13 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps of 2024, According to Pros
GQ RecommendsLather the dryness away.By Brittany Loggins and Tyler Chin December 16, 2024Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Itchy dome? Makes sense you'd be looking for the best shampoos for dry scalps. If you've got flakes, the first item on the agenda is to figure out which kind you're dealing with—because nothing in 2024 can be simple. Dry scalp flakes tend to be small, round white specks, while dandruff tends to be flat, yellow, and oily.“Dry, flaking scalp is due to a break in the barrier of the scalp skin, causing skin cells to slough off abnormally,” says Dr. Macrene Alexiades, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. To help remedy this, you'll typically want to look for hydrating, replenishing ingredients; however, you have to be careful because sometimes the dandruff-causing fungus malassezia can lurk on your scalp and feed off of "yeast, including fruit extracts, pectin, honey or sugars that are often seen in natural shampoos.”Clearly, it's complicated—so to get to the bottom of which shampoo products you should use, we polled Alexiades for her favorite formulas. Here, she shares her top picks, many of which contain hydrators alongside zinc or selenium sulfide to fight dry skin flakes and dandruff alike.The Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps, at a GlanceBest Shampoo for Dry Scalps Overall: Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo, $26Best Affordable Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $5Best Volumizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Living Proof Full Shampoo, $34Best Shampoo for Dandruff: Jupiter Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $30Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalps: Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Itchy Scalp, $15Best Exfoliating Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Kiehl's Amino Acid Scalp Scrub, $40Best Dry Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair: R+Co DALLAS Biotin Thickening Shampoo, $38Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: IGK Legendary Hydrating Shampoo, $32Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Virtue Labs Purifying Clarifying Shampoo, $32Best Dry Scalp Shampoo for Soothing Irritation: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $166Best Curly and Coily Hair Shampoo for Men: Frederick Benjamin Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo, $10Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $30Best Detox Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Ouai Detox Shampoo, $32Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronFAQBest Shampoo for Dry Scalps, Overall: Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care ShampooHead & ShouldersDry Scalp Care Shampoo (2-Pack)$26 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsContains pyrithione zincAffordableConsCould be drying if used too oftenKey ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, almond oilPrice per ounce: $0.43While shampoos with zinc pyrithione—which, in addition to helping curb fungal growth, has been shown to help remedy eczema and psoriasis—can be slightly drying, Alexiades recommends using this one at least once per week to remain flake-free and to curb any fungal or yeast production on the scalp, all while hydrating dry hair and maintaining all your good natural oils.This one is super effective and has a light scent that comes from the addition of almond oil, which also works to moisturize the strands. It’s also paraben-free and comes in large containers that are really cost-effective, so one bottle will stand the test of time.Best Affordable Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff ShampooDoveDermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo$5 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsContains pyrithione zincSuper rich latherConsCould be drying if used too oftenKey ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, coconut butter, shea butterPrice per ounce: $0.42Dove is really good at creating formulas that feel rich and moisturizing, and this shampoo is no exception. The texture is incredibly creamy, and it works into a satisfying lather that will help pull away dead skin cells.While it’s lightly scented, the active ingredients are the stars of this shampoo’s show, which work together to inhibit the growth of fungus, yeast, and iron sulfur proteins—all of which can build up and cause dandruff and flakiness on the scalp. The formula is also pH-balanced, which will alleviate scalp issues by maintaining its newfound healthy environment after each wash and protect your hair follicles.Best Volumizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Living Proof Full ShampooLiving ProofFull Shampoo$34 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsNo ingredients that build-up on the strandsConsPriceKey ingredients: Amino acid cleaning complex, peptidesPrice per ounce: $4.25While this formula doesn’t have any ingredients that are specifically meant to help with dandruff, it will provide you with volume using ingredients that won’t build up and further irritate an already-dry scalp. It uses peptides to make each individual hair strand look
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Itchy dome? Makes sense you'd be looking for the best shampoos for dry scalps. If you've got flakes, the first item on the agenda is to figure out which kind you're dealing with—because nothing in 2024 can be simple. Dry scalp flakes tend to be small, round white specks, while dandruff tends to be flat, yellow, and oily.
