The 13 Best Shampoos to Fight a Flakey, Itchy Scalp (2024)

Backed by dermatologists, clinical studies, and over 67,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this best-selling shampoo is effective for treating even the flakiest of scalps. Its potency lies in one percent ketoconazole, “a powerful anti-fungal ingredient that targets the yeast responsible for dandruff and dry scalp to reduce itching and flaking,” says Dr. Lolis. Per the brand, it’s safe for all hair types and you only need to use it twice a week to start seeing results. Reviewers also note that it has a light, fresh scent and leaves hair feeling clean and soft.

Key ingredients: 1% ketoconazole

Hair type: All

Size: 7 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “I used to have a really dry scalp since birth and nothing would work. After scrolling the internet for years, I found this literal magic in a bottle. I use this two times a week and don’t have to worry about flaking anymore. You won’t regret this, I promise!!”

“Neutrogena’s T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo contains coal tar as its active ingredient, which is known for its effectiveness in treating dry, itchy scalp conditions,” says Dr. Lolis. “It helps control dandruff and provides relief from scalp itching and flaking.” On top of working to control dermatitis and dandruff, it’s also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation to help relieve symptoms of psoriasis, including inflammation.

Key ingredients: Coal tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione

Hair type: All

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have psoriasis in my scalp and very thick 3c hair; I do a lot of protective styles but could never keep them in long enough because my scalp was always itchy and flaky. One use of this shampoo and it’s gone for at least two weeks. You do have to keep using as it is not a permanent solution, but it definitely helps. It also lathers a lot, so a little goes a long way.”

“If it’s not broke, why fix it—and that’s how I feel about Head and Shoulders,” says ELLE.com Digital Beauty Director Danielle James. “This is the OG staple for dry scalp, with a ton of research and development to back the promises it delivers. I even visited their labs in Cincinnati several years ago—this is an affordable option that works,” she adds. According to Dr. Lolis, this shampoo contains pyrithione zinc “to address dryness, flakiness, and dandruff” while “providing gentle cleansing and moisturizing the scalp.”

Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc

Hair type: All, except color-treated

Size: 13.5 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “It works well for sore, itchy scalp with the added perk of minimizing my hair loss! Spent a lot of money on fancy, expensive shampoos. No more....I will continue to use this.”

Both Dr. Lolis and Dr. Jeffy recommend Vanicream’s time-tested formula for those with sensitive skin, as it’s non-medicated and “free of many potential allergens like fragrances, parabens, and sulfates,” says Dr. Jeffy. Featuring hydrating ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, the simple formula “effectively helps remove flaking, scaling, and controls oily scalp.” Plus, she notes that it’s great for clearing product buildup without stripping the skin.

Key ingredients: Panthenol, glycerin, lauryl glucoside

Hair type: All

Size: 12 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “My scalp is sensitive and will break out if I use normal shampoo or soap. I have been using Vanicream for about two months and it is the best shampoo I have found for my scalp. My scalp is clearer than it’s been in years. I use it every day, and most often twice a day, and I haven’t had any issues.”

Soothe redness and itchiness while indulging in some R&R with this popular Dove scent, which Dr. Lolis calls a “gentle and moisturizing shampoo.” It features pyrithione zinc to combat flakes, as well as aromatic coconut oil and shea butter that simultaneously work to soothe the senses and nourish the scalp. Per the brand, the fragrance is also hypoallergenic.

Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, coconut oil, shea butter

Hair type: All, expect color-treated

Size: 12 fl. oz

An Amazon reviewers says: “Lathers extremely well, smells great, and you get genuine results. Would recommend to anyone and will most definitely repurchase.”

In our book, Japanese beauty products are often a cut above the rest, including this gentle yet powerful rinse from Naturelab. Tokyo. Inspired by ancient Japanese beauty rituals and natural ingredients, this silky formula contains probiotic-rich sake water, nourishing rice water, and anti-inflammatory ginseng extract to thoroughly cleanse, hydrate, and calm the scalp. “I flip between protective styles each month, which doesn’t leave much breathing room for my scalp or hair; however, this scalp rinse is the sigh of relief my hair has been yearning for,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor. “It imparts hydration and breaks down all the oil and leave-in cream I pack onto my hair throughout the month. I’m left with a fresh and clear scalp, and a healthier hair care routine for future styles.”

