A flaky and itchy scalp is definitely something I (and maybe you) want to avoid at all costs. It's essential to treat it, though, because scalp health is crucial. If it's dry, itchy, oily, or has excessive buildup, it will interfere with your hair growth and health. Not to mention that when your scalp is happy, healthy, and hydrated, you'll see a lot less annoying dandruff or dead skin flakes.
There are a couple of things to do to keep your scalp in good shape: If it's dry, you'll want to shampoo less because overdoing it can strip your scalp of its natural oils. You can try different treatments like scalp oils and scrubs, and massage it in to take care of the skin up there. Sometimes you might even need to see a dermatologist if it's excessively dry and doesn't improve after trying out different treatments and methods.
But if you want to start somewhere, you can look at your current shampoo and conditioner. Is it gentle enough? Is it hydrating and moisturizing? You might want to make a swap if it's neither of the above. Look for moisturizing and soothing ingredients, like natural oils, shea butter, and aloe. And you can even benefit from some exfoliating agents, too, like salicylic acid. Browse some options below if you want to ditch your old shampoo and conditioner.
Best Dry Scalp Shampoos and Conditioners, at a Glance
- Best Overall Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- Best Overall Conditioner: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
- Best for Dandruff: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
- Best Soothing: Sachajuan Scalp Conditioner
Best Dry Scalp Shampoos and Conditioners in 2025
1. Best Overall Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Our best shampoo pick has to be Briogeo's Scalp Scrub Shampoo. The charcoal in this formula draws out impurities from the scalp while the coconut oil moisturizes. It also contains micro-exfoliators to remove dead skin cells and product buildup, and a cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils.
Pro: Good for dandruff, gently exfoliates
Con: Not ideal for dry hair
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, binchotan charcoal, coconut oil, mint
Size: 8 oz
Customer review: "This product is so amazing!!! I've been using it from 6 months. First, I bought the mini version of this and instantly feel in love. I've had no hair fallout post using this product. No dry scalp and itching. The lather is just amazing!!
2. Best Overall Conditioner: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
For the best conditioner, we chose Oribe's Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner—and with good reason. This conditioner contains acacia tree extract to nourish and soothe the scalp, shea butter and panthenol to hydrate damaged and brittle hair, and Oribe's Signature Complex to defend against environmental stress and other damage.
Pro: Soothing, stops flakiness, detangles
Con: Not hydrating enough for dry hair
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Oribe Signature Complex, acacia tree extract, shea butter, panthenol
Size: 6.8 oz
Customer review: "This product is amazing! I've been using it for several days and my hair looks beautifully soft and hydrated, it's the best I've ever tried. And the best thing is that it smells delicious, I love the texture and how easy it is to detangle my hair, it has certainly made my life easier!!"
3. Best Shampoo for Dandruff: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The scalp-saving ingredient in Oribe's shampoo is salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and gets rid of flakiness. And if you tend to scratch at your hair often, odds are your scalp is inflamed. Luckily, this formula also reduces redness and hydrates for a soothing experience.
Pro: Reduces redness, prevents flakiness, hydrates
Con: Some say it's not worth the price
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Oribe Signature Complex, salicylic acid, bilberry fruit, sugar maple extracts
Size: 8.5 oz
Customer review: "This shampoo is amazing! My hair was soft and shiny. I have been using it for a few days and I already see a big difference in my hair. I will definitely continue using it and recommend it to my family and friends."
4. Best for Color-Treated Hair: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
Color-treated hair requires a slightly different approach to haircare. Sachajuan's shampoo features salicylic acid to loosen dry skin and wheat protein to strengthen the hair follicle. It won't strip your hair of moisture or any color you've put in it.
Pro: Buffs away dead skin, safe for color-treated hair
Con: Some think the scent is strong
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Lactic and salicylic acid
Size: 8.4 oz
Customer review: "Tried many scalp shampoo but keep coming back to this one! Elegant texture with active ingredients helps soothe itchy scalp and prevent dandruff. Highly recommend!"
5. Best Soothing: Sachajuan Scalp Conditioner
For a brand this good, we couldn't include the shampoo without the conditioner. This creamy formula contains dandruff-fighting ingredients to soothe irritation and redness on the scalp. Some of the standouts include oat oil, ginger extract, and rosemary oil. The scent is also a crowd favorite among users.
Pro: Soothing, removes dandruff
Con: Some say it takes a while to see a difference.
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Climbazole and piroctone olamine, rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, ginger extract, and oat oil
Size: 8.4 oz
Customer review: "I tend to get an itchy dry scalp during the winter months. I only use this about once a week, and my dandruff and itchiness is completely gone! It's also really lovely to use— it feels calming and has a great, fresh scent. I ended up ordering the entire line after trying this product."
6. Best for Oily Hair: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This is my go-to shampoo to treat dandruff. It really works. After using it for a week or two, I notice less flakiness, and after about a month, I'm in the clear—you only need to use it twice a week. It doesn't dry out my hair and scalp at all, and the formula contains a powerful dose of one percent ketoconazole.
