Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp 2022 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Gone are the days when we could afford to lounge around with our head wrapped in a luxury towel, hair coated in oils and herbal pastes just to get rid of a dry scalp and reinvigorate the hair follicles.

As our schedules become ever more busier, we are forced to spend less time on ourselves.  We can forget the beauty regimes that our grandmothers use to enjoy.

So is their a quick and effective solution for addressing our time starved, dry scalp lives?

I’m a huge fan of online shopping as it saves me time and energy, but also allows me to choose from a wide variety of products.

With thousands of beauty products in all shapes and sizes populating the market, looking for a miracle fix for dry scalp is easier said then done.  After all, how do you even begin figuring out which product is right for you when there is just so much information out there.

I’ve made it my mission to remove all the guess work for you by writing up the ten best shampoos for dry scalp that you can get your hands on for 2022.

Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp 2022

Dry scalp mostly occurs because of contact dermatitis or cold weather. Sometimes, it can be related to age as well.

I’ve often suffered from dry scalp followed by dandruff. Many people mix the two. It’s important to remember that dandruff occurs due to oily hair follicles leading to a build-up of greasy skin cells.

Since dry scalp is a result of dehydrated skin, the remedy lies in re-hydrating your skin.

Seems pretty obvious doesn’t it?  Believe it or not, it took me years of experimenting with shampoos, conditioning and moisturizing products to come to this conclusion.

I’ve compiled a list of shampoos that will re-hydrate your scalp and relieve you of dry scalp symptoms like dry, itchy and flaky skin.

So, how about we do a little comparative on what we have on the shelves, virtually and physically? As far as products and services are concerned, whether you check in-store or online, you are bound to get inundated with dozens of shampoos, conditioners, oils, hair packs and creams.  I’ve narrowed down the choice to 10 shampoos – based on their ease of availability, ingredients, pricing, product results, user reviews and of course, my own and family and friends experiences.

Let’s get to it!

1.  Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Almond Oil Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – #1 Best Budget-friendly dry scalp care shampoo for 2022

Head and Shoulders is such a renowned company that it would be difficult to find anyone who hasn’t used at least one of their products.

When you think of Head and Shoulders, you think of hair.  It’s as simple as that.

I’ve been using Head and Shoulders at least once every few years whenever I have had dandruff.  In short, it does the job quite well.  After a few washes, the dandruff disappears.

But can Head and Shoulders provide a shampoo that can deal with a dry scalp issue as well as their dandruff based products?  It turns out…yes! Just from reading the label on the bottle, I can tell this shampoo is meant to hydrate your scalp as it contains almond oil.  

If that wasn’t enough, this shampoo also helps remove dandruff.

Interestingly, this shampoo also uses sulfates which is known to dry out the scalp.  You see, sulfates are great for removing dandruff as well as the flakes associated with dry scalp.  They don’t discriminate though, as the natural oils of your scalp are also removed.

Don’t fret!  The good news is that the almond oil and pyrthione zinc counteract the effects of the sulfates, meaning your scalp will still end up moisturized (and free of dandruff).  Many positive reviews by customers can attest to this.

Other options from Head and Shoulder: Head and Shoulders does offer a few others options for people who may not like this particular product but who do want to stick with the brand.

Try the Head & Shoulders dry scalp care 2-in-1 anti-dandruff shampoo + conditioner with almond oil that comes in a 32 oz (950 ml) pump-dispensing bottle.  It’s a more user-friendly design and will results in less spillage, but it’s not as travel-friendly.

If you must use a separate conditioner, add this to your shopping list:  Head & Shoulders dry scalp care conditioner.

If above everything else, you have a super itchy scalp than the Head & Shoulders scalp soother treatment is more up your alley and provides an instant cooling relief.

All in all, for those days when you really do need to add that special shine and feel to your hair, you just can’t go wrong with the Head and Shoulders range of products.

The verdict:  If your primary purpose is to get a product that will clean your hair, remove itchiness, get rid of dandruff and turn your dry scalp into a hydrated one, you will love this shampoo.

