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Dry scalp isn’t much fun, to say the least. If you have severe, uncomfortable dry scalp, you might find few things worse than the persistent irritation, itching, and flaking.

“You don’t need prescription medication to start getting relief from dry hair and you can do a lot to address it.”

Home remedies for dry hair.

A good first step is to choose a shampoo that has ingredients that help with dry hair. You can find 11 options based on your hair care needs.

Your skin may not get enough hydration. You might notice a change in your appearance.

There are some possible causes of dry hair.

A dermatologist can help you narrow down what is causing your dry hair.

We considered dry scalp shampoos for every hair type to narrow down our picks.

All of our picks for the best dry hair products fulfill at least one of the criteria.

  • Customer reviews of the shampoo are mostly positive.
  • The dry scalp formula in the shampoo is designed to alleviate it.
  • The hair health enhancers in the shampoo are designed to boost it.

We chose products with differing prices in order to include the shampoos for a wide range of budgets.

The price of dry scalp shampoos can range from $6 to $50.

The dry scalp shampoos are in the range of $9 to $18.

We broke down the cost of our picks.

  • $ = $6–$15
  • $$ = $16–$30
  • $$$ = $31–$50

“All of our picks cost less than $50 per bottle, but they may come in different sizes. A larger bottle will cost more, but it will last longer. The size and price per ounce will give you a better idea of the product’s comparative value.”

Best overall

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, Extra Strength

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: coal tar
  • Best for: dry hair
  • Pros: fast acting, strong
  • Cons: strong scent

The active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is coal tar. Evidence suggests coal tar may effectively treat itching, redness, and scaling caused by several scalp conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and psoriasis.

It can leave your hair and skin dry and itchy, and it can also cause hair and skin oiliness. This is a good cleanser that can help with the prevention of hair loss and the elimination of dandruff.

“The regular formula contains less coal tar than the extra-strength formula. Reviewers say they notice a difference after using this product. One reviewer says it works well for beards. Some people don’t like its scent.”

The 2-pack option may be more valuable than buying a single bottle on its own.

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Best fragrance-free shampoo for dry scalp

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
  • Best for: sensitive skin
  • Pros: gentle, hydrating
  • Cons: doesn’t produce much lather

The whole family, from babies to adults, can use this shampoo and body wash. In fact, many reviewers say it’s the only wash their child’s sensitive skin can tolerate.

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo contains ingredients that help protect the scalp and skin from moisture loss, including vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Ceramides in particular make it a good option if you have eczema or psoriasis.

People say it leaves skin soft and easing itching. Reviewers praise the lack of smell.

Bonus: This shampoo doesn’t contain other potentially irritating ingredients, such as sulfates or parabens. It also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

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Best prescription shampoo

Clobex (clobetasol propionate shampoo)

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: clobetasol propionate
  • Best for: psoriasis
  • Pros: fast-acting, anti-inflammatory
  • Cons: needs a prescription, not for children

Clobex is Galderma’s brand of clobetasol propionate shampoo. The active ingredient, clobetasol propionate, is a corticosteroid that functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-itching agent.

“Clobex can help alleviate dry scalp, but it doesn’t cleanse or condition hair. If you use this, you should use a regular moisturizing shampoo.”

You need a prescription to get this. If you have moderate to severe sphygmomanesis, a doctor may prescribe it. It is only meant for short-term use, so you should only use it for a month at a time. It is not recommended for children under 18 years old.

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Best moisturizing shampoo

LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Hair & Scalp

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: coconut oil, glycerin, shea butter
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Pros: hydrating, good value
  • Cons: leaves skin more susceptible to sunburn

This shampoo includes moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil and glycerin, that can help soothe dry scalp and ease inflammation.

It also contains xylitol, which evidence suggests can help remove staph bacteria from skin. So, this shampoo could potentially help reduce infections or inflammation caused by scalp psoriasis or eczema.

Reviewers say this product works well for dry hair and brittle hair. Many people say they noticed a change right away. The scent was pleasant and not overwhelming.

You can buy the product on its own or in a three-product pack that also includes a conditioner and lotion for dry hair.

Both the shampoo and conditioner contain glycolic acid. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can exfoliate your scalp and help your skin retain moisture, but it leaves your skin more vulnerable to sunburn.

The conditioner contains safflower oil, avocado oil, and olive oil, which can help soothe and moisturize skin.

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Best moisturizing scalp oil

Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Pros: safe for color-treated hair, moisturizing, nongreasy
  • Cons: pricey

While not a shampoo, this leave-in treatment can complement a dry scalp shampoo by providing additional relief from itching, redness, and dryness. It features hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 as active ingredients.

