Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Shampoos to Soothe Dry, Flaky Scalps (2024)

Aveeno is known for having sensitive-skin friendly formulas dosed with soothing ingredient collodial oatmeal that can help to nourish skin and hair. Dr. Chambers-Harris recommends the soap-free formula that aims to be non-stripping and gentle on severely dry, sensitive scalps. Given its sheerer texture, the brand says it's best suited for people with thin, fine hair.

"This has worked wonders on my husband's really dry scalp," an Amazon shopper wrote. "After a year of thinking he had dandruff and treating his head for this, our hairdresser recommended this product and said it's not dandruff, which is now obvious. Started working after about four washes."

Delivering a one-two punch, Dove's shampoo uses coconut and shea butter to hydrate parched scalps, and anti-inflammatory active pyrithione zinc to target dandruff — all for $5 (or $20 for a three-pack on Amazon). Dove haircare consistently performs in our Beauty Lab tests, with its Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair Shampoo earning a 2023 GH Beauty Award for its repairing and nourishing benefits.

"The zinc has really calmed the eczema patches and reduced/eliminated the areas on my scalp that are angry, red and bleeding," according to an Amazon user with eczema. "This shampoo is perfect for dry scalp. It doesn’t cost a fortune and works perfectly," another added. The scent left reviewers divided: Some appreciated the "hypoallergenic fragrance" while others found it smelled odd.

Rated as the best shampoo for dry hair based on our GH Beauty Lab's moisturizing shampoo tests, the coconut extract and aloe Herbal Essences shampoo and matching conditioner boasted the highest level of conditioning. It impressed in the lathering and cleansing departments, too. “My dry hair was much more moisturized,” a tester marveled.

Online reviewers appreciated that it left the scalp feeling equally hydrated, especially when frigid temps took affect. "The winter is a dreadful time for my hair: My scalp gets dry, my hair gets dry and I can never find something to really help my hair look alive and healthy," a Walmart shopper wrote. "I have been using the Bio:Renew Coconut Milk Shampoo for two weeks, and my hair is LOVING it. My hair has shine, my scalp doesn't itch and the scent is just amazing." Take note that some online reviewers report the rich shampoo left a film on their hair after using.

Those who suffer from sensitive skin may know Vanicream for its famed mild-yet-effective skincare and haircare. Many think its line of no-frills, fragrance-free formulas make an ideal non-drying match for those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. One GH editor with dry, sensitive skin used Vanicream as a "reset" when winter months flared their eczema.

"This shampoo will really clean your hair without stripping it," an Amazon reviewer said. "I am sensitive to fragrances, and I can use this shampoo after I have been out and it removes all accumulated scents and fragrances that my hair has picked up. If you are sensitive to fragrances, you know what I mean." Just note that select reviews added that it didn't suds up and lather as well, which is the norm for sulfate-free shampoo formulas, but off-putting for some nonetheless.

A tried-and-true anti-dandruff shampoo, Head & Shoulders deploys key ingredient pyrithione zinc to specifically treat dandruff. GH beauty pros complimented the shampoo's fresh fragrance, a major plus for dry scalp shampoos since some of them can have a medicinal scent. "I love the creamy texture of the shampoo and the dense lather it creates," adds our beauty review analyst.

"I used to have dry and frizzy hair, and this shampoo works pretty well," a satisfied Amazon reviewer commented. "It leaves your hair silky, smooth and 100% dandruff free. The best part about this shampoo is you require very little amount and it works superb." It's worth noting that a few users on the brand's site experienced a waxy-like film on hair after washing.

Uniquely formulated with apple cider vinegar, this OUAI shampoo gets rid of dirt and grime according to our Lab pros who personally found it washed away styling product buildup without over-drying. Other detoxifying shampoos may leave hair feeling brittle and straw-like, but on assistant editor said, "a small amount of this shampoo leaves my hair feeling super clean without leaving it dry."

