10 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp Real People Swear By
Finding the best shampoo for dry scalp can be a hassle. And what’s the difference between dandruff and dry flakes? Shampoos marked as ‘anti-dandruff’ claim to work for dry scalps too. Read on to clear up your questions and get rid of flakes.
The Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp
All the shampoos in this review have several characteristics in common. They are unisex and are safe for color-treated hair. The most important thing is that these products work. They are also the most top-rated by consumers and often cost less than prescription products.
Check out our comparison chart for more info:
Product | Best for | Price |
---|---|---|
Maple Holistics - Editor’s Choice |
For dry scalps, over-processed hair, lice treatment | Check Price |
Paul Mitchell |
For all hair types; great for combination dry scalp and oily hair; frizzy and unmanageable hair | Check Price |
PURA D’OR |
Not recommended for oily hair types, works best for very dry and sensitive scalps, good for combo hair (dry and oily) | Check Price |
Puriya |
For all hair types and ages | Check Price |
Head & Shoulders |
Thick locks (can make fine hair look flat), not always helpful for kinky curly hair | Check Price |
Nioxin |
For flaky scalp and weak hair that breaks easily; great for coarse hair | Check Price |
The Wonder Seed |
Any type of hair (except very oily), children & infants | Check Price |
The Body Shop |
Best for loose flakes | Check Price |
Avalon Organics |
All hair types | Check Price |
Amplixin |
All hair types - normal, damaged, color treated, ethnic hair | Check Price |
#1: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo — The Right Hairstyles’ Choice
View on AmazonWhat can help decrease scalp itchiness, remove flakes, prevent lice, and regrow hair? It doesn’t take a genie in a bottle because Maple Holistics shampoo with tea tree oil can do all these things and more. With rave reviews, Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is the #1 product on Amazon for lice treatment. It is chemical-free and has no negative side effects. Let’s take a closer look at its healing properties.
Formula and Benefits: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo works by clearing away dead skin cells on scalp, unclogs pores, cleans hair follicles, and helps to regulate natural oil production.
Tea tree oil is a well-known antifungal agent that also has antiseptic and healing properties. You can apply it directly to the scalp and roots, however, sensitive scalps may not be able to tolerate direct application of essential oils. The Maple Holistics shampoo is gentle enough for sensitive scalps and the essential oils moisturize, eliminate flakes, and “lock in” moisture.
Lavender oil improves circulation, promotes hair growth, and prevents hair loss. The fatty acids in jojoba oil clear up sebum and make hair tangle and frizz-free. Rosemary oil has antioxidants that help combat free radical damage, and argan oil prevents frizziness and repairs split ends. D-Panthenol (vitamin B5) is believed to thicken hair, increasing its diameter by up to 10 percent.
Use: Massage a quarter-sized amount of the product into wet scalp, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes to absorb, and rinse with warm water. Repeat and follow with a final rinse.
Pros- All-natural ingredients
- Sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free
- GMO and gluten-free
- Reported by customers as safe for children
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Limits hair loss
- Protects from lice
- For all hair textures
- For natural, colored, and chemically treated hair
- Packaged in environmentally friendly, BPA-free bottles
- 100% money-back guarantee
- A custom, personalized formula can be created upon request
- Is not the cheapest on the market
- Has a strong tea tree oil scent that can be unpleasant
- Only reduces the dry scalp problem, does not cure it
- Is accumulative, for long-term use
- May leave hair feeling heavy
#2: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo — Special Invigorating Cleanser
View on AmazonWith a huge number of comments from consumers on Amazon, Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Shampoo is currently rated at #6 in the Daily Shampoos category (at time of publication), and is one of Harper Bazaar’s “The Beauty 150 Award” winners.
Formula and Benefits: Paul Mitchell’s dry scalp shampoo, often recommended by stylists, removes excess sebum and dirt without stripping moisture and drying out the scalp. Powerful ingredients rid hair of impurities and leave locks full of luster and vitality. Natural oils from tea tree, peppermint, and lavender invigorate the scalp, infusing hair with a pleasant scent. The refreshing tingle ‘wakes up’ struggling, limp hair. This shampoo seems to do it all. It calms down difficult, frizzy, unmanageable manes, works for combination oily hair and itchy dry scalp, and promotes hair growth.