It is easy on the pocket and since you get two bottles, can be easily used by all the family.

I’m a huge fan of oil massages and treatments for nourishing the scalp and hair.  After all, most oils are proven to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and scalp.  Hence, the inclusion of almond oil, along with its germicidal, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, makes this shampoo a clear winner in my book.

Like the rest of the Head and Shoulders lineup, this shampoo is dermatologically-tested with a guarantee that it will get rid of flakes within two weeks of regular use.

2.  Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo – #1 Choice sulfate and paraben free, anti-bacterial shampoo that hydrates dry scalp

Maple Holistics has a range of essential oil shampoos, with the best selling tea tree oil shampoo among them.

So why the popularity?  Well, it comes down to demand.

In case you didn’t know, sulfates help the shampoo lather, and work to remove dirt and oil from your hair.  Parabens on the other hand act as a preservative to keep your shampoo in good working order.

Nevertheless, the beauty industry has reacted to these concerns by providing natural shampoos that are paraben and sulfate-free.

If you have concerns over these ingredients but still want the benefits of a shampoo that deals with dandruff, dry scalp and seborrheic dermatitis, then Maple Holistics tea tree oil shampoo might just be the right solution for you.

You also get a bunch of other essential oils like rosemary, lavender, argan and jojoba oil.  Similar to the tea tree oil, they work to nourish and hydrate the scalp.

This beautifully presented shampoo comes in a bright purple-colored  8 oz (230 ml) bottle with a money-back guarantee.  That’s a great deal for me.  I love it when I know I can return a product if the results are not convincing, and when it comes to hair, we all know it can take multiple products to find that perfect one!

Other options from Maple Holistics:  If you are not a big fan of the smell of tea tree oil, and would prefer another natural product from Maple Holistics, try argan oil shampoo for dry scalp.  It contains argan, jojoba, avocado, almond, peach kernel, camellia seed, and keratin  and is 100% safe for color-treated hair.

The verdict:  Simply put, if you need a natural shampoo that is sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free (yes, it’s not tested on animals), then you don’t have to look any further than the Maple Holistics tea tree oil shampoo.

3.  Regenepure DR Hair & Scalp Shampoo – The best newcomer shampoo 2022!

What an array of ingredients!

From a range of vitamins to oils and extracts, this shampoo has a great formulation that can re-hydrate the scalp and create an environment for natural hair growth.

They even added caffeine.

Honestly, I didn’t know caffeine contributed to hair growth, but I have noticed that tea leaves are a popular ingredient among women in many cultures when preparing henna paste for their hair.  That’s good news, after all, I’d rather use this shampoo than spend time clearing away tea leaves residue from my hair, post-treatment!

Looking close at the label, and you’ll find there are two active ingredients – ketoconazole and salicylic acid.

The formulation is also free of any harsh parabens and sulfates which is good news for your scalp and hair as this lowers the risk of any side-effects or reactions.

So this gentle shampoo deals with several hair problems, but what about dry scalp?  To hydrate your precious scalp, a number of oils are used including:

• Jojoba oil.  This oil is extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant that is native to the U.S.A and Mexico.  It has a very similar chemical composition to the natural oils of the scalp and helps promote hair regrowth and miniaturization.
• Emu oil.   This further moisturizes the scalp and rejuvenates the hair as well as help increase the thickness of the scalp skin.  A thicker scalp is good for hair growth as it provides from blood flow.

Finally, add in aloe vera juice to cool your scalp, and vitamins and zinc oxide – I’m not sure if you can find a better concoction to soothe and treat dry scalp and hair.

Other options from Regenepure:  Many hair-care experts recommend alternating between Regenepure DR hair & scalp shampoo and Regenepure – NT shampoo to help thicken and strengthen the hair.

You can complete your hair care regime and add volume, body and shine while repairing limp and brittle hair with Regenepure intense volumizing biotin conditioner.  This deep conditioner, with the added benefits of biotin and tea tree oil, will give more bounce and thickness to your hair.

