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Dealing with a dry scalp can be an arduous task, especially if your scalp gets itchy and forms a layer of flakes within days of washing your hair. Hence, investing in the best natural shampoos for dry scalp is a good idea. These shampoos not only help avoid problems associated with dry scalp, but are also gentle on your scalp and hair.
And when choosing a shampoo for your hair and scalp type, it’s crucial to consider the ingredients used. To help you find the right shampoo with nourishing ingredients, we’ve come up with a list of the best products from reputed brands with shining reviews. Go ahead and have your pick to fight dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.
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10 Best Natural Shampoos For Dry Scalp
1. Best For Greasy Hair:Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo
Known to be one of the best natural shampoos for dry hair and scalp, the sage cleansing shampoo by Maple Holistics rids the scalp of flakes and offers sweet relief from itchiness. Unlike conventional hair care products, it is infused with peach kernel oil, tea tree leaf oil, and rosemary oil that care for your tresses from root to tip. This shampoo is an ideal solution for those with dry scalps but greasy hair as it washes away any trace of oil and greasiness from the hair strands while adding vibrancy to them.
Pros
- Has clarifying and moisturizing properties
- Paraben- and sulfate-free formula
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Vegan-friendly
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Bottle may not be user-friendly
"Its hydrating formula has helped soothe my dry scalp. It took me a while to get used to its herbal scent, but its effectiveness in eliminating product and dandruff build-up is noteworthy."
Point to considerThere is a noticeable difference in the lather quantity when switching to a natural shampoo due to the absence of synthetic foaming agents.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 922 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
2. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Shampoo
Pamper your hair and scalp with this dermatologist-tested shampoo by Yes To. It is infused with the pleasant scent of carrots and enriched with ingredients known for their proven efficacy of providing hydration and a soothing effect. Unlike a regular drugstore shampoo, it contains tea tree oil, sage oil, and salicylic acid—a clinically proven combination to tackle dryness and itchiness of the scalp. As a plus, the Yes To scalp relief shampoo boosts hair growth, making it a one-stop solution for your hair care needs. Here’s a video that highlights a tester’s experience and the benefits of this gentle yet effective tea tree oil shampoo.
Pros
- Over 95% natural ingredients
- Essential oil-infused shampoo for dry scalp
- Paraben-free shampoo
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might be a little difficult to wash off
"Although gentle, it thoroughly cleanses my scalp and does not even leave a residue. Its lather is also very foamy and scent of tea tree oil is soothing. I wish the packaging were more user-friendly, but the shampoo has been excellent for daily use."
Quick tipIf your scalp is prone to build-up, choose a shampoo that does not contain silicone, as this ingredient seals in moisture, which can result in the build-up.
3. Best For Dandruff:Selsun Blue Naturals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The expert-recommended Selsun Natural’s Blue shampoo is specially formulated to tackle dry scalp and dandruff and eliminate flakes when used regularly. While the active ingredient, salicylic acid, helps with flakiness, its natural formula comes with the goodness of matricaria flower extract, rosemary leaf extract, and aloe extract that offer intense hydration. Other botanicals and vitamins B5 and E pack nourishment for the hair, restoring the health of your tresses over time. Watch the reviewer’s experience in this brief video to learn more about this anti-dandruff shampoofor dry scalp.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Pharmacist-recommended
- Offers dandruff control
- Makes hair silky
Cons
- Some might find the fragrance overpowering
"My scalp is significantly less flaky now. Despite being a medicated product, I found it gentle enough to keep irritation at bay, and the scent is subtle and pleasant."
Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo Best For Greasy Hair | Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Shampoo Best Dermatologist-Tested | Selsun Blue Naturals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Best For Dandruff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily, itchy, Dry, dandruff, Normal | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | 2.3 x 2.3 x 7.8 inches | 1.65 x 3.33 x 7.75 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 2 Ounces | 12.8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 922 | 366 | 396 |
| Price | $23.95 | $11.49 | $7.98 |
4. Best Moisturizing:Dove Hydration Spa Therapy Shampoo
Say yes to this ultra-hydrating, result-driven shampoo by the tried-and-tested brand Dove. It’s formulated to give your dull hair the transformation it needs with a spa-like experience. This itchy scalp shampoo nourishes your hair and leaves each strand feeling smooth and shiny. The formula packs potent moisturizers that work at your hair’s cellular level while refreshing the scalp. This hair product is also infused with the goodness of hyaluronic serum that ensures your hair retains moisture for up to 24 hours after each wash.
