10 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp to Soothe Irritation and Itchiness

This formula helps remove dandruff, thereby reducing itching and visible flaking. Its active ingredient, selenium sulfide, is used in over-the-counter products to treat fungal infections of the skin and scalp. So if you have significant dandruff or chronic dry flakes, this will help relieve some of the symptoms. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may use it twice a week for best results.

Dove’s scalp-friendly formula contains zinc, vitamin B3 and niacinamide to help absorb dandruff buildup without completely drying out your scalp. It’s completely sulfate-free, and people who have dyed their hair say it’s great for thoroughly cleansing the scalp without fading the hair.

Hyaluronic acid and rice water are the stars of this shampoo, working together to moisturize and strengthen hair follicles from the scalp downwards. This product makes wash day a joy: it smells clean and fresh, creates a fluffy lather, and doesn’t leave you feeling flaky. The results were immediate and my hair felt super smooth and shiny after just one use. My scalp also feels clean afterwards, but not tight or dry.

If you have severe flaking, this extra-strength shampoo contains a blend of 1.25% zinc pyrithione and 0.7% pure coal tar to target your scalp. Aloe vera, juniper berries, tea tree oil, and sage also help relieve itchiness and provide a cooling sensation. Reviewers say this helps relieve symptoms of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis. This is the pricier option on this list, but a little goes a long way.

This gentle scrub shampoo uses star anise to exfoliate your scalp. A rich blend of vitamins A, C and E helps soften and add shine to hair, while the scrub removes buildup and stimulates circulation. I love that it also creates a nice lather for scrubs and smells great, so your bathroom will be a real treat after a hot shower on bath day.

Head & Shoulders’ latest innovation uses zinc pyrithione to help fight dandruff and dandruff, and is free of sulfates, silicones and dyes. It’s enriched with plant-based polymers (conditioning agents) that help your hair feel smooth before you apply your favorite conditioner. Fans of this shampoo say that using it to thoroughly wash your hair leaves your scalp feeling clean and tidy without being too dry.

If you like a slight tingling sensation to relieve itchiness, you’ll love using this formula, which contains tea tree oil and menthol for maximum itch relief. It also contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate buildup and flakes with every use. This one definitely made my scalp feel instantly less irritated and it has a very refreshing, energizing scent that makes my bathroom smell like a spa.

Formerly known as a clarifying shampoo, this shampoo is great for removing buildup from your scalp and curls without stripping them of moisture. Green tea, aloe vera and vitamin B5 all help keep curls moisturized and juicy after shampooing. We also love this fragrance with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood.

This gentle exfoliating formula uses sugar crystals to remove dead skin, dandruff and scalp build-up, leaving you with shiny, clean hair and a refreshed scalp. It also lathers nicely, which many scrubs typically don’t. I love that this feels like it’s cleansing my scalp, but it’s not too harsh or abrasive and doesn’t weigh down my fine hair. It rinses off easily too and I don’t feel like there’s a residue left behind.

This Exotic Shampoo Uses Salicylic Acid and Zinc pyrithione works together to reduce flaking, itching and irritation. This is a super strong shampoo that can be used up to twice a week depending on the condition of your scalp. My hair is also noticeably shinier after washing it with this shampoo (and then my favorite conditioner).