10 Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp (2024), According To Reviews
Moisturize your scalp and enjoy itch and dandruff-free days with these hair care essentials.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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: 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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A dry scalp calls for moisture and smooth cleansing, and the best shampoo for dry scalp helps you achieve that. The cause for this condition is many, like weather transitions, usage of excessive hair dye, and other sensitive skin problems like dermatitis. Deep nourishment with oils is essential, and even damage-free cleanser formulas are also available for gentle care of your scalp. To avoid the above issues from ruining your hair and scalp, go through our list of the 10 best shampoos that work nicely on skin devoid of nutrient oils and moisture.
In This Article
10 Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp Available Right Now
1. Best Anti-Dandruff:Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best dry shampoos for a flaky scalp. This shampoo fights breakouts and itchiness. It contains an active ingredient called ketoconazole, which is a clinically proven, antifungal agent that binds to your hair’s natural protein to kill dandruff. It is suitable for adults, adolescents, and pregnant women.
Use this anti-itch shampoo to wash your hair twice a week consistently for 2-4 weeks. Once your scalp has cleared up, you can use it once every two weeks. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the tester’s experience of using the product.
- Fights dandruff
- Reduces flaking and itchiness
- Treats psoriasis sores
- Suitable for all hair types
- May cause an allergic reaction
- May dry out your skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,552 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best For Flaking:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo provides significant relief from a dry and itchy scalp. It moisturizes your scalp and alleviates inflammation. This scalp-soothing shampoo is an original creamy formula. It contains Neutar (1% coal tar) that is proven to control flaking and itching on the scalp for hours after it’s rinsed out. This clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended product has calming properties that heal a flaky scalp.
Use this shampoo thrice a week or as directed by the doctor for desired results. You will see visible results after six weeks of following the routine. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of a tester’s experience of using this product on YouTube.
- Treats dry and itchy scalp
- Moisturizes your scalp
- Eliminates dandruff
- May cause skin or scalp irritation
- Excessive use may cause hair follicle problems.
- Stains dyed hair
3. Best For Itchy Scalp: As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo
If you are frantically looking for a shampoo that is right for your itchy and dry scalp, the As Am I Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo is an ideal remedy. It is free from sulfates and parabens. This shampoo is enriched with zinc pyrithione, olive oil, and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil works wonders to reduce scalp dryness. It effectively fights dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc pyrithione is also an active ingredient that eliminates dandruff. Several reviewers have noticed an immediate reduction in flaky scalp and recommend the product for its soothing feel.
This exfoliating shampoo gives the best results if you follow your doctor’s instructions or apply it at least twice a week. You can check out this YouTuber’s review to gain insight into the tester’s experience of using the product.
- Relieves dryness and irritation
- Reduces redness
- Hydrates the hair
- Cleanses and moisturizes the scalp
- Overuse leads to hair breakage
Pro TipNizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Best Anti-Dandruff | Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Best For Flaking | As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo Best For Itchy Scalp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | - | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.54 x 2.99 x 7.17 inches | - | 3.62 x 3.58 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.98 Ounces | - | 1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,552 | 305 | 1,380 |
| Price | $13.99 | $1970.0 | $10.99 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo
Another great shampoo for a flaky scalp is the Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo. This shampoo is specially formulated with tea tree oil and peppermint oil to treat dryness and flakiness on the scalp. It is infused with the perfect combination of red clover, bio-mimetic peptides, and caffeine that help in stimulating the scalp to slow down hair loss. It nourishes your hair and is suitable for all hair types. It is also good for people with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
The shampoo is ideal for daily use as it is infused with aloe vera, tea tree oil, caffeine, and rosemary extract.
- Contains natural oils
- Reduces hair loss
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- May cause an allergic reaction
5. Best For Hair Growth:Maple Holistic Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo
The next shampoo on the list that acts as a life-saver to solve your dry scalp issues is the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo. Tea tree oil works like a miracle to treat dryness on the scalp and has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. This shampoo is also enriched with natural nourishing ingredients like lavender and rosemary oils that help retain the moisture of your scalp. Reviewers highly recommend this shampoo to prevent breakouts on your scalp without drying out your hair.
Use this shampoo twice a week to see a visible improvement in your scalp.
- Washes away dandruff and flakes
- Makes your hair look healthy
- Boosts hair growth
- Eradicates head lice
- Hypoallergenic
- Sulfate-free
- May cause an allergic reaction
- Burning or stinging sensation.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,064 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Dandruff Shampoo is a super hydrating shampoo that provides essential nutrients to your hair like vitamins B5 and E. The active ingredient in this shampoo is 3% salicylic acid that fights dryness and flaking and protects your hair. It treats dandruff and itchiness like a pro. This repairing shampoo ensures your hair is left with a shinier and healthier appearance after each wash.