Pros
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Ideal for all hair types
- Cruelty-free
- Has a clean scent
Cons
- May not lather well
"The moisturizing formula of this shampoo works wonders for my hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and hydrated. I also appreciate the clean scent. Plus, the pump-style bottle makes my shower routine fuss-free."
5. Best For Oily Hair:Maple Holistics Degrease Cleansing Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo for greasy hair and a dry scalp can be tricky, but your search for a good shampoo ends here. The Maple Holistics Degrease cleansing shampoois a combination of natural clarifying agents and botanicals, such as lemon peel oil, peach kernel oil, rosemary leaf oil, and basil oil, which help banish greasiness while restoring the health of your hair. These oils relieve your scalp of excessive dryness and rinse away flakes, giving you non-greasy tresses and a clean and hydrated scalp. The tester’s experience in this review video will help you make an informed purchasing decision about this plant-based shampoo for dry scalp.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Climate pledge-friendly
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry hair
"Its gentle, nourishing formula keeps my hair amply moisturized. It does not lather well, but due to its thick consistency, a minimal amount of it allows me to enjoy its full benefits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,934 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
6. Best Cruelty-Free:Packer’s Pine Tar Shampoo
Unlike conventional hair care products, this cruelty-free pine tar shampoo by the doctor-recommended brand, Packer’s Pine, combines the goodness of Pinus Palustris oil, Pinus Palustris, and wood tar. These ingredients help address dryness and itchiness and are also helpful in relieving symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Made without sulfates and parabens, it is ideal for your scalp health and is suitable for all hair types. This professional-grade non-irritating shampoo for dry scalp helps eliminate flakes and adds to your hair health to give you a bouncy and healthy mane. Therefore, when hunting for the best natural shampoo for dry hair and psoriasis, this one is worth considering.
Pros
- Has soothing properties
- Concentrated formula
- Made with natural active ingredients
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free shampoo
Cons
- May not have a pleasant scent
"This shampoo has reduced itchiness and nourished my scalp in just a few uses. Its conditioning properties also soften the strands, and the natural pine scent, though mild, is very refreshing."
Do rememberAvoid washing your hair every day and refrain from using hot water for hair wash, as these factors can dry out your scalp.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 294 good reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Color-Safe:Naturtint Color Care Shampoo
Formulated for sensitive scalp, the Naturtint Color Care shampoo is free of parabens and other questionable ingredients that can trigger allergies or irritation. If you color your hair on the regular, trust this shampoo to retain and prevent premature fading of the color. This color-safe shampooboasts 98.8% natural ingredients, including sunflower seed extract, lemon fruit water, and lavender flower water to nourish your hair while offering intense cleansing.
Pros
- Anti-freeze formula
- Free of synthetic fragrance
- Silicone- and sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for extreme flakiness
8. Best For All Hair Types: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo
This result-driven detoxifying dry shampoo contains binchotan charcoal, which draws impurities such as oil, dirt, sebum, and product buildup from the scalp and refreshes the hair. This flaky scalp shampoo regulates oil production, providing a long-term solution for an oily scalp. Further, it contains herbal ingredients, such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, and panthenol, that moisturize and soothe dry, flaky scalp. The scientifically formulated shampoo is 98% naturally derived and is free of sulfates, silicones, DEA, and artificial dyes, setting it apart from traditional shampoos.
Pros
- Non-aerosol
- Phthalate- and paraben-free
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Suitable for color-, keratin-, and chemically-treated hair
Cons
- Might take time to show results
- Applicator may not be user-friendly
"Besides removing grease from the scalp, it has kept irritations at bay. And I like the instant and generous lift it gives my fine hair. Initially, using it was a bit of a messy affair, but I have mastered it with practice."
