Does your scalp feel dry as a desert? Does it itch like crazy? Perhaps you are sensitive to common haircare ingredients such as resins, silicones, and surfactants. Silicones are often added in shampoos to help tame frizz and add shine. Resins add volume to hair, while surfactants make up the shampoo’s ability to lather well. These substances could build up and cause problems if not properly rinsed out.
Actually, there are several reasons why one’s scalp is dry and itchy. This includes dandruff. You get dandruff when your scalp overreacts to the P.ovale fungi that reside undetectably on anyone’s head. As your immune system combats the said fungi, layers of dead skin cells build-up. This phenomenon block hair follicles.
Psoriasis is also a major culprit. Psoriasis is a medical condition that is characterized by a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp. But if yours are clumps of greasy yellow flakes, then it could be seborrheic dermatitis. Many times this condition is caused by an allergic reaction to hair care products and leads to an excessive production of sebum.
Know that there are also people who simply have a dry scalp since birth. But whatever reason you have behind your dry and itchy scalp, it is wise to change your hair care products starting with your shampoo! Regular shampoos won’t suffice. You need a product that will clarify, moisturize, and target the root cause of your problem!
The following are 10 of the best dry scalp shampoos proven, tested, and coveted by thousands!
1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral A-D is the closest thing you can get to a prescription for addressing mild to severe dandruff. This shampoo combats excessive levels of the P. Ovale fungi, as well as provide a quick and long-lasting relief against itch and irritation. Doctors highly recommend it. Not to mention it garnered 2, 906 reviews (and counting) and a 4.5-star rating in Amazon alone.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains a 1% Ketoconazole solution. Ketoconazole is known as the most potent antifungal ingredient for dandruff. Also, this anti-dandruff shampoo has no overpowering scent and lathers up pretty well.
However, this shampoo is not intended for daily use. You only need to use this shampoo twice a week to achieve results. As a result, one bottle can last much longer than a shampoo of the same amount.
2. Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo
This shampoo’s ultimate formula repairs damaged hair from the inside out. Argan oil is your best defense against split ends, especially if you are fond of styling tools or chemical treatments. It is particularly notable for reviving weak dull hair, as well as strengthening hair to prevent breakage and brittleness.
Along with argan oil, this shampoo is infused with six more hair-nourishing oils. These are almond oil, avocado oil, camellia seed oil, jojoba oil, peach kernel oil, and botanical keratin. All seven botanical ingredients abound in vitamins A, B1, B2, D, & E to rejuvenate a dry scalp, replenish lost moisture, and prevent flakiness.
Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo promises to give you salon-gorgeous hair without sulfates, parabens, and other artificial ingredients. Its formula is effective yet gentle enough even for children. Plus, it has a sweet candy scent that will last all day long.
It really comes as no surprise as to why Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo is 4.4-star product on Amazon.
3. OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Looking for a great and affordable sulfate-free shampoo? Give OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo a whirl and you’ll definitely love this product to bits.
This shampoo features a unique blend of Australian tea tree and micro-infused peppermint oils. Know that both oils are notable for their antiseptic and cooling properties. Therefore, this shampoo does an exemplary job at cleansing away impurities that congest your scalp. Also, don’t forget that peppermint is a menthol. It stimulates your hair and scalp by promoting circulation.
Moreover, OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo contains milk proteins that help strengthen each hair shaft. This shampoo also features a refreshing fragrance that even your man will love. With this shampoo, each shower will surely set the stage for healthy manageable hair! You may not even need condition just to tame frizz.
This product currently earned 4.2 stars on Amazon.
4. Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo
Dry scalp? Scanty hair? Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo can solve your woes!
This shampoo’s holistic formula does a great job at locking in moisture and supplying gloss to your hair, all the while providing antioxidants to revivify your scalp. Likewise, it contains regenerative properties to help fight hair thinning and help prevent greying hair.
Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo only uses the highest quality of Moroccan Argan Oil. Its major ingredients include almond oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, and peach kernel oil among others. These emollients easily seep into the hair follicles to clear out blockage caused by sebum and dirt buildup. These oils are also incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Omega-fatty acids and proteins.
