If you've made it to this article, chances are you're tired of scratching, patting, and picking at your dry, itchy scalp (which, fair). In that case, we're here to tell you that soothing the discomfort that comes with a dry scalp starts in the shower with a solid shampoo. Not just any shampoo—but one made specifically with ingredients to treat dryness and itchiness.
The good news? You've got a lot of options. To help, we tested and rounded up the best shampoos for dry scalp and enlisted the help of trichologists for their tips on what to look for when shopping for a shampoo that'll actually provide relief. First, you've got to know what to look for. "Be on the lookout for nourishing ingredients like baobab oil and glycerin, which hydrate, soothe, and balance the scalp," says Helen Reavey, a board-certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre. "Aloe vera, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid are also extremely hydrating and help the scalp balance and retain moisture. Chemical exfoliants, like salicylic acid, gently remove dead skin cells, preventing flakiness and irritation," she adds. Ahead, find our favorite shampoos to soothe a dry, itchy scalp.
- Helen Reavey, certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre
- Kerry Yates, trichologist, hair expert, and CEO of Colour Collective
Our top shampoos for dry scalp, at a glance:
- Hairitage Wash It Away Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $10
- Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo, $10
- Eva NYC H2 Whoa! Hydrating Shampoo, $14
- Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo Extra Strength, $60
- Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, $38
- Head and Shoulders Bare Anti Dandruff Soothing Hydration Shampoo, $20
- Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo, $10
- Pattern Cleansing Shampoo, $21
- NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub and Clarifying Shampoo, $19
- Kérastase Symbiose Bain Crème Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $42
Shop the best shampoos for dry scalp:
This formula helps to remove flakes, resulting in less itching and noticeable flaking from dandruff. Its active ingredient, selenium sulfide, is used in over-the-counter products to treat fungal skin and scalp infections. So, if you have visible flakes from dandruff or chronic dryness, this will help provide some relief. Depending on the severity of your condition, you can use it twice weekly for best results.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large bottle
- Color-safe formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Some reviewers don’t like the smell
Dove’s scalp-friendly formula has zinc, vitamin B3, and niacinamide to help sop up buildup from a flaky scalp without completely drying it out. It’s completely sulfate-free, and people with color-treated hair say it’s great for thoroughly cleansing your scalp without fading your color.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula
- Vegan
Cons:
- Small bottle
- Lightly fragranced which some people dislike
Hyaluronic acid and rice water are the stars of this shampoo, and together, they hydrate and strengthen hair follicles from the scalp down. This one makes wash day delightful: it smells clean and fresh and creates a fluffy, foamy lather that doesn’t feel stripping. The results were immediate, and my hair felt super smooth and shiny after just one use. My scalp also felt clean afterward but not tight or dry.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula
- Vegan
Cons:
- Small bottle
If you have intense flaking, this extra-strength shampoo packs a punch with a blend of 1.25% zinc pyrithione and 0.7% pure coal tar, which targets the scalp. Aloe vera, juniper, tea tree oil, and sage also help soothe the itch and give it a cooling sensation. Reviewers say this helps ease symptoms of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis. It’s a pricier option on this list, but a little goes a long way.
Pros:
- Effective formula
Cons:
- Small bottle
- Expensive
- Strong scent
This gentle scrub shampoo exfoliates the scalp using star anise. A rich blend of vitamins A, C, and E helps soften and add shine to the hair, while the scrub dislodges buildup and boosts circulation. I love that it also creates a nice lather for a scrub and smells amazing, so your bathroom is in for a real treat after a hot shower on wash day.
Pros:
- Vegan
Cons:
- Expensive
This recent innovation from Head and Shoulders uses zinc pyrithione to help fight flakes and dandruff minus sulfates, silicones, and dyes. It’s packed with plant-based polymers (conditioning agents) to help your hair feel smooth before you comb through your favorite conditioner. Fans of this one say a thorough shampoo with this keeps the scalp feeling squeaky clean but not overly thirsty.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dermatologist-tested formula
Cons:
- Some reviewers said they felt the shampoo left. slight residue on hair
If you love a slight tingle to help soothe an itch, you’ll enjoy lathering up this formula, which has tea tree oil and menthol for maximum relief. It’s also formulated with salicylic acid to help exfoliate buildup and flakes with each use. This one definitely made my scalp feel instantly less inflamed, plus it has a really refreshing, invigorating scent that made my bathroom smell like a spa.
Pros:
- Helps remove build-up and flakes
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons:
- Bottle is really hard to squeeze
Formerly known as the clarifying shampoo, this one is perfect for removing buildup from the scalp and curls without stripping them of moisture. Green tea, aloe vera, and vitamin B5 all help keep your curls moisturized and juicy after shampooing. We also love the fragrance with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood.
Pros:
- Great for type three and four curls
Cons:
- Contains essential oils which some may find irritating
This gently exfoliating formula uses sugar crystals to remove dead skin, flakes, and build-up from the scalp, leaving you with shiny, clean hair and a refreshed scalp. It also creates a nice lather, which many scrubs typically don’t. I loved that this one felt like it was cleaning my scalp, but it wasn’t too rough or abrasive and didn’t weigh down my fine hair. It also rinsed out easily, and I didn’t feel like residue was left behind.
Pros:
- Gluten-free formula
Cons:
- Jar container can make distributing product tricky
This fancy shampoo uses salicylic acid and pyrithione zinc to work together to reduce flakes, itching, and irritation. It’s a super powerful shampoo that you can use up to twice a week, depending on the condition of your scalp. My hair was also noticeably shinier after washing with this one (and following up with my favorite conditioner).
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested formula
Cons:
- Expensive
- Small bottle
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