Use: Massage a small amount into damp hair and scalp. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
Pros- Keeps frizzy hair under control
- Is very refreshing, with tingling effect
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- No parabens
- Works for keratin treated hair
- For all hair types
- Stops scalp eczema
- No animal testing
- Washes out easily
- Not fragrance-free
- A bit pricey, but worth the money
#3: PURA D’OR Organic Shampoo — Argan Oil Scalp Therapy
View on AmazonPura D’or shampoo is established as an everyday dry scalp treatment. The company uses only certified natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. The formula’s special bioactive organic ingredients combine both science and nature to relieve symptoms of dandruff and psoriasis.
Formula and Benefits: Biotin and vitamins encourage a healthier scalp while natural oils calm itchiness. Anti-fungal agents include cedarwood and patchouli oil, peppermint oil soothes the scalp, aloe vera adds moisture, and antioxidants protect hair from environmental factors. Zinc is the secret ingredient that helps prevent the scalp from flaking and argan oil effectively heals scalp. Lactic acid, which naturally occurs in yogurt, acts as an exfoliator and improves the scalp’s ability to absorb the restorative components.
This shampoo has to be used on a regular basis or its effect will fade because the vitamins and nutrients must accumulate in the hair to be effective.
Use: Massage into wet hair and scalp and leave on for several minutes for deeper penetration and better absorption. Rinse with warm water.
Pros- Adds shine to locks
- No SLS, parabens and other harsh chemicals, gluten-free
- For all hair types
- Does not weigh down locks or create build-up
- Cruelty-free
- Contains organic bioactives
- Boosts hair growth
- 100-day satisfaction guaranteed policy
- Grapefruit seed extract serves as a natural preservative
- Hard to lather
- Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, derived from coconut, that can be an allergen
- A mild preservative, phenoxyethanol, is among ingredients
#4: Puriya Scalp Therapy Shampoo — Anti-Dandruff and Dry Scalp Cleanser
View on AmazonPuriya is a family-owned business that creates natural beauty products, such as, creams, balms, and hair cleansers with highly-concentrated, fast-acting ingredients.
The natural ingredients in Puriya’s shampoo make it a good choice for both adults and kids. The product gently moisturizes to soften locks, removes build-up, and helps to get rid of scaling. Results are visible in only a few applications with this potent herbal blend.
Formula and Benefits: Puriya Shampoo is beneficial for several different skin irritations including dandruff, itchy dry scalp, psoriasis, symptoms of contact dermatitis, and scabs, as well as, hydrates dry and very damaged, colored, and bleached hair.
Tea tree oil, arnica, sage leaf, and rosemary extracts work as moisturizers and antiseptics that stop itching and flaking, and citric acid adjusts pH levels in hair. These ingredients improve blood circulation to help hair become stronger, thicker, shinier, and more manageable.
Use: Gently massage shampoo into hair and scalp. The shampoo contains a high dose of therapeutic ingredients, so rinse without leaving it on your scalp for an extended time.
Pros- Formula delivers lasting results
- Encourages hair growth
- No harmful chemicals
- Removes build-up
- Lathers quickly
- PH balanced
- For all hair types and ages (3+)
- Safe for keratin-treated and colored hair
- 180-day money back guarantee
- Can make thin hair look flat
- Not for very oily hair
- Contains a small amount of 1% phenoxyethanol preservative
#5: Head & Shoulders Almond Oil Shampoo — 2-in-1 Dry Scalp Care
View on AmazonIf you have already looked for an effective drugstore dry scalp treatment, you have probably come across recommendations to try Head & Shoulders Almond Oil Shampoo. People swear it helps: it cleanses and conditions hair, removes flakes, and calms itchiness. This clinically tested shampoo also helps to prevent the recurrence of these unpleasant symptoms. By locking in moisture 75% better than any other moisturizing shampoo, it leaves hair silky, soft, and flake-free.
Formula and Benefits: The new 3-action formula cleanses flakes and oil from hair, protects scalp from damage and infections, and moisturizes locks. The key active ingredient, pyrithione zinc, prevents scalp irritation and glycerin helps seal in moisture. Customers also mention, that almond oil shampoo is lighter than other Head & Shoulders versions and easier to use.
