Homemade Scalp Serum

If you’ve ever had a dry or itchy scalp, you know what an irritating distraction it can be. You can hardly think of anything else! This homemade scalp serum can save the day with soothing and nourishing ingredients.

We love that you can tackle a problem like a dry, itchy scalp without having to resort to harsh ingredients or expensive treatments. This scalp serum is made from ingredients we use regularly in our DIYs: jojoba oil, tea tree essential oil, and lavender essential oil.

However, it is a powerful moisturizer and is still very budget-friendly. We have a feeling we'll be finding other ways to add it to our skincare routines. The hyaluronic acid serum is an ingredient you haven’t seen in many of our homemade recipes.

DIY Dry Scalp Serum

Ingredients:

0.5 oz jojoba oil
0.1 oz pre-made Hyaluronic acid serum (oil-soluble)
3 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the jojoba oil and the pre-made Hyaluronic Acid Serum in your dropper bottle.

Two hands are pouring jojoba oil into a small, dark glass dropper bottle. There is a wooden table and an ivory table runner.

Two hands are dropping hyaluronic acid into a brown, glass dropper bottle. The bottle sits on a wooden table with an ivory table runner.

Step 2: Add 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil and 3 drops of Lavender Oil.

A hand is dropping doTERRA tea tree oil into a brown glass dropper bottle. The bottle sits on a wooden table with an ivory table runner.

Step 3: Secure the lid on the dropper bottle and shake well to combine the ingredients.

A hand shakes a brown, glass dropper bottle filled with the ingredients for a dry scalp serum. The bottle is being shaken over a wooden table with an ivory table runner.

How to apply a scalp serum:

Use the dropper to apply a few drops of scalp serum to your fingertips.
Rub your fingertips together to warm up the scalp serum. This will make it easier to apply.
It may be easier to work in sections, especially if you have longer hair or thicker hair.
Part your hair to expose the scalp and massage your fingertips into your scalp using small circular motions.

Two hands pull apart brown hair to expose the scalp on a woman's head before treating the scalp with a homemade dry scalp serum.

It will take a couple of minutes to apply the serum to your entire scalp.
For best results, leave the scalp serum on overnight.
Shampoo your hair the next day as usual.

Notes about your scalp serum:

You will want to store your serum in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life.
The shelf life of this scalp serum is up to one month because the hyaluronic acid has been diluted.
You should always do a patch test on your inner arm before applying any DIY beauty product.
If any skin irritation occurs, discontinue use of the product.

A little on the ingredients

Jojoba Oil: This nourishing serum starts with jojoba oil, which is rich in fatty acids and very compatible with our skin barrier. We've used jojoba oil in everything from a lip scrub to pre-shave shower oil. It will moisturize your scalp and can reduce itchiness.

Jojoba oil is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have on hand for all your natural, chemical-free DIY projects. It is a popular carrier oil for any homemade recipe using essential oils.

Tea Tree Oil: We use tea tree essential oil in many of our hair care products because it can promote scalp health and hair growth. We also love the invigorating and refreshing smell. It’s a perfect wake-me-up for the shower!

Tea tree essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the tea tree plant; you may hear it sometimes called melaleuca. Tea tree oil is most known for its cleansing and purifying properties.

Lavender Oil: We always associate lavender oil with calming and relaxing. It’s perfect for unwinding after a stressful day or preparing for a good night’s sleep.

Those same calming and soothing qualities of lavender essential oil are effective in this dry scalp serum. This study here shows the effects of lavender and how it can help with hair growth, which is a bonus in our book!

Hyaluronic Acid Serum: The hyaluronic acid serum is the heavy lifter in this DIY recipe for treating your dry scalp. You can think of it as a moisturizing superhero. It sounds like an expensive ingredient, but it really isn’t, and a little bit goes a long way.

Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds onto moisture in skin cells. So, it is deeply hydrating while also being gentle on the scalp. It is safe for sensitive skin and can be used daily.

Bottle of scalp serum on a wooden table with a dropper top next to it.

FAQ

How often should we use this serum?

This serum is safe to use nightly or every other night as part of your hair care routine.
This is not a one-and-done product. We've found a hair scalp serum gets the best results with consistent use. We know we are all busy, but if you can find time to apply it at night and let it work its magic before you shower each morning, you’ll love your results.

Can this serum be used on all hair types?

This nourishing dry scalp serum is suitable for all hair types, no matter your hair density. While the serum is applied directly to your scalp, not the hair itself, if you have fine hair that feels weighed down, you can simply shampoo twice to remove any excess product.

What is the difference between a scalp serum and a hair serum?

A hair serum, or hair oil, is applied to hair strands and designed to moisturize dry hair. On the other hand, a scalp serum is applied directly to the scalp, not down through the hair strands.

If you are like me, you love the shine-boosting qualities of a hair treatment. But like many others, scalp serums have been picking up in popularity as dermatologists and trichologists educate more and emphasize that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

So, we decided to try it for myself and have found this serum to be incredibly nourishing to the scalp! No more dry and itchy skin!

A woman with brown hair uses a dropper to apply a homemade dry scalp hair serum to her scalp.

Other DIY natural hair products for you:

5 from 2 votes

Soothe Your Dry Scalp With a Homemade Scalp Serum

By the studio Ascher Prep: 5 minutes minsActive: 5 minutes minsTotal: 10 minutes mins Yield: 0.6 oz A brown glass bottle filled with homemade dry scalp serum. The dropper lid lies on the table in front and there is a daffodil in the background for decoration.

A brown glass bottle filled with homemade dry scalp serum. The dropper lid lies on the table in front and there is a daffodil in the background for decoration.

SaveSaved Pin Print A soothing homemade scalp serum using natural and nourishing ingredients to alleviate your dry or itchy scalp.

Equipment

1 oz dropper bottle

Ingredients

0.5 oz Jojoba Oil
0.1 oz pre-made Hyaluronic Acid Serum, oil-soluble
3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Jojoba Oil and the pre-made Hyaluronic Acid Serum in your dropper bottle.
Then, add your tea tree and lavender essential oil.
Secure the lid and shake well.

Video

Notes

We've included step-by-step images in the post above for visual guidance. If you would rather watch, we've included the complete step-by-step video tutorial here in the recipe card! You will want to store your serum in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life. Because the hyaluronic acid has been diluted, this scalp serum can last up to one month. You should always do a patch test on your inner arm before applying any DIY beauty product. Discontinue use of product if any skin irritation occurs. Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse! This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.