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12 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp That Will Hydrate and Heal Your Hair
Because you can't have healthy hair without a healthy scalp.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Even Alex Drummond says she's prioritizing her hair health this year! So, if you're struggling with dandruff or a dry, irritated scalp, now's the time to swap out your regular shampoo for one of these best shampoos for dry scalp.
Dry scalps can happen for many reasons (and in any season), but they're usually nothing to panic over. Anyone can have a bout of dry scalp, even if you have oily hair or thinning hair. Over-cleansing, using too many products, or using products that aren't gentle can all cause dry scalp. Of course, there's also a chance the culprit is a more serious skin issue like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, so if you think that might be the case, be sure to consult your doctor to work out the solution that's best for you.
Our Top Picks
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The picks in this roundup feature ingredients like salicylic acid to loosen dry skin, red algae and shea butter to pack on the moisture, apple cider vinegar for a gentle cleanse, and oats for the ultimate scalp soother. There are even a few shampoos for color-treated hair and ones that offer relief from some of the skin conditions mentioned above. If you're dealing with an extra dry scalp, help is on the way! Take a look through these hydrating, purifying, and gentle shampoos for dry scalp to find a soothing solution. You might even try a DIY hair mask, too.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
The oats in this shampoo majorly soothe an angry, itchy scalp. And apple cider vinegar handles the cleansing work—plus it keeps your hair super shiny.
PURA D'OR Scalp Therapy and Healing Scalp Shampoo
This shampoo is all about scalp healing! It puts in the work to get ride of all that dirt and grime from your scalp and keeps it super moisturized.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
This shampoo works to offer relief from itchiness related to psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It's an extra-strength treatment that's effective enough to be recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
MAJESTIC PURE Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
This gentle shampoo and conditioner combo is both restorative and nourishing. Not only does it promise to curb dandruff, it also helps combat frizz.
MOROCCANOIL Hydrating Shampoo
MOROCCANOIL Hydrating Shampoo
While some shampoos strip your hair and scalp to get that squeaky clean feel, this pick packs on the hydration. It's made with red algae and vitamins A and E.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
The company that makes this scalp shampoo understands that you can't have healthy hair without a healthy scalp. So this pick offers your scalp extra TLC with salicylic acid, which helps remove dry skin.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
If you use a ton of hair products, your dry scalp might be telling you it's time for a breather. This detoxing pick deeply cleanses away dirt, oil, and product buildup using apple cider vinegar and hair-strengthening keratin so you can have that much needed fresh start.
Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Harsh products can affect your scalp's pH. Dove's anti-dandruff shampoo, on the other hand, promises to restore balance, which is key for preventing flaking.
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
This gentle shampoo is amino acid-based and removes all that extra product build-up and oil without stripping your scalp. It also contains peppermint to purify your hair—and wake you up in the morning!
Klorane Shampoo with Peony
This sweet-smelling shampoo features a pH-balanced formula that soothes the scalp while also helping it regain natural balance.
Prose Custom Shampoo
Everyone’s hair and scalp are different. That's all the more reason to consider investing in this custom sulfate-free shampoo that addresses your unique hair needs, including dry scalp.
Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Concentrate this unique shampoo on your roots to get the best results. It's infused with Binchotan charcoal, prized for removing impurities from your scalp and hair follicle.
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