17 best shampoos for dry scalp, according to dermatologists
Providing soothing relief, the best shampoos for dry scalp and dandruff can make a real difference to dandruff, flakes, and general irritation. Nobody likes to admit they have a dry scalp. But if you’ve ever dealt with flakes, tightness or relentless itchiness, you’ll know it’s more common than you think.
“Many people forget that their scalp is part of their skin, so whilst they’re doing steps for their face and body, a lot of the time the scalp is forgotten,” says Boo Banner-Eve, colour specialist. The skin on our scalp can be surprisingly sensitive, yet it rarely gets the same attention we give our faces. We’ll happily invest in face cleansers, serums and moisturisers for glowing skin, but when it comes to finding the right haircare, the focus tends to be on repairing, styling or masking damage to the hair itself rather than nourishing the scalp beneath.
While we love a hair mask as much as the next person, will rush to source the best shampoos for thinning hair and will forever wax lyrical about the benefits of a great hair oil, haircare shouldn’t fall short at the shaft of the hair. In fact, scalp care and creating a balanced, healthy environment for your precious hair follicles is a sure fire way to ensure optimum hair health.
But before you lather up, it’s important to figure out the cause of your dry scalp in the first place. Cold weather, over-washing, product buildup, hormonal changes, and even seborrheic dermatitis can all be to blame.… therefore, the treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
To help take the guesswork out of it, we teamed up with dermatologists to break it all down for us. What we learned? Dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture, while dandruff stems from an overly oily scalp — and, even though symptoms may be similar, the two conditions need to be treated differently for best results.
Ready to find the best shampoo – the best soothing shampoo – for ditching the itch? We asked our derms for their suggestions on the best shampoos for dry scalp — plus, we've also polled GLAMOUR editors for their favourite hydrating and clarifying shampoo formulas for different hair types and concerns.
Meet the experts:
| Name | Expertise |
|---|---|
| Eleanore Richardson | Consultant trichologist at the Fulham Scalp & Hair Clinic. |
| Hadley King, MD | Board-certified dermatologist in NYC. |
| Tylor Johnson | Expert hair colorist and founder of Nous Haircare. |
| Connie Yang, MD | Cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD. |
| Kerry E. Yates | Trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. |
| Tom Smith | Olaplex artist. |
| Issie Churcher | Creative Director at STIL. |
| Boo Banner-Eve | Colour Specialist. |
| Samantha Cuisick | Olaplex ambassador and founder of Samantha Cuisick London and Sta Studios. |
| Dr Anastasia Therianou | VICHY consultant dermatologist. |
| Anabel Kingsley | brand president and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley. |
| Helen Reavey | founder of Act + Acre. |
How we test the best soothing shampoos for dry scalps:
For the GLAMOUR team, it is of huge importance that we provide our readers with trustworthy, honest and unbiased reviews of every product we write about – shampoos included. To this end, we aim to review each product in person wherever possible. So, as soon as our Commerce Contributor, Humeara Mohamed, told us she'd had an appointment with a straight-talking trichologist ("Wow you're really scaly, huh?") for her itchy scalp, we knew we needed to rope her in.
Ahead, Humeara and other members of our team review each formula based on their price, feel, scent, packaging and final result on various hair types and colours. Some formulas might not have made their way to our desks – for those, we consulted customer reviews and our little black book of expert contacts to give you a truthful review nonetheless. Find out more about how we test here.
How we test the best soothing shampoos for dry scalps:
We don’t take the term best lightly. To find the best shampoos for dry scalp, our beauty team spent weeks lathering, rinsing and repeating with dozens of formulas across every price point, from high street favourites to salon-level staples. We tested on a variety of hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily, and in different scalp conditions, whether mildly tight and dehydrated or prone to persistent flaking. We paid close attention to how each shampoo cleansed, how soothing it felt during use, and, crucially, how our scalps and hair looked and felt after several washes. Texture, scent, and how easily the product rinsed away without residue all made it onto our scorecards.
