I Know Just How Irritating a Dry Scalp Can Be—7 Shampoos That Can Significantly Help
One beauty editor shares the best shampoos for dry scalps, and even asks an expert for her top tips.
It might sound silly, but I always like to treat my scalp the same way I treat my skincare routine. Believe it or not, scalps can be dry, oily or combination, which is why it's best to use the right shampoo and conditioner for your specific scalp type. Luckily, more and more brands are understanding the importance of a healthy, well-balanced scalp when it comes to healthy hair overall, so there are now lots of products available depending on your individual preferences. I mean, you can even get scalp facials these days to keep everything feeling fresh.
I've suffered from a combination scalp over the years, but today I'm here to focus on dryness in particular. If you have a dry scalp, you might experience itchiness, flaking or dry hair overall, and one way to ease these symptoms is to use one of the best shampoos for dry scalps. However, what does this shampoo look like? With so many options on the market, it can be really hard to know what to shop for.
So, I reached out to Dr Pyal, a dermatology GP and Head Shoulders ambassador, to find out more about dry scalps in general and help me create the ultimate edit of the best shampoos for dry scalp sufferers. Just keep on scrolling...
What Causes a Dry Scalp?
First things first, let's get to the root of the problem. Similar to dry skin, Dr Pyal tells me that a dry scalp can also be caused by a disrupted skin barrier. "[This is] often triggered by cold weather, indoor heating, harsh products or over-washing, which leads to moisture loss and irritation," she says. Yes, not only does our skin tend to get drier in the winter thanks to cold weather and central heating, but our scalps can be affected too.
How Can a Shampoo Help With a Dry Scalp?
You might be thinking, how can my shampoo actually help with this? "Using a shampoo with proven actives like piroctone olamine [can help to] support the scalp microbiome and prevent flakes," Dr Pyal explains. "Pairing this with a leave-on scalp moisturiser in between washes helps maintain comfort and moisturisation. Your scalp benefits from microbiome-supporting actives and gentle moisturisation. Piroctone olamine shampoos, like those from Head Shoulders, are effective in keeping the scalp calm and flake-free, and in-between-wash scalp moisturisers are brilliant for soothing winter tightness and dryness."
What to Look for in a Shampoo for a Dry Scalp
As mentioned above, you want to look for actives such as piroctone olamine. "I [also] look for ceramides, salicylic acid and niacinamide," says Dr Pyal. According to Dr Pyal, working these into a routine can help protect the scalp barrier.
Now that you know all that, check out my edit of the best shampoos for dry scalps below.
I've tested some of the best shampoos for dry scalps.
The Best Shampoos for a Dry Scalp
- Best for Daily Use: Aveeno Daily Moisture+ Oat Milk Blend Shampoo, £8
- Best Affordable Shampoo: Head Shoulders Dermaxpro Shampoo, £6
- Best Luxury Shampoo: Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Shampoo, £58
- Best for Sensitive Scalps: Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £16
- Best Scented Shampoo: Necessaire Rosemary Shampoo, £30
1. Aveeno Daily Moisture+ Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
Key ingredients: Colloidal oats
First up, a shampoo from one of my favourite skincare brands, Aveeno. Made with colloidal oats, this soothing formula gently cleanses the scalp whilst helping to relieve itchiness and dryness. Although over-washing the hair can lead to a dry scalp, this shampoo is gentle enough for daily use.
Editor review: "I have quite a dry and itchy scalp, and I find this to be really soothing whilst also leaving my hair feeling hydrated," says Who What Wear UK copy editor, Georgia Seago. "A lot of shampoos for itchy scalps can strip the moisture from hair, but not this one."
Pros
- Affordable
- Soothing formula
Cons
- You might want to avoid washing your hair every single day if you suffer from a very dry scalp
2. Head Shoulders Dermaxpro Shampoo
Key ingredients: Aloe vera extract, piroctone olamine, ceramides
Next up, an affordable shampoo recommended by Dr Pyal. The Dermaxpro shampoo from Head Shoulders is infused with aloe vera and a ceramide complex to restore ceramide levels in the scalp and help combat dryness. It also works to reduce itchiness, making it a great all-rounder. For just over a fiver, you really can't go wrong.
Pros
- Affordable
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Not the most luxurious packaging
3. Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Shampoo
Key ingredients: Argan, maracuja and cypress extracts
Looking for something a little more luxurious? Oribe's haircare range looks like the epitome of elegance, but the formulas are also second to none. This particular shampoo is packed with hydrating oils to strengthen both the scalp and hair.
My review: This is my favourite shampoo to use when my hair is feeling dry and lacklustre. It cleanses the scalp without that stripped feeling, and looks so chic in my shower. If you want a balancing formula, then I also recommend the brand's Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo (£50), formulated with salicylic acid to help tackle dry, irritated scalps.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Leaves hair looking glossy
Cons
- Expensive
- Might be a bit heavy for finer hair types
- Not the best for removing lots of build-up
4. Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Key ingredients: Piroctone olamine, salicylic acid, bisabolol
If you have a sensitive scalp, then I highly recommend checking out this formula from Vichy. It's packed with effective ingredients such as piroctone olamine and salicylic acid to clean and condition the scalp, whilst bisabolol adds a soothing effect. It lathers into an exfoliating foam when in the shower to help remove any visible flakiness.
Pros
- Soothes and conditions the scalp
- Works to remove visible flakiness
Cons
- Not everyone will love the exfoliating texture
5. Necessaire Rosemary Shampoo
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, plant proteins, ceramides
Next up, an incredibly stylish-looking option from cool-girl beauty brand, Necessaire. This shampoo has a creamy gel texture, making it a good option for finer hair types, and restores the scalp barrier with its formula of essential ceramides.
My review: Whilst I don't reach for this shampoo all the time, when I do, I'm reminded of why I love it. The blend of rosemary, mandarin, jasmine and cedarwood makes this smell so incredibly fresh, and my scalp always feels amazing after washing my hair with this stuff.
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Restores the scalp's barrier
Cons
- The scent might be too overpowering for some
- Packaging can get a little messy
6. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Key ingredients: Piroctone olamine
Another great option for dry scalps from Philip Kingsley. This formula can be used as often as you like to gently remove buildup and soothe the scalp. Thanks to the addition of piroctone olamine, it also provides instant relief from itchiness.
My review: I found this shampoo a little hard to work with at first, but once I got the hang of it (a double cleanse worked best for me), I was really impressed. It made my roots feel clean yet soft and hydrated, and as someone with a combination scalp, I know how hard this can be to achieve.
Pros
- Gently removes buildup
- Soothes the scalp
Cons
- A little more expensive
- I personally found that a double cleanse worked best for a super clean feeling
7. E45 Dry Scalp Relief Shampoo
Key ingredients: Pro vitamin B5
Last but not least, if you want something simple but effective, you can't go wrong with good old E45. This shampoo has been designed specifically with dry scalps in mind. It gently cleanses and soothes the scalp, relieving itchiness and visible flaking. It's soap-free, suitable for all hair types and can be used daily. It might not be as glamorous as the other shampoos in this roundup, but it certainly gets the job done.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for all hair types
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Lacks luxury points
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
