The 15 Best Shampoos for Dry, Itchy Scalps (2024)

Do you suffer from dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp? It can be overwhelming (and time consuming) to figure out the best course of action to combat these symptoms and get scalp relief fast. To cut through the clutter on the shampoo shelves, we tapped scalp health expert and master stylist Diane Stevens to get her take on the best shampoos for itchy scalps.

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t wash your hair when you are experiencing a dry, itchy or flakey scalp, but Stevens disagrees. “The best way to encourage a healthy scalp and avoid a dry and itchy scalp is to keep your scalp clean and refreshed,” said Stevens.

Ingredient selection is also key to getting rid of dry scalp. “Any product containing aloe, pyrithione zinc, or green tea will make the scalp feel much better,” she said. In terms of products to avoid, she recommends steering clear of scalp treatment shampoos with parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde, as well as anything with citrus. These types of ingredients have been known to dry the scalp out more and may cause more irritation and itching.

But truly maintaining a healthy, itch-free scalp isn’t only about selecting the right dry scalp shampoo. It’s important to look at your lifestyle in a holistic way and make sure you’re eating right in addition to using the right hair and scalp products. Our scalp expert Stevens also recommends drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet, especially staying away from greasy and salty foods. Doing these things while using the right dry scalp shampoo for you will help you to avoid flakes, dandruff, itchiness, and other symptoms of unhealthy scalps.

Ready to find the right scalp shampoo for you? Read on to learn more about the expert-recommended shampoos to soothe your scalp.

“I highly recommend Nioxin Scalp Relief Kit for a great cleansing shampoo,” said Stevens. “It contains aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory ingredient to soothe the scalp, help increase softness or smoothness of hair. It also reduces tangles and hair surface roughness.”

Charcoal and coconut oil are also two ingredients that help soothe and treat the scalp. Biogeo's cult classic Scalp Revival shampoo exfoliates the scalp to remove any buildup that might be contributing to your discomfortant.

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo is safe enough for daily use and it's a paraben-free option that fits the bill of Stevens' expert recommendation.

Tea tree oil relieves a multitude of skin ailments including acne, thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It's a great option for itchy scalps as it will help to clean and purify while providing a soothing feeling on the scalp.

DERMA-E's answer to scalp relief comes complete with a specific herbal blend that works in four ways togently cleanse, de-flake, soothe, and nourish the scalp and hair.

Mustela's Stelatopia Foam Shampoo is actually designed for use on newborn babies, so you know it's formulated with gentle ingredients. This one is great for eczema-prone skin and will help ease your urge to itch.

If you need to truly clarify your scalp and remove buildup that causes dryness and itch, grab Aveeno's Soothing Shampoo. This one is formulated with apple cider vinegar, known to clean the scalp while also adding shine to your hair.

Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is a little pricier than some others on our list, but many swear by it to soothe dry, itchy scalps.It's vegan, paraben-free, andpacked with calming ingredients including anti-fungal Piroctone Olamine and Lauryl Betaine, which cleanses without redness or irritation.

Nizoral battles dandruff while controlling flaking, scaling, and itching thanks to its formulation withketoconazole 1%. It's also gentle enough to use on color and chemically-treated hair.

If you crave the cooling sensation to relieve your scalp irritation, this Biolage shampoo is a great option. Itcleanses excess oil from the scalp and hair and awakens with a cool, refreshing feeling.

Oribe is one of the most luxurious (and expensive)shampoos on our list, but it contains many of our expert-recommended ingredients like Niacinamide."Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that increases body, suppleness, and shine by improving the texture of damaged hair," Stevens said.

Another invigorating option, The Body Shop's shampoo refreshes the scalp with ginger extract. It also containsbirch bark extract andwhite willow bark extract to clarify and soothe.

In a hurry? If you want to both shampoo and condition in one swoop, Neutrogena's Daily Control 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoos is the one for you.

Dove's Nourishing Secrets Shampoo uses hydrating ingredients to bring dry scalps back to optimal health. It also keeps your hair itself from getting dry and brittle for overall hydration and moisture.

Another great option is this salon-quality shampoo from Redkend.The brand's Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo contains pyrithione zinc as its star ingredient, one of the key things Stevens recommends to keep scalps at their healthiest.