Best Shampoo for Dry Scalp and Itchiness

Last Updated on December 31, 2022 by Ellen Christian

Having a dry scalp can cause itching and dandruff-like flakes. So, if these are conditions that you’re dealing with, I wanted to share the best shampoo for dry scalp and itching. A dry scalp can be caused by a variety of reasons from dehydration to or a lack of healthy oils.

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Best Shampoo for Dry Scalp

So, what is the best shampoo for dry scalp? There are a variety of different options that are well-reviewed. So, which one you choose will depend on the scents you like and your price point.

Is there a difference between dry scalp and dandruff?

Do you have a dry scalp or do you have a condition like dandruff? While they may look similar, they are not the same. A dry scalp is often caused by a lack of hydration or a lack of healthy oils in your hair. But, dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus and needs to be treated differently.

If you have dandruff, you will need a dandruff shampoo. Nizoral is very highly rated and helps control scaling, flaking, and itching. If you want something that is a more natural option, this dandruff shampoo by Maple Holistics should work as well. It uses tea tree oil which is a wonderful anti-fungal.

What causes a dry scalp?

So, if you actually have a dry scalp and not dandruff, a few potential causes are washing your hair too often or not enough, using a harsh shampoo, using a hairdryer too frequently, or using too many styling products.

This hair oil is all natural and makes hair softer, silkier and shinier as well as taming any frizz. I use this daily along with a silk cap to keep my hair and scalp healthy.

What is the best remedy for dry scalp?

You can try a few of these ingredients on their own. Or, look for them in a shampoo and conditioner.

Coconut oil
Aloe vera
Tea tree oil
Apple cider vinegar
Baking soda and olive oil

Choosing a shampoo for dry scalp can also be very beneficial. Make sure that you consider the causes your scalp is dry as well. And, it’s important to support healthy hair growth.

How often should you wash your hair if you have dry scalp?

If you have a dry scalp and the cause is washing too often, you may need to was your hair less often. A lot depends on personal preference. If you have oily hair and dry scalp, you may actually have dandruff. In this case, you may need to wash more often.

If you have dry hair and dry scalp, you may only need to wash your hair every two or three days rather than every day. Consider scaling back on the styling products and see if you can wash less frequently.

How do you hydrate your scalp?

The best way to hydrate your scalp in addition to using one of the best shampoos for dry scalp is by applying hair oil. A few options that work well are coconut oil, argan oil, and castor oil.

What vitamin deficiency causes dry scalp?

In some people, having a vitamin deficiency of Vitamin B6 and B12 can contribute to having a dry scalp. Try eating more foods that contain these vitamins. Options include eggs, soy, fish, and fortified whole grains.

What shampoo is good for a dry itchy scalp?

Changing your hair care products is a good first step when it comes to dealing with a dry scalp. It’s important that the shampoo and conditioner you choose are moisturizing. And, if you have dandruff, look for a dandruff shampoo. Here are a few options that are rated as the best shampoo for dry scalp.

Best shampoo for dry scalp and color-treated hair

So, if you have color-treated hair, you may want to try these. You don’t want to strip the color out of your hair.

Will leave in conditioner help with dry scalp?

Yes, a leave-in conditioner may help. It’s important that if you use a hot oil treatment it be applied warm and not hot. You can apply a leave-in conditioner like this argan oil leave-in conditioner once a week.

How do you remove dead skin from your scalp?

If you have a build-up of dead skin cells on your scalp caused by something like psoriasis, the first step is to soften them. Apply coconut oil or argan oil to your scalp before bed. Cover your head with a shower cap and go to sleep. In the morning, massage gently, and wash your hair. You may find that using this massaging shampoo brush helps as well.