Dryness, irritation, and even flakes are all symptoms of a dry scalp. And there are other things that might be creating the problem. “Dry scalp may be caused by anything as easy as the products you’re using, overall body dryness, or a more complicated problem like dandruff or psoriasis,” explains Bridgette Hill, a licensed trichologist and colorist.
“Any anomaly with your scalp can be caused by one or more of the following factors: heredity, lifestyle, nutrition, hairstyling habits, environmental, health, stress, hormones, and drugs,” she continues. That being said, if you’re just experiencing dryness, there are a few basic things you may do to assist alleviate the condition.
First, try to limit the number of times you wash your hair; overwashing removes both the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are likely already depleted if you have dry hair, says Gina Rivera, hairdresser and developer of Phenix Salon Suites.
When you do wash your hair, pick your shampoo (and any other hair products) with care. Avoid drying alcohol and sulfates, and opt for products that are high in hydrating components. These professional-recommended best shampoos for dry scalps are a fantastic place to start.
List of The Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp In 2023
1. Overall winner: LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo
What We Like
- Rich in nutrients
- Lovely fresh fragrance
- It addresses itching.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
“This is a terrific everyday shampoo, especially for those dealing with scalp concerns,” Rivera adds. She adds that the xylitol in the dermatologist-created product performs an excellent job of maintaining the scalp’s sensitive moisture balance. Coconut oil hydrates while glycolic acid exfoliates softly, and it works well on all hair types and textures.
2. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo is the best drugstore shampoo.
Drugstore-favorite Aveeno is well known for its soothing body lotions that cure dry, itchy skin, but it also has a range of shampoos designed for sensitive, irritated scalps. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, this shampoo contains colloidal oat extract, which not only helps with dryness but also soothes the scalp.
“It also serves to thicken the hair, making it ideal for people with fine or thin hair,” she explains. “It’s sulfate- and paraben-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as well as those with color-treated hair.”
What We Like
- hair thickening
- Excellent value
- Color-treated hair is not affected.
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
3. Rene Furterer Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Shampoo is best for itching.
Itching and the persistent urge to scratch are major contributors to scalp dryness, as anybody who has experienced it can tell you. That’s why Hill enjoys and recommends the entire brand, particularly the shampoo.
“It maintains the scalp’s microbiota while also soothing itching,” she explains. Credit Asteraceae extract (a plant-based component) combats inflammation almost immediately, and peppermint and eucalyptus oil provide a delightfully cooling effect.
What We Like
- Provides a refreshing and calming experience.
- Suitable for daily usage.
- Smells fantastic.
What We Don’t Like
- Hair may become tangled.
4. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo is ideal for curly hair.
While this shampoo is suitable for all hair types, it is highly recommended for individuals who have both a dry scalp and curly hair.
It boasts a lengthy list of hydrating components that do the job, moisturizing both the scalp and the hair—for example, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil, to mention a few.
At the same time, it’s packed with soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe to soothe dryness and inflammation. Rivera is a major supporter of the company, praising them for using so many natural components to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
Regardless of your scalp issue, curls are more prone to becoming dryer than straight hair; the form of the hair makes it more difficult for natural oils to reach the tip.
What We Like
- adds radiance
- generates volume
- Gentle but effective cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is the best splurge.
Exfoliating is crucial when you have a dry scalp, as previously said, but if you don’t want to use a separate scrub and shampoo, go for this multi-tasker. “This scalp scrub shampoo reduces dryness and flaking by removing dead skin and product buildup, and it may be used on all hair types,” Dr. Garshick explains.
Sloughing is done by micro-exfoliators, irritation is soothed by tea tree oil, and hydration is provided by coconut oil. It also includes charcoal, which is considered to help eliminate impurities (but there isn’t enough clinical data to back up these claims).
Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but it provides your scalp everything it needs in one swipe—plus, it contains panthenol, which is wonderful for nourishing your hair.
What We Like
- Removes accumulation
- Exfoliating
- It effectively combats dandruff.
What We Don’t Like
- Must scoop from jar
6. Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and Edelweiss is the best for boosting strength.
If you have a dry scalp and thinning or broken hair, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King suggests this Klorane strengthening and rejuvenating pick.
“It’s made with quinine, a vitamin B complex, and caffeine to promote microcirculation for a healthy scalp and development,” she explains. “Studies demonstrate that edelweiss has anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities when applied topically, cleaning and calming the scalp to promote overall scalp health.”
