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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.
Our Top Picks
- 1
Best Budget-Friendly
Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
$8 at Amazon$8 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best Hydrating
Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo
$24 at Amazon$24 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best Clinically-Proven Formula
Nutrafol Root Purifier
$44 at nutrafol.com$44 at nutrafol.comRead more
- 4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Shampoo
$10 at Amazon$10 at AmazonRead more
- 5
Best Invigorating
Joon Sumac Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Shampoo
$38 at Amazon$38 at AmazonRead more
Show more
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.
1Best Budget-Friendly
Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
1Best Budget-Friendly
Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Now 25% Off$8 at Amazon$7 at WalmartCredit: AveenoPros
Affordable
Cons
Some buyers say it weighs down very fine hair
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.
2Best Hydrating
Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo
2Best Hydrating
Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo
$24 at Amazon$43 at Walmart$23 at JCPenneyCredit: BiolagePros
Increases moisture and softness
Cons
Nothing
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.
3Best Clinically-Proven Formula
Nutrafol Root Purifier
3Best Clinically-Proven Formula
Nutrafol Root Purifier
$44 at nutrafol.comCredit: NutrafolPros
Promotes balanced scalp pH
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
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.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Shampoo
4Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Shampoo
$10 at AmazonPros
Affordable
Cons
If you like a lot of lather, you may not like a sulfate-free shampoo
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.
5Best Invigorating
Joon Sumac Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Shampoo
5Best Invigorating
Joon Sumac Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Shampoo
$38 at Amazon$38 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: JoonPros
Scalp feels refreshed after every use
Gentle exfoliation
Cons
Nothing
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.
6Best Fragrance-Free
Nécessaire The Shampoo
6Best Fragrance-Free
Nécessaire The Shampoo
$28 at Sephora$28 at NordstromCredit: NécessairePros
Offers a deep cleanse 
Gentle
Cons
Nothing
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.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Sulfate-Free
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
7Best Sulfate-Free
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Saks Fifth Avenue$12 at SephoraCredit: Moroccanoil Pros
Preserves Haircolor
Cons
If you like a lot of lather, you may not like a sulfate-free shampoo
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.
8Best Vegan
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo
8Best Vegan
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo
$36 at marianila.comCredit: Maria NilaPros
Soothes dry skin and itchiness
Promotes healthy hair growth
Cons
If you don’t like fragrance, you may not like the floral scent
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.
9Best Drugstore
Dove Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
9Best Drugstore
Dove Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Now 21% Off$21 at WalmartCredit: DovePros
Soothing
Promotes less frizz
Cons
Some buyers say you need to be careful of how much you use because it can weigh hair down
Thanks to ingredients like coconut, shea butter, and zinc, this gentle shampoo works to remove dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp, says Sobel.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best for Dandruff
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
10Best for Dandruff
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
$16 at Amazon$12 at WalmartCredit: NizoralPros
Clinically proven to control flaking, scaling, and itching from dandruff
Cons
Not the prettiest packaging
"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.
11Best for Natural Hair Types
Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Clear Shampoo
11Best for Natural Hair Types
Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Clear Shampoo
$10 at Amazon$14 at WalmartCredit: Eden BodyWorksPros
Safe for protective styles
Cons
Some buyers say it leaves fine hair textures stripped
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.
12Best for Thinning Hair
Foligain Triple Action Shampoo for Thinning Hair
12Best for Thinning Hair
Foligain Triple Action Shampoo for Thinning Hair
$35 at AmazonCredit: FoligainPros
Encourages hair growth
Cons
Nothing
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.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Best Exfoliating
Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo
13Best Exfoliating
Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo
$14 at Amazon$8 at WalmartCredit: Selsun BluePros
Affordable
Cons
Not the prettiest packaging
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.
14Best 2-in-1
Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
14Best 2-in-1
Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
$42 at Sephora$42 at Walmart$15 at NordstromCredit: BriogeoPros
Suitable for all hair types
Cleanses and exfoliates
Cons
It’s more expensive than other options on this list
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.
15Best for Flaking
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Daily Shampoo
15Best for Flaking
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Daily Shampoo
Now 43% Off$19 at WalmartCredit: Head and ShouldersPros
Moisturizing
Cons
Nothing
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.
