Derms Say These Are The Best Shampoos To Use If Your Scalp Is Dry And Itchy

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If your scalp feels tight, flaky, or itchy, then it's possible you're dealing with dry scalp. This occurs when your scalp's ideal moisture balance is thrown out of whack, according to trichologist and former product/technical specialist for Bosley Professional Strength Michelle Blaisure.

Dry scalp can be caused by the weather, stress levels, or a person's overall health. "Weather absolutely can play a role, especially during the winter months when the air is very dry inside and outside, and skin loses moisture," says Blaisure. On the other hand, she notes that you're more likely to experience things, like sunburn, during warmer months, which can also damage the skin structure. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eating disorders can trigger seborrheic dermatitis, a very common inflammatory condition of the scalp, too, adds dermatologist Hadley King, MD.

Best Dry Scalp Shampoos

The best thing to use for a dry scalp is a shampoo that works for, not against, the problem. This means your shampoo should include ingredients that work to soothe and moisturize your scalp, such as vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, sage, and marula oil. Lucky for you, dermatologists, editors, and hairstylists have shared their tried-and-true dry scalp shampoos and treatments to help relieve an irritated scalp. But before sharing the list, here's what to look for in shampoo for dry scalp.

What to consider

With many shampoos for dry scalp on the market, it can be difficult to decide which ones are worth the splurge. Here are some things to consider before you buy.

Key ingredients

Certain ingredients can lead to more dryness (more on that below). However, tea tree oil can be extremely helpful. "Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, which help combat dry scalp conditions such as dandruff," says board-certified dermatologist Jody Alpert Levine, MD. She adds that something like zinc pyrithione can also treat dandruff, while an ingredient like salicylic acid can serve as an exfoliator.

Size

The size of the product you want to buy is entirely up to you and what you're financially comfortable with. "There are several cost-effective products that are good for treating dry scalp," says Dr. Levine. She recommends shopping based on the ingredients of the product, how reputable the brand is, and whether or not it's dermatologist-approved instead.

Sulfate-free

Many brands have shifted to making their brands sulfate-free, and there's a good reason why. "Sulfates can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to damage," says Dr. Levine. She adds that sulfate-free shampoos are often gentler on the scalp, making them less likely to cause dryness and irritation.

How we selected

For the past few years, Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and contributor Nicole Saunders
researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated shampoos for dry scalp. Our team consulted seven hair experts and a group of anonymous testers for honest feedback. We then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best shampoos for dry scalp for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.

Below, shop our expert-approved list of the best shampoos for dry scalp.

Dry Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo

If you're someone who looks to major name brands for extra reassurance on quality, look no further than the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo. Our testers say they love how quickly it reduces itchiness and inflammation.

"Honestly, this shampoo is the best," says stylist Tommy Buckett. "Use it for two weeks, and your scalp will look and feel completely different." Dr. King agrees, adding that it uses key ingredients like pyrithione zinc, which has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.

Cleansing Oil Shampoo

One tester says they appreciate that this formula has an ability to soften hair while eliminating itch. That said, others say that it takes a lot of product to get the job done, so you may need to buy another bottle sooner rather than later.

However, stylist Edgar Parra is a fan. "This shampoo is gentle and restores the scalp's pH balance," he says. "Over time, it gently cleanses your hair and removes buildup from your scalp to help it reach a healthy state." Sure, it's a little pricier than others, but users agree it's worth the investment.

Serene Scalp Shampoo

This anti-dandruff shampoo is gentle and lightweight enough to use on the finest of hair. "Caffeine energizes your scalp and refreshes your hair while sugar maple extracts aid in soothing your scalp," says colorist and curly hair specialist Maria Blair Serrano.

Over a few weeks, many users say they experienced less flakes and achieved softer hair. Still, others aren't the biggest fans of the price point, but agree that it's worth it.

Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo

Developed specifically for those with curly hair, this shampoo uses the freshest ingredients to fight dryness and flakes. Users enjoy its thick consistency and say the smell is great. Additionally, our testers found that a little bit of product is all it takes to see lasting results.

"Cucumber and peppermint oil keep dry scalp in check while pyrithione zinc kills flake-causing bacteria and soothes scalp itch," says Serrano. "It is also deeply hydrating shampoo, so it is perfect for dry, curly, and kinky hair."

Organic Beauty Hydrating Hair Bath

The combination of sage and tamanu essential oils in this shampoo helps to hydrate dry scalp and color-treated hair, which often tends to be drier. "I love that it is super lightweight, but really hydrating at the same time," says Serrano. Our testers with curly hair say this product really locks in moisture, and WH editors agree.

"I was first introduced to Innersense through my stylist, and while I learned over time that it wasn't for me, there was no denying that it did a great job at keeping my hair moisturized," says editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert. "If you have sensitive skin, this may not be for you, but otherwise, it's definitely worth trying."

T Sal Shampoo

Neutrogena is a household name when it comes to skincare, so it's no surprise that it's just as effective in the hair department. "Salicylic acid may be helpful when used in conjunction with other hydrating treatments," says Dr. King, who recommends this shampoo. "Its main benefit is that it helps to reduce scaling on the scalp." According to feedback from our testers, she's not wrong. Many users saw improvements in their flakes in just one use.

Dermacare Scalp Shampoo

If you're looking for another reputable brand to shop from, consider this option from Dove. Our testers appreciate how affordable this product is and say it keeps the scalp moisturized. "It's formulated with pyrithione zinc and contains coconut and shea butters to make sure your scalp and hair stay moisturized without drying out," says Dr. King, who also adds that it's moisturizing enough to be a great choice for curly hair.

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

As previously mentioned, tea tree oil is a hero ingredient to help relieve an itchy, dry scalp. The essential oil is a triple-winner thanks to its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, there's a fun and energizing tingly sensation while you massage the product into your scalp.

Several users say they enjoy the warm blend of tea tree and mint, noting that it creates a spa-like experience. A few others say that it's so moisturizing that they don't even need a conditioner.

Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Micellar Shampoo

If you have wavy or curly hair, this one is for you. You probably know the benefits of hyaluronic acid (HA) in your skincare routine, but did you know that it's also a great ingredient in hair care? This hydrating shampoo, which contains a potent dose of HA to help your hair better retain moisture, is recommended by dermatologist Julia Carroll, MD.

Our testers also can't get enough of it and say this shampoo leaves their hair feeling extra soft. They found it made the detangling process super easy, too.

Cleansing Shampoo

If you have tight or textured curls or coils, take this as your sign to finally try Tracee Ellis Ross' hair care line. "I style my hair with different products throughout the week, which sometimes leads to itchy scalp," says Talbert, who's been using Pattern products for five years. "This shampoo gives me the reset that I need without stripping my hair, but if you need extra moisture, I highly recommend trying the Hydration Shampoo instead." She adds that it smells incredible and a little bit goes a long way.

Scalp Microbiome Shampoo

A 2023 WH Healthy Hair Award winner, this Nutrafol shampoo is designed to cleanse and fortify the scalp while being gentle enough for those with thinning hair. Dr. Levine also recommends this brand because of its ability to restore the pH of the scalp and combat dryness. Testers are big fans of this formula too, with many calling out that their scalp feels healthier. Still, those with sensitive skin say they had minor reactions, so try to do a swatch test before going all in.

Meet the experts

• Michelle Blaisure is a trichologist and former product/technical specialist for Bosley Professional Strength.

• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

• Tommy Buckett is a stylist at Marie Robinson Salon.

• Edgar Parra is a stylist and founder of Opul Beauty.

• Maria Blair Serrano is a colorist and curly hair specialist.

• Julia Carroll, MD, is a dermatologist at Compass Dermatology in Toronto.

• Jody Alpert Levine, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.

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