Bear in mind that damaged hair tips lose proteins faster than the roots, which then leads to hollow hair. Therefore, it is critical to repair and coat every hair strand with the protein it needs to inhibit its progression.
You can rest assured that this majestic 4-star rated shampoo is free of irritants such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Also, Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo is cruelty-free.
5. L’Oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Thickening Shampoo
After seeing a multitude of satisfied customers online, we conclude that L’Oreal EverStrong is worth a shot. This shampoo is a perfect choice if you want a 100% vegan product. Likewise, it is guaranteed sulfate-free, which is good news if you have sensitive skin.
L’Oreal EverStrong aims to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and hair from all impurities. This includes residue from styling products, sebum buildup, and environmental pollutants. L’Oreal EverStrong also promises to reconstruct damaged hair and add volume.
This shampoo lathers pretty well using gentler surfactants so you can enjoy every bath. What’s more, it features a luxurious blend of aromatic botanicals that invigorates your senses.
6. Dove Derma Care for Dandruff, Dryness, and Itch Relief
Dove is a household name that offers great and affordable hair care options. If you want to end your dandruff concerns or soothe your irritated scalp, the Dove Derma Care for Dandruff, Dryness, & Itch Relief would be a great choice.
This particular Derma Care shampoo by Dove is formulated with 1% pyrithione zinc solution. With daily use, you can put an end to recurring dandruff. Washing your hair with Dove DermaCare also provides a quick relief against itchiness associated with a dry scalp. Likewise, each wash ensures it takes away the gunk that causes hair to become dull and unmanageable.
Though it’s quite effective, this shampoo remains gentle and pH balanced. Its formulation is specially designed to cater to all skin and hair types. You don’t have to fret about medicinal smells either. Dove Derma Care shampoo is infused with shea butter and leaves your hair smelling great all day long.
7. Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo Naturals
Seborrheic dermatitis? Dandruff attack? Scalp psoriasis? Greasy hair? Whatever hair and scalp problems you have, Selsun Blue got you covered.
Selsun Blue is one of the best medicated shampoos you can get at a competitive price. Its rich and concentrated formula includes 3% salicylic acid. You can rely on this shampoo to root out the very source of your problem whether its fungi, excess sebum, or gunk. Likewise, it also does a good job at keeping acne in check.
As an added bonus, you get smooth silky hair! Unlike prior formulations, the new Selsun Blue we know today features a nice citrus scent.
8. AVEDA Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
AVEDA Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo is formulated with a unique blend of natural ingredients. This includes millet seed and milk thistle to help restore the balance of your scalp’s natural oils.
Many happy consumers reported how this shampoo calmed down their itchy scalp. That’s because this shampoo contains burdock root, echinacea, sage leaf, and seabuckthorn oil. Other extracts include wintergreen, ginseng, and turmeric. All these ingredients provide continuous protection against irritation, visible flaking, and other concerns related to a dry scalp.
Take note that this shampoo promotes exfoliation as it contains salicylic acid. So, it might tingle a little bit during your first few applications. Nonetheless, its formulation is suitable for daily use. Its active ingredient digs gunk out of follicles and unclogs pores. Therefore, you get a refreshingly clean scalp.
AVEDA Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo is suitable for all hair types. As it revives your scalp, you can expect this shampoo to cause your hair to grow healthy and strong. You can rest assured that this product does not contain all too common irritants.
9. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo uses the power of coal tar. As an active ingredient, coal tar gets rid of sebum buildup, dead skin cells, and other impurities. As a result, your scalp stays clean and your hair won’t get greasy.
Coal tar is an effective anti-dandruff component. Washing your scalp with this shampoo provides an instant and long-lasting relief from itch, irritation, and redness. With continued use, you can completely eradicate dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
10. Eucerin Dermo Capillaire Calming Urea Shampoo
The DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Shampoo by Eucerin exhibits a unique formula consisting of 5% urea plus lactate polidocanol. This shampoo is mild enough for daily use and is suitable for all hair types. This shampoo promotes gentle exfoliation and hydrates your scalp without adding lubrication to your hair.