The verdict:  If you are environmentally conscious and prefer cruelty-free products, this shampoo will certainly grab your attention. Not only does it contain many beneficial natural extracts and oils, but it also contains ketoconazole – a very popular ingredient to soothe dry scalp symptoms.  It’s a little bit more pricier, but contains all the ingredients to resolve your scalp issues in a natural and healthy way.

4.  MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Shampoo –  The medicated conditioning shampoo of 2022

I landed up on the page for MG217 on Amazon.com when I was frantically looking for a medicated shampoo to resolve seborrhea dermatitis and dandruff for a family member.

I decided to give it a shot and lo and behold it worked!  This is definitely a shampoo that works if you suffer from a number of hair conditions.

And yes, the ‘coal tar’ in the shampoos name is the coal tar you are picturing – the black, thick liquid produced from the distillation of coal.

In particular, if you have a case of psoriasis then this product is a good solution for you.  In fact, it’s recommended by many doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Upon reading online reviews one thing is clear: people suffering from some serious psoriasis or seborrhea dermatitis, could care less about the smell as long as their itchiness is in control and the flakes are eliminated.  Oh, and the dry scalp that you suffer from will probably be cured as well as this is commonly caused by the conditions that this product addresses.

The verdict:  The MG217 psoriasis coal tar shampoo is a solid option for someone who is suffering from psoriasis or a really itchy flaky scalp that requires a powerful medicated formula instead of a general anti-dandruff shampoo.  If you can bear the coal tar smell, this medicated conditioning shampoo is an ideal solution for an itch-free scalp.

5.  Neutrogena T/Gel Original Formula Therapeutic Shampoo –  Bestselling coal tar shampoo

I’m a big fan of the popular Neutrogena facial products, having used them for almost 2 years with no complaints.  When I found out about this shampoo – and the fact that it has clinical studies to back its claims – I was intrigued.

The neutar solubilized coal tar seems is the magic ingrediant and it’s backed up the the fact that it has been used for centuries for its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties  Similar to the previously mentioned MG217 shampoo, this product is also recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation, and is considered to be a safe and inexpensive treatment option for many scalp or skin conditions like psoriasis or dry and itchy scalp.

Other options from Neutrogena:  Neutrogena t/gel, stubborn itch control shampoo’s rich formula treats itchy, flaky scalp, and it keeps working long after rinsing.  It gently soothes intense scalp itch with cooling menthol.

If you prefer salyclic acid over coal tar, then the  Neutrogena t/sal shampoo scalp build-up control is a solid choice.  It contains 3% salicylic acid and is clinically proven to break down scalp build-up and relieve itchy and dry scalp of its symptoms.

The verdict:  Neutrogena is a well known brand and while the product does have contact allergens and sulfates, as well as other questionable ingredients that we prefer to avoid, the fact remains that it works for millions of people.

Their hair-care line offers a variety of products and can be used in rotation with other, more natural, shampoos if one is skeptical about prolonged use of coal tar.  But if you are not bothered by the contact allergens present therein, then it is a dermatologist-recommended safe and rather inexpensive product for quick relief from a dry and itchy scalp.

6.  Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Shampoo – Most affordable shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp

Dove is one such brand that you can’t go wrong with.  For generations, women have relied on the Dove line of products for their skin care regime.  Whenever I’m traveling and I need a quick product on the go, I pick up Dove because I know it will work.  I wouldn’t be surprised if you feel the same too.

With a range of shampoos to suit different hair conditions and hair types, Dove does offer you the comfort of a reliable brand with a great line of products.  It’s not only easily available all over the world, but it is also extremely popular among all age groups and has a unisex appeal.

The ‘anti-dandruff’ part of this shampoo comes in the form of pyrithione zinc which is clinically verified to combat both dandruff and dry scalp.

If you are looking to find a budget-friendly solution for both dandruff and an itchy, dry scalp, this product is right for you.

Other options from Dove:  If you depend on conditioners to add volume to your hair, then you’re in luck.  Dove also offer a conditioner for a dry and itchy scalp as part of their dermacare scalp series.  It will help smooth you your frizzy hair as well as provide volume and shine.