But we didn’t stop there. To ensure our shortlist wasn’t just based on personal preference, we spoke to dermatologists, trichologists and hair colourists to get their professional take on the ingredients, formulas and scalp-care benefits that actually make a difference. Their insights helped us separate the nice-to-haves from the must-haves, so every recommendation here is expert-backed as well as GLAMOUR approved.
Ahead, the best shampoos for dry scalps that'll truly help soothe the itch.
- Hair type: All hair types, including fine, colour-treated, dry and damaged
- Scent: Light tropical coconut and pineapple
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B5 (panthenol), pineapple extract, hydrolysed wheat protein
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 250ml
Why we love it: At GLAMOUR, we're big fans of the cult uklash serum, so when the brand released their ukhair products, we knew we had to try. Packed with amino acids, pineapple extract and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol), it gently clears build-up, nourishes the scalp, and helps prep it for growth - without stripping or weighing strands down. After weeks of use, we noticed ess shedding, thicker texture, and better volume in our strands.
Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo
- Hair Type: Dry, damaged, or color-treated hair
- Scent: Tropical blend of fig, bergamot, coconut, almond, milk, sandalwood, and musk
- Key Ingredients: ResistHyal™ (Hyaluronic Acid), coconut oil, avocado oil, fermented oil complex (argan, camellia, green tea, almond oils), pineapple extract
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 280ml
Why we love it: Seriously nourishing, this hydration-first shampoo is an absolute winner for anyone dealing with a dry scalp. Powered primarily by ResistHyal™ technology — which is a potent power-blend of hyaluronic acid — the botanical formula leaves your locks looking and feeling far more soft, smooth, and shiny, and provides the scalp with long-lasting moisture.
As for the scalp, the plant-powered fermented oil complex provides nourishment through the antioxidants and fatty acids found in the fermented oil complex, while potent pineapple enzymes cleanse the hair, and remove any oil and excess product build-up — leaving you with seriously refreshed roots. What's more, its coconut-fig scent will leave your hair smelling so good, you'll forget about your perfume.
- Hair Type: Dry, damaged, or difficult hair
- Scent: A calming blend of jasmine, rose, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, cedarwood, geranium, and palmarosa
- Key Ingredients: King coconut oil, amla fruit extract, macadamia seed oil
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 260ml
Why we love it: This is scalp care, elevated. Inspired by Ayurvedic principles and blended with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it feels every bit as indulgent as it sounds. King Coconut and Amla fruit flood the scalp with hydration, while macadamia oil smooths and softens without weighing hair down. The gentle, sulfate-free formula creates a fine, creamy lather that feels like a salon ritual, and the fragrance - rose, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla - is the kind you’ll want to linger on your pillow.
Kérastase Specifique Dermo-Calm Bain Riche Shampoo
- Hair Type: Dry hair.
- Scent: Fresh and clean.
- Key Ingredients: Calophyllum oil, glycerin, piroctone olamine, and menthol.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 250ml.
Why we love it: Developed specifically for dry and sensitive scalps this purifying Kérastase shampoo soothes and nourishes the scalp — while also hydrating dry ends. A completely hypoallergenic formula, it's delicate on the skin, but still lathers up really luxuriously.
Infused with the comforting qualities of anti-inflammatory calophyllum oil and moisturising glycerin — as well as piroctone olamine and menthol extract to instantly tackle the endless itching — this shampoo leaves the scalp feeling both cleansed and comfortable.
The Powder Shampoo Exfoliating Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types.
- Scent: Tea tree.
- Key Ingredients: Tea tree essential oil, white willow tree, xylitol, and thyme essential oil
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 70g.
Why we love it: These clever powder-to-foam shampoo formulas are perfect for travelling, come in reusable aluminium packaging, and are an ideal option for eco-conscious shoppers. There are lots of different types to choose from, but this exfoliating version has been specifically designed to revitalise flaky and itchy scalps. Plus, it's even enriched with thyme essential oil to support healthy hair growth.
