11 Best Shampoos For Itchy Scalps – 2023 Update
End that constant irritation and itch on your scalp with these soothing formulas.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Expertise: Coloring
Experience: 10 years
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
When it comes to selecting the best shampoo for itchy scalp, you might be overwhelmed with the many available options. A specially formulated shampoo to treat itch and irritations should not only help soothe your scalp but also help treat the underlying causes like dandruff, eczema, and dirt buildup. But cosmetologist Lindsey Loo says “ When dealing with scalp concerns, please advise that this list should be viewed as a recommendation. Also note that if you have chemically or colored treated hair, tea tree oil and peppermint are never recommended to use as they can oxidize the chemical or color.” To help you get started, we have listed down the 11 best shampoos that can help keep your scalp healthy, nourished, and itch-free.
In This Article
11 Best Shampoos Help To Get Rid Of Itchy Scalp
1. Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Therapeutics Anti-Itch Shampoo
The Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Therapeutics Anti-Itch Shampoo relieves and soothes dry, itchy, and flaky scalps. It also helps treat dandruff and seborrhea dermatitis. This shampoo is formulated with pyrithione zinc, peppermint, and aloe that soothe and nourish your scalp.
The aroma therapeutic scent of peppermint calms your senses. The gentle formula does not strip the natural oils of your hair and scalp. This shampoo helps restore the moisture balance of the scalp and hair. It is long-lasting, unisex, gluten-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for all hair types. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product.
Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, Peppermint, and Aloe
Pros
- Unisex
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Might cause hair fall
- Not recommended for color treated hair
ProTip2. head & shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Daily Shampoo
The head & shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Daily Shampoo nourishes and soothes the scalp. It relieves scalp irritation, flakiness, and itchiness. The gentle formula contains eucalyptus that helps eliminate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This paraben-free shampoo helps maintain the pH balance of your scalp. It is color-safe, suitable for curly hair, and works as a shampoo and conditioner.
Key Ingredient:Eucalyptus
Pros
- Gentle formula
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Might cause a tingling sensation
- Strong fragrance
3. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
The Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo helps soothe itchy scalp and helps with dandruff. It eliminates impurities from the hair and scalp, restoring its natural luster. This shampoo contains tea tree oil that removes buildup and soothes scalp irritation. It also contains hyaluronic acid, retinol, argan oil, and activated charcoal. This cruelty-free shampoo does not contain parabens and sulfates and is suitable for all hair types.
Key Ingredient: Tea tree oil
Key Ingredient: Tea tree oil
Pros
- Gentle
- Unisex
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Not recommended for color treated hair
ProTip4. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo
The Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo helps soothe itchy scalp and dry flakes. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help detox your scalp, stimulate hair growth, and prevent hair loss.
The gentle formula removes buildup and excess oil, making your hair silky, lustrous, and manageable. This clarifying shampoo contains tea tree, jojoba, argan, lavender, rosemary, and essential oils. It also contains vitamins A, B, C, and E that help moisturize the scalp and hair. This shampoo is cruelty-free, color-safe, suitable for oily hair, hypoallergenic, and sulfate-free. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Key Ingredient: Tea tree oil
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Hypoallergenic
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Tangles the hair
- Might dry out the hair
- Not recommended for chemically treated hair
ProTip5. purad’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo
The pura d’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo helps nourish your scalp and reduce dry flakes. It also relaxes itchy and irritated scalps. This shampoo is formulated with tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and argan oils that boost scalp health. It nourishes dry and damaged hair, making it frizz-free and soft. This cruelty-free product is color-safe, suitable for all hair types, and free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Peppermint, Lavender oil, and Argan oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Unisex
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Can be used on colored and chemically-treated hair
Cons
- Might cause blisters
- Oxidized hair color
6. As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care
The As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care shampoo is formulated with zinc pyrithione, olive oil, and tea tree oil that help moisturize your scalp. It helps with itchiness, redness, and irritated patches.
This shampoo helps refresh and rejuvenate your scalp and treats severe dandruff and seborrhea dermatitis, keeping your hair and scalp healthy. It reduces frizz and tangles and prevents hair breakage while combing. This shampoo also helps hydrate and volumize your hair and is free of sulfates and parabens.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, Olive oil, and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Makes the hair greasy.
- Not recommended for color treated hair
7. Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is for you if you have dandruff-related scaling, flaking, or itching. It is specially created to manage and alleviate dandruff symptoms. With the goodness of selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, and salicylic acid, it gets rid of itchy scalp and flakes.
The extra moisturizing nature of the shampoo promotes healthy hair. It contains 8 intensive moisturizers, botanicals, and vitamins B5 and E to nourish and soften the hair. It certainly is a miracle in a bottle for people who suffer from an itchy scalp!
Key Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc, Salicylic acid, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Gentle-formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for most hair types
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May be a bit drying
8. Honey Skin Tea Tree Shampoo
The Honey skin Tea Tree Shampoo with Stem Cell technology helps dry and itchy scalp. It moisturizes your scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. This shampoo is infused with tea tree oil, manuka honey, coconut oil, and apple stem cells that revitalize your hair and impart a natural shine. It helps soothe eczema and protects your hair and scalp against disease. This color-safe product is free of parabens, sulfates, and fragrance. It is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Manuka honey, Coconut oil, and Apple stem cell
Pros
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Takes time to show visible results
- Not recommended for chemically treated hair
9. DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo
If you suffer from dandruff and an itchy scalp and are seeking a gentle shampoo to use on a daily basis, the Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo is for you. It is a doctor-developed shampoo that contains a medicinal psorzema herbal blend of neem, burdock, and bearberry. It also contains natural ingredients, including salicylic acid, tea tree, menthol, aloe vera, and provitamin B5, which cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates the scalp. It calms the scalp and removes extra flakes and buildup. In addition, it manages to soften and nourish your hair.