"My scalp gets sooo dry and irritated in the winter and is very sensitive, and this shampoo works so well for me," a Sephora shopper wrote. "It smells so good and lathers well, too. I do make sure to do a deep condition of my hair afterwards. Yates recommends using sparingly: Washing with clarifying shampoos too often can cause dryness and tightness on the scalp, so use sparingly.

Color-treated hair requires a bit of maintenance; you'll want to keep your 'do vibrant and nourish strands, but you can still be left with a dry scalp. This Pureology shampoo and its conditioner contain hydrating jojoba oil designed to moisturize color-treated hair and green tea to promote a healthy scalp.

Given its thicker and creamier texture, it's most ideal for thicker hair types. "My hairdresser recommended this to me because I have a very dry scalp," one Amazon reviewer said. "For the price, it is worth it ... my hair has transformed!"

Trichologists and GH staffers alike like this shampoo for dry scalps, thanks to a aloe and castor oil formula that "instantly soothes and calms," according to Kerry E. Yates, founder of Colour Collective, which teams with beauty industry professionals to help conceptualize products. "I used to have the worst dry, flaky and itchy scalp, and this shampoo completely fixed the problem!" adds one GH senior analyst.

"I have fought my scalp psoriasis for as long as I can remember," a user wrote on the Philip Kingsley website. "It's been an endless battle. This has been an absolute game changer! I've noticed a significant reduction in itch and flakes." It's pricey, but our senior analyst says, "After trying nearly every remedy out there, this shampoo is 100% worth the investment."

Give flakes the boot with a scrub that gets right down to business. This exfoliator combines stimulating tea tree and peppermint oil that gives scalp a tingling sensation and aims to reduce congested hair follicles while coconut oil moisturizes.

"I do not wash my hair regularly and experience quite a bit of buildup on my scalp. No shampoos have made my scalp feel the way this shampoo does," a Sephora reviewer wrote. "It gives me an extremely deep clean without harshly stripping my scalp [or] leaving it red, sore and itchy." You'll get strong whiff of peppermint with the scrub, so keep in mind if you prefer less potent-smelling formulas.

Innersense gives parched scalps a creamy, rich lather that "instantly hydrates," says Yates. She recommends the shampoo for alleviating tightness and improving manageability. Recommended for thick, coarse hair, the ultra-nourishing combination of shea butter, avocado and tamanu oil penetrate strands.

"I have short, coarse hair, usually extremely dry. This shampoo gently cleanses, a little goes a long way," an Amazon shopper raved. "My hair is gradually becoming more hydrated after each use." Quite a few people noted its powerful floral scent — some enjoyed it while others would've gone without.

Curly hair tends to need some TLC when it comes to beating flakes and irritation as they tend to be drier than other hair types. When her hair is going through an itchy spell, one GH Deputy Editor cycles this shampoo in for a few washes to nix any flakes, dryness or discomfort.

"Anti-dandruff shampoos can feel very clinical and un-glamorous, but I love how elegant this bottle looks in my shower, and how luxe the product feels (and smells!)," she said. Plus, it's made with proven dandruff-fighting ingredient pyrithione zinc. The shampoo lathers well, rinses clean and leaves my hair soft and manageable," one reviewer wrote online. "I found it didn't irritate my scalp and actually has made it less dry and itchy." It's pricey, but a little goes a long way.

✔️ Don't over wash: Fight the urge to scrub out flakes — washing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils. "Try to space out your washes and only shampoo as often as necessary," advised Dr. Chambers-Harris.

✔️ Prep for cold weather: A hat or a scarf can serve a greater purpose than accessorizing your 'fit — they protect your scalp from the harsh, drying effects of cold air and wind that strip skin of moisture.

✔️ Maintain a healthy lifestyle: "Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin, hair and scalp," said Dr. Chambers-Harris. "Omega-3 fatty acids, biotin and zinc can be beneficial." Drink plenty of water to maintain overall skin hydration, including your scalp. Even certain medications can impact overall scalp health, so check in with your doctor or dermatologist accordingly.

• Isfahan Chambers-Harris, M.P.H., Ph.D., is a professional trichologist and the founder of Alodia Haircare
• Kerry E. Yates is a hair expert and the creator of Colour Collective