To increase the exfoliation effect while using this shampoo, hairstylist and R+Co vice president of technical education Adam Federico recommends using a scalp massager before showering to loosen dead skin cells. This will make them easier to wash off when you shower.
Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Jupiter Anti Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for an anti-dandruff shampoo that actually works, but doesn’t cause too much damage to your hair, this is the one for you. It’s vegan, sulfate- and paraben-free, and contains nourishing ingredients to prevent scalp tightness and dryness, in addition to zinc pyrithione.
One of the ingredients is squalane, which adds moisture to hair strands while also strengthening them, making them less susceptible to breakage. It also uses coconut oil to nourish and sugar kelp, known for its antibacterial properties, to prevent further flaking.
Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalp: Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Not only does this shampoo contain salicylic acid and menthol (both of which can relieve irritation), but it also smells like mint and musk, leaving you feeling awake and refreshed. The salicylic acid in this formula acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells from flaky scalp and styling product buildup that can lead to clogged pores. Plus, it breaks down oil well without stripping the skin. All these factors will keep you from feeling more irritated and itchy later on.
Best Exfoliating Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Kiehl’s Amino Acid Scalp Scrub
This formula from Kiehl’s is great because it contains both chemical and physical exfoliants. Salicylic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin and purify pores, while sea salt acts as a natural physical exfoliant and also helps balance the pH of your scalp.
To prevent dryness, the formula is also enriched with coconut and seed oils to prevent your scalp from feeling dry as dead cells are washed away. Use this product once a week (in case you have a sensitive scalp) instead of regular shampoo, making sure to concentrate on massaging it into your scalp and rinsing thoroughly.
Best Shampoo for Thin Hair: R+Co DALLAS Biotin Thickening Shampoo
If you’re experiencing thinning hair, Alexiades recommends looking for a shampoo that contains biotin. This one is great because not only does it contain this ingredient, but it also contains many other ingredients that promote scalp health. “If someone struggles with dry scalp, it’s important to look for ingredients that provide moisture, soothe irritation, and keep the scalp healthy while avoiding those that may cause further dryness or irritation,” Federico adds.
The formula contains provitamin B5 to provide hydration by coating hair strands and retaining moisture. Provitamin B5 also acts as a protective element for hair when using shampoos containing harsh ingredients. Coconut oil and saw palmetto berry extract in the formula also nourish hair and make it fuller.
Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Scalp: IGK Legend Hydrating Shampoo
Especially if you have dry hair, you want to make sure not to wash your hair too often with harsh chemicals, as this can cause more damage. Franck Izquierdo, a hairstylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care, notes that one of the problems he typically encounters when styling people with dandruff or dry scalp is that they tend to wash their hair every time. Overuse of anti-dandruff shampoo. “This can actually lead to further skin problems and reactions from overdosing or drying out the scalp,” says Isquierdo.
He recommends that people opt for physical exfoliation once a week — which, he notes, can include a scalp massager or thoroughly brushing your hair before a shower to loosen dead skin cells. “This will allow the cleansing process to rinse away all debris and dandruff,” says Isquierdo. This shampoo contains ingredients like microbial prebiotics that improve scalp health and help balance the pH of your scalp, making it healthier overall. It’s also rich in red seaweed, which hydrates hair strands so they can recover from medicated shampoos.
Best Purifying Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Virtue Labs Purifying Clarifying Shampoo
Those with oily scalps may think that clarifying shampoos will help relieve their problem, but in reality, these shampoos may be overly stripping your hair, and they may actually help your hair become more even. Oil profiteer scalp. However, for people with dry scalps, a clarifying shampoo can help remove excess hair product while keeping your head healthy and nourished. Not only is charcoal an excellent clarifying ingredient, but it also acts as a physical exfoliant that is natural and gentle on all hair types. The clarifying ingredient in the formula is hops extract, a natural astringent that purifies the scalp without leaving it feeling too dry. To add some moisture, the formula contains coconut and a fatty acid blend that’s very gentle.