Packed with seriously impressive actives like antibacterial tea tree oil which helps fight dandruff-causing fungi, and exfoliating salicylic acid derived from willow tree bark, this shampoo instantly gets to work tackling flaking, itching, and irritation. Meanwhile, prebiotics like xylitol work to balance the scalp's microbiome — therefore reducing the likelihood of more bacteria developing in the future.
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Hair Type: Dry, flaky, itchy scalps.
- Scent: Clean, subtle herbal.
- Key Ingredients: Piroctone Olamine, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 250ml.
Why we love it: This cleansing and clarifying formula works instantly to soothe dryness and itching, and clear stubborn flakes and build-up — while also working over the long-term to restore your scalp’s microflora balance, and therefore prevent future flare-ups. Best of all, it feels really lovely and lightweight — so you wont be left with lank and limp locks.
Powered by anti-microbial piroctone olamine to tackle flakes and itching, and lauryl betaine — which cleanses without leaving behind any redness or irritation — it's the perfect formula for seriously itchy and irritated scalps. Plus, unlike many anti-dandruff shampoos, it leaves your scalp lovely and moisturised — instead of drying it out.
Olapex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types.
- Scent: light, clean, and subtly sweet fresh citrus scent with notes of grapefruit and mint.
- Key Ingredients: Glycine, sodium PCA.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes, also vegan.
- Size: 250ml.
Why we love it: Ideal for all hair types, Olaplex’s bestseller is a go-to among stylists for its ability to deeply cleanse and support scalp health without compromising moisture. Unlike many traditional clarifying shampoos that can strip the scalp of its natural oils, this formula more gently removes scalp buildup, excess oil, and environmental pollutants. It’s also infused with Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology to strengthen hair from within as it detoxifies.
Our testers liked how well the shampoo lathers, plus cited a refreshing and clean smell that lasted throughout the day (and the next day) as a nice bonus. “I followed the recommended instructions to let it set for up to five minutes in the shower before rinsing out, which did seem like a long time in the morning; however, the first time I used it I didn’t let it set as long and I still felt my hair got a very good cleansing,” said Condé Nast global executive director of creative strategy Norell Zable. “I am someone who has to wash my hair every day or it feels too oily, and after letting it set in for five minutes, I was able to skip a wash day the next day.”
- Hair Type: All hair types, especially dandruff-prone
- Scent: Clean, fresh, slightly herbal
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Pyrithione, Salicylic Acid, Ginger Root Oil
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 300ml
Why we love it: GLAMOUR editors have long been fans of OUAI, particularly the brand’s anti-dandruff shampoo, which contains an impressive 2% salicylic acid. It’s a standout ingredient in shampoos for dryness, because it’s a mild exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin and reduce scaling on the scalp that can cause flakes, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. This product also has an active ingredient called propanediol caprylate, which pros tell us may help reduce the amount of dandruff-causing bacteria on the scalp. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention.
In tests, users consistently told us they liked this particular shampoo, because it didn’t feel medicinal yet had impressive prowess. In other words, the moisturising shampoo feels a bit more like hair care than most other dry scalp shampoos—great for dry or damaged hair—but provides the same benefits. I’m a perfect case study: I have a perpetually itchy scalp but my strands skew dry and frizzy, so most shampoos for dry hair only deliver in one area. Not this one. It kept itchiness (and resulting flakes) at bay for more than two days (that’s a huge win for me!), but still left my hair feeling soft and smooth.
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- Hair Type: Thin hair.
- Scent: Rosemary.
- Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, ceramides, and plant proteins.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 250ml.
Why we love it: Rosemary shampoo is typically recommended for anyone who wants thicker, fuller hair, but experts tell Glamour the ingredient can also help improve scalp health. It increases blood supply, decreases inflammation, and has antimicrobial properties, says Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. This particular formula also includes plant proteins and ceramides that strengthen and condition your scalp’s barrier.
GLAMOUR's Kilkeary says she relies on this shampoo mostly to help reduce buildup. “A clarifying shampoo is one that I won’t go without, simply because my hair gets pretty oily if I skip a wash day,” she says. “This super-nourishing shampoo (which smells amazing, by the way) helps absorb grease.” The hair-growth benefits are a nice bonus, she adds. “I’ve noticed such a difference in my hair since I first started using it. The hair at my root is much thicker and stronger, and I don’t find that my strands get as greasy as quickly. My hair feels and looks fresh, and has much more body and volume.”
Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Purifying Scalp Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair
- Hair Type: Dry, dandruff-prone scalp
- Scent: Fresh, clean
- Key Ingredients: Selenium Sulfide, Niacinamide, Glycerin
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 200ml
Why we love it: If you're dealing primarily with itching and irritation, and large yellow dandruff flakes, you might actually have an oily scalp — not a dry one. Ideal for severe dandruff, this potent shampoo is made with two highly-effective ingredients that dermatologists recommend for dandruff; anti-fungal selenium disulfide, and exfoliating salicylic acid.
A soothing and detoxifying formula, this Vichy shampoo instantly targets dandruff flakes from the very first wash, and removes dead skin cells without stripping the hair. Leaving greasy roots and strands far more lightweight and refreshed, it's also a great option for scalp psoriasis — although definitely consult a health professional first.
- Hair Type: Oily, dandruff-prone scalp
- Scent: Herbal, fresh
- Key Ingredients: Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, Rosemary Oil, Menthol, Ginger Extract
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 250ml
Why we love it: Piroctone olamine and climbazole work hand in hand to tackle both active flare-ups of dandruff and the fungi that can cause scalp issues in the first place. The formula also boasts exfoliating salicylic acid to tackle buildup that can cause itchiness and those dead skin cells that cause flakes, with soothing menthol, conditioning rosemary oil, and anti-inflammatory ginger extract.
One of the things we like most about this shampoo is how comparable it is to other, more conventional formulas for all hair types, whether fine or coily. My own medium-textured, frizz-prone hair tolerated this shampoo really well. It lathered expertly, so I could really effectively cleanse my distractingly itchy scalp. Afterward, I didn’t have the same desire to itch, plus it remained flake-free for a few days—an amazing feat when it comes to my hair. I also liked the ginger-forward scent, which made for a real spa-like experience. Another plus? This formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and it’s void of icky ingredients like parabens.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types.
- Scent: Coconut.
- Key Ingredients: Charcoal, coconut oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and tea tree oil.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 236ml.
Why we love it: Part scalp scrub, part shampoo, this miracle worker may look all muddy and weird, but it received rave reviews from our testers. The charcoal formula is said to have detoxifying properties that help draw out any impurities clogging the hair follicle that cause buildup on the scalp and lead to itchiness. To moisturize the scalp, the scrub also contains coconut oil—an ingredient that Roger Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and senior VP of Beloit Memorial Hospital in Roscoe, Illinois, says is key for hydrating without any grease. Soothing peppermint, spearmint, and tea-tree-oil complex offer immediate scalp relief, as well.
This particular shampoo didn’t lather as well as some others we tried, but we love how easy the small exfoliating particles are to work into hair. And you get the benefits of both a scalp treatment and a shampoo without an extra step. Simply apply product to wet hair, massage it into the scalp, and rinse away. “I’d highly recommend it for anyone who deals with flakiness, especially during seasonal transitions,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “After using this, I noticed fewer flakes generally, and my scalp felt less irritated than it usually does.”
Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types.
- Scent: Fragrance-free.
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, lemon balm extract, and allantoin.
- Cruelty-Free: Yes.
- Size: 300ml.
Why we love it: Fragrance-free? Check. Soothing? Check. Suitable for sensitive scalps? Check-check-checkity-check. This affordable product is totally soap-free, and is clinically and dermatologically proven to protect the skin's natural balance — helping you ditch the itch, and paving the way for a considerably more comfortable scalp.
Formulated with soothing colloidal oatmeal, its the perfect cleansing formula for dry and sensitive scalps — and it's also definitely gentle enough for fine and thinning hair. Plus, the formula is seriously nourishing — so you can expect to be left with beautifully soft and shiny locks.
