It's soothing, detoxing, and a real treat to use," states one user on Sephora.

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Purchase the Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil at Act+Acre for $48.

Best Cleansing Scalp Oil: Amika Reset Cleansing Oil

Whether you frequently use heavy styling products or simply live in an area with hard water, we're willing to bet your hair and scalp can use the occasional deep cleanse. We love Amika's hair care products, and their Reset Scalp Cleansing Oil is yet another all-star option from this charming beauty brand. Packed with restorative ingredients like pink charcoal & sea buckthorn extract, the oil is bound to be a favorite product in your everything shower routine. Dozens of reviews affirm that it works just as promised, with many stating that it's a holy grail treatment for reducing buildup. "I have a dry, flaky scalp and nothing has worked, from drugstore to luxury dandruff shampoos ... until I discovered this," says one Amika user on Sephora.

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Purchase the Amika Reset Cleansing Oil at Sephora for $30.

Best Budget Scalp Oil: Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil

Want to give your scalp love without breaking the bank? Check out Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil, a rejuvenating, economically-priced blend of oils that can enhance the health of your hair and scalp. There are many benefits to using castor oil for the skin, and black castor oil is another form of this popular ingredient that's made from roasted or boiled castor oil beans. At just under $9, Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil is an outstanding option for beauty lovers on a budget. Just be mindful to apply this product to the scalp only for the best results. "If black castor oil is applied to the hair, a cuticle-sealing technique should be used afterward," dermatologist Nikki Hill tells Elle.

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Purchase the Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil at Target for $8.99.

Best Luxury Scalp Oil: Rahua Elixir

Although it comes at a higher price than other hair and scalp oils on our list, Rahua Elixir is a luxury haircare product worth investing in. What makes Rahua Elixir so special is its namesake ingredient, sustainably harvested rahua oil from the Amazon rainforest. According to the brand, "Rahua oil visibly revitalizes and strengthens weak, damaged strands, leaving hair supremely healthy and naturally radiant." Beyond rahua oil, the scalp serum also features authentic palo santo oil, which provides a gorgeous, earthy fragrance. With just a handful of ingredients, it's made a serious impact on those who've tried it. "It's the simplest step in my routine that has the biggest impact," wrote one Rahua Elixir user on Influenster.

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Purchase the Rahua Elixir at The Detox Market for $176.

Best Ayurvedic Hair Oil: Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Perhaps you've heard of Ayurvedic medicine — the holistic approach to health that comes from ancient Indian teachings. If you have, and you're looking to take the Ayurvedic approach with your scalp oil, then look no further than Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil. This oil features several popular Ayurvedic oils, such as amla, coconut, and kalonji. Per Squigs, a consumer study on the Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil showed that over 90% of participants said their hair was softer and shinier after using the product for two weeks. "I don't know what kind of sorcery is in this hair oil, but when I put this on at night, I have blowout hair in the morning," said one user on the company's website. 

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Purchase the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil at Urban Outfitters for $34.

Best Scalp Oil for Thinning Hair: Leonor Greyl Regénérescence Naturelle Scalp Stimulating Essential Oils

Treating thinning hair can be a complex process, but topical scalp treatments are arguably one of the most effective tools you can use. For a scalp oil that can help encourage regrowth and strengthen your strands, look no further than Leonor Greyl Regénérescence Naturelle Scalp Stimulating Essential Oils. Including an invigorating blend of organic oils like borage and apricot kernel oil, this oil is said to improve a range of ailments, such as flakiness and thinning hair. "With consistent use, I can see the difference in quality and thickness of my hair," said one reviewer via Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Purchase the Leonor Greyl Regénérescence Naturelle Scalp Stimulating Essential Oils at Saks Fifth Avenue for $41.

Best Lightweight Scalp Oil: Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil

If previous experiences with hair and scalp oils have left your tresses feeling weighed down, don't fret. Your hair type may respond better to lightweight oils, like those found in Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil. "I feel like my hair has just become visibly healthier and feels so much better [than] before I started using this oil," wrote one Ceremonia user on Sephora. The first ingredient in the elegant Scalp & Hair Oil is meadowfoam seed oil, a featherweight oil suitable for fine or thin hair. It also contains a plethora of unique oils for the hair and scalp, such as those derived from chia and passion fruit seeds.

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Purchase the Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil at Sephora for $28.

Best Scalp Oil for Oily Hair: Moroccanoil Oily Scalp Treatment

Sick of staring at stringy strands only hours after you've washed them? Banish greasy hair for good with Moroccanoil's Oily Scalp Treatment. Although clarifying shampoos are a good start to combat an oily scalp, the concept of treating like with like can be quite useful for this irritating ailment. Applying the Oily Scalp Treatment to your roots can tone down oiliness and help balance your scalp's sebum production. Moroccanoil's formula not only contains a base of argan, lavender, and ginger oils but it's also filled with biotin peptides to support growth. If you're ready to close the book on dealing with oily hair, don't hesitate to give this Moroccanoil treatment a try.

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Purchase the Oily Scalp Treatment at Moroccanoil for $40.

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