Derms Say These Are The Best Shampoos To Use If Your Scalp Is Dry And Itchy (2024)

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 Shampoos For Dry Scalp

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.