Shampoo and conditioner for dry itchy scalp

Dryness, itching, sometimes even flakes—having a dry scalp is no fun. And there's no shortage of factors that might be causing the issue. "Dry scalp can be something as simple as a result of the products you're using, overall body dehydration, or a more complex condition like dandruff or psoriasis," says certified trichologist and colorist Bridgette Hill. "Any kind of abnormality with your scalp can be caused by one or more of these factors: genetics, lifestyle, diet, hairstyling habits, environmental, health, stress, hormones, medications," she adds.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our favorite product overall is the LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo. Developed by dermatologists, it expertly balances hydrating and exfoliating properties to reduce itching and improve scalp health.

That being said, if it's just straight-up dryness you're dealing with, there are a few simple things you can do to help remedy the situation. First, try to minimize how often you wash; overwashing further strips both the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are likely already lacking if you're dealing with dryness, points out Gina Rivera, hairstylist, and creator of Phenix Salon Suites. When you do wash, choose your shampoo (and all hair products, for that matter) carefully. Steer clear of drying alcohol and sulfates, and look for formulas rich in moisturizing ingredients.

These best shampoos for dry scalps, as recommended by the pros, are a great place to start.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

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Best Drugstore:

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Best for Itch:

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Best for Curly Hair:

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Best Splurge:

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Best for Thick Hair:

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Best Strengthening:

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Best for Dandruff:

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Best for Dandruff, Runner-Up:

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Best No Rinse:

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In This Article

Expand

• Our Picks

• Final Verdict

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• How We Researched

• Why Trust Byrdie?

Best Overall

LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo

4.8

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What We Like

• Full of nutrients

• Nice fresh scent

• Tackles itchiness

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

Who else recommends it? NBC News also picked the LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo.

What do buyers say? 80% of 1,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above

"This is a great everyday shampoo and is especially choice for anyone tackling scalp issues," says Rivera. The xylitol in the dermatologist-developed formula does a great job of protecting the scalp's delicate moisture balance, she adds. Coconut oil adds hydration while glycolic acid gently exfoliates, and it also works beautifully on all hair types and textures.

Price at time of publish: $19

Hair Type: Dry | Scent: Fresh lemongrass | Active Ingredients: Xylitol, coconut oil, glycolic acid | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Drugstore

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

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What We Like

• Thickens hair

• Great value

• Safe for color-treated hair

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

Drugstore-favorite Aveeno may be best known for its soothing body lotions that heal dry and itchy skin, but it also boasts a line of shampoos that are ideal for sensitive, irritated scalps. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains that this shampoo incorporates colloidal oat extract, so not only does it help with dryness, but it's super soothing on the scalp. "It works to thicken the hair, too, making it especially good for those with fine or thin hair," she says. "It's sulfate-free and free of parabens, making it a good option for those with dry or sensitive skin as well as those with color-treated hair."

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: Color-Treated | Scent: Rosemary and peppermint | Active Ingredients: Colloidal oat extract | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Itch

Rene Furterer Astera Fresh Soothing Freshness Shampoo

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What We Like

• Delivers a refreshing and soothing sensation

• Can be used daily

• Smells great

What We Don’t Like

• Can make hair a bit tangled

As anyone who's ever experienced scalp dryness will tell you, itchiness and the constant need to scratch are a big part of the issue. That's why Hill likes and recommends this entire line, including the shampoo specifically. "It protects the scalp's microbiome, as well as soothes itchiness," she says. Its ingredients include Credit Asteraceae extract (a plant-based ingredient) that combats irritation almost instantly, as well as peppermint and eucalyptus oil that deliver a pleasantly cooling sensation.

