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  • Top 10 Best Shampoo For Dry Itching Scalp: Reviews And Guide 2022
dry scalp shampoo
Last updated on March 9, 2022
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Best scalp shampoo

If you’ve never suffered from having an annoyingly itchy and dry scalp, then count yourself lucky.

A dry scalp can be one of the most frustrating things to have to deal with.

But what causes some to suffer from extreme scalp irritations such as this, and other people, to be blessed with nothing close to the sort?

Dry Scalp Vs Dandruff

It is quite common to suspect you are suffering from dandruff if you notice dry, itchy flakes on your scalp.

Though symptoms are similar, dry scalp and dandruff are two different skin conditions.

So understanding the right skin condition is the first step in curing and keeping them under control.

Dry scalp generally occurs due to your skin getting dehydrated. The skin is not moisturized enough, thereby irritating and cause itching. The skin shreds small white flakes as a result.

The main symptoms of dry scalp are

  • Small white dry flakes
  • Itchy scalp
  • Dry and irritated scalp and dry patches on body

Dandruff is mainly caused by excess scalp oil or sebum production. The skin becomes red and oily forming yellow or white scales over time. These scales flake off resulting in dandruff.

The main causes of dandruff is Seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a condition that arises when there is too much grease, or sebum buildup on the scalp, leading to red, sore pimples on the scalp.

Sometimes a fungus known as malassezia can also cause dandruff.

The main symptoms of dandruff are

  • Itchy irritated skin
  • Red oily and scaly skin
  • Large yellow or white oily flakes

Dry Scalp Causes

Dry scalp can occur due to:

  • Reaction to products you use on hair like shampoo, styling gel, and hairspray
  • Eating foods that are high in salt, sugar, and spice
  • You may be deficient in certain nutrients like fatty acids and vitamin B
  • Simple changes in the weather like cold and dry air can irritate the scalp
  • Aging ,stress and hormonal changes
  • Using brushes with hard bristles that scratch the skin

Hence, it’s vital that you choose gentle dry scalp shampoos that moisturizes your scalp. That won’t dry it out or cause excessive oil to build up.

You want something that is gentle, yet has a good cleaning ability.

It’s important to stay clear of products that contain sulfates, parabens, silicone's, and chemically sourced fragrances.

All of which can irritate and bring about dryness on the scalp. Shampoos that have natural oils and extracts can nourish the scalp in a harmless manner.

Here are some of the best shampoo for dry itching scalp on the market specifically for dry scalps.

Top 10 Best Shampoo For Dry Itching Scalp Reviews

1. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo

Maple Holistics Tea Tree shampoo

Tee tree oil is considered one of nature’s best antibacterial agents.

Tea tree helps to unclog pores, and prevents the buildup of sebum and oil.

If you suffer from itchy scalp, this product will help soothe your head.

Maple Holistics shampoo is one of the best tea tree shampoo that is filled with naturally sourced ingredients, and is free of parabens, silicones, and sulfates.

 It soothes itchy scalp by clearing the flakes and unclogging the pores. It also stimulates the scalp so hair grows back thicker, and fuller.

With a special blend of tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil, the shampoo is mixed with complimentary oils like Jojoba and Argan oil which all work together to help hydrate, detox, soothe and cleanse the scalp.

Fatty acids in Jojoba oil clear up sebum and detangles hair while lavender oil improves blood circulation and prevents hair loss. Argan oil makes hair frizz free and repairs hair. Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth and prevent dandruff.

Maple Holistics is one of the best dry scalp shampoos available for healing dry itchy scalp, which prevents hair loss and dandruff conditions also.

PROS

  • Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal formula that works well for dry itchy scalp
  • Free of any harsh chemicals like Sulphate, Paraben, dyes or artificial fragrances
  • Helps with dandruff and soothes scalp
  • Reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth
  • Suitable for sensitive skin, prevents head lice

CONS

  • Dries out hair, so better to use with Maple Holistics conditioner
  • Strong tea tree oil smell which may not be liked by all
  • Not the best results for dandruff

2. Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care With Almond Oil

Head & Shoulders Almond Oil Shampoo

One of the most popular brands in the world, Head and Shoulders is a forerunner when it comes to anti-dandruff shampoo.