The Dove dermacare scalp series also showcases another great product: invigorating mint 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner which has an excellent combination of shampoo and conditioner.  Its fresh mint sensation is soothing for the scalp and the goodness of mint aids in moisturizing a dry scalp.

Dove is a trusted brand in skincare products and the Dove dermacare shampoo is definitely a good addition to their line of products that consumers, and especially Dove loyalists, can benefit from.

7.  Art Naturals Argan Scalp 18 Shampoo –  The best natural coal tar shampoo

If you truly believe in the healing powers of coal tar for eliminating scalp and dandruff issues, then Art Naturals scalp 18 shampoo is perhaps the right choice for you.

The 3% coal and tar formulation helps reduce cell reproduction and eliminate dead skin in the form of dandruff and flakes.  It tackles psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis which means it effectively also deals with your dandruff which is commonly caused by these underlying conditions.

But what about dealing with a dry scalp?  They got that covered too.

The shampoo, when used 2-3 times a week, cleanses hair and the scalp deeply while unclogging hair follicles and removing itchiness.  The good part is that it doesn’t pull out the natural scalp oil from your hair.

Art Naturals is a trailblazer when it comes to using premium organic natural ingredients in their products.  The company prides itself in using certified fair trade practices – their products are sulfate-free and not tried on animals.

The Scalp 18 shampoo has received plenty of positive reviews on various online forums so you can be assured of positive results.  And, the company does offer 100% satisfaction and a money-back guarantee.

Other Options from Art Naturals:  Art Naturals has quite a few interesting products in their hair care line.  I’m particularly enamored by Art Naturals argan oil hair mask – deep conditioner that is enriched by hydrolyzed wheat, oats and quinoa proteins, silk amino acids, and hydrolyzed keratin to strengthen hair shafts.

Other than moisturizing and smoothing your hair, this deep conditioning hair mask heals scalp and hair follicles with green tea, sage and ivy extracts.

The verdict:  An organic, natural, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, medicated shampoo – this is a great combination!  On top of this, the company ensures their work ethics are guided by fair trade principles.  I would definitely recommend this product if you are suffering from dry or itchy scalp symptoms as well as dandruff and its underlying causes.

If you are looking for a natural coal tar shampoo, this is definitely the best pick out there today.

8.  Avlon Keracare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner – A unique blend of flower extracts and oils!

This shampoo and conditioner grabbed my attention because of the never ending list of natural ingredients.  I liked the range of essential oils that make up this product and immediately thought that this one is going to be a hit!  With pyrithione zinc as the active ingredient, you can definitely count on its efficacy to eliminate dandruff and flakes.

As with most of the dry scalp care hair care products out there, you can see that the manufacturer did try to combine dandruff-removing ingredients with moisturizing oils to provide a balanced product.  There is oils and extracts like rosemary, arnica, watercress, garlic (oh yeah!) and more to help nourish and moisturize the scalp.

If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s best to stay away from this shampoo and conditioner, otherwise I would definitely recommend giving it a shot.

The product also works well on chemically treated hair so it’s a great choice if your into dying your hair.

Other options from Avlon:  Avlon Keracare offer multiple products for dry scalp care.  A product that can easily be used in routine with the shampoo and conditioner is the Avlon Keracare dry and itchy glossifier.  The jar contains moisturizing treatment cream which is formulated with penetrating emollients and active ingredients.  The cream soothes and relieves itching and scalp dryness.  It’s a popular choice among consumers who use Avlon Keracare dry scalp shampoo and conditioner.

The verdict:  This shampoo has a unique combination of plant and flower extracts and oils which make it a sure shot when it comes to eliminating dry scalp symptoms.  Unless you have allergies with any of the ingredients, this shampoo and conditioner will do a solid job of fixing you dry scalp issues.  I highly recommend it.

9.  Honeyskin Organics Hair and Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner – The natural organic shampoo & conditioner worth a try!