RANAVAT Veda⁴ Bond Complex Regenerative Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types, especially damaged or fragile hair
- Scent: Earthy, herbal, light floral
- Key Ingredients: Ayurvedic botanicals including amla, brahmi, shikakai, and turmeric
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 237ml
Why we love it: Inspired by their founder's postpartum hair loss journey, Ranavat products are created to nurture optimal scalp health for the best possible environment for regrowth. Combining modern technology with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients, this shampoo is clinically proven to improve the function of the scalp barrier. The proprietary Veda⁴ Bond Complex encapsulates each individual hair follicle to prevent further damage.
Percy and Reed I’m No Flake Soothing Shampoo
- Hair Type: Flaky, sensitive scalps
- Scent: Light citrus and floral
- Key Ingredients: Zinc PCA, tea tree oil, allantoin
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 250ml
Why we love it: This dermatologically tested shampoo contains super soothing and calming ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile to provide some much-needed relief to dry, itchy scalps. Perfume -free but lightly scented with essential oils, this shampoo is gentle enough to be used daily. It's also free from sulphates, parabens and silicones, and is designed to improve scalp moisture levels for an overall healthier, hydrated scalp.
Act + Acre Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo
- Hair Type: All hair types, especially sensitive scalps
- Scent: Herbal, fresh
- Key Ingredients: Natural surfactants, aloe vera, jojoba oil, seaweed extract
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Size: 285ml
Why we love it: From our expert herself, Helen Reavey. Act + Acre has developed a cult following, despite being the new kid on the block – and it’s easy to see why. Suitable for all hair types and infused with cleansing amino acids, hydrating glycerin and cooling baobab oil, this shampoo strikes the perfect balance of cleansing without disrupting the hair’s natural moisture equilibrium.
- Hair Type: All hair types
- Scent: Subtle, clean
- Key Ingredients: TFC8® Technology, Vitamin B5, Watercress Extract, Indian Cress Extract, Shikakai, Maca Root
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Why we love it: Augustinus Bader’s patented TCF8 technology has been revolutionary in the skincare industry, and now this proprietary blend is also available in hair and scalp treatments. This shampoo is an ideal all-rounder for those with dry scalps. It features ingredients such as neem extract and shikakai extract, which work specifically on optimising scalp health.
What causes a dry and itchy scalp?
A study commissioned by Head & Shoulders in 2020 revealed that Brits are much more likely to clean their kitchen surface daily than their hair (66% vs 27%). While this might not sound surprising, your scalp carries 6,000 types of microbes in comparison to your kitchen surface which carries on average 100-300. Then there's the 2023 study commissioned by Batiste, which found 44% of women avoid exercise to save washing their hair.
So what does this mean? Not all microbes are bad of course – as is the case with most of our bodily processes, a healthy scalp needs good bacteria. However, an overgrowth of bad bacteria can often lead to dandruff, dryness, itchiness and in severe cases, hair loss.
Bad bacteria isn't the only reason your scalp could be itchy, though it is a major one. Your diet, a skin condition, a lack of filaggrin in your body, addiction to dry shampoo, or even seasonal changes and stress can also come into play. And both an overly dry or overly oily scalp can bring forth a chronic itch while also stunting hair growth. Much like the skin on your face, your scalp boasts a delicate surface that needs to be nurtured – not too oily, but not so cleansed that it's stripped of moisture and dry – and it's hard to get the balance just right.
If the itch is just a mild irritation, it’s still worth sorting, especially if you're working on length retention. Consultant trichologist at the Fulham Scalp & Hair Clinic, Eleanore Richardson, tells GLAMOUR: “As with any skin, if there is any inflammation on the scalp, it will be felt and it will be visible. An unhealthy scalp will not get you the best hair.”
Are dandruff and dry scalp the same?
Dry scalp and dandruff often get lumped together, but they’re actually different issues. “Dandruff is caused by a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which is linked to a yeast called Malassezia that naturally lives on the skin,” says Iris Rubin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “For dryness and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff shampoos, which include ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione, can be a big help.”
A dry, flaky scalp, however, might be triggered by something else entirely — like contact dermatitis, or a reaction to hair products. With that in mind, treating a dry scalp as if it’s dandruff might not help — and, in some cases, could even make it worse. “If you’re unsure whether your dry, itchy scalp is due to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist,” says Dr. Rubin.
