10 Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp (2023), According To Reviews

Moisturize your scalp and enjoy itch and dandruff-free days with these hair care essentials.

Reviewed by Yvey Valcin, Hairstylist
Written by Oyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Anjali Sayee  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

A dry scalp calls for moisture and smooth cleansing, and the best shampoo for dry scalp helps you achieve that. The cause for this condition is many, like weather transitions, usage of excessive hair dye, and other sensitive skin problems like dermatitis. Deep nourishment with oils is essential, and even damage-free cleanser formulas are also available for gentle care of your scalp. To avoid the above issues from ruining your hair and scalp, go through our list of the 10 best shampoos that work nicely on skin devoid of nutrient oils and moisture.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Anti-Dandruff:Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Flaking:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Itchy Scalp:As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free:Amplixin Scalp Therapy ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Hair Growth:Maple Holistic Tea Tree Special Formula ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Color-Treated Hair:Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Dandruff ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Moisturizing:Avlon Keracare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Scalp Soothing:Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best pH-Balanced:Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Damaged Hair:Pantene Pro-V 2-in-1 Shampoo & ConditionerPrice on Amazon

10 Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp Available Right Now

1. Best Anti-Dandruff:Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.5
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Image: Nizoral

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best dry shampoos for a flaky scalp. This shampoo fights breakouts and itchiness. It contains an active ingredient called ketoconazole, which is a clinically proven, antifungal agent that binds to your hair’s natural protein to kill dandruff. It is suitable for adults, adolescents, and pregnant women.

Use this anti-itch shampoo to wash your hair twice a week consistently for 2-4 weeks. Once your scalp has cleared up, you can use it once every two weeks. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the tester’s experience of using the product.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.54 x 2.99 x 7.17 inches | Weight: 6.98 Ounces

Pros

  • Fights dandruff
  • Reduces flaking and itchiness
  • Treats psoriasis sores
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • May cause an allergic reaction
  • May dry out your skin
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 70,099 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $26.83

2. Best For Flaking:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

3.8
Neutrogena TGel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo Image: Neutrogena

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo provides significant relief from a dry and itchy scalp. It moisturizes your scalp and alleviates inflammation. This scalp-soothing shampoo is an original creamy formula. It contains Neutar (1% coal tar) that is proven to control flaking and itching on the scalp for hours after it’s rinsed out. This clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended product has calming properties that heal a flaky scalp.

Use this shampoo thrice a week or as directed by the doctor for desired results. You will see visible results after six weeks of following the routine. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of a tester’s experience of using this product on YouTube.

Pros

  • Treats dry and itchy scalp
  • Moisturizes your scalp
  • Eliminates dandruff

Cons

  • May cause skin or scalp irritation
  • Excessive use may cause hair follicle problems.
  • Stains dyed hair
Price at the time of publication: $1970.0

3. Best For Itchy Scalp: As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo

4.5
As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Cowash - 16 ounce - Enriched with Zinc Pyrithione, Olive Oil, and Tea Tree Oil - Fights Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Image: As I Am

If you are frantically looking for a shampoo that is right for your itchy and dry scalp, the As Am I Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo is an ideal remedy. It is free from sulfates and parabens. This shampoo is enriched with zinc pyrithione, olive oil, and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil works wonders to reduce scalp dryness. It effectively fights dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc pyrithione is also an active ingredient that eliminates dandruff. Several reviewers have noticed an immediate reduction in flaky scalp and recommend the product for its soothing feel.

This exfoliating shampoo gives the best results if you follow your doctor’s instructions or apply it at least twice a week. You can check out this YouTuber’s review to gain insight into the tester’s experience of using the product.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 3.62 x 3.58 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Relieves dryness and irritation
  • Reduces redness
  • Hydrates the hair
  • Cleanses and moisturizes the scalp

Cons

  • Overuse leads to hair breakage

protip_icon Pro Tip
If you have a dry scalp, wash your hair with cold or tepid water instead of hot water to seal the cuticles and reduce moisture loss.

Price at the time of publication: $10.99

4. Best Cruelty-Free:Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Another great shampoo for a flaky scalp is the Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo. This shampoo is specially formulated with tea tree oil and peppermint oil to treat dryness and flakiness on the scalp. It is infused with the perfect combination of red clover, bio-mimetic peptides, and caffeine that help in stimulating the scalp to slow down hair loss. It nourishes your hair and is suitable for all hair types. It is also good for people with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

The shampoo is ideal for daily use as it is infused with aloe vera, tea tree oil, caffeine, and rosemary extract.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains natural oils
  • Reduces hair loss
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • May cause an allergic reaction
Price at the time of publication: $21.99

5. Best For Hair Growth:Maple Holistic Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo

4.3
Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo Image: Maple Holistics

The next shampoo on the list that acts as a life-saver to solve your dry scalp issues is the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo. Tea tree oil works like a miracle to treat dryness on the scalp and has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. This shampoo is also enriched with natural nourishing ingredients like lavender and rosemary oils that help retain the moisture of your scalp. Reviewers highly recommend this shampoo to prevent breakouts on your scalp without drying out your hair.

Use this shampoo twice a week to see a visible improvement in your scalp.