Price at time of publish: $34

Hair Type: All | Scent: Peppermint and eucalyptus | Active Ingredients: Asteraceae extract, peppermint, eucalyptus oil | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Curly Hair

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

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What We Like

• Adds shine

• Creates volume

• Gentle yet highly cleansing

What We Don’t Like

• Can weigh down fine hair

While this shampoo will work on all hair types, it's an especially good pick for those who have both a dry scalp and curly hair. It touts a long list of hydrating ingredients that get the job done, moisturizing both scalp and hair—think shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil, just to name a few. At the same time, it's also loaded with soothing ingredients to calm dryness and irritation—tea tree oil, aloe, and more. Rivera is a big fan of the brand, lauding them for the many natural extracts they use to help promote both a healthy scalp and hair.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: Curly | Scent: Bamboo charcoal | Active Ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Regardless of your scalp sitch, curls are naturally prone to being dryer than straight hair; the shape of the hair makes it harder for natural oils to get from the root down to the tip.

Best Splurge

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

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What We Like

• Eliminates buildup

• Exfoliating

• Tackles dandruff well

What We Don’t Like

• Must scoop out of jar

As mentioned, exfoliating is an important step when you have a dry scalp, but if you don't want to use a separate scrub and shampoo, reach for this multi-tasker. "This scalp scrub shampoo helps to reduce dryness and flaking by eliminating dead skin and product buildup, and it can be used on all hair types," explains Dr. Garshick. Micro-exfoliators do the sloughing, tea tree oil soothes irritation and coconut oil hydrates. It also contains charcoal which is thought to help remove impurities (though it's important to note that there isn't enough clinical evidence to support these claims).

Sure, it may be a bit splurgy, but it gives your scalp everything it needs in one fell swoop—bonus points for the addition of panthenol, an ingredient that's great for conditioning your hair.

Price at time of publish: $42

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: Micro exfoliators, tea tree oil, coconut oil, charcoal | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

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Best for Thick Hair

Abhati Suisse Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo

View On Abhatisuisse.com

What We Like

• Filled with protective antioxidants

• Lathers nicely

• Gentle yet effective

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

If your dealing with a dry scalp and your hair density is on the medium to thick side, certified trichologist Shab Reslan recommends this nourishing shampoo from Abhati Suisse. "This shampoo will cleanse, hydrate, and strengthen your hair and scalp with its unique combination of rare oils, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants," she says. "Himalayan wild cherry oil, which is particularly rich in omegas 6 and 9, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, helps maintain healthy hair."

Hair Type: Thick | Scent: Herbal | Active Ingredients: Himalayan wild cherry oil | Size: 10.1 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Strengthening

Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and Edelweiss

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What We Like

• Dermatologist-tested

• Promotes hair growth

• Plant-based

• A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

If you're dealing with a dry scalp and thinning or breaking hair, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King recommends reaching for this strengthening and revitalizing pick from Klorane. "It's formulated with quinine, a vitamin B complex, and caffeine to support microcirculation for a healthy scalp and healthy growth," she says. "Studies show that edelweiss, when used topically, has anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, cleansing and soothing the scalp to further benefit overall scalp health."

Price at time of publish: $24

Hair Type: All | Scent: Herbal | Active Ingredients: Quinine, caffeine, edelweiss | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Dandruff

Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

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What We Like

• Light, appealing scent

• Safe for color-treated hair

• Very clarifying

What We Don’t Like

• Could handle soothing itchiness better

"Flaky scalps are almost always oily, not dry," explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. "Dandruff is an oily scalp condition—it's also called seborrheic dermatitis, with seborrhoeic referring to sebaceous (aka oil) glands." That's why she recommends this pick for targeting the root cause of flaking and itching.

"Dandruff occurs when certain yeasts (called Malassezia yeasts) naturally found on your scalp overgrow," she says. "These yeasts thrive in an oily environment, so cleansing your scalp regularly with a gentle targeted shampoo is important. This shampoo is formulated with piroctone olamine, an anti-microbial active that specifically targets Malassezia yeasts. It's mild enough for daily use, smells of fresh green apples, and it won't dry your hair or strip it of color."

