If you’ve experienced the discomfort, itching and flakiness that a dry scalp can bring, finding the best shampoo for dry scalps can be life changing. There are many reasons why you may suffer from a dry scalp but by using a shampoo that’s catered to dry hair and scalps, it’ll target the dryness and help to add more moisture back to your roots to soothe any discomfort and reduce the appearance of flakes.
If you’re living with a dry scalp, you’ll be all too familiar with the pain and discomfort it can cause. We also know it can make you feel self-conscious if you’ve got visible flakes in your hair or you can feel like people are watching you constantly itch your head when all you’re trying to do is bring yourself some relief. Understandably, a dry scalp can affect your overall mood and wellbeing, which is why finding the right shampoo to help you tackle it is all the more important.
Best shampoo dor dry scalps at a glance:
As we’ve mentioned, a dry scalp can be caused by numerous factors, such as environmental reason, build-up of hair-care products, sweat and so much more. You could also be suffering from conditions like eczema or psoriasis that can exacerbate the dryness and flakiness of your scalp. We’ll explore this more in our FAQs section, but a dry scalp is linked to your scalp producing lower levels of sebum oil. It’s natural as we grow older and our hormones change so that our skin gets drier, which may go some way to explain why your scalp and hair all of a sudden feel dry if they never used to be when you were younger. That’s why it’s essential to choose a shampoo that will help tackle some of the causes of a dry scalp to help add back some of the hydration and moisture it may now be missing.
Using a shampoo that is specifically made for dry scalps can make a world of difference as they’re crafted with ingredients to help soothe irritation and add moisture back to your scalp. With your scalp having some TLC, you may even find that your hair starts to grow more as the environment for it to grow is healthier, so these hydrating scalp shampoos may double as great hair growth shampoos. We’ve rounded up all the best shampoo for dry scalps that will get you on a journey to a soothed and healthier scalp. We've chosen ones that come recommended by customers online with similar scalp issues so you know you’re getting the right one for your needs.
Best shampoos for dry scalp
Best shampoo for dry scalp overall
Polytarwww.boots.com
Polytar Scalp Shampoo is a medicated formula that treats psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema and so much more. The solution contains four per cent coal tar, which is used medically to treat itching and irritation on the skin and scalp as it has antiseptic properties. This will aid with helping to reduce inflammation and the appearance of dry scales.
Tested by Yours.co.uk Editor Claire Tapley: "I suffer from psoriasis of the scalp and it's especially worse after dyeing my hair. This shampoo worked for me after just one wash. Not only did it soothe my irritated scalp but it completely cleared the itchiness and any flakes. It has quite a strong coal tar scent when using in the shower but I didn't notice this once it was dry. It also left my hair feeling really clean and shiny too. I now it about once a week to keep to any dandruff at bay so although it's a fairly small bottle it has lasted me quite a long time."
Pros
- Contains coal tar which has antiseptic properties that will ease itching and irritation
- Helps reduce the appearance of dry scales in the hair and on the scalp
Cons
- Some reviewers online dislike the smell of this shampoo
Best detox shampoo for dry scalp
Osmowww.sallybeauty.co.uk
As a detoxifying shampoo, the Osmo Scalp Therapy Detoxify Shampoo will help to strip any build-up of products you've got in the hair as too much product can cause inflammation and irritation in the scalp. It may rid your hair of impurities but it leaves the good stuff behind as this shampoo makes sure your hair's natural oils and moisture remain. It's formulated with rosemary and tea tree which will leave your hair and scalp feeling healthy and refreshed.
This shampoo is a great option for those wanting a shampoo that cleanses the hair well and removes product while also leaving their hair feeling soft and shiny, and their scalp feeling great too, according to reviewers. Opinions are mixed on the scent of the shampoo, with many enjoying the clean smell but others feeling like it has a slightly medicated scent because of the tea tree.
Pros
- Strips any build-up of products to rid your hair of impurities
- Ensures your hair's natural oils and moisture remain
Cons
- Some reviewers weren't keen on the scent of this shampoo
Best cleansing shampoo for dry scalp
Fudge Professionalwww.lookfantastic.com
Give your hair and scalp a deep cleanse with the Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo. Its rich formula, which is infused with a menthol scent, has SCALPFRESH technology, meaning this shampoo is designed to clean and purify your scalp while removing dirt and impurities from your hair. It contains marine algae extract, which is a sustainable ingredient that helps to balance the level of oil your scalp produces, helping it to feel nourished.
Your hair will feel squeaky clean after using this shampoo, say reviewers and it will leave your scalp and hair feeling thoroughly cleansed after use. The vast majority of the reviews are positive, however one reviewer was expecting the scent to be more minty.
Pros
- Contains marine algae extract that will help to balance the level of oil your scalp produces
- Designed to clean and purify your scalp while removing dirt and impurities from your hair
Cons
- One reviewer was expecting the scent to be more minty
Best budget shampoo for dry scalp
Head & Shoulderswww.superdrug.com
If you're suffering from thinning hair due to your dry scalp, the Head & Shoulders DERMAXPRO Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Shampoo is designed to tackle both problems head-on. By helping to seal moisture into the scalp, this nourishing shampoo will support natural hair growth. The formula is enriched with Vitamin E, niacinamide and active aloe that will help to soothe your scalp and replenish your hair from root to tip.
