Dry Scalp & Scalp Eczema: What Real Users on Reddit Are Saying

Many people search for help with dry, flaky, or itchy scalp — but across Reddit's haircare, eczema and skincare communities, one message comes through clearly: most "dry scalp" complaints are actually scalp eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, not dryness at all.

We analysed a wide range of real Reddit posts to understand what people are experiencing and what actually helps. Here is what users had to say, in their own words.

What people think is dryness is often seborrheic dermatitis

A large number of posters explained that what feels like dry skin can actually be a form of dermatitis or fungal imbalance.

"You may have seborrheic dermatitis… the symptoms you're describing are usually fairly straight forward to deal with."
"That's seborrheic dermatitis. The body and sebum on scalp can be affected due to hormonal changes."
"If eczema is ONLY on the scalp, it is probably an allergic reaction… Reddit told me it could be a coconut derivative allergy."

These comments reflect a common theme: scalp issues are rarely caused by a lack of moisture alone.

Nizoral leads as the most consistently recommended solution

Across dozens of threads, ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) is the single most suggested product.

Users say it helps both itch and flaking:

"I’d try Nizoral shampoo first… if used a couple of times a week."
"Nizoral significantly reduced flaking and almost entirely eliminated itching."
"Nizoral's medicated shampoo is a lifesaver to kill itching."

Dermatologists referenced by users often recommend rotating Nizoral with other medicated shampoos that target different causes.

Head & Shoulders is a surprise favourite

Even though it is a mainstream supermarket shampoo, many users said it actually helped more than specialist options:

"My doc told me to use Head and Shoulders… it is exactly what I need."
"Head and Shoulders actually helped my eczema when it was really bad."
"I use Head and Shoulders every day – but only on the scalp."

Zinc pyrithione (the active ingredient) appears to relieve both dermatitis and itchy scalp for many posters.

Allergies to shampoo ingredients are extremely common

Users frequently discovered their scalp eczema was triggered by allergens such as:

Coconut derivatives
Fragrance
SLS/SLES
Certain preservatives

Several users found complete relief only after eliminating these ingredients:

"Found out I had a reaction to a preservative, a thickening agent, and fragrances."
"I had an SLS allergy — strict CGM fixed my scalp eczema."
"Avoiding coconut helped once Reddit pointed it out."

Many ended up switching to shampoo brands like Vanicream, baby shampoo, or fragrance-free cleansers.

Moisturising the scalp is possible — but requires the right technique

Although users repeatedly warned that oils can make fungal eczema worse, they did recommend light, lotion-based moisturising, applied directly to the scalp:

"Use a thin moisturizing lotion… squirt small amounts directly onto the scalp using the pump nozzle."
"QV Ceramides Moisturising Lotion — comb/massage into the scalp."
"Aveeno eczema therapy worked best for me."

These were preferred over oils, heavy creams or butters, which often worsened itching.

Washing routines matter — but the right frequency varies per person

Reddit users were split on how often to wash:

For some, washing more helps:

"I already wash my hair daily. If it gets too greasy it gets itchy."
"A daily rinse with a scalp massager helped spread out the washes."

For others, overwashing made flares worse:

"Try washing your hair less… it helped me so much."

The takeaway: washing frequency is individual — and may depend on whether the primary issue is fungal, allergic, or inflammatory.

Other tips that helped people

Redditors also shared practical adjustments that eased flare-ups:

Avoid hot water
Avoid heavy scalp oils
Use satin or silk pillowcases
Address hard-water issues
Clean headphones regularly
Use scalp massagers gently

Stress was also widely reported as a trigger for flare-ups.

Many users felt dismissed by dermatologists — but patch testing helped

A recurring frustration was not being taken seriously:

"My dermatologist did NOTHING."
"Dermatologists are useless."

Despite this, several users said patch testing helped uncover hidden allergies, especially when eczema was limited to the scalp.

Summary: What real Reddit users agree on

Most "dry scalp" is actually seborrheic dermatitis or eczema
Nizoral is the most recommended first-line product
Head & Shoulders works surprisingly well
Allergens like fragrance, SLS and coconut derivatives are major triggers
Light lotions moisturise the scalp better than oils
Washing routines vary per person
Prescription treatments are often needed
Patch testing can uncover hidden triggers
Stress plays a major role

FAQs

What is the difference between dry scalp and seborrheic dermatitis?

Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture, while seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition driven by yeast, excess oil, or irritation. Many people who think they have dryness actually have seborrheic dermatitis.

Why does my scalp itch even when it is not flaky?

Inflammation from eczema or seborrheic dermatitis can cause itching even without visible flakes. Heat, stress, allergens and certain shampoo ingredients often make itching worse.

What shampoo is best for dry or flaky scalp?

Reddit users recommend ketoconazole shampoos like Nizoral for fungal flaking, zinc shampoos like Head & Shoulders for itching, and fragrance-free or baby shampoos for sensitive scalps.

Can moisturising the scalp help with dryness or eczema?

Yes, but oils often worsen symptoms. Users reported better results with light, lotion-based moisturisers applied directly to the scalp.

How often should I wash my hair with scalp eczema?

There is no universal rule. Some improve with daily washing, while others flare when overwashing. A medicated shampoo used a few times weekly is commonly recommended.

Which ingredients should I avoid for a sensitive scalp?

Common triggers include fragrance, SLS/SLES, cocamidopropyl betaine and certain preservatives. Many users improved after switching to fragrance-free formulations.

When should I see a doctor for scalp issues?

If symptoms persist despite medicated shampoo, if the scalp becomes painful, or if there are signs of infection. Prescription treatments are often needed for stubborn cases.