For the best results, apply the rinse pre-shampoo directly to the scalp on dry or damp hair, massage it in, then leave it on for one to two minutes before washing it out.

Key ingredients: Sake water, rice water, ginseng extract

Hair type: All

Size: 6.7 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have super thick hair and always feel like I have to use a TON of product to get soap, conditioner, and scalp treatments through it and onto my scalp. This applicator is a game-changer! Literally save so much product because I can get it right to my scalp and rub it in; it is so easy! It does create an interesting cooling sensation on your scalp, too!”

We hate to break it to you, but dry hair and a dry scalp often go hand-in-hand. Whether you have naturally dehydrated tresses, regularly color your hair, or often use hot tools, thankfully, Saphira’s mineral-packed shampoo can help on both fronts. “I’ve used this formula for the past three months and my hair has seen great results including less breakage, more moisture, and a healthy scalp,” attests James. “I recommended the brand to a friend who has suffered from severe dry scalp and she now uses the shampoo, conditioner, and mud mask—which has led to less flaking and itching in only a month. I highly recommend.”

Key ingredients: Dead Sea minerals, rose oil essences

Hair type: Dry

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “Best shampoo ever for people with curly hair that straighten it. I tried this for the first time last year and I’ve used it ever since. Amazing product!”

Here’s a hairstylist-approved pick that also comes as an affordable duo on Amazon. “I love the Raw Sugar Scalp Restore Shampoo, which is designed to remove build-up while adding balance to the scalp,” says Giannetos. “It helps remove excess oil and product that can clog scalp pores, lock in moisture, and reduce inflammation” via soothing, clarifying charcoal and nourishing niacinamide.

Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, aloe vera, niacinamide, panthenol

Hair type: All

Size: 18 fl. oz

An Amazon reviewer says: “These products smell so good!! The shampoo truly cleans my hair and I feel like it does a great job at getting deep into my scalp. The conditioner is amazing as well. It is so easy to work into your hair and leaves my hair feeling so soft and tangle-free.”

What could be worse than a dry, tight, and itchy scalp? Dealing with flakes, brittle ends, and frizz. If this unfortunate scenario sounds all too familiar, Giannetos calls Dae’s Monsoon Moisture Milk Shampoo a total game-changer. “This quenching product brings such a surge of hydration to the hair and scalp,” he says. “It has moringa leaf and cactus flower extract that leave your hair feeling soft and scalp feeling clean and nourished.” Despite its creamy formula, many shoppers also note it doesn’t weigh hair down.

Key ingredients: Moringa leaf extract, cactus flower

Hair type: All

Size: 10 fl. oz.

A Sephora reviewer says: “I have very fine hair, so I get very nervous about moisture products and worry they’ll make my hair fall flat. Bought this on a whim after YouTuber Casey Holmes said she liked it, and I absolutely love this. The smell is *chefs kiss* and the product itself is amazing! Provides moisture like no other, and I notice a difference when I use this versus when I don’t!”

The name says it all. From famed celebrity hairstylist Oribe Canales, the Serene Scalp Shampoo “contains soothing moisturizers like panthenol and niacinamide as well as salicylic acid to help remove pesky flakes,” notes Dr. Jeffy. Although definitely a splurge, its chic packaging and high-powered formula—including the brand’s Signature Complex that also works to strengthen and protect hair—make this potion a true treat for beauty connoisseurs. Bonus: It’s color- safe.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Oribe Signature Complex, bilberry fruit, sugar maple extracts

Hair type: All

Size: 8.4 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “During weather changes, my scalp tends to get pretty dry and flakey. After the first use of this shampoo, my scalp was less red and irritated and way less flaky. It is pricey but worth the results. I use it every other shower to make the shampoo last longer.”

Cooling menthol in this formula will instantly invigorate the scalp, so your head feels just as good as it looks post-wash. And that’s just the start of it. This Sachajuan shampoo contains powerful anti-fungal ingredients as well as hydrating rosemary oil, soothing ginger extract, and salicylic extract to help treat dandruff and dry scalp.