Customers online found this shampoo to calm their scalp and left their hair feeling fresh. Many reviews also mention this shampoo lathers up well and a little goes a long way, which, with its budget price tag, makes this Head & Shoulders shampoo great value. Some reviewers did find this shampoo made their hair feel a little drier after use.
Pros
- Supports natural hair growth by helping to seal moisture into the scalp
- Enriched with Vitamin E and aloe which will help to soothe the scalp
Cons
- Some customers felt their hair felt drier after use
Best for sensitive dry scalps
L'Oréal ProfessionnelDesigned to cleanse, hydrate and nourish, the L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Discomfort Dermo-Regulator Shampoo is a gentle shampoo that has a soothing effect which is why it's a great option for those with sensitive, dry scalps. The ingredients in this shampoo are designed to alleviate itchiness and burning on the scalp that's why it's enriched with niacinamide, which is known for its soothing properties.
Comments that crop up regularly in the customer reviews of this shampoo are that it feels nice on the scalp and it helped clear up any irritation customers were experiencing. Reviewers also say a little of this product goes a long way but some are disappointed that they only get 300ml of shampoo for the price.
Pros
- A gentle shampoo which is why it's great for those with sensitive dry scalps
- Enriched with niacinamide which is known for its soothing properties
Cons
- Some reviewers wished they got more product for the price
Best calming shampoo for dry scalps
EucerinIf your dry scalp is feeling painful and sore, give this Eucerin Calming Shampoo a try. It's made to relieve dryness while also helping to ease itching and irritation so it's very calming, as the name suggests. It's also fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with skin that is of a sensitive nature. It's designed to be suitable for people prone to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis if either of those are causing your dry scalp.
Customers love how gentle this shampoo is on their scalp and say it's worked wonders for improving their scalp health as it's been great for easing itching and doesn't cause irritation. Some reviewers wished the bottle was bigger though.
Pros
- Great for easing itching and irration on painful and sore scalps
- Fragrance-free so suitable for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers wished the bottle was bigger
Best fragrance-free shampoo for dry scalps
Wella Professionalswww.lookfantastic.com
Minimise dryness and itchiness with the Wella Professionals Care Invigo Scalp Balance Sensitive Shampoo. Refreshing and soothing, this fragrance-free, gentle formula of this shampoo will leave your scalp feeling calm as well as clean. Give this shampoo a good lather and it'll remove impurities so your hair and scalp will feel lovely and healthy after every wash.
Soothing is a word that comes up time and time again in the reviews of this product, with customers appreciating how calm their scalp feels after using this shampoo. It's not just the scalp that will benefit from this shampoo as customers also say their hair feels soft after using and less frizzy, too. One reviewer felt this shampoo wouldn't be good for prolonged use but for every so often when your scalp is feeling particularly dry.
Pros
- Formula is fragrance-free and gentle
- Designed to minimise dryness and itchiness
Cons
- One reviewer felt this shampoo would be better for use every so often rather than for every wash
We put all of your FAQs about hair care for dry scalps to Adele Clarke, a hairstylist and salon owner with over 20 years of experience in the industry, who is a Former North West Hairdressing Champion and winner of numerous national awards:
Best shampoo for dry scalps FAQs
How do I fix my extremely dry scalp?
"It’s good to get into a regime of scalp care, just as you would your face", says Adele. "Try giving yourself a weekly scalp facial as this specific treatment is performed on the scalp to remove a build-up of products, sebum, and environmental pollution."
Adele explains, "We store a lot of pent-up tension and stress in the muscles of our scalp and head. We sweat, use products, and also cover up with hats and caps throughout the year, which creates a build-up and makes it prone to inflammation and irritation resulting in the scalp follicles being affected and may prevent healthy hair growth. A scalp facial will enable a healthier growing foundation and ensure a super clean scalp environment."
How often should I wash my hair with a dry scalp?
If you're wondering how often should you wash your hair with a dry scalp, Adele is here to help. "Ideally you need to allow your scalp to produce its natural hair oils, so definitely avoid every day – probably every once or twice a week", recommends Adele. "It’s a balance of cleansing your scalp environment, so your hair can grow versus allowing your natural oils to help with the dry scalp."
Adele also says, "Less is more with a dry scalp. Try to limit the amount of styling products you’re using too as this can build up on the scalp and you’ll need to wash it more often, too."
Are dandruff and dry scalp the same?
"No", says Adele. "Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff) is a common skin condition, caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin and scalp, which can cause red and itchy dandruff."
"There are also fungal infections that can cause this type of irritation", explains Adele. "In these cases, a series of cleanses with medicated products should be done. As a preventative measure, anyone susceptible to this should consider washing with antibacterial products that contain ingredients such as green tea, zinc and tea tree. Moisture derived from coconut oils is also very beneficial due to its anti-fungal nature."
Adele also goes on to say, "Contact Dermatitis is often an intolerance or allergy to certain ingredients and a process of elimination is sufficient to stop the problem. In cases of Eczema and psoriasis, a doctor should be consulted, and these conditions can also be linked to other complaints such as asthma."
"A dry scalp is linked to a lower sebum oil, so the scalp isn’t as hydrated", says Adele. "It is something you can manage with advice from your hairdresser and products, such as shampoos and conditioners for dry hair and scalps, you use at home rather than it being a medical concern. However, both can give visible flakes and itchiness which is why they can sometimes be confused as the same concern."
This article contains expert advice from Adele Clarke, owner of Spectrum Hair Company in St Helens and OSMO Ambassador. OSMO offers a collection of professional colour, care and styling products.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.