Price at time of publish: $40

Hair Type: Sensitive | Scent: Green apple | Active Ingredients: Piroctone olamine | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Unknown | Byrdie Clean: No

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Best for Dandruff, Runner-Up

Selsun Blue Moisturizing Dandruff Shampoo

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What We Like

• Hydrating
  

• Great value

• Reduces flakes

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

No matter whether your dandruff is mild or severe, celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano says that this formula is choice. Selenium sulfide helps to combat the root cause, though the shampoo also contains aloe, a nice option to help keep the scalp and hair hydrated, too. Plus, it has a nice coconut scent that doesn't smell medicinal at all.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: Dry | Scent: Coconut | Active Ingredients: Selenium sulfide | Size: 11 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Unknown | Byrdie Clean: No

The 17 Best Shampoos for Dandruff of 2022 to Keep Flakes Away

Best No Rinse

Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic

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What We Like

• Great value

• Dermatologist-tested

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• Method of application takes getting used to

Yes, you'll want to minimize how often you wash your hair, but loading up on dry shampoo instead isn't the best move; too much product build-up can exacerbate dryness as well as flaking. Enter this alternative, another one of Hill's picks: "It purifies and cleanses the scalp to remove dirt particles and product build-up that leads to dryness, while also delivering moisture to the hair." Just work it into the scalp; you can rinse out if you want to, but there's no need.

Price at time of publish: $10

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, eucalyptus, peppermint oil | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

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Best Scrub

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

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What We Like

• Adds shine

• Improves hair health and texture

• Safe for color-treated hair

What We Don’t Like

• Must scoop out of jar

• The smell

Just like you'd need to use a face scrub to slough off dead, dry skin from your face or body, you also need one for your scalp. Rivera says this one is ideal, touting pink Himalayan sea salt for exfoliating purposes, plus ACV. "Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins B and C, which are great for both the hair and scalp," she explains. The formula is also packed with hydrating avocado oil and soothing aloe and is safe for color-treated hair. Use it once a week, before shampooing.

Price at time of publish: $39

Hair Type: All | Scent: Apple cider vinegar | Active Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, pink Himalayan sea salt, avocado oil | Size: 9 ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

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Best Pre-Shampoo

Sexy Hair Calm Sexy Hair Clear the Hair Soothing Scalp Treatment

View On Ulta

What We Like

• Comes in sustainable packaging

• Easy-to-use targeted applicator tip
  

• Removes build-up

• Creates a nice lather

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

If shampoo alone isn't quite cutting it, you may want to consider incorporating a hydrating pre-'poo treatment a few times per week. Priano says this is a good option to reach for any time you notice that your scalp is starting to get dry. "It works by maintaining a moisture balance to keep the scalp comfortably hydrated," she says. Credit goes to a combo of avocado and macadamia oils, alongside soothing CBD. Priano adds that you can also use the accompanying shampoo and conditioner in the line to up the effects.

Price at time of publish: $25

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: CBD, avocado oil, macadamia oil | Size: 3.9 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Fine Hair

Kerastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Shampoo

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What We Like

• Instant relaxing effect
  

• Lightweight

• Silicone-free

What We Don’t Like

• Not a thick enough consistency

Another of Priano's recommendations, she says this formula has been very effective for her clients who have both dry scalp and fine hair. Alpha hydroxy acids help to gently exfoliate and purify the scalp, while vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide) imparts hydration to both the skin and the hair. It's also silicone-free, a huge boon for those with fine hair since silicones can often weigh down the hair.

Price at time of publish: $28

Hair Type: Oily, Sensitive, Normal | Scent: Fresh | Active Ingredients: AHAs, vitamin B3 | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Final Verdict

Hands down, LivSo's Moisturizing Shampoo (view at Amazon) is one of the best shampoos to use if your scalp is dry and itchy. Not only does it tackle moisture issues with ingredients like xylitol and coconut oil, but it gently exfoliates away flakes with glycolic acid. For a wallet-friendly pick, you can't go wrong with Aveeno's Scalp Soothing Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo (view at Amazon), which nourishes and soothes a dry scalp with colloidal oat extract.

And because we're huge fans of scalp scrubs for sloughing away dead skin and buildup, we highly recommend giving dpHUE's Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub (view at Sephora) a shot. It scrubs with gentle pink Himalayan sea salt while apple cider vinegar infuses the scalp and hair with vitamins—just be sure to use it more as a treatment than a daily shampoo.