You can use this shampoo twice a week for desired results.
- Vitamin-infused
- Moisturizes the hair
- Fights dandruff
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Causes irritation on broken or inflamed skin
"This shampoo is effective against different forms of scalp irritations from fungal dandruff to scalp dermatitis. The shampoo consistency is thick and has a slightly medicinal scent. It's a very good choice for managing itchiness and getting a clean scalp."
7. Best Moisturizing:Avlon Keracare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is a carefully balanced, strengthening blend of plant-based botanicals and tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils that give you a comfortable scalp and shiny hair. This shampoo makes your hair softer and healthier. It also makes it more manageable. Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, not tested on animals, and has zero synthetic fragrances or colors.
Consult a dermatologist before using this shampoo.
- Cleanses hair
- Eliminates flakiness
- Moisturizes the hair
- Fights dandruff
- Treats itchiness
- Thin consistency
- Unpleasant fragrance
Did You Know?8. Best Scalp Soothing:Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is a carefully balanced, strengthening blend of plant-based botanicals and tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils that give you a comfortable scalp and shiny hair. This shampoo makes your hair softer and healthier. It also makes it more manageable. Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and has zero synthetic fragrances or colors.
Use this shampoo twice a week to get the best results.
- Softens the hair
- Soothes the scalp
- Makes hair more manageable
- Vegetarian
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- No preservatives
- No synthetic colors or fragrance
- Watery consistency
9. Best pH-Balanced:Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo relieves all the flakiness and itching on your scalp. It contains rich fruit extracts and other active ingredients like water, cucumber, and aloe juice. The shea butter and coconut oil in this scalp-balancing and pH-balanced shampoo moisturize dry hair.
Use this shampoo twice a week to get flake-free hair and scalp.
- Relieves scalp irritation
- Reduces redness
- Smoothens the hair
- No visible flakes with regular use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Contains parabens and SLS
10. Best For Damaged Hair:Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner contains a blend of nutrients and antioxidants to nourish your hair and scalp. It gently cleanses the flakes from your scalp and hydrates your hair from within. It rejuvenates your hair from root to tip in one simple step. It is especially great for people with a dry and itchy scalp.
You can use this shampoo-cum-conditioner twice or thrice a week as per your requirements.
- Free from harsh ingredients
- Reduces flaking
- Softens dry and damaged hair.
- Removes build-up from the hair and scalp
- Does not condition the hair
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Shampoos For Dry Scalp
A dry and itchy scalp calls for hydrating and moisturizing formulas that address flakiness and dry texture. These shampoos have ingredients that soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness. Before taking your pick, you should know about these ingredients to have a better understanding of the formulations that your hair needs. Take a look at the infographic below to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Addressing dry scalp concerns is essential for maintaining strong and healthy locks. A variety of shampoos are tailored to combat this issue and offer restorative care by providing relief from itching, flaking, and discomfort. The Nizoral’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is perfect for adolescents and pregnant women, while the Neutrogena’s T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo offers relief from inflammation. But for those with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, try the As I Am’s Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo. Now, you know all about the best shampoos for dry scalp. All you need to do is pick your favorite from these. To combat those flaky white foes on your scalp, you can try out one of these shampoos and fall in love with your hair all over again! Opt for shampoos with positive customer reviews and remember to conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair care enthusiast. She believes that your hair and scalp need special attention to look healthy and prevent dandruff growth. So, she went through various platforms and hundreds of user reviews to provide you with the best shampoo for dry scalp. These shampoos help combat dandruff, reduce irritation and flakes, and treat itchy and dry scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps an extremely dry scalp?
Hot oil treatment is extremely helpful for dry scalp as oil nourishes and hydrates your scalp.
Is dry scalp the same as dandruff?
No, dandruff and dry scalp are not the same things. Dandruff is big oily flakes that are yellow and white, whereas a dry scalp features smaller dry flakes and is dry on the skin and other parts of your body.
How often should I wash my hair with a dry scalp?
Wash your hair with a dry scalp 2-3 times weekly because washing it daily will remove the natural oil and leave your hair and scalp dry and itchy.
Is baby shampoo good for dry scalp?
Yes, baby shampoos are good for dry scalp, as it is free of chemicals harmful to the hair or scalp.
What shampoo ingredients cause dry scalp?
Sulfates, formaldehyde, parabens, silicone, and synthetic fragrance in shampoos may lead to a dry scalp.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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