The 15 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp of 2024

Best Overall

LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo

$18 at Amazon $31 at Walmart

Hair Type: Dry | Scent: Fresh lemongrass | Active Ingredients: Xylitol, coconut oil, glycolic acid | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

"This is a great everyday shampoo and is especially choice for anyone tackling scalp issues," says Rivera. The xylitol in the dermatologist-developed formula does a great job protecting the scalp's delicate moisture balance, she adds. Coconut oil adds hydration while glycolic acid gently exfoliates, and it also works beautifully on all hair types and textures.

Best Drugstore

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Shampoo

$9 at Target $9 at Walmart $11 at CVS

Hair Type: Color-treated | Scent: Rosemary and peppermint | Active Ingredients: Colloidal oat extract | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Drugstore-favorite Aveeno may be best known for its soothing body lotions that heal dry and itchy skin, but it also boasts a line of shampoos ideal for sensitive, irritated scalps. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains that this shampoo incorporates colloidal oat extract, so not only does it help with dryness, but it's super soothing on the scalp. "It works to thicken the hair, too, making it especially good for those with fine or thin hair," she says. "It's sulfate-free and free of parabens, making it a good option for those with dry or sensitive skin as well as those with color-treated hair."

Best for Itch

Rene Furterer Astera Fresh Shampoo

$38 at Amazon $38 at Revolve

Hair Type: All | Scent: Peppermint and eucalyptus | Active Ingredients: Asteraceae extract, peppermint, eucalyptus oil | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As anyone who's ever experienced scalp dryness will tell you, itchiness and the constant need to scratch are a big part of the issue. That's why Hill likes and recommends this entire line, including the shampoo specifically. "It protects the scalp's microbiome, as well as soothes itchiness," she says. Its ingredients include Credit Asteraceae extract (a plant-based ingredient) that combats irritation almost instantly, as well as peppermint and eucalyptus oil that deliver a pleasantly cooling sensation.

Best for Curly Hair

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Shampoo

$15 at Amazon $12 at Walmart View on Vitamin Shoppe

Hair Type: Curly | Scent: Bamboo charcoal | Active Ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil | Size: 13 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While this shampoo will work on all hair types, it's an especially good pick for those who have both a dry scalp and curly hair. It touts a long list of hydrating ingredients that get the job done, moisturizing both scalp and hair—think shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil, just to name a few. At the same time, it's also loaded with soothing ingredients to calm dryness and irritation—tea tree oil, aloe, and more. Rivera is a big fan of the brand, lauding them for the many natural extracts they use to help promote both a healthy scalp and hair.

Best Splurge

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

$15 at Sephora View on Ulta $42 at Dermstore

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: Micro exfoliators, tea tree oil, coconut oil, charcoal | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Exfoliating is an important step when you have a dry scalp, but if you don't want to use a separate scrub and shampoo, reach for this multi-tasker. "This scalp scrub shampoo helps to reduce dryness and flaking by eliminating dead skin and product buildup, and it can be used on all hair types," explains Dr. Garshick. Micro-exfoliators do the sloughing, tea tree oil soothes irritation and coconut oil hydrates. It also contains charcoal which is thought to help remove impurities (though it's important to note that there isn't enough clinical evidence to support these claims).

Sure, it may be a bit splurgy, but this Briogeo hero product gives your scalp everything it needs in one fell swoop—bonus points for the addition of panthenol, an ingredient that's great for conditioning your hair.

Best for Thick Hair

Abhati Suisse Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo

View on Abhatisuisse.com

Hair Type: Thick | Scent: Herbal | Active Ingredients: Himalayan wild cherry oil | Size: 10.1 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your dealing with a dry scalp and your hair density is on the medium to thick side, certified trichologist Shab Reslan recommends this nourishing shampoo from Abhati Suisse. "This shampoo will cleanse, hydrate, and strengthen your hair and scalp with its unique combination of rare oils, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants," she says. "Himalayan wild cherry oil, which is particularly rich in omegas 6 and 9, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, helps maintain healthy hair."

Best Strengthening

Klorane Strengthening Shampoo

$20 at Amazon $24 at Ulta View on Kloraneusa.com

Hair Type: All | Scent: Herbal | Active Ingredients: Quinine, caffeine, edelweiss | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

If you're dealing with a dry scalp and thinning or breaking hair, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King recommends reaching for this strengthening and revitalizing pick from Klorane. "It's formulated with quinine, a vitamin B complex, and caffeine to support microcirculation for a healthy scalp and healthy growth," she says. "Studies show that edelweiss, when used topically, has anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, cleansing and soothing the scalp to further benefit overall scalp health."