Use: Shake the bottle before use. Wet hair, massage a small amount of shampoo into scalp, rinse.
Pros- Trusted brand
- PH balanced for daily use
- Can be applied to chemically treated hair
- Works great for naturally curly hair
- Color-safe
- Parabens-free
- Great when you are in a rush, as works as a conditioner too
- A little bit oily, can weigh down fine hair
- Contains sulfates
- Contains alcohol, fragrance
- Not enough natural components (only almond oil)
- Not cruelty-free
- Not everyone loves 2-in-1 products
#6: Nioxin Scalp-Recovery Shampoo — Perfect Cleanser for Itchy Scalp
View on AmazonRecommended as a daily shampoo for dry scalp by Wella Education, Nioxin Scalp-Recovery Shampoo has a loyal following with customers that report using the product for over ten years. Regular use of this product can eliminate dryness up to 90% in two weeks.
Formula and Benefits: Nioxin’s advanced cleansing technology with pyrithione zinc helps to get rid of excess follicle-clogging sebum and “detoxifies” hair by removing environmental residue from locks and scalp. The cleanser contains seven different moisturizers that soothe irritation, provide balance to an itchy dry scalp, and reduce hair breakage and hair loss associated with severe itching. Polypeptides enrich hair with proteins, vitamin B, and iron. Magnesium ferment is a known antioxidant, Epsom salt exfoliates, and smithsonite mineral extract helps heal sores.
Use: Use as a normal shampoo about 2 to 3 times per week. Some users advise to apply it only to the scalp and to leave it in for 3 minutes before rinsing.
Pros- Dermatologist-tested active ingredients
- Formaldehyde, and ammonia-free
- Brings immediate relief
- Cruelty-free
- Relieves seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff symptoms
- Works on eczema of the scalp
- Safe for human hair extensions
- Works for all hair types, best for coarse hair
- Smells medicated
- Contains alcohol
- Includes magnesium, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfates
- Not for sensitive scalps
- Can give light hair a yellow cast
- Non-vegan
#7: The Wonder Seed Shampoo — Green Tea and Hemp Oil Dry Scalp Solution
View on AmazonHemp is a product with a lot of controversy, however, it is not the same as marijuana. You can safely eat hemp seeds, apply hemp oil to your body, use it in hair products, and the manufacturer of the Wonder Seed Shampoo claims that hemp seed oil is “a superfood for the scalp”.
Formula and Benefits: Hemp seed oil contains a whole variety of different vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc), amino acids, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Hemp seed oil balances scalp oil levels no matter what type of scalp you have. It also has a soothing effect for different skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry itchy scalp.
The shampoo includes other oils that when combined with hemp oil, create the best moisturizer you can get. Use this shampoo for several months and your hair’s natural oils will return to normal. Green tea extract also prevents hair loss.
Use: Massage into wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly.
Pros- Revitalizes and softens hair
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- No parabens, sulfates, artificial colors or fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Ideal for children of any age
- Is very mild, works for hair extensions
- 100% refundable if it doesn’t work
- For all types of hair, including natural
- A product of a small family business that cares for every client
- Hard to lather
- Can be difficult to rinse
- Your hair may not hold curls
- Expensive
#8: The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo — Mega-Effective Dry Scalp Moisturizer
View on AmazonMeet The Body Shop’s top-rated and best-selling shampoo. Whether your dry scalp is caused by seasonal cold weather changes or is a chronic, ongoing issue, The Body Shop’s Ginger Shampoo can help.
This shampoo refreshes hair, soothes the scalp, and balances sebum production, leaving hair feeling soft and free from frizziness. Customers enjoy the lathering properties and the high-quality feel of the product.
Formula and Benefits: Key ingredients of this shampoo are known for their ‘astringent’ properties that help control oil and promote a balanced, healthy scalp. Piroctone olamine and sodium salicylate are good antifungal agents for those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis. Panthenol nourishes hair and reduces breakage and organic honey moisturizes and conditions locks. Ginger, an old remedy that has stood the test of time, works to fight bacteria that can cause itchiness.
