15 Dermatologist-Approved Shampoos to Soothe and Hydrate Dry Scalps (2024)

If your head itches like crazy and you've got a smattering of white flakes in your hair, chances are you have one of two things: a dry scalp or dandruff. "When it comes to managing a dry scalp, it’s important to understand the underlying triggers," says board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, MD, with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. "Most patients often have one of two conditions—seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, or a combination of both called sebopsoriasis." The root of these conditions, she says, is inflammation in the scalp that results in scaling or flaking—and dry skin only makes this worse.

To soothe dry scalp and itchiness, formulas that contain coconut oil, tea tree, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or apple cider vinegar can help. Ready to get to the bottom of what's going on up top? Whether you're looking for a formula designed specifically for dandruff, a cleanser that's curl-friendly, a top-notch treatment that won't break the bank, or one that's safe for color-treated hair, these are the best shampoos for dry scalp, according to dermatologists.

Algae not only cleanses the hair of impurities, such as excessive oils and styling products but also acts as a natural moisturizer, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. Over time, this color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo will leave both your hair and your scalp looking and feeling healthier.

Apple cider vinegar contains beneficial vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that act together to balance your scalp's pH and clarify any buildup that may clog hair follicles and cause irritation, itchiness, or dandruff, says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in North Carolina.

If your scalp is dry but not necessarily itchy, your skin simply may not be retaining moisture the way it should, says Ilyas. "The quality of our skin changes as we age and if it cannot hold onto moisture, we perceive this as dry skin." In this case, an ultra-hydrating shampoo may help your scalp and hair to restore any lost moisture.

The active ingredient piroctone olamine helps reduce inflammation and promote a healthy scalp. The formula also includes calming aloe vera to soothe dryness and itchiness, vitamin E to moisturize, and peptides to improve hair structure.

Thanks to ingredients like coconut, shea butter, and zinc, this gentle shampoo works to remove dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp, says Sobel.

Soothe an itchy, uncomfortable scalp with this 2-in-1 formula that gently exfoliates and cleanses hair. Peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil leave your scalp feeling refreshed, clean, and comfortable while olive oil helps to combat dryness.

In a clinical study, 37 people showed improvement in scalp dryness and flakiness after using this formula for two weeks. It balances oil production without stripping the skin and offers hydration and nourishment.

Poor scalp health can lead to hair that is limp, dull, and dry, and can even cause flaking and, over time, hair loss, says Howard Sobel,MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. For optimal scalp health, Sobel suggests this shampoo, which has a nourishing blend of biotin and fruit stem cells. "As a bonus, it works overtime to build body and help regrow hair," he says.

When your scalp needs a reset after one too many styling products, this shampoo offers a deep cleanse without stripping it of moisture. Thanks to the hyaluronic acid and plant surfactants, it's a gentle and hydrating formula that's safe for all hair types. The formula also includes niacinamide and panthenol to strengthen the scalp's protective barrier.

A dry, itchy scalp is sometimes caused by a sensitivity to ingredients like fragrances or sulfates, says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco. This sulfate-free shampoo, which is specifically formulated without dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde, and other chemicals, can help alleviate those symptoms in anyone with sensitive skin.

Peppermint and tea tree oil are a powerhouse duo that work in tandem to remove dirt, oil, and buildup, alleviate irritation and itchiness, and stimulate circulation, which helps produce stronger strands.

If your scalp is both dry and itchy, try this product, which contains 3 percent salicylic acid, says Ilyas. "This ingredient will help exfoliate the scalp to reduce flakiness." For maximum efficacy, Ilyas recommends massaging this shampoo onto your dry scalp before getting in the shower to give the product a chance to loosen up any scaling.

Equal parts shampoo and scrub, this hardworking hybrid contains a potent blend of binchotan charcoal, which acts as a magnet to attract and absorb dirt, oil, sweat, and other impurities, vegetable-derived exfoliators, deeply moisturizing coconut oil, and strand-strengthening panthenol, as well as soothing peppermint and spearmint oils. Added bonus: It just so happens to smell exactly like chocolate chip mint ice cream.

"Oftentimes dry, itchy scalp is due to seborrheic dermatitis—a fancy word for dandruff," says Campbell. This occurs as a result of mild irritation to the normal yeast that lives on our skin. To decrease the amount of yeast on the skin, Campbell recommends trying an anti-fungal agent, like this over-the-counter shampoo, a few times a week.

This drugstore shampoo is packed with essential oils known to restore the pH balance of the scalp, as well as retain moisture and prevent scalp irritation and flaking, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. Though this formula has almond oil for added moisture, Green recommends applying a leave-in conditioner to the ends before you lather up to prevent strands from drying out.