If you are an organic aficionado, the HoneySkin hair and scalp therapy shampoo-conditioner will be right up your alley.

This shampoo and conditioner combo is a sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free product made out of natural organic ingredients.  It also contains a bunch of earthly ingredients including Manuka honey, aloe vera and cehami.  It’s organic overload!

All three ingredients are known to reduce infections, soothe the scalp and speed up the healing process.  Manuka honey and aloe vera are being increasingly used in cosmetics due to their healing properties.   Since it is ph-balanced at 5.5, it should also help retain natural scalp oils.  The product also claims to repair dry flaky skin and treat seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and even eczema. 

There are also concerns over the inability to lather the shampoo or conditioner.  This is likely due to the lack of sulfates and you’ll have greater difficulties in applying and messaging this product into your scalp and hair.  Other sulfate-free shampoos haven’t had this issue so it seems like Honeyskin just haven’t go their formulation right.

Honeyskin have tried to shoot for the stars and have failed in many accounts.  Despite this, we are talking about a shampoo after all and it might work for you.  But it is a big might.

The company offers two small 4 0z (118 ml) bottles – one is shampoo and the other is conditioner.  It is quite pricey, even if you consider the separate price for each bottle, but that’s the premium we pay for organic products these days.

The verdict:  If you are looking for a natural organic shampoo, you might want to give this shampoo a try and check for yourself how much it helps.

If you do your research, as I have, you’ll find a bunch of mixed reviews, with some people claiming it’s a magic bullet and others stating that it didn’t help much with their hair issues.

Nevertheless, if getting an organic shampoo and conditioner is a primary concern for you, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t at least consider this product.

10.  E45 Dermatological Dry Scalp Shampoo – Gently cleans, moisturizes and retains ph balance

For decades, E45 was a trusted brand for hospitals and medical care across several continents.  Today, E45 has expanded its range of products and availability at pharmacies and shelves at department stores.  The E45 skincare products have always been a great success with consumers and that helps add brand value to the company’s shampoo too.

I personally love the E45 cream and have used it for so many years that I’m naturally convinced of their shampoo’s performance too.

Their simple philosophy is:  dry scalp can be cured with moisturizing and restoring ph balance rather than treating it with products containing harsh chemicals. I couldn’t agree more.

We don’t realize until we start suffering from dryness or itchiness of skin or scalp, how the chemicals in the dozens of routine products we use, irritate our delicate skin and harm our body’s natural moisture balance.

The E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo is available in a 6.8 oz (200 ml) pack.  The shampoo contains provitamin B5 which is meant not only to cure and protect a dry scalp, but also naturally condition the hair and give it an enviable shine.

Sometimes however; having a product that is too gentle can be a bad thing…

The shampoo is extremely affordable but keep in mind that it is only 200 ml.  Perfect for an individual user but not so much for a family.  Many reviews do point out that the shampoo doesn’t lather very much. That’s surprising because the product isn’t sulfate-free.  Sulfates help in creating foam.  I guess it’s all relative.  How much is enough, or not enough?

The verdict:  This is a classic and affordable shampoo to treat mild cases of dry and itchy scalp, seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff.  t’s a trustworthy brand and terminologically tested to be effective in removing flakes and dandruff.

If you’re looking for a greater array of natural ingredients or a more powerful solution, you might want to try some of the other products out there.

My Recommendation

Now that you have an in-depth analysis of the top ten shampoos for dry scalp in the market, it should be a lot more easier for you to make your choice of the product that’s right for you.

You may be wondering why certain products made it in this list while others did not.  In deciding what shampoo to include, I looked at the brand and reliability, ingredients (organic and chemical), value for money and contact allergens.  Of course online reviews from several independent resources where also used.

The best way to figure out what shampoo is right for you is to first determine what conditions you are suffering from (take a look at the guide following this section).

Then, select a shampoo that can treat your condition.  If you have a sensitive scalp you probably want to go for more natural products.  If your conditions are more severe, then medication shampoos are your best bet.