The Body Shop’s Ginger Shampoo improves the condition of hair within 3 to 5 washes and works best for those who want to remove loose flakes.
Use: Massage directly into wet hair and scalp. Leave the refreshing ginger shampoo in for about 2 minutes before rinsing.
Pros- Extremely high standards for raw materials
- Paraben-free and gluten-free
- 100% vegetarian (but not vegan)
- Has a very good degreasing effect
- Foams up, lathers, and washes out nicely
- For all hair types
- Makes hair (not scalp) dry and rough
- Has to be followed with an ultra-rich conditioner and/or detangler
- Contains sulfates
- Contains alcohol
- Contains fragrances, not for sensitive skin
- Hair can feel greasy
Reviewers recommend: pairing this shampoo with The Body Shop’s pleasant-smelling Banana Conditioner to restore softness and manageability after shampooing.
#9: Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — Rich in Oils Nourishing Product
View on AmazonThe Avalon Organics Anti-dandruff shampoo promises to nourish not only your scalp but also ‘the mind and the soul’. This medicated Avalon Organics shampoo cleanses the scalp, balances moisture levels, and soothes irritation. Although its formula was created for anti-dandruff purposes, the mix of organic botanicals and essential oils also makes it effective on dry, itchy scalp. This shampoo is reported to relieve scalp discomfort, soothe dermatitis and psoriasis, add shine and softness to locks, and make hair manageable.
Formula and Benefits: A well-balanced mix of 2% salicylic acid, tea tree oil, aloe vera, mint and chamomile helps to relieve the discomfort of a dry scalp, as well as, cleanse and restore hydration levels in hair. It includes babassu, an antistatic agent, antibacterial properties from coriander, and menthol for a fresh, tingly feeling.
Use: Gently massage into wet hair, lather and rinse.
Pros- Certified organic
- Vegan and biodegradable
- PH balanced
- GMO and paraben-free
- No harsh sulfates, preservatives, phthalates, synthetic colors, fragrances
- Not tested on animals
- Contains gluten
- Contains sodium coco-sulfate, sodium sulfate
- Includes preservatives, alcohol
- Can make hair hard
#10: Amplixin Dry Scalp Shampoo — Caffeine Scalp Therapy
View on AmazonSuitable for both genders, Amplixin Dry Scalp Shampoo leaves hair feeling lighter, soft, silky, and more manageable.
Formula and Benefits: Caffeine is easily absorbed by the outer layer of skin, deeply cleanses follicles, and is a potent hair growth stimulant. It blocks the chemical DHT, a derivative of testosterone, that is thought to be responsible for both men’s and women’s hair loss. Tea tree oil’s antiseptic and antioxidant properties heal the scalp, and creates a light, pleasant tingling effect. Rosemary oil is believed to prevent hair thinning, slow down hair aging, and decelerate graying. Sage leaf, full of nutrients, thickens strands and adds moisture.
Use: Massage a generous amount into wet into hair and scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
Pros- Gives very quick results
- Doesn’t leave a residue
- Works against redness
- Promotes hair growth
- Sulfate and paraben-free, no harsh chemicals or irritants
- Never tested on animals
- Can be safely used with other treatments
- Expensive
- Contains fragrance
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp
To help you better understand what causes dry scalp and how to resolve the issue, check out our FAQ section.
Dry Scalp and Dandruff: What’s the Difference?
The majority of commercials do not distinguish between these two conditions and the word “dandruff” usually means either itchy scalp or flakes. But the main cause of dandruff is actually the excess production of scalp oil, called sebum. Skin cells build up in the sebum and shed as dandruff. Flaking can be caused, for example, by seborrheic dermatitis or fungus Malassezia. The main symptoms of dandruff are:
- itchy scalp,
- large white or yellow flakes that often smell bad,
- waxy, oily, sticky flakes,
- red, oily skin.
Dry scalp results from the lack of moisture in the scalp and dehydration. The main symptoms of dry scalp are:
- itching,
- dry, irritated scalp,
- small white flakes that are dry and loose.
You may also notice dry patches on other parts of your body.
Both conditions are flaky, itchy, and annoying, but they have very different causes. That is why anti-dandruff shampoo is not always effective remedy for a dry, itchy scalp.
Why Does Scalp Get Dry?