You can use this product by massaging it into your entire head a few times each week. It can be used on colored or chemically treated hair.

Reviewers seem to think that this treatment is worth the price.

People rave about this product, saying it works quickly and does a great job treating dry skin. Some people say this was the only product that helped them dry their hair.

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Best affordable dry scalp shampoo

Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: colloidal oat extract
  • Best for: color-treated hair, fine hair
  • Pros: affordable, thickening, gentle
  • Cons: contains fragrance

This soothing shampoo features colloidal oat to help ease skin itchiness and irritation. It also contains peppermint and rosemary oils, both of which may help promote hair growth, and hydrating cucumber.

“This is a cleanser that helps soothe a dry and itchy scalp and protects and strengthens hair. Reviewers say it works well for thin hair and doesn’t leave any hair down. Some people say it made their hair softer.”

“This is a perfumed, non-sulfur, non-paraben, non-dyed, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non-smelling, non- Some people like the scent, but others don’t. Some reviewers said it dried out their hair.”

If you prefer to shop in person, you can find this at many drugstores.

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Best dry scalp shampoo for itch relief

OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: tea tree oil, peppermint, witch hazel
  • Best for: sensitive scalp, product buildup
  • Pros: hydrating, tackles dandruff well
  • Cons: may not work for curly hair

This shampoo features tea tree oil and peppermint for a tingling cleanse. Tea tree oil works to invigorate the scalp and help ease irritation. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, can also soothe irritation and inflammation and help remove product buildup.

Reviews say this is a great cleanser for oily hair, and it also helps with the health of the scalp. People report immediate results when it comes to oily hair and oily skin after the first wash, even though it may take a week to clear dandruff.

People say this is gentle for people with sensitive skin.

If you have coarse, textured, or curly hair, you may want to skip this cleanser. Some reviewers say it may knot your hair.

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Best dry scalp shampoo for men

Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo

  • Price: $$
  • Key ingredients: tea tree oil
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Pros: budget-friendly, gentle
  • Cons: added fragrance, strong scent

Looking for a basic hair wash that cleans your hair and provides relief from dry scalp irritation with gentle, soothing ingredients? The formula from Neutrogena may work.

This is a cleanser that works for all hair types, from short and curly to dry and flat.

What’s more, it contains none of those shampoo ingredients you might want to avoid, like parabens, phthalates, or sulfated surfactants (SLS and SLES). It does contain fragrance, though, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitivity to certain fragrances.

“Reviewers say this is a gentle, soothing cleanser that helps cut down the oil in the hair and restores its shine. Some people prefer this option over pricier ones that don’t work. Some people dislike the tea tree oil scent, but others say it fades quickly.”

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Best shampoo for dry scalp and oily hair

SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: piroctone olamine, climbazole, rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid
  • Best for: oily scalp, dandruff
  • Pros: discreet packaging, thickening, treats dandruff
  • Cons: pricey

Facing dry and oily hair? This multitasking cleanser is designed to regulate oil production while boosting hair thickness and strength.

It contains piroctone olamine and climbazole, which evidence suggests may help relieve scalp itching and scaling while also conditioning hair.

Salicylic acid, another key ingredient, works to gently shed dead skin, promoting new cell growth. Ginger, menthol, and rosemary may also help refresh hair and soothe irritation.

Reviewers say this is a great product, it works for persistent scalp irritation and dryness. You will likely see more significant results within a month or so, if you say your hair felt less itchy after just one wash.

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Best shampoo for dry scalp and dandruff

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

  • Price: $$$
  • Key ingredients: coconut oil, charcoal, tea tree oil
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Pros: exfoliates, treats dandruff
  • Cons: pricey

Dealing with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp? Trying to cleanse persistent product buildup? This micro-exfoliating shampoo may work well for you. It contains coconut oil, panthenol, and tea tree oil to help promote hair growth and health while removing dead skin, excess oils, and impurities from the scalp.

Many reviewers say it is well worth the higher price. People say it helps relieve itching and leaves hair feeling refreshed.

It is possible that daily use of this cleanser may be too harsh for a sensitive hair. Start by replacing your regular hair product. The brand recommends using this product for 3 weeks.

We tested this product and it really does help with itching and irritation. It smells like mint chocolate chip ice cream when you lather up.

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Best allergy-friendly shampoo for dry scalp

Vanicream Shampoo

  • Price: $
  • Key ingredients: glycerin
  • Best for: all hair types
  • Pros: gentle, dermatologist-tested, affordable
  • Cons: does not lather well

Specially formulated for people with sensitive skin, this no-fuss shampoo from Vanicream gently cleanses hair and scalp with nonirritating ingredients. It’s designed to help control excess scalp oil, remove product buildup, and ease flaking and scaling.