Best for Dandruff

Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

$42 at Amazon $13 at beautybay.com $41 at Neiman Marcus

Hair Type: Sensitive | Scent: Green apple | Active Ingredients: Piroctone olamine | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Unknown

"Flaky scalps are almost always oily, not dry," explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. "Dandruff is an oily scalp condition—it's also called seborrheic dermatitis, with seborrhoeic referring to sebaceous (aka oil) glands." That's why she recommends this pick for targeting the root cause of flaking and itching.

"Dandruff occurs when certain yeasts (called Malassezia yeasts) naturally found on your scalp overgrow," she says. "These yeasts thrive in an oily environment, so cleansing your scalp regularly with a gentle targeted shampoo is important. This shampoo is formulated with piroctone olamine, an anti-microbial active that specifically targets Malassezia yeasts. It's mild enough for daily use, smells of fresh green apples, and it won't dry your hair or strip it of color."

Best for Dandruff, Runner-Up

Selsun Blue Moisturizing Dandruff Shampoo

$8 at Amazon $8 at Target $8 at Walmart

Hair Type: Dry | Scent: Coconut | Active Ingredients: Selenium sulfide | Size: 11 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Unknown

No matter whether your dandruff is mild or severe, celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano says that this formula is choice. Selenium sulfide helps combat the root cause, though the shampoo also contains aloe, a nice option to help keep the scalp and hair hydrated, too. Plus, it has a nice coconut scent that doesn't smell medicinal at all.

Best No Rinse

Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic

$10 at Walmart $2 at sallybeauty.com $10 at jcpenney.com

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, eucalyptus, peppermint oil | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, you'll want to minimize how often you wash your hair, but loading up on dry shampoo instead isn't the best move; too much product build-up can exacerbate dryness as well as flaking. Enter this alternative, another one of Hill's picks: "It purifies and cleanses the scalp to remove dirt particles and product build-up that leads to dryness, while also delivering moisture to the hair." Just work it into the scalp; you can rinse out if you want to, but there's no need.

Best Scrub

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

$42 at Amazon $42 at Ulta $42 at Dermstore

Hair Type: All | Scent: Apple cider vinegar | Active Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, pink Himalayan sea salt, avocado oil | Size: 9 ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just like you'd need to use a face scrub to slough off dead, dry skin from your face or body, you also need one for your scalp. Rivera says this one is ideal, touting pink Himalayan sea salt for exfoliating purposes, plus ACV. "Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins B and C, which are great for both the hair and scalp," she explains. The formula is also packed with hydrating avocado oil and soothing aloe and is safe for color-treated hair. Use it once a week, before shampooing.

Best Pre-Shampoo

Sexy Hair Calm Sexy Hair Clear the Hair Soothing Scalp Treatment

$12 at jcpenney.com

Hair Type: All | Scent: None | Active Ingredients: CBD, avocado oil, macadamia oil | Size: 3.9 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

If shampoo alone isn't quite cutting it, you may want to consider incorporating a hydrating pre-'poo treatment a few times per week. Priano says this is a good option to reach for any time you notice that your scalp is starting to get dry. "It works by maintaining a moisture balance to keep the scalp comfortably hydrated," she says. Credit goes to a combo of avocado and macadamia oils, alongside soothing CBD. Priano adds that you can also use the accompanying shampoo and conditioner in the line to up the effects.

Best for Fine Hair

Kerastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Shampoo

$29 at Walmart

Hair Type: Oily, sensitive, normal | Scent: Fresh | Active Ingredients: AHAs, vitamin B3 | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Another of Priano's recommendations, she says this formula has been very effective for her clients who have both dry scalp and fine hair. Alpha hydroxy acids help to gently exfoliate and purify the scalp, while vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide) imparts hydration to both the skin and the hair. It's also silicone-free, a huge boon for those with fine hair since silicones can often weigh down the hair.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo

$12 at Target $12 at Target $12 at Walgreens

Hair Type: Sensitive scalp, dry | Scent: Unscented | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive skin in addition to a dry scalp, this one's for you. Vanicream Shampoo calls on glycerin to gently cleanse the hair, while vitamin B5 (aka panthenol) adds moisture and helps seal the hair cuticle. We wish the formula lathered a little better but otherwise love the lightweight, hydrating formula—the wallet-friendly drugstore price doesn't hurt either.

Best Soothing

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

$33 at Amazon $31 at Dermstore View on Revolve

Hair Type: All | Scent: Fresh | Active Ingredients: Piroctone olamine, salicylic acid, rosemary oil, ginger extract | Size: 3.4–8.4 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Irritated scalp? Sachajuan is your best bet. This shampoo contains rosemary oil and ginger extract to soothe irritation, alleviate itchiness, and replenish lost moisture. Meanwhile, piroctone olamine and salicylic acid give dandruff the one-two punch. The only downside is that the price is pretty steep for such a small bottle.