Key ingredients: Piroctone olamine, climbazole, rosemary oil, menthol, ginger extract, salicylic acid, lactic acid

Hair type: All, except color-treated

Size: 8.4 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “My scalp would literally peel a layer of dead skin a couple of days after washing. I chalk it up to pregnancy, postpartum hormones, and dry/cold weather. I could never wear dark shirts because of my flakes, but now I can confidently wear whatever I want. I can even go a whole week without shampooing and the flakes stay controlled. Absolutely amazing product.”

The trichologists at Philip Kingsley have been creating renowned scalp care products for decades, so you can trust this targeted shampoo really works. I had the privilege of visiting the brand’s New York City clinic, and after receiving a full treatment with this shampoo included, I finally felt like my scalp had reached equilibrium. The formula stars a natural surfactant to cleanse without stripping and a potent anti-fungal ingredient for minimizing dry scalp, dandruff, and itching. And I’m not alone in loving the results. In an independent consumer study, 82 percent of participants said their scalp felt rehydrated and 83 percent said it was soothed after using this product for four weeks.

Key ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, piroctone olamine, aloe juice

Hair type: All

Size: 8.45 fl. oz.

An Amazon reviewer says: “Zendaya gave an interview about hair care and this is one of the items she swears by! My daughters and I share flaky, dry scalp. This scalp cleaner is THE TRUTH!”

I’ve tried dozens upon dozens of shampoos, often with low expectations, but this formula from recently launched haircare brand Function of Beauty is currently blowing it out of the water for me. I love that it’s super nourishing for both my perpetually dry strands and scalp, and that it’s actually custom-formulated to enhance my waves (the label also offers versions for straight, curly, and coily hair, too). It’s packed with juicy ingredients like jojoba oil and panthenol, plus special bond-building technology that fortifies my strands without weighing them down. My mane can often look wild when I let it air dry, but this shampoo gives me the prettiest defined wave pattern every time—and there’s no pesky scalp residue or shedding left behind!

Key ingredients: Adaptive f3 Bonding Complex, rice amino acids

Hair type: Wavy

Size: 11 fl. oz.

A Sephora reviewer says: “I have wavy, frizzy, poofy hair. I love using this shampoo! It doesn’t make my hair feel funky or gummy while using it like other shampoos. It makes my scalp feel clean and refreshed. The scent is also really good and it stays smelling good till my next wash day!”

All of our experts agree that those with dry scalp should look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, as well as hydrating plant-based oils such as jojoba, rosemary, and argan oil. You’ll also want to seek out options with pH-balancing ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, or “gentle chemical exfoliants, like salicylic acid or lactic acid, to help banish flakes,” says Giannetos. “Some shampoos for dry scalp also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile or tea tree oil, which can soothe itchiness and reduce redness,” Dr. Lolis adds.

Note that products containing sulfates and/or alcohol “can strip away natural oils from the scalp and worsen dryness,” says Dr. Lolis, so you may want to steer clear of these—especially if you have sensitive skin. These ingredients, alongside harsh fragrances and chemicals like parabens, can be particularly irritating to reactive skin.

“The frequency of using a shampoo for dry scalp can vary from person to person based on individual needs and the specific shampoo you’re using,” says Dr. Lolis. “However, there are some general guidelines dermatologists recommend. If you have a mild case of dry scalp, using a specialized shampoo every two to three days or even once a week might be sufficient to maintain scalp health. If your dry scalp is more severe or accompanied by dandruff, itching, or flaking, try starting with every other day, then adjust as needed.”

“Some specialized shampoos may contain ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, an anti-fungal called ketoconazole, or even prescription steroids,” she continues. “Once your dry scalp improves, you can gradually reduce the frequency of using the specialized shampoo to help prevent overuse, which can sometimes lead to other scalp issues. I also recommend alternating your dry scalp shampoo with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to prevent over-drying and maintain scalp balance.”

“Stay overall hydrated,” says Dr. Jeffy. “Avoid hot water when washing your hair and alcohol-based styling products.”

“I also love using scalp masks to treat dry scalp,” says Giannetos. “I specifically love the Raw Sugar Pure Scalp Therapy & Hair Masque, which works wonders on removing product build-up and flakiness.”

And to really go the extra mile, Dr. Lolis suggests using a humidifier in your room to add moisture to dry air. “This can help prevent transepidermal water loss and moisture depletion from your scalp,” she says.

Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon.

Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of BTWN.

Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist whose clientele has included Megan Fox, Gigi Hadid, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.