Not only is it the #1 dermatologist recommended dandruff brand, it is renowned by consumers all over the globe.

The Head and Shoulders Almond oil shampoo uses a new 3 action formula that cleanses the flakes, protects scalp from infections and locks in moisture 75% better than other shampoos to give silky soft hair.

Formulated with key ingredient Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT), it targets the dandruff and dry, flaky scalp, at the root.

If you have dermatitis, this is the best scalp shampoo that helps clear your pores too, hence preventing the onset of scalp pimples.

It is pH balanced for daily use to provide quicker relief from itchy dry scalp.

PROS

  • Reputed and trusted brand with new 3 action formula
  • Contains zinc to target flakes and dryness at the root
  • Helps alleviate dandruff and itchiness quickly
  • Recommended by dermatologists and clinically tested product

CONS

  • Contains sulphates and other chemicals in addition to almond oil
  • Contains artificial fragrance and alcohol

3. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle

Klorane

If you’re looking for a dry scalp shampoo and have a dry scalp then this is the brand for you. This product refreshes your hair in between washes and works for the entire family.

Klorane is one of the most popular award winning brands in Europe for this reason. It is free of irritants like parabens, silicones, and sulfates.

It is sourced and manufactured with the best plant based, natural ingredient called nettle oil. Nettle oil is an extract from Urticaceae plant that control oil promotion and promote hair growth. The hair stays clean longer and becomes light and bouncy as well.

If you are looking for a gentle daily use shampoo based on natural ingredients, then Klorane is one the best scalp shampoos available.

PROS

  • Contains plant based ingredient “kettle”
  • Free of sulphates, silicones and parabens, colorants
  • Regulates oil production and cleans scalp hair effectively
  • Can be used as a fast alternative in between washes.

CONS

  • Expensive for daily use
  • Contains artificial fragrance and aerosols

4. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Neutrogena T gel

Neutrogena is the largest hypoallergenic brand in the United States.

The Neutrogena T/Gel therapeutic shampoo in particular contains coal tar extract which helps alleviate symptoms of dry scalp like dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis pimples from the very first use.

The shampoo eliminates flakes immediately and prevent new flakes from forming.

This is a good shampoo for dry scalp which is formulated to give relief from scalp discomfort for hours after use.

It also treats psoriasis. It is formulated to use every day and is safe enough to use consistently over time. Once the discomfort is reduced, it is enough to use it just once a week.

PROS

  • Treats dandruff, itchiness, dermatitis, psoriasis and all major dry scalp concerns
  • Contains Coal tar extract to soothe and cleanse scalp
  • The #1 recommended brand by doctors in the USA.

CONS

  • Strong repulsive smell due to coal tar
  • Not effective for some users

5. Maple Holistics Argan Oil

Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo

Argan oil is noted as being one of the best scalp shampoo in the world.

Maple Holistics Argan oil shampoo boasts a blend of six oils like Argan oil, keratin hair treatments, along with vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E as well as avocado oil, jojoba oil, and peach kernel extract.

Argan oil which is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants adds moisture to fight dry scalp. The fatty acids present in the oil soothes skin inflammation and prevent dryness thereby reducing flaky scalp.

 The other infused essential oils repair damaged hair, split ends and promote hair growth.

This is a luscious blend of naturally sourced ingredients that target itchy, frizzy, dry hair and leave the scalp clean, and healthy.

PROS

  • Free of any artificial colors, fragrances, sulphates and parabens.
  • Is naturally sourced and aids in frizz free hair as well as dry scalp concerns.
  • Good hydrating shampoo for oily hair and scalp

CONS

  • Water like consistency
  • Not suited for color treated hair
  • Not that effective for dandruff

6. Puriya Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo

Puriya

Once again, Puriya shampoo contains the magical tea tree oil extract that works to clean the scalp.

It also contains a blend of Arnica, sage, and rosemary oil to create a strong anti-fungal formula that stops itchiness and flaking.