Pro: Fast-acting, strong formula, antifungal
Con: Not ideal for dry hair
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Ketoconazole 1%
Size: 7 oz
Customer review: "This shampoo really works! After just a few washes, I noticed a big difference — less flaking and itching, and my scalp feels so much healthier. The formula is gentle but very effective, and it leaves my hair clean without drying it out. I’ve tried other dandruff shampoos before, but nothing worked as well as Nizoral. Definitely worth it if you’re struggling with dandruff. Highly recommend!"
7. Best for Curls: Pattern Hydration Shampoo With Aloe and Honey
This pick is a favorite forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert. "I've been using this shampoo for well over five years, and it always works wonders on my dry scalp," she says. "The smell is incredible, and I love layering this on after using the brand's Cleansing Shampoo on days when I want to focus on removing buildup."
Pro: Hydrating, good lather, smells good
Con: Not ideal for oily hair
Hair type: Curly, coily
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe, honey
Size: 9.8 oz
Customer review: "Pattern amazes me every time. This shampoo did not tangle my hair like most shampoos have done in the past. It has enough slip for gentle detangling and left my curls springy and defined BEFORE conditioning with the Medium Conditioner! Hair type is 4B."
8. Best for Buildup: Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
Acure's shampoo is so good at removing buildup, but it won't leave your scalp even drier. The formula contains a ton of organic oils, like argan, CoQ10, rosemary, and lemongrass. The added oils are great for anyone with dry hair and a dry scalp.
Pro: Gentle and clarifying
Con: Not ideal for oily hair due to oils in the formula
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Lemongrass and argan oil
Size: 8 oz
Customer review: "I have thick, oily hair that requires daily washing. Even though this is advertised as a clarifying shampoo, it’s gentle enough to use every day and makes my hair feel soooo clean, soft, and hydrated. Smells great too!"
9. Best Scented: Acure Curiously Clarifying Conditioner
After using the above shampoo, use its conditioner counterpart, which can be used every day. It also has a refreshing scent of lemongrass. This formula is lightweight, and like the shampoo, it's highly affordable.
Pro: Lightweight, removes residue, affordable
Con: Not ideal for oily hair due to oils in the formula
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Lemongrass and argan oil
Size: 8 oz
Customer review: "This is my new go-to conditioner! I re-order every time I run out. Leaves my hair silky, smooth, and smelling amazing—love it!"
10. Best Budget: Head Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo, Dry Scalp Care
Head Shoulders is one of those staple brands for anyone struggling with dandruff. I have friends and family members who swear by this product for its affordability and effectiveness. This formula in particular contains almond oil for an extra boost of moisture.
Pro: A lot of product for the price
Con: Not ideal for color-treated hair
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Almond oil
Size: 12.5 oz
Customer review: "WOW, This is the best if you have itchy dry scalp, it instantly stops the itching and as always, no flakes. This has to be their best product thus far."
11. Best for Itchy Scalp: Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Conditioner
The conditioner is designed to reduce flaking and stimulate hair growth, while also softening and hydrating the hair. It also leaves a nice minty, tingly feeling on the scalp. That said, tea tree oil can be a strong ingredient for sensitive skin, so be sure to do a patch test first.
Pro: Soothing, clarifying
Con: Can be too strong for sensitive skin
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil
Size: 12 oz
Customer review: "I have been buying this for my son for years. This is the only shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t make his head itch and give him a dry scalp."
12. Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo Conditioner
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost skincare line is beloved for its effective and super-quick hydrating powers, so its shampoo and conditioner should be promising. Like the skincare products, both contain hyaluronic acid to attract and lock in moisture and improve the scalp's natural barrier.
Pro: Good scent, hydrating, soothing
Con: Some don't feel it's worth the price
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 12 oz
Customer review: "After just one use, I could see a difference in my hair. It was shinier and felt softer. I was really amazed that just one use could make that big a difference! It has a nice scent without being overpowering at all. I highly recommend this product!"
13. Best Softening: Dove Dermacare Soothing Moisture Shampoo Conditioner Set
Dove's shampoo and conditioner contain Pyrithione Zinc to target dandruff. The pH-balanced formula also has a blend of oils to soften, nourish, and condition the hair. It's a great pick for people with sensitive skin, and a no-brainer for long-time Dove users.
Pro: Softens hair, pH-balanced
Con: Not ideal for extra dry hair textures
Hair type: All
Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc
Size: 12 oz
Customer review: "The best for sensitive scalps. My daughter suffered from dandruff for years. Nothing worked. Add this shampoo + conditioner combo and a scalp scrub, and no more dandruff. Noticed a change overnight!
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best shampoos and conditioners for dry scalp, we leaned heavily on firsthand testing and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including hair type, key ingredients, and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why TrustBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
Since 2006,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover Wholesale Replica Bag brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
