Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp

Nourish scalp and hair with this super hydrating shampoo, free of sulfates and other drying ingredients that strip the scalp of its natural oils. Plus, it’s formulated with powerful ingredients that help relieve itching and flakes.

This clarifying formula tackles seborrheic dermatitis and product buildup with binchotan charcoal, while tea tree oil and peppermint extract soothe irritation.

1. Aloe Vera & Castor Oil Shampoo

A dry scalp can cause irritation, itchiness, flakiness and sometimes even hair loss. Luckily, there are several solutions to help alleviate your symptoms and get the moisture back into your locks. The best shampoo for dry scalp should contain ingredients that can nourish your strands, as well as strengthen and prevent damage. This moisturizing, aloe vera-infused formula is a Good Housekeeping Institute favorite for its soothing effects on sensitive skin, as well as for its ability to lock in moisture (it’s even formulated with shea butter to hydrate and repair your cuticles).

Another top pick from GH staffers, this nourishing formula uses a unique blend of organic plant oils that soothe your scalp while strengthening your strands. The natural ingredients in this product include moringa oil, rose hip oil and coconut oil. It also contains hyaluronic acid, an essential ingredient that helps attract and retain moisture to the scalp. This formula is sulfate-free, which means it won’t strip your scalp of the moisture that it needs.

While dandruff and dry scalp can both lead to itching, dandruff typically presents as white or yellowish flakes of dead skin and is associated with a scaly, itchy feeling that can also cause redness and itching on the rest of your body. If you’re dealing with dandruff, we recommend using an antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine, which will help curb your scalp’s yeast production to reduce those pesky flakes.

2. Tea Tree & Peppermint Scalp Scrub

We know that dry scalp can be triggered by a variety of factors, from hormones to weather to not washing your hair enough. But there’s one thing that’s certain: no matter what causes your dry scalp, hydrating and nourishing it will help. That’s why we recommend picking up a shampoo with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. You’ll also want to consider the frequency that you wash your hair, as too frequent shampooing can strip away your natural oils.

As a result, it’s best to use shampoo only once or twice a week and opt for sulfate-free formulas. This means avoiding any products that contain sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates, as well as fragrance (which can cause irritation) and colorants. As a bonus, this shampoo contains no parabens (which are known as xenoestrogens and can disrupt your hormones) or phthalates, which can irritate the skin and eyes.

We’re big fans of this scalp scrub because it gently exfoliates with the power of eucalyptus and tea tree oil, while removing product build-up. It’s best shampoo for dry scalp the perfect pre-shampoo treatment for anyone struggling with a dry, itchy scalp and can be used once or twice a week to keep your tresses healthy. Pair it with our Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Conditioner for even more hydration. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly.

3. Glycolic Acid & Coconut Oil Shampoo

If you have a dry scalp, it’s essential to look for hydrating ingredients that won’t strip your strands. That means avoiding sulfates, surfactants and drying alcohols, which can make your hair feel tight and itchy. Instead, opt for a shampoo that’s free from these potentially irritating ingredients and packed with soothing plant oils, glycerin and other moisture-boosting formulas.

Another way to help hydrate and soothe your dry scalp is by using a glycolic acid shampoo or scalp exfoliator that’s specifically designed for this problem. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) that chemically exfoliates the skin by breaking down and lifting away the substance that causes dead skin cells to cluster together. It also helps break down oil and product buildup, resulting in a more refreshed, less flaky scalp.

As for the best shampoos for dry scalp, many beauty experts recommend a gentle cleansing formula with moisturizing oils like coconut, jojoba and argan oil. You can also add an extra level of moisture with a scalp toner or leave-in treatment, which will help lock in hydration.

If you have a serious case of dandruff, however, you’ll need to opt for an antifungal shampoo formulated with ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine, which are proven to curb yeast production and minimize flakes.

4. Baobab & Glycerin Shampoo

A gentle cleansing formula that hydrates and restores moisture levels, improving the overall health and appearance of the hair. Leaves the hair soft, light, silky and shiny.

This shampoo contains Baobab Oil which is known for its moisturizing properties and helps keep the hair hydrated and nourished, improving the texture of dry hair. This is paired with other key ingredients such as Mongongo Oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids to help strengthen and protect the hair cuticle against damage. BONDING TREATMENT The nourishing shampoo also contains Shea Butter which is an excellent emollient that helps to soften and detangle the hair. The shampoo is sulfate and paraben-free, as well as being suitable for color-treated hair.

The Restorative Wash is formulated to gently cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils and with a sparkling natural aroma that includes ginger and citrus fruit. The creamy shampoo bar is enriched with community trade Baobab Seed Oil, shining papaya extract and fair trade strengthening unrefined shea, resulting in hair that feels smooth, supple and beautifully nourished. The sulfate-free formula protects against color fading, leaving your hair with vibrant luminosity. A must-have for anyone with dry and damaged hair!