What We Like
- Dermatologist-tested
- Encourages hair growth
- Plant-based
- A small amount goes a long way.
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
7. Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is the best for dandruff.
“Flaky scalps are usually often oily, not dry,” trichologist Anabel Kingsley says. “Dandruff is an oily scalp ailment also known as seborrheic dermatitis, where seborrhoeic refers to sebaceous (aka oil) glands.” That is why she advises this option for addressing the underlying cause of flaking and irritation.
“Dandruff develops when specific yeasts (called Malassezia yeasts) found naturally on your scalp overgrow,” she explains. “These yeasts flourish in an oily environment, thus washing your scalp with a gentle targeted shampoo on a regular basis is essential.
This shampoo contains piroctone olamine, an anti-microbial ingredient that targets Malassezia yeasts particularly. It’s gentle enough for regular usage, smells like fresh green apples, and won’t dry out or damage your hair’s color.”
What We Like
- Scent is light and inviting.
- Color-treated hair is not affected.
- Very helpful.
What We Don’t Like
- Could do a better job of easing itching
8. Selsun Blue Moisturizing Dandruff Shampoo is the best for dandruff.
Whether your dandruff is light or severe, famous hairdresser Danielle Priano recommends this product. Although selenium sulfide helps to fight the root problem, the shampoo also contains aloe, which is a good alternative for keeping the scalp and hair nourished. 11 It also has a pleasant coconut aroma that is not at all medical.
What We Like
- Hydrating
- Excellent value
- Flakes are reduced.
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
9. Kerastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Shampoo is ideal for fine hair.
Another of Priano’s suggestions, she claims that this formula has been highly helpful for her customers with both dry scalp and fine hair. Alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate and cleanse the scalp, while vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) hydrates both the skin and the hair. It’s also silicone-free, which is great for folks with fine hair because silicones may weigh it down.
What We Like
- Relaxation occurs immediately.
- Lightweight
- Silicone-free
What We Don’t Like
- The consistency isn’t thick enough.
FAQ
What to Look for in a Shampoo for Dry Scalp?
Lipids that Increase Moisture
Hill emphasizes the need of first determining what scalp problem has to be addressed before selecting a treatment. If your scalp is dry, which means it lacks lipids and moisture, she suggests using a shampoo that is hydrating and high in fatty acids.
“This will aid in the restoration of lipids and moisture to the scalp’s microflora,” she says. If your scalp is just dehydrated, meaning it lacks water (rather than lipids), she suggests using a regular, mild shampoo.
Actives that fight dandruff
If your scalp is dry and flaky, Hill suggests using a shampoo with active chemicals like selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or zinc.
“Shampoo as required, but alternate between dandruff-fighting active ingredients and mild daily washes to preserve the scalp’s microbial balance,” she advises. “When treating dandruff, it is critical to slow down the cellular turnover of the scalp.”
If you have flakes but your scalp is greasy, she suggests using a shampoo with one of the aforementioned components but alternating it with an oil-fighting shampoo, such as a clay-based solution.
Tip of the Nozzle
While this isn’t required, Hill advises that an applicator bottle with a nozzle (think: a condiment bottle) is an excellent method to apply shampoo directly to trouble areas for complete washing.
“Before emulsifying with water, the applicator bottle lets the active ingredients to work directly on the scalp for a deeper, thorough cleansing,” she explains. If your shampoo comes in a standard bottle, you may always replace it with an empty refillable container.
What are the advantages of dry scalp shampoos?
According to Priano, shampoo for dry scalps can assist to balance the natural pH of the scalp and occasionally even control sebum production so that the scalp generates more oils.
How frequently should you use dry scalp shampoo?
According to Priano, the answer varies depending on your hair type and how dry your scalp is. Fine hair clients, for example, require more frequent shampooing than thick hair clients.
If you have true dandruff, she suggests applying one every day until you detect a difference in your scalp. Otherwise, keep an eye on your hair and scalp—if they start to feel greasy at the end of the day, she advises cutting back to using the dry scalp shampoo every other time.
How long does it take for dry scalp shampoo to work?
According to Priano, you should experience some improvements right away “It varies from person to person, but the symptoms of dry scalp, itching, and dandruff normally go away after the first wash.
In more severe situations, it may take many washes to see effects “If you’re still not seeing a change, she recommends consulting a dermatologist.
