10 best shampoos to soothe dry, itchy scalp
If you’ve stumbled upon this article, chances are you’re tired of scratching, patting, and picking at your dry, itchy scalp (which is just so-so). In that case, we’re here to tell you that relieving the discomfort associated with dry scalp starts with using a bar shampoo in the shower. That’s not all Any It’s a shampoo, but it’s specially made with ingredients to treat dryness and itching.
The good news? There are many choices. To help with this, we’ve tested and compiled the best shampoos for dry scalps and enlisted the help of a trichologist to give you tips on what to look for when buying the best shampoo for dry scalps. I asked for actually Provides peace of mind. First, you need to know what to look for. “Look out for nourishing ingredients like baobab oil and glycerin, which moisturize, soothe and balance the scalp,” says Dr. act+acre. “Aloe vera, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid are Also It is very moisturizing and helps balance the scalp and retain moisture. “Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid gently remove dead skin cells and prevent flaking and irritation,” she adds. Find your favorite shampoo to soothe dry, itchy scalp.
Overview of recommended shampoos for dry scalp:
- Hairitage Wash It Away Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $10
- Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo, $10
- Eva NYC H2 Oops! Moisturizing 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
Buy the best shampoo for dry scalp.
Hairitage Wash It Away Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — $10.00
This formula helps eliminate dandruff and reduces the appearance of itchy and flaky flakes. Its active ingredient, selenium sulfide, is used in commercial products to treat fungal infections of the skin and scalp. So, if you have visible dandruff due to dandruff or chronic dryness, using this will reduce your symptoms. Best results are achieved when used twice a week, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
- affordable price
- large bottle
- color safe prescription
- cruelty-free
- Some reviewers don’t like the smell
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo — $10.00
Dove’s scalp-friendly formula contains zinc, vitamin B3, and niacinamide to remove build-up from flaky scalps without drying them out. It’s completely sulfate-free, and people with colored hair say it’s perfect for thoroughly cleaning the scalp without fading the color.
- Sulfate free formula
- vegan
- small bottle
- It has a slight scent, but some people don’t like it.
Eva NYC H2 Oops! Moisturizing shampoo — $14.00
Hyaluronic acid and rice rinse are the stars of this shampoo, and together they moisturize and strengthen your scalp and hair follicles. This makes laundry day fun. It has a clean, fresh scent and creates a fluffy lather that doesn’t feel foamy. The results were immediate and my hair felt super smooth and shiny after just one use. Afterwards, my scalp also felt cleaner, but it didn’t feel tight or dry.
- Sulfate free formula
- vegan
Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo Extra Strength — $60.00
If you have severe dandruff, target your scalp with a powerful shampoo blended with 1.25% zinc pyrithione and 0.7% pure coal tar. Aloe vera, juniper, tea tree oil, and sage can also soothe itching and provide a cooling sensation. Reviewers say this helps relieve symptoms of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis. It’s the pricier option on this list, but a little goes a long way.
- small bottle
- expensive
- strong scent
Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo — $38.00
This gentle scrubbing shampoo uses star anise to exfoliate your scalp. A rich blend of vitamins A, C, and E softens and adds shine to your hair, while the scrub removes built-up dirt and increases blood circulation. The scrub lathers well and smells great, making it really nice in the bathroom after a hot shower on laundry day.
Head and Shoulders Bare Anti-Dandruff Soothing Hydration Shampoo — $20.00
This recent innovation from Head andShoulders uses zinc pyrithione to help fight dandruff and dandruff, and is free of sulfates, silicones, and dyes. It’s packed with plant-based polymers (conditioning agents) to smooth your hair before applying your favorite conditioner. Fans of this say that shampooing thoroughly with this leaves your scalp squeaky clean, yet doesn’t feel overly thirsty.
- affordable price
- Dermatologist-tested formula
- Some reviews said they felt like there was some shampoo left in the product. Leaves a little on hair
Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo — $10.00
If you like a little tingling to soothe itching, you’ll enjoy lathering up this formula with tea tree oil and menthol for maximum relief. It also contains salicylic acid, which helps remove dead skin buildup after each use. This definitely provided instant relief from my scalp irritation. Plus, it had a really refreshing and invigorating scent that made my bathroom smell like a spa.
- Helps remove buildup and flakes
- Cruelty-free formula
- The bottle is really hard to press
Pattern Cleansing Shampoo — $21.00
Formerly known as purifying shampoo, this shampoo is great for removing buildup without stripping moisture from your scalp and curls. Green tea, aloe vera, and vitamin B5 all help keep your curls moist and juicy after shampooing. I also love the scent of jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood.
- Ideal for type 3 and 4 curls
- Contains essential oils, which may cause irritation to some people
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub and Clarifying Shampoo — $19.00
This gentle exfoliating formula uses sugar crystals to remove dead skin, flakes, and buildup from your scalp, leaving you with shiny, clean hair and a refreshed scalp. It also produces a nice lather, which many scrubs usually don’t do. I loved how this felt like it was cleaning my scalp, but wasn’t too coarse or abrasive or burdensome to my fine hair. Rinsing off was smooth and I didn’t feel any residue.
- Jar containers can make product distribution difficult
Kérastase Symbiose Vein Cream Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — $42.00
Luxury shampoo using salicylic acid and Pyrithione zinc works together to reduce dandruff, itching, and irritation. A super strong shampoo that can be used up to twice a week depending on the condition of your scalp. My hair also had a distinct shine after washing with this (and following up with my favorite conditioner).
- Dermatologist-tested formula
These products are independently selected by our editors. When you buy through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.