11 Best Celebrity Stylist-Approved Products For Dry Scalp (2024)
Give your scalp the appropriate care & love it needs with these amazing hair products.
Janine Jarman is the founder of Curl Cult and the owner of Hairroin Salon in Los Angeles. She has always been fascinated by perms and worked with chemists in Italy for 7 years to conjure up a new kind of perm that offers better ingredients, application, smell, results, and experience for stylists and clients.
Read full bio of Janine Jarman
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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Dry scalp issues are pretty common and can worsen during the winter season. The constant itching can be quite a nuisance and a wee bit embarrassing. Because you or someone you know has been in this situation, you’re looking for the best products for dry scalp to help fix the issue. Worry not, because, in this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best products for dry scalp that have garnered numerous positive reviews on various forums. They will help nourish your scalp and hopefully help get rid of the itch.
In This Article
11 Best Products For Dry, Itchy Scalp Treatment You Can Try In 2024
1. BestAnti-Dandruff:Yesto Scalp Relief Shampoo
The Yesto Scalp Relief Shampoo helps soothe and calm a dry and itchy scalp by balancing its natural pH. It contains sage oil, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid that moisturizes the scalp and prevents dandruff to give a healthy scalp. This mild hydrating shampoo is non-irritating. It is clinically proven to reduce flaking and has a pleasant fragrance. It does not contain harmful additives like silicones and parabens. This product is non-comedogenic, free of animal testing, and is formulated with 97% natural ingredients.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Contains 97% natural ingredients
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny Certified)
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 10,731 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Daily Use:Selsun Blue Antidandruff Shampoo
The Selsun Blue Antidandruff Shampoo helps prevent flakiness, dryness, and itchiness. It can be used regularly to eliminate dandruff and irritation. This gentle shampoo is formulated with deep moisturizers, botanicals, and a blend of vitamins E and B5 that keep your hair healthy and moisturized. It also contains salicylic acid, 1% pyrithione zinc, and selenium sulfide that nourish the hair and control dandruff. This dandruff shampoo is recommended by doctors to control seborrheic dermatitis and prevent its recurrence. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video featuring the tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Prevents dandruff
- Suitable for daily use
- Gentle formula
Cons
- None
3. Best Nourishing:head & shoulders 2 in 1 Dry Scalp Care
The head and shoulders 2-in-1 Dry Scalp Care is a shampoo and conditioner that penetrates the hair and scalp to nourish them. It prevents dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. The pH-balancing formula from the dermatologist-recommended brand contains almond oil, which moisturizes the scalp. It is clinically proven to provide dandruff protection. This shampoo goes into three layers deep inside the scalp to prevent dandruff and add volume to your hair. It is unisex, paraben-free, and color-safe.
Pros
- Unisex
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Strong smell
"This product consistently delivers on its promise. It's been a go-to for soothing scalp issues, clearing dandruff, and leaving my hair manageable. The creamy formula lathers well to offer a deep cleanse and is easy to wash off with water."
4. Best Frizz Control:Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
The Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Conditioner prevents dryness and nourishes the hair. It helps balance the scalp’s pH and eliminates dandruff. This conditioner contains pyrithione zinc and nutrium care that soothe and hydrate the scalp and eliminate itchiness and flakiness. It also contains shea butter and coconut oil that relieve scalp irritation and redness. This conditioner helps make the hair smooth and frizz-free. It is vegan, unisex, and color-safe. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to explore a reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Pleasant smell
- Vegan (PETA certified)
- Unisex
- Color-safe
Cons
- Causes buildup
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,009 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best Lightweight:OGX Extra Strength Scalp Treatment
The OGX Extra Strength Scalp Treatment helps remove product residue and buildup from the scalp without stripping the natural oils from your curly hair. It contains mint and tea tree with peppermint and witch hazel to soothe the scalp and revive the senses. The refreshing mint formula helps eliminate dryness and flakiness while strengthening the hair. This lightweight treatment balances the scalp pH to keep your hair shiny and healthy. It intensely hydrates the hair and scalp and is free of parabens and sulfates.For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- None
"This scalp treatment is very soothing. It is great for treating minor dandruff and itchy scalp issues. It is quite refreshing and isn't overly greasy. It leaves my hair clean post-application."