“Dry, flaking scalp is due to a break in the barrier of the scalp skin, causing skin cells to slough off abnormally,” says Dr. Macrene Alexiades, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. To help remedy this, you'll typically want to look for hydrating, replenishing ingredients; however, you have to be careful because sometimes the dandruff-causing fungus malassezia can lurk on your scalp and feed off of "yeast, including fruit extracts, pectin, honey or sugars that are often seen in natural shampoos.”
Clearly, it's complicated—so to get to the bottom of which shampoo products you should use, we polled Alexiades for her favorite formulas. Here, she shares her top picks, many of which contain hydrators alongside zinc or selenium sulfide to fight dry skin flakes and dandruff alike.
The Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps, at a Glance
- Best Shampoo for Dry Scalps Overall: Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo, $26
- Best Affordable Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $5
- Best Volumizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Living Proof Full Shampoo, $34
- Best Shampoo for Dandruff: Jupiter Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $30
- Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalps: Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Itchy Scalp, $15
- Best Exfoliating Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Kiehl's Amino Acid Scalp Scrub, $40
- Best Dry Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair: R+Co DALLAS Biotin Thickening Shampoo, $38
- Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: IGK Legendary Hydrating Shampoo, $32
- Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Virtue Labs Purifying Clarifying Shampoo, $32
- Best Dry Scalp Shampoo for Soothing Irritation: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $166
- Best Curly and Coily Hair Shampoo for Men: Frederick Benjamin Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo, $10
- Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $30
- Best Detox Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Ouai Detox Shampoo, $32
Best Shampoo for Dry Scalps, Overall: Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo
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While shampoos with zinc pyrithione—which, in addition to helping curb fungal growth, has been shown to help remedy eczema and psoriasis—can be slightly drying, Alexiades recommends using this one at least once per week to remain flake-free and to curb any fungal or yeast production on the scalp, all while hydrating dry hair and maintaining all your good natural oils.
This one is super effective and has a light scent that comes from the addition of almond oil, which also works to moisturize the strands. It’s also paraben-free and comes in large containers that are really cost-effective, so one bottle will stand the test of time.
Best Affordable Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Dove is really good at creating formulas that feel rich and moisturizing, and this shampoo is no exception. The texture is incredibly creamy, and it works into a satisfying lather that will help pull away dead skin cells.
While it’s lightly scented, the active ingredients are the stars of this shampoo’s show, which work together to inhibit the growth of fungus, yeast, and iron sulfur proteins—all of which can build up and cause dandruff and flakiness on the scalp. The formula is also pH-balanced, which will alleviate scalp issues by maintaining its newfound healthy environment after each wash and protect your hair follicles.
Best Volumizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Living Proof Full Shampoo
While this formula doesn’t have any ingredients that are specifically meant to help with dandruff, it will provide you with volume using ingredients that won’t build up and further irritate an already-dry scalp. It uses peptides to make each individual hair strand look more voluminous, and amino acids to leave the scalp thoroughly cleansed.
To add an element of exfoliation while using this shampoo, Adam Federico, hairstylist and R+Co’s vice president of technical education, suggests using a scalp massager before showering to loosen the dead skin cells. This will make it easier for them to wash away once you’re in the shower.
Best Shampoo for Dandruff: Jupiter Anti Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for a dandruff shampoo that actually works—but isn’t too harsh on your actual hair—this is the way to go. It’s vegan, sulfate and paraben-free, and in addition to containing zinc pyrithione, it also has nourishing ingredients to keep your scalp from feeling tight and dry.
One of these ingredients is squalane, which works to add moisture to the strands while strengthening them so that they’re less prone to breakage. It also nourishes with coconut oil and uses sugar kelp, which is known for its antimicrobial properties, to prevent further flaking.
Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalps: Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Itchy Scalp
Not only does this shampoo contain salicylic acid and menthol—both of which will work to soothe irritation—but it smells like peppermint and musk, which will leave you feeling awake and refreshed. The salicylic acid in this formula works as a gentle exfoliant that will remove dead skin cells from a flaky scalp, as well as style product build-up that could cause clogged pores. Plus, it’s great at breaking down oil without stripping your skin. All of these factors will keep you from feeling more irritated and itchy later down the road.
Best Exfoliating Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Kiehl's Amino Acid Scalp Scrub
This Kiehl’s formula is great because it contains both chemical and physical exfoliants. The salicylic acid serves as the chemical exfoliant by sloughing away dead skin and purifying the pores beneath, while the sea salt acts as a natural physical exfoliant that also helps balance the scalp’s pH.
To prevent dryness, the formula is also packed with coconut and seed oils, which keep the scalp from feeling dry after the dead cells are washed away. Use this product once per week (lest you want a sensitive scalp) in place of regular shampoo and make sure you’re focusing on massaging it into the scalp and thoroughly rinsing.
Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: R+Co DALLAS Biotin Thickening Shampoo
If you experience hair thinning, Alexiades suggests looking for a shampoo that contains biotin. This one is great because not only does it have that ingredient, it has lots of other scalp health-promoting ingredients as well. “If someone struggles with a dry scalp, it’s essential to look for ingredients that provide hydration, soothe irritation, and maintain scalp health, while avoiding those that can cause further dryness or irritation,” adds Federico.
This formula has provitamin B5, which provides hydration by coating the strands and holding in moisture. Provitamin B5 can also act as a protective element for the strands when using shampoos with harsher ingredients. The coconut oil and saw palmetto berry extract in the formula will also nourish and add body to your hair.
Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Scalps: IGK Legendary Hydrating Shampoo
Especially if you have dry strands, you want to make sure you’re not constantly washing your hair with harsh chemicals that can do more damage. Franck Izquierdo, a hairstylist and the co-founder of IGK Hair Care, notes that one of the problems he typically sees when styling people with dandruff or dry scalp is that they tend to over-treat by using dandruff shampoos every time they wash their hair. “This can actually lead to further skin issues and reactions by overly-medicating or drying out the scalp,” Izquierdo says.
He advises people to opt for physical exfoliants once per week—and he notes that this can include scalp massagers or thoroughly brushing your hair before showering to loosen up dead skin cells. “This will allow the cleansing process to rinse away any debris and dandruff,” says Izquierdo. This shampoo works to improve scalp health with ingredients including microbiome prebiotics, which will help balance the pH of scalp so that it’s healthier overall. It’s also packed with red sea algae, which works to hydrate the strands so that they can recover from the medication-heavy shampoos.
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Virtue Labs Purifying Clarifying Shampoo
Those with an oily scalp might think a clarifying shampoo will help them alleviate their problem, but in actuality, these shampoos can be overstripping your hair—and they can actually contribute to an even oilier scalp. But, for someone with a dry scalp, a clarifying shampoo can help get rid of excess hair product build up all while keeping your head nice and nourished. Not only is charcoal an excellent clarifying ingredient, it also serves as a physical exfoliant that’s natural and gentle on all hair types. The clarifying ingredient in this formula is the hops extract, which is a natural astringent that purifies the scalp without leaving it feeling too dry. To add in some moisture, the formula includes a coconut and fatty acid blend that’s incredibly gentle.
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While this is a gentler version of some clarifying shampoos, it’s still important not to overuse formulas with exfoliants, so make sure you’re only calling on this sulfate-free shampoo once or twice per week.
Best Shampoo for Soothing Irritation: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
While the price can seem prohibitive, this shampoo feels commensurately luxurious—and it will leave your scalp feeling absolutely soothed. Not only does it contain salicylic acid for properly exfoliating away the dead skin cells and dandruff, it’s packed with ingredients that are intended solely for nourishing the hair and skin of the scalp.
