I Struggle With a Dry, Itchy Scalp—Luckily, Experts Helped Me ID the 10 Best Hydrating Shampoos

Reavey developed Act+Acre's Daily Hydro Shampoo to cure the same situation we're talking about—a dry, tight, or itchy scalp. No wonder it's my go-to. It feels like a tall drink of water—no, a cool glacier—no, a lush oasis for a dry, irritated scalp (as does the brand's matching Daily Hydro Serum, which I highly recommend using in conjunction). It's chock-full of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and glycerin. It also contains a proprietary ingredient called Tilicine, which helps improve hydration and elasticity, while strengthening the scalp's moisture barrier.

The best part? It doesn't weigh down my fine hair, unlike other hydrating and moisturizing shampoos. I keep coming back to it because it's better hair, bottled.

This shampoo is a total scalp saver. I know because I've used it many times, and it never fails to thoroughly cleanse my hair, hydrate my scalp and strands, and protect my color. It's thanks to moisturizing jojoba oil, antioxidant-rich green tea, and follicle-supporting sage. These ingredients are set in a highly concentrated formula that allows for 75+ shampoos from a single bottle. And I'm not the only one who loves it. "I love this one because it’s sulfate‑free and deeply hydrates dry and color‑treated hair without stripping natural oils," Korab says. "It helps soften the hair and protects color vibrancy."

Drugstore shampoos can be just as effective as high-end options, and L'Oréal Paris's Elvive Hyaluron Hydrating Shampoo is the proof. It gives me shiny, bouncy strands and (most importantly for this list) a balanced scalp thanks to 2% hyaluronic acid. It also smells incredible, scenting my hair with notes of berries, cherry blossom, sweet vanilla, and sandalwood. It's elegant and effective, so don't be surprised if you mistake it for a luxury formula.

If you yearn for the "glass hair" look, aka shiny, bright, expensive-looking hair, you can achieve it with the help of this shampoo. It's chock-full of shine-boosting coconut oil and gentle surfactants. No wonder Elbaum says, "It's been one of my favorites for many years."

If you're dealing with more than simple dryness, and your scalp is full of flakes caused by dandruff, I got you. This Head Shoulders shampoo is your ticket to a smooth, hydrated, and (most importantly!) flake-free scalp. Its hero ingredient is 1% zinc pyrithione, the most effective and dermatologist-recommended anti-dandruff ingredient. That's not all, though. Set in a hydrating formula with plant-based surfactants (no sulfates!), it will also soothe and balance the scalp.

My hairstylist recommended this shampoo, and since I'd trust her with my life, I immediately bought it and put it to test. No surprise—I loved it. It cleansed oil, dry shampoo, and debris from my scalp and hair without stripping moisture. The secret is its hero ingredient: Paceco Cartucciaru yellow melon extract, which provides long-lasting hydration with "an abundance" of vitamins and minerals.

Admittedly, this shampoo is fairly new to me. However, ever since it came across my desk (and then I subsequently put it in my shower), I can't stop using it. The Ayurvedic formula contains amla, rosemary, ashwagandha, moringa oil, and coconut-based surfactants for soft, strong hair and a healthy scalp. And the scent! I'm a sucker for the juicy citrus fragrance that lingers in my hair long after I've washed it.

Here's another sulfate-free option, and this one, dear reader, is beloved by beauty editors far and wide. True to its name, it really is "foundational" to so many of our haircare routines. The hydrating formula effectively cleanses the scalp and hair, foams up into a luxe-feeling lather, and reinforces scalp and hair health. It features a special "BotaniComplex," coconut-based surfactants, and a ceramide complex. Trust me, your scalp and hair will love it.

I can't tell you how many times I've recommended Amika's Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo to friends and family members. Infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and bio-fermented coconut water, it promises three times more hydration after cleansing. And for that hydration to last up to 72 hours—impressive. As if that's not enough, it also tackles breakage and prevents split ends.

Moroccanoil's Hydrating Shampoo is another in-shower essential for me. It's infused with argan oil, which restores elasticity and smoothness; algae, which hydrates the hair and scalp; and vitamin A, which combats free radicals and helps to lock in moisture. It also smells incredible—so expensive and luxe, like an in-salon shampoo.