6. Best SLS-Free:dpHUE ACV Scalp Scrub
The dpHUE ACV Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan sea salt helps protect, cleanse, and rebalance the scalp to keep it healthy and nourished. It exfoliates the scalp gently to eliminate dead skin, impurities, and residue. The color-protecting formula is infused with a magical blend of nourishing ingredients including avocado, aloe vera, and apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is rich has antibacterial properties that thoroughly cleanse the scalp to remove buildup. This scrub soothes the scalp and balances its natural pH. The combination of fine and coarse granules of pink salt offers deep cleansing of the scalp. This product is vegan, color-safe, cruelty-free, and does not contain gluten, SLS, and SLES.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
"This has been very effective for my greasy hair and irritated scalp. It calms my scalp and leaves my hair softer, with added shine and volume. I use it regularly, about once weekly to treat the itch and reduce build-up significantly."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,127 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Kaffir Lime Essential Oil Scalp Treatment
The Kaffir Lime Essential Oil Scalp Treatment helps treat dry and itchy scalp. It contains a rich blend of essential lime oil and ginger rhizome extracted from the first cold press. This lightweight treatment helps balance and soothe the scalp to prevent dryness, dandruff, irritation, and itchiness. Its conditioning properties revive the hair, providing shine and fullness. This product is not tested on animals and does not contain harmful additives like sulfates, fragrances, parabens, synthetic colors, and silicones. Incorporating scalp oil into your hair care routine and performing a gentle scalp massage can contribute to overall improvement of both hair and scalp health.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- No synthetic colors
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Strong smell
"This product helps me tame my itchy, flaky scalp. It offers relief without leaving my hair greasy. It is gentle and has a pleasant lime scent along with a satisfying tingle during application."
Pro Tip8. Best Anti-Itch:Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
The Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment eradicates the symptoms of the dry scalp and reduces flakiness and irritation. It contains nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil and lavender and geranium essential oils. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish and heal the scalp. The lavender and geranium essential oils in this dry scalp shampoo restore scalp health. Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp gently to prevent dryness and itching.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Pleasant smell
- Adds shine to the hair
Cons
- Contains alcohol
"I love using this product for my persistently dry, itchy scalp. It has an oil-like consistency that provides me overnight relief. It doesn't leave the hair oily and helps reduce flakiness."
Quick tip9. Best Anti-Bacterial:tgin Detoxifying Hair And Scalp Serum
The tgin Hair And Scalp Serum promotes scalp health and nourishes the hair. It moisturizes dry skin and promotes healthy hair growth. It contains detoxifying ingredients like tea tree and olive oil, which kill harmful bacteria that cause dryness, dandruff, and scalp itchiness. This lightweight serum removes dirt, residue, impurities, and excess oil or sebum from the scalp. It is packed with vitamins that fight bacterial infections. Multiple reviewers confirm that this serum is ideal for detoxifying the scalp.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Prevents dandruff
- Fights bacterial infections
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Pro Tip10. Best Gentle Formula:Bumble and Bumble Scalp Detox Fizzing Foam
The Bumble and Bumble Scalp Detox Fizzing Foam refreshes itchy scalp by preventing scalp buildup and dryness. It helps restore the scalp’s health while removing dirt and impurities. The mild formula contains micellar water that cleanses the scalp. It also contains salicylic acid, which removes dead cells and pore-clogging debris. Panthenol prevents dryness, and rosebay extracts impart a sweet fragrance. This product stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and makes textured hair thick and strong. It is free of sulfates and parabens.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gentle formula
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
"This product truly lives up to its claims. It brings out a refreshing coolness on my scap as soon as I apply it. It offers a surprising sensory experience with its fizzy action. It helps reduce flakiness to a great extent."
11. Best Alcohol-Free:head & shoulders Instant Soothe Scalp Elixir
The head & shoulders Instant Soothe Scalp Elixir Treatment prevents dandruff, itching, and dryness. It contains a unique blend of royal oils like menthol and peppermint oils, which help lock moisture and reduce scalp itchiness. Unlike regular shampoos, the no-rinse formula balances the pH and natural oils of the scalp. This rich elixir is free of alcohol, sulfates, dyes, and parabens. According to reviews, the formula tingles a bit and is soothing on the scalp.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- May lead to an irritated scalp
"I've been using this scalp spray for a while now and loving its results. It is very soothing for my itchy scalp. It provides that much-needed relief without leaving the hair greasy or sticky."