Hair Type: Oily, Color Treated, Dry, Normal, Dandruff | Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Washes away dandruff and flakes
  • Makes your hair look healthy
  • Boosts hair growth
  • Eradicates head lice
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • May cause an allergic reaction
  • Burning or stinging sensation.
Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 13,217 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Price at the time of publication: $11.95

6. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Dandruff Shampoo

4.5

Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Dandruff Shampoo is a super hydrating shampoo that provides essential nutrients to your hair like vitamins B5 and E. The active ingredient in this shampoo is 3% salicylic acid that fights dryness and flaking and protects your hair. It treats dandruff and itchiness like a pro. This repairing shampoo ensures your hair is left with a shinier and healthier appearance after each wash.
You can use this shampoo twice a week for desired results.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.63 x 3.75 x 7.75 inches | Weight: 4.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Vitamin-infused
  • Moisturizes the hair
  • Fights dandruff
  • Suitable for color-treated hair
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • Causes irritation on broken or inflamed skin
Price at the time of publication: $7.78

7. Best Moisturizing:Avlon Keracare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo

4.5
Avlon Keracare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo Image: Keracare

Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is a carefully balanced, strengthening blend of plant-based botanicals and tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils that give you a comfortable scalp and shiny hair. This shampoo makes your hair softer and healthier. It also makes it more manageable. Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, not tested on animals, and has zero synthetic fragrances or colors.

Consult a dermatologist before using this shampoo.

Pros

  • Cleanses hair
  • Eliminates flakiness
  • Moisturizes the hair
  • Fights dandruff
  • Treats itchiness

Cons

  • Thin consistency
  • Unpleasant fragrance

protip_icon Did You Know?
The word shampoo is derived from the Hindi word ‘champo’, meaning massage.

Price at the time of publication: $23

8. Best Scalp Soothing:Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo

4.2
Avalon Organics Image: Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo

Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is a carefully balanced, strengthening blend of plant-based botanicals and tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils that give you a comfortable scalp and shiny hair. This shampoo makes your hair softer and healthier. It also makes it more manageable. Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and has zero synthetic fragrances or colors.

Use this shampoo twice a week to get the best results.

Pros

  • Softens the hair
  • Soothes the scalp
  • Makes hair more manageable
  • Vegetarian
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • No preservatives
  • No synthetic colors or fragrance

Cons

  • Watery consistency
Price at the time of publication: $10.99

9. Best pH-Balanced:Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.4
Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo Dryness and Itch Relief Image: Dove
Now 14% Off

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo relieves all the flakiness and itching on your scalp. It contains rich fruit extracts and other active ingredients like water, cucumber, and aloe juice. The shea butter and coconut oil in this scalp-balancing and pH-balanced shampoo moisturize dry hair.

Use this shampoo twice a week to get flake-free hair and scalp.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 3.03 x 1.92 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 13.44 Ounces

Pros

  • Relieves scalp irritation
  • Reduces redness
  • Smoothens the hair
  • No visible flakes with regular use
  • Pleasant fragrance

Cons

  • Contains parabens and SLS
Price at the time of publication: $4.88

10. Best For Damaged Hair:Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

4.6
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner Image: Pantene

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner contains a blend of nutrients and antioxidants to nourish your hair and scalp. It gently cleanses the flakes from your scalp and hydrates your hair from within. It rejuvenates your hair from root to tip in one simple step. It is especially great for people with a dry and itchy scalp.

You can use this shampoo-cum-conditioner twice or thrice a week as per your requirements.

Pros

  • Free from harsh ingredients
  • Reduces flaking
  • Softens dry and damaged hair.
  • Removes build-up from the hair and scalp

Cons

  • Does not condition the hair
Price at the time of publication: $14.95

Infographic: Key Ingredients In Shampoos For Dry Scalp

A dry and itchy scalp calls for hydrating and moisturizing formulas that address flakiness and dry texture. These shampoos have ingredients that soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness. Before taking your pick, you should know about these ingredients to have a better understanding of the formulations that your hair needs. Take a look at the infographic below to know more!

Key Ingredients In Shampoos For Dry Scalp (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Addressing dry scalp concerns is essential for maintaining strong and healthy locks. A variety of shampoos are tailored to combat this issue and offer restorative care by providing relief from itching, flaking, and discomfort. The Nizoral’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is perfect for adolescents and pregnant women, while the Neutrogena’s T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo offers relief from inflammation. But for those with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, try the As I Am’s Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo. Now, you know all about the best shampoos for dry scalp. All you need to do is pick your favorite from these. To combat those flaky white foes on your scalp, you can try out one of these shampoos and fall in love with your hair all over again! Opt for shampoos with positive customer reviews and remember to conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair care enthusiast. She believes that your hair and scalp need special attention to look healthy and prevent dandruff growth. So, she went through various platforms and hundreds of user reviews to provide you with the best shampoo for dry scalp. These shampoos help combat dandruff, reduce irritation and flakes, and treat itchy and dry scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What helps an extremely dry scalp?

Hot oil treatment is extremely helpful for dry scalp as oil nourishes and hydrates your scalp.

Is dry scalp the same as dandruff?

No, dandruff and dry scalp are not the same things. Dandruff is big oily flakes that are yellow and white, whereas a dry scalp features smaller dry flakes and is dry on the skin and other parts of your body.

How often should I wash my hair with a dry scalp?

Wash your hair with a dry scalp 2-3 times weekly because washing it daily will remove the natural oil and leave your hair and scalp dry and itchy.

Is baby shampoo good for dry scalp?

Yes, baby shampoos are good for dry scalp, as it is free of chemicals harmful to the hair or scalp.

What shampoo ingredients cause dry scalp?

Sulfates, formaldehyde, parabens, silicone, and synthetic fragrance in shampoos may lead to a dry scalp.

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