What to Look for in a Dry Scalp Shampoo

Moisture-Boosting Lipids

First and foremost, Hill says it's important to first identify what scalp condition needs to be treated before choosing a product. If your scalp is dry—meaning it lacks lipids and moisture—she recommends reaching for a shampoo that's moisturizing and rich in fatty acids. "This will help restore lipids and moisture to the scalp's microbiome," she explains. However, if your scalp is simply dehydrated, meaning it lacks water (and not lipids), she recommends opting for a normal, gentle shampoo.

Dandruff-Fighting Actives

If your scalp is dry and plagued by flakes, Hill recommends using a shampoo with active ingredients such as selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or zinc. "Shampoo as often as needed, yet alternate between dandruff-fighting active ingredients and gentle daily shampoos to maintain the balance of the scalp's microbiome," she says. "It's important to slow down the cellular turnover of the scalp when managing dandruff."

On the other hand, if you're dealing with flakes but your scalp is greasy, she recommends reaching for a shampoo with one of the above ingredients but alternating it with an oil-fighting shampoo, such as a clay-based formula.

Nozzle Tip

While this isn't a must, Hill says that when it comes to flakiness or itchiness, an applicator bottle with a nozzle (think: a condiment bottle) is a great way to apply shampoo directly to problem areas for thorough cleansing. "The applicator bottle allows for the active ingredients to work directly on the scalp for a deeper, penetrating cleanse before emulsifying with water," she says. If your shampoo comes packaged in a regular bottle, you can always buy an empty refillable container and transfer it.

FAQ

• What are the benefits of shampoos for dry scalps?

  Shampoo for dry scalps can help to balance out the natural pH of the scalp and sometimes even help regulate sebum production so that the scalp produces more oils, says Priano.

• How often should you use shampoos for dry scalps?

  The answer varies based on your hair type and how dry your scalp is, says Priano. For example, fine hair clients tend to need to shampoo more frequently than those with thick hair.

  If you're dealing with actual dandruff, she recommends using one daily until you notice a change in your scalp. Otherwise, keep tabs on your hair and scalp—if they're starting to feel oily at the end of the day, cut back to using the shampoo for dry scalp every other time, she suggests.

• How long do shampoos for dry scalps take to work?

  According to Priano, you'll usually see at least some results immediately. "It will vary from person to person, but the symptoms of dry scalp, itching, and dandruff will typically subside right after the first wash. With more extreme cases, it may take a few washes to see results." And if you're still not seeing an improvement, that's when you'll want to go see a dermatologist, she points out.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her scalp alternates between dry and oily, so the discovery of scalp scrubs has been a true game-changer for her.

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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4. Diomede L, Salmona M. The soothing effect of menthol, eucalyptol and high-intensity cooling agents. Nutrafoods. 2017;(3):153-157. doi:10.17470/NF-017-1006-3

5. Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicol Res. 2014;30(4):297-304. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297

6. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

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    What causes dry itchy scalp?

    The condition occurs when your scalp loses too much moisture. Hair care products, the weather, age and various skin conditions can cause dry scalp. You may be able to treat the condition by switching shampoos, but talk to your healthcare provider if dry scalp persists.

    What do dermatologists recommend for an itchy scalp?

    Try a salicylic acid shampoo. A salicylic acid shampoo, like Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, “helps dissolve those little flakes and is effective for relieving itch, especially if you're dealing with extra dryness,” says Dr. Mehlis.

    How do you rehydrate a dry itchy scalp?

    Here are some common ways to treat a dry scalp:.

    Moisturising shampoo..

    Exfoliating scalp masks..

    Post-shower hair tonic..

    Coconut oil..

    Essential oils like tea tree and jojoba..

    Aloe vera gel or aloe vera-based products..

    Home remedies such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar..

    How often should I wash my hair if I have dry itchy scalp?

    A dry scalp can be caused by how frequently (or infrequently) you shampoo. Cleansing too often can dry out the scalp, but if you're under washing your hair it can start to feel sore from the build-up of excess dead skin cells. The solution is to find a balancing shampoo and wash your hair every third or fifth day.