Oribe is known for its signature complex, which contains watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower. These ingredients come together to protect keratin production and to shield the strands from oxidative stress caused by pollutants and chemicals. All of these factors come together to leave the hair feeling moisturized and the scalp feeling balanced.
Best Curly and Coily Hair Shampoo for Men: Frederick Benjamin Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo
Frederick Benjamin
Shampoo Invigorating Cleanser
- Extremely hydrating and smoothing for thick strands, too—not just curly ones.
- That scalp-tingling spearmint has your scalp buzzing happily for the next 30 minutes.
- Great value.
- Many reviewers note that it feels watered down.
- I’ll agree that it feels more runny than other options, and the low price might account for this. Still, I believe that it still delivers on its promise.
According to Darius Davie, men's hairstylist and creative director of Groom Guy, folks with coily or curly hair are prone to dry scalp—and therefore dandruff. He recommends this Frederick Benjamin shampoo, which is both refreshing and nourishing for those who need it.
Davie recommends that you leave this shampoo in your hair for a couple minutes, much like a conditioner, before rinsing it out so that it's able to settle onto the scalp for better hydration. Plus, the tingly mix of menthol and spearmint offer a nice tingly sensation that can stimulate hair growth, which you can only exacerbate by giving yourself a much-needed head massage while you're lathering up.
Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo
A dry scalp can also mean you have dry hair, so we didn't want to neglect those who are trying to give their locks a little added moisture, too. We're big fans of Olaplex, especially its No.4 shampoo, which is close to being our favorite shampoo overall. It boasts hydrating and repairing properties, making it a favorite of GQ grooming contributor Adam Hurly, who brings this along on travels when changes of climate have negative effects on his strands.
Best Detox Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Ouai Detox Shampoo
This is not a shampoo you use every day. Buildup, whether it be of dead skin, oil, or other nasties in the hair, will accumulate over time, and a good detoxifying shampoo will help get rid of it all so you can get back to square one: a clean scalp. Detox shampoos are drying for all scalps, and whether or not you have oily hair or dry hair, but we like this one from Ouai because it doesn't leave your scalp or hair feeling like it could use a tall glass of water. Just make sure to follow this up with a good conditioner or a moisturizing hair serum or hair mask to keep yourself (and your dome) hydrated.
FAQ
What should I look for in a shampoo for dry scalp?
When searching specifically for dandruff shampoos, Alexiades recommends “a shampoo that contains zinc or selenium sulfide as these ingredients help build up the scalp barrier and rebalance the microbiome.”
And while these ingredients are great for curbing the production of yeast, it’s also important to rotate in shampoo & conditioners that nourish the scalp. “It’s essential to look for ingredients that provide hydration, soothe irritation, and maintain scalp health, while avoiding those that can cause further dryness or irritation,” says Federico. He names hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter as ingredients that help moisturize the scalp—either by adding it in or by bonding to water particles. He also suggests provitamin B5, which conditions the scalp and holds in moisture, as well as oat extract, which is great for reducing inflammation and redness—and for overall healthy hair.
How do I stop my scalp from getting dry?
As Alexiades notes, it’s important to visit your dermatologist (who’s good for more than just skin care advice) if you think you have underlying issues, as a dry scalp can be indicative of larger health concerns. Alexiades also explains that it usually just means you have slight irritation or yeast buildup, and that “the goal here is to restore the scalp barrier and microbiome.”
There are also a few things you can do to prevent dryness and flakiness from getting worse. “Shampoo with very warm but not excessively hot water and a simple shampoo that does not contain sugar or fruit extracts,” says Alexiades, further explaining that the sugar extracts can feed the yeast that causes the flakiness. She also recommends that her patients only use dandruff-targeting shampoos once or twice per week as part of their scalp treatment just to avoid any hair damage.
