Do you suffer from an itchy, flaky, dry scalp? The cold, dry air of winter can cause a dry, irritated scalp for many people. Using an ineffective shampoo can also strip your scalp of its natural moisture and oils leading to dandruff, itchiness, and discomfort.
Choosing the right shampoo suited for a dry scalp is key to finding relief. The best shampoos contain hydrating ingredients that don’t contain sulfates or parabens which can further dry out your scalp. I’ve rounded up the top 12 shampoos to soothe and hydrate a dry, flaky scalp.
Best Shampoos for a Dry Scalp
1. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
This dermatologist-recommended shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid to treat scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The key ingredient, salicylic acid, works by sloughing off dead skin cells and preventing scalp buildup and clogged pores. It leaves hair clean and flake-free.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo:
Pros:
- Contains 3% salicylic acid to help treat scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
- Salicylic acid helps exfoliate and clear dead skin cells and flakes from the scalp
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use
- Relief from itching and flaking associated with scalp conditions
- Helps remove scales and calm irritation
- Can be used on color-treated hair
Cons:
- Can cause dryness or irritation, especially with overuse
- May need to use a conditioner afterward to avoid dry, brittle hair
- Effects are temporary – dandruff and flakes will return if treatment is stopped
- May cause hair discoloration if left on too long
- Salicylic acid can be drying for some hair types
- Does not moisturize the scalp or hair, so may not be suited for very dry scalp
- Sulfate-based formula may not be ideal for daily or long-term use
- Has a strong medicinal smell that some users dislike
Overall, Neutrogena T/Sal shampoo can be an effective therapeutic shampoo for treating stubborn scalp conditions like dandruff and dermatitis, but it may cause dryness or irritation with overuse. Using occasionally or alternating with a moisturizing shampoo is recommended. It provides relief from scalp itching, flakes, and scales but does not moisturize hair or scalp.
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2. Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo
Head & Shoulders uses pyrithione zinc as the active ingredient to eliminate dryness and flaking. This antifungal ingredient treats dandruff at the source while also moisturizing the scalp with glycerin.
Here are some pros and cons for Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care shampoo:
Pros:
- Contains pyrithione zinc as the active ingredient to help relieve and prevent dry scalp flaking and itching
- Also includes moisturizers like glycerin to help hydrate and soften dry scalp
- Fragrance-free and gentle daily formula
- Provides a cooling sensation on the scalp
- Helps remove scalp buildup and flakes
- Can be used on color-treated hair
- Relatively affordable and easy to find
Cons:
- May not be strong enough to treat severe dandruff or very dry scalps
- Contains sulfates that can be dried to hair with prolonged use
- Results may take several washes to see improvement
- The zinc formula can leave some hair feeling dry or brittle if overused
- Does not contain salicylic acid or selenium sulfide for dandruff
- May cause drying out of hair or irritation if used every day
- The scent may be overpowering for sensitive scalps
- Needs to be used routinely to maintain benefits
Overall, Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care shampoo is a gentle everyday formula that can help moisturize and relieve mild dryness and flaking. However, it may not be rich enough to treat very severe dryness or dandruff on its own. It provides a cooling sensation and relief from itchiness but contains sulfates and needs to be used regularly to keep working.
3. Tea Tree Special Shampoo by Paul Mitchell
The tea tree oil in this shampoo calms irritation and redness on the scalp. It has a cooling effect while thoroughly cleansing hair without stripping natural oils. The refreshing tea tree scent leaves your scalp feeling fresh and renewed.