Because of the relatively inexpensive price of shampoo, a great way to see what works for you is by simply testing a variety of shampoos.  For most products, you should start seeing results after a week or so.  From their you can determine if that shampoo is right for you or if you need to move on.

Actually, dermatologists recommend rotating your shampoos every few weeks.  Hence, it’s not a bad idea to order you next preferred shampoo after two weeks. So, you are ready to alternate between after a month-long usage.

Shampoos for Dry Scalp Buyer’s Guide

I’ve decided to include a buyer’s guide to help you decide which shampoo is right for you.  The most important thing to do first is to identify if you are actually suffering from dry scalp.  This common problem often gets mixed up for dandruff or psoriasis because they both show very similar symptoms.  Let’s take a closer look.

Dandruff is an excessive shedding of skin cells on the scalp.  It can be caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis and fungal infections.  Another common cause is not shampooing enough causing the build up of skin cells and oil on the scalp.  Using harsh products on your hair and scalp can also cause dandruff.

Psoriasis is similar to dandruff and dry scalp in that the issue is caused by skin cells that multiply much faster then normal, up to 10 times in fact.  When this occurs on the scalp it looks like a red plaque or silver scales.

The condition is commonly caused by emotional stress, but can also come about from an infection.  Typical treatment includes breaking down the dead skin cells and scales via medications, creams, light and lazer therapy.  Shampoo treatments often involve the use of coal tar or other active ingredients to soften and loosen the scales so they can be washed away.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a more advanced form of dandruff.  The symptoms are similar to dandruff but your scalp will also be red and inflamed.  The flakes are also likely to be more stickier than if you just had dandruff.

Dry scalp, like dandruff, psoriasis and Seborrheic dermatitis, is also caused by the excessive shedding of scalp skin cells.  Unlike dandruff, dry scalp can be caused by shampooing too often.  Doing so removes the natural oils of the the scalp causing skin cells to build up and flakes to appear.

Dry scalp can also be caused by the same skin conditions that cause dandruff.  Using certain products that are harsh on the skin as well as being exposed to extremely hot or cold environment can also cause dry scalp.

That’s quite a lot of information to take in!  Here is a quick checklist to see if you are suffering from dry scalp:

If you find you have dry scalp instead of the other conditions we’ve mentioned, you’re in luck!  It’s much easier to remedy and the shampoos I have listed previously will get the job done.

Rest assured, a good majority of the shampoos mentioned will also help you deal with your other conditions as well.

OK, so their are in fact several symptoms that we need to address if you have a dry scalp – itchiness and redness, dry skin, flakes.

Treating dry scalp

The key to treating dry scalp is by restoring the scalps’ natural moisture balance.  Their are several effective ways to do this:

• Shampoo less frequently.  If you find yourself shampooing and conditioning every single day, try decreasing this to once every 2 or 3 days.
• Use shampoos and conditioners that moisturize the scalp.  You may wish to avoid shampoos with ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate.  These agents can cause dryness.  Some of the products we have listed do include these ingredients, as they aid in lathering, but there is quite a bunch that don’t have them.  Shampoos with oils are a fantastic choice as the oil naturally hydrates and moisturizes the scalp.
• You’re general hair routine.  If you are using lots of gel, hairspray or other hair products, this may be contributing to clogging up your pores.  Try using less of these products.
• As mentioned earlier, extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause dry scalp.  In cold months, it’s a good idea to wear a beanie if you are outside to protect your scalp from cold winds.  Conversely, a hat is a good idea during hotter months.  Heat from simple things such as blow drying or even being too close to a heater can also dry out your scalp.

Treating dry scalp as well as a host of other hair and scalp conditions can easily be done following these points and using the right shampoos.

Over to You

I hope you enjoyed our list for the best shampoos for dry scalp in 2022 as well as our buyer’s guide.

Have any questions or thoughts?  Maybe you’ve used some of the shampoos I’ve recommended?  Feel free to chip in with your experience with these products or any other shampoos you’ve used.

I wish you a happy and healthy scalp!