For days when her hair is feeling parched, Gina Rivera, San Diego-based founder and hair expert at Phenix Salon Suites, turns to Moroccanoil’s scalp-reviving line of products. 

“These products are great because of how gentle they are on the scalp without stripping natural oils.,” she says. “For example, the Japanese cherry blossom [in the formula] calms the scalp down.”

Not only does she use the dry scalp treatment to help hydrate her scalp and hair, but she brings in the Scalp Balance Shampoo and Conditioner, too.  

“Living in a dry climate where there is little to no humidity my scalp and hair have become drier and can get itchy and irritated,” she says. “I like to incorporate Moroccanoil Scalp Care into my routine to keep my scalp and hair hydrated.”

“I love this product because it’s clean and cruelty-free,” says Monica Walsh, a professional hair and makeup artist and owner of Arizona’s Ideal Bridal.  

“It gently exfoliates, removes buildup/dead skin for a healthy scalp. Beautiful hair starts with a healthy scalp,” says Walsh. “I recommend using this product once weekly in the winter.”

“The clear winner for me is Briogeo Scalp Revival [shampoo] with charcoal and micro-exfoliants,” says colorist Kelsey Morey, founder of Haus of Pretty hair salon in Westport, Connecticut. “When I first tried it, I was worried I was going to be reliving an apricot-scrub experience because of the coconut shell it mentions, but it was very smooth and pleasant.” 

She describes the scrub as smelling “fresh and minty,” cleaning gently with a pleasant amount of foam.   

But don’t overuse this effective scrub. “I would also never recommend going overboard with exfoliants,” she adds. “Using a simple hydrating shampoo that supports the natural scalp barrier, like Cerave, is actually a great choice.”

“For shampoo and conditioner, my go-to for a flaky scalp is Oribe's Serene Scalp Balancing anti dandruff,” says Cody Renegar, a bicoastal celebrity hairstylist who has worked on the strands of Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz.

He says it pulls in the power of salicylic acid to exfoliate and balances it out with all-natural ingredients like fruit and sugar extracts to calm an irritated scalp. 

“It has a luxurious scent and feel to it, it's good for color-treated hair, and it just leaves the whole head, from scalp to tips, feeling balanced and well in general,” Renegar says.  

“I love Davines products and this one is no exception,” says Andrea Cottin, hairstylist at Propaganda The Salon in Portland, Oregon. “It’s a gel that helps with dandruff. It’s also got anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that leave your scalp feeling super clean. It’s also really easy to apply, which I like.”

The formula takes its place in your hair routine as a step after shampooing: Just squeeze a tiny amount into your hands and massage it into the flaky parts of your scalp. Give it 10 minutes, and it’ll be fighting off microbial attacks and dandruff before you rinse. Use it once a week for up to three weeks to see your current crop of flakies drastically reduced. 

“Ouai’s Detox shampoo is one of my go-to resets when someone says their scalp feels dry, itchy, or flaky, but they don’t want to add a separate scrub to their routine,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, founder of and master stylist at The Second Floor Salon in New York City.

“It’s sulfate free yet still clears away product buildup, environmental grime, and oily residue that contributes to flakiness,” he says. “I love how it refreshes the scalp without stripping: You get clean roots and softer lengths in one wash. And because it doesn’t leave the hair dry, it’s awesome for people who wash frequently or have sensitive scalps.”

Shampoo Alternative, $12 at Raw Sugar Living 

“The Raw Sugar Rosemary Vinegar Rinse Shampoo Alternative is probably my favorite thing for a dry, flaky scalp,” says Renegar. “It's made from rosemary, mint, and ACV, and it really leaves the scalp feeling moisturized and refreshed.”

For those watching their budgets, the under-$15 price tag is a plus, he says. The end result? A wallet-friendly rise that gets rid of flakes and leaves a five-star finish.

“It smells great, and leaves your hair super shiny and bouncy between washes too,” he says. 

Stephanie Angelone, master celebrity stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York City, goes all in for Andalou Natural’s Moisture Rich Conditioner when her scalp feels a little flaky. 

“I love this combo, especially during winter when our hair is drier,” she says. “It’s super-nourishing with a trifecta of deeply hydrating ingredients, including argan oil, shea butter and an amino acid complex.”

It won’t take long to notice a difference once you begin using the duo. 

“I like that it quickly revives dry hair, leaving it smooth and shiny again,” Angelone adds. 

Plus, she says, it works great if you have textured or curly hair since it helps with frizz prevention, and since it’s a natural formula, those with sensitivities can use it.  

“The Davines Ol line is just amazing,” says Andrew Gilbert, a Montreal-based celebrity hair stylist and makeup artist. He specifically zones in on the OI Hair Butter Mask for Softness and Shine as a go-to product for flaky scalps. “It gives intense hydration, it has a spectacularly divine smell and the Oi butter mask is very efficient. At the salon, I use it on almost all my clients and the results are always present every time.”

One of the reasons this mask delivers such great hydrating results is its star ingredient: roucou oil. Rich in beta-carotene, the oil helps nourish hair while protecting both the scalp and strands from dryness. 

Oil for damaged hair? “Nothing better,” says Gilbert. “I highly recommend it.”