Not only does it add moisture and health back to your hair, it aids in nourishing the natural health of the hair follicles from the inside out which improves the shine of the hair.

The natural ingredients increase blood circulation and makes your hair stronger, thicker and silky. The Puriya shampoo also removes flake and oil build up on your scalp.

PROS

  • Free of sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, and fragrance
  • It is safe for all hair types and even pets
  • Effective for controlling itching and removes flakes
  • pH balanced and nourishes hair

CONS

  • Doesn’t work well for some users like those with oily hair
  • Not good smelling

7. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Shampoo

Nioxin

Nioxin is another good shampoo for dry scalp on this list that contains ingredients to treat scalp dermatitis.

Not only that, this trusted shampoo improves the look of the hair as well as targeting dandruff and itching.

Nioxin shampoo also improves moisture control & protection to color-treated hair.

 Like Head and Shoulders, this reputed brand contains zinc pyrithione compounds which are known to be effective against flaky scalps.

PROS

  • Reputed brand that gives good relief for dry itchy scalp
  • Contains zinc pyrithione which gives good results for itchy scalp
  • Targets scalp dermatitis as well as dandruff, and improves shine of hair.

CONS

  • Medicated smell
  • Contains alcohol

8. Selenium Organic shampoo

Selenium

It’s the name when it comes to this product.

An organic, rejuvenating and cleansing shampoo.

Formulated with a very specific blend of herbal extracts and sapropel (which flushes vitamins, minerals and healthy enzymes into the scalp), this shampoo helps ease the symptoms of eczema and dryness on the scalp.

It is safe to use on all hair types. All the ingredients in the shampoo are 100% biodegradable which makes it safe for the environment too.

PROS

  • It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritating
  • 100% biodegradable organic shampoo
  • Moisturizing for the scalp
  • Free of sulphates, silcones, parabens

CONS

  • Not best results for dandruff
  • Can make hair dry for some users
  • Water like consistency

9. MG217 Medicated Shampoo

MG127 psoriasis shampoo

Coal tar is proving to be quite popular when it comes to treating dry scalps.

The MG217 Psoriasis conditioning medicated shampoo treatment leaves your hair feeling clean, fresh, and flake free.

It helps alleviate the symptoms associated with psoriasis, dermatitis, and dandruff.

It has a pleasant herbal fragrance and is another good shampoo for dry scalp.


PROS

  • Contains tar extract to deep cleanse the scalp
  • Helps treat all three issues including dandruff, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
  • Fights irritation, itching, scaling and redness

CONS

  • Unpleasant coal tar smell
  • Can be too strong for some users

10. Tree to Tub pH 5.5 Organic Shampoo

Tree to Tub shampoo

Tree to tub Soapberry for hair is another excellent organic shampoo which is pH balanced. 

The main ingredient is the soothing wild Soapberry to get rid of itchy scalp.

Unscented, and rich in Saponin, Aloe vera, Argan oil, chamomile, and olive leaves, this leaves your hair dandruff free. This blend of ingredients is a naturally sourced, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory shampoo.

Gentle on the hair, it leaves your hair at a healthy 5.5 pH level.

You probably guessed too, that it is hypoallergenic, safe to use even on your babies, and cruelty free as well as free trade and sustainable sourced.

PROS

  • Gentle and natural organic shampoo
  • Sustainably sourced from plants in Taiwan
  • Leaves your natural pH level to be at optimum for the prevention of flakes and dryness.
  • Suitable for extra sensitive skin

CONS

  • Expensive if used daily
  • Not best results for oily skin and hair types

Our Choice

Finding the perfect solution for dry itchy scalp can be a daunting task as there is no single product that suits everyone.

You will probably have to experiment with many products till you can find the best shampoo for dry itching scalp that can be lasting relief.

You can start with the Maple Holistics shampoo which is our top pick in this list.

The organic shampoo is enriched with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, Jojoba and Argan oils that cleanse, hydrates and soothes dry itchy scalp.

Know all about essentials oils here: Ultimate guide to essential oils

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