A dry scalp is a common condition that has a debilitating effect on your hair. Itching, flaking, and redness are its common symptoms. And to combat all these resultant symptoms, you will need the right product to moisturize your scalp. The section below discusses all the factors that make the best treatments for dry scalp. Check it out.
What To Consider When Buying Products For Dry Scalp Treatments – Buying Guide
Ingredients:
Choose a nourishing product that hydrates the scalp and stimulates blood flow. Ingredients like avocado, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, tea tree, peppermint, witch hazel, etc., eliminate dryness and flakiness while strengthening the hair. Ensure that it has a mild formulation and is easy to clean. It should not irritate the scalp or leave an icky feeling on the scalp.
Chemical Content: Products made from harsh chemicals will only worsen your situation. Avoid chemicals like sulfates, parabens, polyethylene glycols, and formaldehyde since they can cause the onset of hair loss. Besides that, they even increase the risk of cancer, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions with prolonged exposure. You can also avoid formulas with artificial fragrances if you have sensitive skin or scalp.
Frequency Of Use: Not knowing how often dry scalp treatment products should be used is a mistake that many people may make. For best results, it is advisable to use these products as directed. You should take your time to read instructions on how to apply the product. With some, you will only need to use the product once, while others require more frequency. Choose a product that fits your lifestyle while being the most beneficial for your scalp issues.
Additional Features: Choose a gentle formulation that stimulates blood flow and makes the hair smooth and frizz-free. For sensitive, dry scalp, go for non-comedogenic and dermatologist-recommended products. Lightweight formulas give a non-greasy finish and do not weigh your hair down. You can buy a unisex product that everyone can use at home.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Dry Scalp Treatment Products
Dryness in the scalp makes it itchy and produces a lot of pesky flakes. Simply nourishing your scalp may not be enough to solve your problem. You’ll need products to soothe, moisturize, balance the pH of the scalp, and exfoliate it. But how do you pick the best dry scalp treatment products? Check out the infographic below to learn about the key ingredients to look for in dry scalp treatment products to nourish and prevent dandruff.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A dry scalp is a pretty common condition that can be altered with the help of the right products. You can rejuvenate your scalp health with the help of non-irritating shampoos, scalp masks, conditioners, and serums. The best products for dry and itchy scalp effectively nourish your strands and moisturize your scalp in the process. They eliminate dead skin cells and remove dirt and impurities while reducing the risk of other skin conditions that can be harmful to your scalp. You can try the Yesto Scalp Relief Shampoo, which is ideal for managing dry strands, while the Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Dry Scalp Care helps promote free-flowing, dandruff-free tresses. Another recommended product for catering to excessively dry scalp is the OGX Extra Strength Scalp Treatment. However, you should avoid these products if they fail to balance your scalp’s natural pH level. First, test the product you choose on a small section of your hair to check for allergic reactions before using it as a part of your dry scalp care routine.
Janine Jarman, celebrity stylist, founder of Curl Cult, and owner of Hairroin Salon in Los Angeles says, “If after 2 weeks of using dandruff treatments regularly, it is still persistent, please see a doctor.”
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast. She understands the embarrassment and irritation a dry and itchy scalp can cause. So, she has come up with this list of the best products for such a condition based on her extensive research. Shiboli has also gone through hundreds of user reviews to narrow down the best options for her readers. These products help you nourish your scalp and prevent itching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dries out your scalp?
There are many reasons for scalp dryness, such as improper washing, product buildup, bacterial infection, lack of sebum or oil on the scalp, medical conditions, and factors like stress and season, and a diet change.
What deficiency causes dry scalp?
Scalp dryness can be triggered due to a lack of vitamins B6 and B12. Include whole-grain foods, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in selenium and zinc in your diet to help prevent dry scalp.
Is Vaseline good for itchy scalp?
Yes. Massage a small amount of Vaseline on your scalp before shampooing to reduce itchiness.
Can a dry scalp make your hair fall out?
No. Dry scalp or dandruff does not cause your hair to fall out immediately. But scratching the head damages the hair follicles and leads to minor hair loss.
Is olive oil good for dry scalp?
Yes. Massaging olive oil onto your scalp reduces dryness and flakiness.
What kills fungus on the scalp?
An antifungal shampoo might help prevent scalp fungus. It contains antifungal additives like selenium sulfide and ketoconazole that kill the fungus-causing bacteria.
Why do I have so much dandruff?
There are many reasons for dandruff, such as the dry scalp, product residue, fungal infection, and conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Read full bio of Janine Jarman
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