“It does not contain any of the following: fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or formaldehyde. It doesn’t contain essential oils, which makes it a good option for people with allergies or sensitivities to common hair care ingredients. It may not have the same sudsing action as your old one.”

Reviewers mostly rave about this shampoo, saying it works well to relieve scalp itching, dryness, and sores — without triggering an allergic reaction due to irritating ingredients. People do say, though, that it can be pretty drying, so you’ll want to make sure to follow up with conditioner.

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Name Price Key ingredients Best for Pros Cons
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, Extra Strength $$ coal tar dry hair fast-acting, strong strong scent
CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo $ hyaluronic acid sensitive skin gentle, hydrating doesn’t foam
Clobex (clobetasol propionate shampoo) $$ clobetasol propionate psoriasis fast-acting, anti-inflammatory prescription only, not for children
LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Hair & Scalp $$ coconut oil, glycerin, shea butter all hair types hydrating, good value skin more susceptible to sunburn
Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment $$$ hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 all hair types safe for color-treated hair, moisturizing, nongreasy pricey
Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo $ colloidal oat extract color-treated hair, fine hair budget-friendly, thickening, gentle scented
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo $ peppermint, tea tree oil, witch hazel sensitive scalps hydrating, removes buildup, handles dandruff well not the best for curly hair
Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo $$ tea tree oil all hair types budget-friendly, gentle, calming medicinal scent
SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo $$$ rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid oily scalp, dandruff discreet packaging, thickening, treats dandruff pricey
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo $$$ coconut oil, charcoal, tea tree oil all hair types exfoliating, treats dandruff pricey
Vanicream Shampoo $ glycerin all hair types gentle, dermatologist-tested, budget-friendly doesn’t lather well

“If you’re having dry hair, your best bet is to find a product that addresses the problem.”

If you:

  • Have dandruff. You might have the best luck with a dandruff-friendly shampoo.
  • Live with severe scalp psoriasis. It could help to ask your care team about trying a prescription-strength shampoo.
  • Need more moisture in your hair and scalp. Choosing a moisturizing shampoo with nonirritating ingredients could make a difference.

You should also take your hair type into account. Some hair care products work well for fine hair, but not for thick or curly hair. When unsure, check the bottle to find out which hair type the specific cleanser is for.

“Check the ingredients list to make sure you don’t use active or inactive ingredients.”

Different hair needs can be addressed with different ingredients.

Not sure how you’ll react to a shampoo’s ingredients? Always do a patch test first.

Follow these tips to keep your hair moist.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
  • Wash your hair in warm or cool water. Hot water can dry out your scalp.
  • Avoid overwashing. Daily washing, even with a gentle shampoo, may leave your scalp dry. If you wash daily, cutting back to every other day could make a difference.
  • Hair styling products that contain alcohol are not advisable.
  • Try using a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.

The best results from your dry scalp cleanser or hair mask can be obtained by following the directions in the package. The recommended amount of use of the shampoo could lead to more irritation.

You can treat dry scalp at home by using a product that is formulated for it.

If your dry hair is related to an underlying skin condition like sychnia or eczema, then you need more than just a single wash to heal it.

“If you don’t notice much improvement after a few weeks of use, or the skin on your head appears swollen and inflammation, you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.”

“If any of the symptoms listed below affect your hair for a long time, it’s never a bad idea to get professional help.”

  • It was itching, irritation, and inflammation.
  • The scalp is tight.
  • scaling and flaking
  • skin is discolored
  • swelling

What helps with a dry scalp?

If you want to relieve scalp dryness, it is possible to wash your hair less frequently and cut back on the number of hair products you use each day.

“A dry hair remedy could be helpful if that doesn’t work. These shampoos can help with itching, irritation, and dandruff.”

Will conditioner get rid of a dry scalp?

“Dry hair won’t be cured by conditioner alone. conditioner can help to dry your hair and make it itch less.”

“It’s important to remember that the oils in the conditioner can contribute to the problem of dandruff. Try washing and conditioning every other day or two to three times a week.”

Should I shampoo more if I have dry scalp?

The key is to use a dry-smeld-specific cleanser.

Too much washing could cause your hair and scalp to dry out. If you still see that every other day seems too frequent, try washing your hair every third or fifth day.

It may take some trial and error to find the right washing schedule for your hair.

You can take steps to address the causes of dry hair and get relief.

Using a dry-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smelly-smel

It can also help to wash your hair less often and avoid hair care products that dry out your hair.