Pros:
- Contains tea tree oil, which has natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties to help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Helps remove product buildup and impurities from hair and scalp
- Provides an invigorating, tingling sensation when used
- Leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed
- Can help remove excess oil from hair and scalp
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors
- Safe for use on color-treated hair
Cons:
- Tea tree oil scent may be too strong for some users
- Can potentially cause dryness or irritation if used too frequently
- Does not contain moisturizing ingredients, so may dry out hair
- Is a clarifying shampoo, so regular use can strip hair of natural oils
- More expensive than regular drugstore shampoos
- May cause stinging or irritation if applied to broken skin or open wounds
- Not specially formulated for severe dandruff or dry scalp conditions
- Results may take a few washes to notice significant improvement
Overall, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a good choice for an invigorating, clarifying shampoo that uses tea tree oil to help treat dandruff and product buildup. However, it can dry out hair and irritate the scalp if overused, so it’s best to use only occasionally or alternate with a more moisturizing shampoo.
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4. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo
Maple Holistics uses a blend of tea tree oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, and argan oil for a soothing, anti-dandruff shampoo. It’s made of all-natural ingredients to hydrate your hair and scalp without using sulfates or parabens.
Pros:
- Contains tea tree oil, which has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties to help combat dandruff
- Also includes lavender, rosemary, and peppermint oils for soothing and clarifying the scalp
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Hypoallergenic and sulfate-free formula
- Manufactured in a cruelty-free facility
- Leaves hair feeling fresh and clean
- Safe for colored hair
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Tea tree oil scent may be too strong or medicinal smelling for some
- Does not lather as much as typical shampoos
- May cause dryness or irritation if used too frequently
- Not suited for moisturizing or conditioning dry hair
- Contains no zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide for severe dandruff
- May not be effective at treating very severe or chronic scalp conditions
- The company makes a lot of dubious health claims about their products
- Effects may take several washes to notice major improvements
Overall, Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is a budget-friendly option containing natural ingredients to help control dandruff and clarify the scalp. However, it may not be suited for very dry hair or severe scalp conditions. It’s best for mild dandruff and buildup, but overuse can cause dryness. The herbal scent may also be overpowering for some.
5. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
With its revitalizing blend of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, aloe vera, silk protein, and keratin, this shampoo moisturizes a dry scalp while stimulating circulation. The result is a healthy scalp with improved hair texture.
Pros:
- Contains tea tree oil, which has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties to help treat dandruff
- Also includes nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and keratin
- Free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances
- Gentle daily formula suitable for all hair types
- The company donates a portion of profits to women’s empowerment initiatives
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Leaves hair feeling soft and moisturized
- Safe for colored and chemically treated hair
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Tea tree oil scent may be off-putting for some users
- May cause dryness or irritation if used daily
- Does not lather as much as typical shampoos
- Contains no zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole for severe dandruff
- Not specially formulated for very dry or flaky scalps
- Results may take a few washes to notice major improvements
- The company makes dubious health claims about many of their products
- Bottle design makes it prone to leaking
Overall, Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is a good budget-friendly option for mild dandruff and product buildup. The nourishing oils help moisturize hair. However, it may not be strong enough for severe dandruff or very dry scalps. The tea tree scent may also be overpowering for some. It’s a good gentle clarifying shampoo but may require consistent use to see results.
6. Klorane Shampoo with Oat Milk for Sensitive Scalps
Gentle enough for even the most sensitive scalps, this soap-free shampoo cleans hair thoroughly with oat milk. It also contains calming and hydrating agents like nettle extract and cinchona bark to relieve itch and irritation.
Pros:
- Formulated specifically for sensitive, irritated scalps
- Contains oat milk to soothe, cleanse, and protect the scalp
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
- Provides moisture and nourishment without weighing hair down
- Calms scalp irritation and reduces redness
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Light fresh scent
Cons:
- Expensive compared to regular drugstore shampoos
- May not lather as much as other shampoos
- Not designed to treat dandruff or hair loss
- Very mild formula may not remove buildup as well as clarifying shampoos
- Oat scent may be off-putting to some users
- Bottle design makes it hard to dispense product
- May cause stinging if applied to broken skin or cuts
- Long-term benefits unclear compared to medicated shampoos
Overall, Klorane Oat Milk shampoo is a good option for soothing and cleansing sensitive, irritated scalps. However, it is an expensive product that is not designed to treat severe conditions like dandruff. The extremely mild formula may not remove buildup as well as other shampoos. It moisturizes and calms the scalp, but primarily for those with sensitivity rather than severe flaking or itchiness.
