The 15 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp and a Clarifying Clean

For far too long, our scalps have been overlooked. It’s an out of sight, out of mind situation that’s certainly understandable. But despite about 100,000 hair follicles, the skin on our scalp should really be treated as an extension of our face. Thankfully, some of the beauty industry’s best brands are starting to create innovative products that keep our scalps (and our hair) healthy—from oils and exfoliating scrubs to soothing serums. And, of course, the best shampoos for a dry scalp.

It’s a move that was surprisingly long in the making. Studies have shown that a healthy scalp leads to better hair growth and stronger, shinier locks. And dry, flaky scalps are incredibly common, especially in the winter. Simply put, scalp care is hair care. “What I love about scalp health is its ability to heal and rejuvenate when you pay attention to it,” Natanel Bigger, founder and CEO of Monpure, told us previously. “It’s amazing how good scalp skin and hair can transform how a person looks and feels.”

There are all kinds of sources and stressors that might lead to an irritated scalp. From anxiety or cold weather to a lack of fatty acids in our diet, a dry situation up top could lead to frustrating follicle damage. We tapped our resident nutritionist, Edie Horstman and Emilie Holt, founder of California skincare company Lather, for a deep dive into how to keep scalps happy and healthy from the inside out. After that, get ready to dig into the best shampoos for a clarifying clean.

Featured image by Chanel Dror.

woman in nature by riley reed_best shampoos for dry scalp — *Image by Riley Reed*

First Thing’s First: What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp?

While the severity of the situation may vary, there are a few surefire signs that the skin on your scalp is in need of a little TLC.

Dryness
Irritation
Redness
Itching
Aging
Accumulation of dandruff and scale
An unpleasant odor
Hair loss

hair, scalp health, men's hair_best shampoos for dry scalp — *Image by Kristen Kilpatrick*

What Causes a Dry or Irritated Scalp?

As mentioned above, there are plenty of factors that can cause our scalps to become unbalanced. First, we’ll address the external factors…

Cold Weather. “A lot of people tend to suffer from a drier scalp during harsh winter months, so it’s important to both exfoliate and nourish your scalp with non-toxic ingredients,” Holt shares. For scalp exfoliation, you’ll want to apply the same rule of thumb you use with skincare—if your skin is naturally dry, avoid over-stripping its essential nutrients with harsh scrubs.

Color and Chemical Treatments. Since these naturally cause scalp irritation, Holt stresses avoiding shampoos with additional sulfates that might further strip the scalp.

Now for internal factors…

Our Diets. “Typically, a dry scalp is caused by not getting enough essential fatty acids,” explains Horstman. “We need to consume adequate amounts of dietary fat to help it absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Not getting enough healthy fats—nor these essential vitamins—can cause a dry scalp. In other words, it’s two-fold: We need to be eating enough omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods and make sure we don’t have vitamin deficiencies. In terms of vitamins, specifically, low levels of B Vitamins and zinc are correlated with scalp issues.”

Stress. “Stress has a harmful effect on everything in your body, so your hair and scalp are no different,” Holt says. “Stress can increase hormones in the body that can cause everything from itchy scalp to hair loss or thinning.”

hair, scalp health, bathroom vanity, getting ready_best shampoos for dry scalp — *Image by Kristen Kilpatrick*

What Ingredients Should We Have in Our Diets to Improve Scalp Health?

Horstman shares her favorite foods that pack key, healthy-scalp ingredients:

For omega-3 fatty acids:

Wild-Caught Salmon (“Any fatty fish, like sardines, is also great,” Horstman adds.)
Ground Flaxseeds
Chia Seeds
Raw Pumpkin Seeds
Raw Walnuts

For a healthy dose of B Vitamins, Horstman suggests:

Leafy Greens
Eggs
Oysters
Legumes
Pasture-Raised Beef
Wild-Caught Salmon

For zinc:

Oysters
Beans
Avocados
Pumpkin Seeds
Pine Nuts
Cashews
Pecans

“Getting enough protein is really important too,” Horstman adds. “After all, hair is made of protein!” As for what ingredients to avoid to prevent scalp irritation, Horstman warns against most pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar, vegetable oils, and grains stripped of their fiber. “Too much alcohol can also lead to an itchy, dry scalp as it reduces the amount of zinc in your body,” she shares. “And zinc is fundamental to a healthy scalp and hair growth.”

Nitsa Citrine morning routine__best shampoos for dry scalp — *Image by Claire Huntsberger*

What Ingredients Do the Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps Have in Common?

For Holt, it’s not so much what to look for, but what to steer clear of. “Avoid sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and parabens,” the wellness entrepreneur explains. “These chemicals can do more harm than good and tend to add more dryness to your scalp.”

tousled hair, brown hair, healthy shiny_shampoos for healthy hair — *Image by Rachel Shuttleworth*

The Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps

Stocked with ingredients that nourish, soothe, and gently exfoliate, these scalp-first products get right to the root of it.

Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo with Aloe Vera for Dehydrated Hair

Hero Ingredient: Aloe vera

Why It Works: Soothing and strengthening aloe vera is gentle enough to treat the scalp as often as you need.

Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo With Aloe Vera for Dehydrated Hair, $34

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