Key Ingredients: Therapeutic psorzema herbal blend, Salicylic acid, and Tea tree
Pros
- Excellent for daily use
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- GMO-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not recommended for colored hair
ProTip10. Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
The Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo revitalizes your hair and scalp. It is loaded with pure apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and avocado oil that hydrate, nourish, and soothe your scalp.
This shampoo helps detoxify your scalp, eliminate buildup, restore shine, and reduce itchiness. Pure apple cider vinegar cleanses your scalp, and the oil blend soothes your scalp. This shampoo promotes healthy hair growth and prevents the reoccurrence of itchiness. It is color-safe, cruelty-free, and suitable for all hair types.
Key Ingredients: Raw apple cider vinegar, Coconut oil, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Unisex
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair types
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Greasy
- Not recommended for colored hair
11. Rene Furterer ASTERA FRESH Soothing Freshness Shampoo
The Rene Furterer ASTERA FRESH Soothing Freshness Shampoo is lightweight and helps calm severe scalp itchiness. It soothes the scalp and makes your hair healthy, shiny, and tangle-free. This shampoo is infused with asteraceae extracts, which contain polysaccharides and antioxidants that protect your scalp from irritation. Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils cleanse and refresh your irritated scalp. The gentle formula helps strengthen your hair and prevent breakage caused by tangling. This product is free of SLS, silicones, and parabens.
Key Ingredients: Asteraceae extracts, Peppermint essential oil, and Eucalyptus essential oil
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Gentle formula
- Lightweight
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Expensive
An itchy scalp can drive anyone crazy, but frequent shampooing can further aggravate the problem. The secret is to find a shampoo that will locate and treat the issue causing the itch. Before making any purchases, it is important to keep the following pointers in mind. These will help you make the best choices for relieving your condition.
Things To Look For In A Shampoo For Cleaning An Itchy Scalp
- Ingredients
You need to step up your knowledge about hair care components. Some shampoos have anti-itch or anti-flakes chemicals, but they do not address the underlying source of the problem. Select a shampoo containing ketoconazole if you want to eliminate dandruff at its root. It has anti-fungal characteristics that make it useful for treating seborrheic dermatitis and other fungal diseases.
If your problem is itching due to dryness, a moisturizing shampoo will be the perfect fit for you.
- Skin Concerns
If you have skin issues like seborrheic dermatitis or other skin disorders that cause itching, opt for a medicated shampoo. If your itching is caused due to weather changes or dryness, pair a moisturizing shampoo containing skin soothing ingredients with a leave-in conditioner.
If you have recently colored your hair, you may be experiencing itchiness due to harsh chemicals in the dye. In that case, opt for a shampoo meant for color-treated hair. It will not only be more hydrating but also protect the hair color from leaching out.
- Skin Type
Excessive oiliness in your skin can also cause itching as oil attracts dust and grime. In that case, opt for a clarifying shampoo and follow it up with a lightweight conditioner. People with dry skin should further avoid drying formulas or ingredients like alcohol, parabens, or fragrances. Artificial dyes and other additions that are not essential can also be irritating. So, always seek out shampoos that are mild on the scalp and work well with your hair type.
Some people who experience dandruff find that using fragrance-free shampoo helps. Scented shampoos may seem appealing, but the chemicals like perfumes or parfum that are present in them can irritate and dry up your scalp. To reduce the risk of irritation, go for a shampoo without any scent, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In The Best Shampoo For Itchy Scalp
Scalp itchiness may be caused by a variety of factors like dandruff, dryness, infections, imbalance of scalp and hair pH, reaction to a certain product, etc. There are various shampoos that help resolve these issues and prevent constant itching and inflammation. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of the key ingredients that can help alleviate itchy scalp. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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An itchy scalp shampoo helps soothe and detoxify your scalp, preventing irritation. The products mentioned above are long-lasting and gentle on the scalp. Pick your favorite shampoo from our list that is best suited for your hair type.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Shiboli Chakraborti is a hair care enthusiast who researches many online products to suggest the best ones for her readers. She listed some of the best itchy scalp shampoos in this post after analyzing many products on several e-commerce sites. Before selecting the products, she has considered the user’s requirement for a suitable shampoo with good ingredients. She has also listed the pros and cons, along with clearing a few FAQs on itchy scalp shampoos to help you make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my head itching so badly?
Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis might be the common cause of inflamed or itching scalp.
How often should you wash your hair if your scalp is itchy?
Foran itchy scalp, wash your hair once in three days. Opt for a shampoo that soothes your scalp and keeps it healthy.
Why is my head so itchy at night?
If your scalp is itchy at night, it might be due to dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
Does stress cause an itchy scalp?
Yes, stress causes androgen levels to shoot up which makes the scalp oilier. The dandruff-causing yeast feeds on the oily scalp which makes our scalp itch.
What is the best treatment for an itchy scalp?
Use shampoos for itchy scalp that keep dandruff, irritation, and flakiness at bay. Try using apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, peppermint oil, or tea tree oil as home remedies to heal the itchy scalp.
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