The main causes of scalp dryness are:
- contact dermatitis most often caused from using hair products with harsh chemicals or allergens,
- washing hair too often or with water that’s too hot,
- using brushes that scratch and irritate skin,
- dry, cold weather,
- not rinsing your hair well,
- age, hormonal changes.
What Are General Recommendations for Those Who Suffer from Dry Scalp?
- treat the cause,
- use a gentle shampoo,
- rinse hair thoroughly,
- blow dry and style hair gently,
- avoid stressful situations.
What Kind of Shampoo Is Good for Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp is dehydrated. It needs moisture and the best shampoos for this contain a lot of oils and natural extracts.
What to Avoid When Looking for a Good Dry Scalp Shampoo?
One of the causes of scalp dryness is using shampoos with harsh ingredients for a long period of time. Opt for products without sulfates, parabens, preservatives, or fragrances.
Ingredients such as pyrithione zinc and citric acid can also dry scalp a bit, but moisturizing shampoos counteract this by adding nourishing natural oils and extracts.
Can You Use Any Anti-Dandruff Shampoo to Cure Dry Scalp?
To choose the right product, read the description, reviews, and ingredients carefully. If the shampoo washes away excess oil, it’s not the right shampoo for dry scalp. There are a lot of anti-dandruff shampoos with antifungal properties that also work for dry scalp. All products reviewed in this article are good for either dry scalp or dandruff.
Can Men Use the Same Dry-Scalp Shampoos as Women?
Yes, reviewers report that all the shampoos described here work great for both genders.
Does Scalp Dryness Trigger Dry Hair?
No. Actually, you can have dry scalp and oily hair, or oily scalp and dry hair. It’s harder to choose the right shampoo in these cases, as you’ll need to get rid of grease, but not dry out the scalp or vice versa.
Can Sulfates and Preservatives in Shampoos Damage Hair?
Not always. Sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates help to clean hair more effectively, but they can dry out the scalp and hair. If you have flaky scalp, be sure that the shampoo with sulfates you want to buy contains a lot of moisturizers.
Preservatives are included to protect both raw ingredients at the production stage and the final product from bacteria. The amounts of sulfates and preservatives used in the products are within safe ranges, however, any amount of added chemicals can cause irritation to sensitive scalps. Look for sulfate-free shampoos, or those that contain sodium coco sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate, and natural preservatives.
Do Dry Scalp Shampoos Lose Their Effectiveness over Time?
Scientists have studied this and there isn’t any evidence that the scalp can build up a tolerance to some ingredients. However, many users combine and/or change shampoos from time to time. It depends on your scalp’s sensitivity.
One thing to keep in mind is that your hair needs some time to get used to 100% natural hair care products. Switching back and forth from sulfate-free products to ones with chemicals can be frustrating when you are not getting the results you expect.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Using 100% Natural Hair Products?
Since natural shampoos do not contain chemical preservatives, the shelf-life of organic products is shorter, usually 6 months to 3 years. If there is no expiry date on packaging, ask the seller for an estimated time frame for product freshness. Using expired hair care products can worsen the condition of your locks and scalp.
Is There a Need to Use a Dry Scalp Shampoo Daily?
Initially, you may use the moisturizing, anti-flake shampoo every day. Then, when your scalp condition is under control, you can reduce it to 1 to 3 times per week.
Is It Normal to Feel Stinging During Washing Hair with the Dry Scalp Shampoo?
A light, tingly feeling is normal if you are using a shampoo with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and menthol. If the shampoo does not contain these ingredients, or if your irritation worsens or you have any other discomfort, stop using the product immediately.
How Can You Know If You Are Allergic to the Dry Scalp Product?
Check with a patch test of your new shampoo. Apply a few drops of the shampoo to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if irritation develops. You can also test-wash your dry scalp treatment on one small section around the bang, ear, or nape areas to see if irritation develops.
Healthy hair starts at the scalp. If you see even the smallest of dry flakes in your locks, it means the scalp is dehydrated. The outer layer of epidermis is irritated, can’t lock in moisture and starts to itch. Scratching can lead to infections, fungi, and thinning hair. Try one of the best shampoos for dry scalp reviewed here to fix the problem.