7. Honeydew Natural Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo relies on ingredients like rosemary oil, aloe vera, and jojoba protein to hydrate hair and get rid of dandruff flakes You’ll be left with a healthy, flake-free scalp and no oily residue.
Pros:
- Contains zinc pyrithione to help treat and prevent dandruff
- Includes natural ingredients like jojoba oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil
- Free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA
- Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
- Safe for colored and chemically treated hair
- Provides moisture to dry, flaky scalps
- Pleasant honeydew melon scent
Cons:
- Zinc pyrithione may still cause dryness or irritation with prolonged use
- Not as effective for severe dandruff or psoriasis
- The formula is thinner than traditional medicated shampoos
- May need to use a conditioner afterwards
- The scent may be too strong or sweet for some
- Bottle packaging makes it hard to dispense all product
- Can be difficult to find in stores, primarily sold online
- Expensive compared to mass-market dandruff shampoos
- The company makes exaggerated claims about product effectiveness
Overall, Honeydew Natural Dandruff Shampoo is a good sulfates-free option that uses milder ingredients to treat mild to moderate dandruff while moisturizing the scalp. However, it may not be strong enough for severe scaling or itching, and the thick honeydew melon scent can be polarizing. It’s a good natural alternative for sensitive scalps but may not provide intensive dandruff treatment.
8. Scalp 18 Shampoo by Maple Holistics
Argan oil, keratin, silk proteins, and jojoba oil work together to repair dry hair and lock in moisture in this nourishing formula. It reduces dandruff, itching, and irritation for all hair types.
Pros:
- Contains salicylic acid to help treat dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis
- Includes natural oils like jojoba, olive, and rosemary for moisture
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan ingredients
- Provides a cooling, tingling sensation when used
- Helps relieve scalp itch and dryness
- Leaves hair feeling clean without stripping oils
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Minty, medicinal scent
Cons:
- Salicylic acid can cause dryness or irritation with overuse
- Not as effective for severe flaky or oily scalps
- The formula is thin and does not lather much
- May need to use conditioner after to avoid dry hair
- The scent is strong and medicinal
- Effects are only temporary if treatment is halted
- Contains numerous essential oils that may aggravate sensitivity
- The company makes exaggerated claims about products
- More expensive than mass-market dandruff shampoos
Overall, Scalp 18 offers a sulfate-free formula with salicylic acid to reduce dandruff and soothe itchiness. However, it may not be strong enough for severe scalp conditions and overuse can cause dryness. The thin formula also does not lather well. It provides temporary relief but the strong medicinal scent and high price point may be drawbacks for some consumers.
9. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
Containing rosemary oil, ginger extract, salicylic acid, and lactic acid, this shampoo exfoliates and cleanses an itchy, irritated scalp. Use it 1-2 times per week to remove product buildup and balance your scalp.
Pros:
- Contains salicylic acid and piroctone olamine to help treat dandruff
- Includes menthol for a refreshing, cooling effect
- Leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed
- Invigorates and clarifies the scalp
- Removes product buildup and oil
- Easy to lather and rinse out
- Suitable for all hair types
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- Minty rosemary scent
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to drugstore shampoos
- Can be dried with prolonged use
- May cause irritation or stinging of the scalp
- Not designed for very dry or sensitive scalps
- The scent may be too strong for some
- Effects are temporary – dandruff returns if use is stopped
- Bottle packaging makes it hard to dispense all product
- Does not contain natural oils or moisturizers
- May still contain other questionable ingredients
Overall, Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo provides a refreshing clarifying cleanse and helps treat dandruff with salicylic acid. However, it is very expensive, can be harsh with overuse, and does not moisturize. The refreshing minty scent may also be overpowering for sensitive scalps. It effectively removes buildup but is not ideal for long-term dandruff treatment or very dry hair.
10. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
With 1% ketoconazole, the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo treats the underlying fungal causes of dandruff. It also soothes itch, dryness, and flaking using hydrating ingredients like glycerin.
Pros:
- Contains ketoconazole 1% to treat fungal causes of dandruff
- Clinically proven to reduce flaking, scaling, and itching
- Works on contact to kill fungus on the scalp
- Provides relief from severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Lathers well to penetrate the scalp
- Cleans hair thoroughly without drying
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to regular shampoos
- Can irritate or dry out the scalp with overuse
- The strong chemical scent may be unpleasant
- May cause hair discoloration if left on too long
- Not suitable for everyday use
- May take several washes to see the full results
- Dandruff returns once treatment stops
- Not natural or organic
- Contains sulfates and other harsh detergents
- Can only be purchased at select pharmacies/retailers
Overall, Nizoral is a very effective clinical shampoo for treating fungal dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. However, it is expensive, drying with overuse, and has an unpleasant chemical scent. It should be used only intermittently as directed. While it provides relief from severe flaking, the results are temporary. It is not suitable for daily moisturizing.
11. Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo by R+Co
Featuring jojoba protein, witch hazel bark extract, and aloe leaf juice, this sulfate-free formula hydrates your scalp without leaving residue behind. It cleanses gently while locking in moisture.
Pros:
- Contains jojoba oil and glycerin to add lightweight moisture
- Balances hydration levels for greasy hair and scalps
- Gently cleanses without stripping oils
- Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable, not dried out
- Safe for color-treated and keratin-processed hair
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates
- Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free formula
- Light citrus scent
- Does not weigh hair down or leave residue
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to regular shampoos
- May not cleanse hair as thoroughly as a clarifying shampoo
- Not designed to treat dandruff or hair loss specifically
- The scent may be too strong and perfumed for some
- Effects are only temporary if use is stopped
- Bottle packaging makes dispensing difficult
- May still contain some controversial ingredients
- Not suited for very dry or damaged hair
- Provides moisture but no medicated scalp treatment
- Lather and suds less than typical shampoos
Overall, R+Co Degrease Shampoo can help provide lightweight hydration for oily hair without making it look greasy. However, it is very expensive for regular use. It moisturizes hair but does not contain medicated ingredients to treat scalp conditions. The scented formula also won’t deeply cleanse like a clarifying shampoo. It helps control oil and grease but is not a dandruff or medicated formula.
12. Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo
Drybar’s Sake Bomb Shampoo contains nourishing rice sake extract to strengthen strands against damage and breakage. Glycerin provides light moisture to parched strands and a dry scalp.
Pros:
- Contains glycerin and rice sake to add lightweight moisture to hair
- Gently cleanses without stripping natural oils
- Light citrus scent energizes the senses
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable
- Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair
- Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates
- Cruelty-free formula
- Rinses out easily without residue
- Controls frizz and flyaways
- Makes blow drying easier
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to regular shampoos
- Does not treat dandruff, hair loss, or other scalp conditions
- Primarily provides temporary styling benefits
- The scent may be too strong or perfumed for some
- Does not deeply cleanse or remove product buildup
- Contains chemical silicones for shine/manageability
- Bottle makes dispensing difficult, wasting product
- Not suited for very dry or damaged hair
- May still contain some questionable ingredients
- Effects are only temporary without continued use
Overall, Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo provides lightweight moisture and styling benefits for frizzy hair, but with a premium price tag. It smells nice and makes hair shiny but does not treat scalp conditions or thoroughly cleanse. The effects are temporary and it contains chemical additives. While it moisturizes and controls frizz, it does not offer medicated scalp treatment so is not ideal for dandruff or dryness.
Tips for Alleviating a Dry Scalp
- Limit washing to 2-3 times per week to retain your scalp’s natural moisture.
- Avoid hot showers that strip your scalp’s oils faster.
- After shampooing, massage your scalp with nourishing oils like coconut or argan oil.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day.
- Use a humidifier during dry winter months.
- Avoid harsh styling products with sulfates and alcohols that irritate the scalp.