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
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.
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2. Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care With Almond Oil
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.
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3. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle
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.
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4. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
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.
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5. Maple Holistics Argan Oil
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.
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6. Puriya Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo
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.
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7. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Shampoo
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.
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8. Selenium Organic shampoo
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.
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9. MG217 Medicated 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.
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10. Tree to Tub pH 5.5 Organic 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.
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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