Can colouring my hair affect a dry scalp?
Colouring can be transformative for your overall look, but your scalp might not feel quite as appreciative as you are. According to Issie Churcher, Creative Director at STIL, permanent and semi-permanent dyes often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and phenylenediamine (PPD). “These ingredients can strip away natural scalp oils, raise the skin’s pH, and slightly damage the scalp’s outer layer,” she explains. “That can lead to mild redness, tightness, tingling and itching.”
To minimise the risk of irritation, Issie recommends a little pre-appointment prep if you're planning on colouring your hair. “Allow 24–48 hours without washing so your scalp’s natural oils can build up - they act as a protective barrier,” she says. For extra defence, a colourist can apply scalp protection oils or creams before the dye goes on.
Post-colour care is equally important. “Wait at least 24 hours before washing to let your scalp rebalance its natural pH,” Issie advises. “Choose a sulphate-free shampoo it will protect your colour from fading and give your scalp a gentler cleanse.” Her go-to options? Pureology Hydrate for colour-treated hair, or the Shanti Ayurveda Moisture range. And if your scalp is feeling tender after a colour? “Let it settle naturally, and if needed, apply a soothing chamomile lotion.”
Does dry scalp cause hair loss?
Experts agree that while a dry scalp is high unlikely to be the root cause of hair loss, long-term dry scalp issues can may amplify hair loss and hinder hair growth. According to Helen, “dryness can lead to itchiness and scratching, potentially damaging hair follicles and causing breakage or hair loss.” Plus, a scalp that lacks moisture can also affect the overall health of your hair, making it more prone to breakage, split ends and potentially thinning hair.
Scrubbing is generally counterproductive and can lead to further irritation and scalp dryness. If you're looking to reduce product build-up and get rid of dead skin cells, we recommend using a gentle chemical scalp exfoliants instead. Look for those that contain lactic acid or salicylic acid while steering clear of products with exfoliating beads or particles.
How often should I wash my hair if I have a dry scalp?
Much like dry skin, over-cleansing an already dry scalp can make dryness and irritation even worse. Samantha emphasises that washing your hair every two to three days is often enough as it allows for enough time for your scalp to replenish its natural oils without causing excess oil production. A good rule of thumb is to remember that a dry scalp generally needs less washing that a naturally oily scalp.
So, what ingredients should I look for in a soothing shampoo?
You can first tackle the problem by adding a soothing shampoo that's specifically made for itchy scalps to your haircare regime. There are a few ingredients you should look out for in your mane care wardrobe:
- Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It's most appropriate for dry skin. Due to its acidic pH, it’s best used in a shampoo/conditioner rather than being used naked, as that can lead to further drying, which would make the hair follicles more prone to breakage and ultimately making it itchier.
- Peppermint oil can be effective at reducing dandruff and soothing the scalp, in turn calming down any itchiness. Again, restrain from using peppermint oil in its pure form, as it can adverse effects like causing further itching.
- Tea tree oil is another antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic oil. It’s resulting anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce or eliminate all sorts of itching as long as it’s diluted in a product.
- Salicylic acid shouldn't be restricted to skincare. Shampoos containing this BHA are effective at treating itchy scalps caused by psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It also exfoliates the scalp, making it a great haircare ingredient against irritation.
- Moisturising ingredients should also feature heavily in your chosen formula. “Look for scalp moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, which helps to calm irritation and restore moisture; glycerin, which draws moisture from the air to the scalp; and hyaluronic acid — another powerful humectant that deeply hydrates both the hair and scalp,” says Dr. Kapoor. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil are also beneficial, since they’re lightweight oils that closely mimic the natural oils of the scalp, helping to restore moisture without leaving a greasy residue.
- Anti-dandruff ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide are commonly found in dandruff shampoos, and can make a real difference if your dryness is causing excessive flaking — or even if the root of your problem is a condition like seborrheic dermatitis.
A version of this story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