9. Best Aloe-Based:Honeydew Moisturizing Aloe Shampoo
Enriched with a truckload of botanicals, such as jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and aloe veraleaf extract, the tried-and-tested Honeydew shampoo soothes sensitive scalp. It is formulated with vitamins A, B, C, D, and E and fatty acids to repair thin hair and strengthen each strand from the roots to the tips. When used regularly, the shampoo adds volume to your natural hair, making it look fuller. Further, this scalp-strengthening shampoo for dry scalp is also free of common irritants such as parabens and sulfates, which means you can care for your hair and scalp without exposing them to harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Not tested on animals
- Vegan-friendly
- Has antioxidant properties
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Contains fragrance
"Thanks to this shampoo, I’ve noticed a reduction in the itchiness of my scalp. It makes my scalp squeaky clean while improving the texture of my colored hair."
10. Best For Seborrheic Dermatitis:Avlon Kera Care Shampoo
When dealing with conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, you need more than a regular drugstore shampoo. The Avlon Kera Care shampoo is infused with 1% zinc pyrithione and other soothing organic ingredients, such as apple extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe leaf juice, and lemon peel extract, to remediate flakiness and dandruff while caring for your hair. Moreover, this shampoo is also formulated to be suitable for all hair types, including curly hair, and for general dryness of the scalp.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for chemically-treated hair
- Organic shampoo for dry scalp
- Helps with detangling
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
"This product has been quite effective for managing my dry scalp issues. It even lathers well, and the floral fragrance is pleasant. I wish its quantity were more, but a pea-sized amount is usually enough to remove scalp buildup."
How To Choose The Right Natural Shampoo For Dry Scalp?
When choosing a natural hair shampoo for dry scalp, keep the following aspects in mind.
- Active ingredients: Since dry scalp can result in dandruff and flaking, choose a clarifying shampoo formulated with effective herbal ingredients that are dermatologist-tested to work against flaking. Some of the ingredients worth looking for in natural formula shampoos and conditioners for dry scalp are zinc pyrithione, aloe vera, and salicylic acid.
- Hair type: Some shampoos made for dry scalp may also strip your hair of natural oils because of their composition. Therefore, determine your hair type, whether dry, oily, chemically treated, or damaged, and ensure the ingredients used are safe for your hair.
- Harsh chemicals: Certain ingredients in your shampoo can trigger flakiness. To prevent flaking, always pick a non-toxic option without common irritants, such as parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Also, ensure they are free of artificial dyes and strong artificial fragrances.
- Moisturizing ingredients: Choose a natural option that contains clinically proven and dermatologically approved moisturizing and hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, honey, coconut oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid.
- pH-balanced formulas: pH-balanced shampoos help maintain the scalp’s natural acidity, which is crucial to ensure and maintain scalp health.
, a beauty and skincare specialist, says, “Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy scalp. Also, avoid over-washing your hair as it can strip the scalp of natural oils.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of shampoos for dry scalp?
Shampoos formulated for dry scalp can help prevent dandruff, itchiness, flaking, and skin irritation in the scalp. Such shampoos have ingredients known to soothe common issues associated with a dry scalp.
2. How often should I use a shampoo for dry scalp?
Using shampoo twice or thrice a week can help ensure your scalp stays hydrated enough not to encounter issues related to dry scalp, such as flaking.
3. How long do shampoos for dry scalp take to work?
When made with potent ingredients, such as zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid, these shampoos can deliver evident results within two to three washes.
4. What are the reasons for an itchy scalp?
A dry scalp is a primary reason for an itchy scalp. Some other reasons are dandruff, reaction to hair care products, hives, head lice, scalp psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and nerve problem (1).
5. How can I hydrate my scalp?
You can hydrate your scalp by not using shampoos that trigger dryness or itching or scalp irritation; using shampoos, oils, serums, or masks that hydrate the scalp and improve the scalp’s health; and ensuring the products have ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, tea tree oil, or other moisturizing ingredients.
6. What can I do if I have an extremely dry scalp?
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an experienced writer and product reviewer who loves everything related to skincare and hair care. She has reviewed the best natural shampoos for dry scalp in this article to help readers make the right choice. Her review process involves referring to different websites and forums and considering various user reviews to pick the best-rated products. She has highlighted the features of the best shampoos along with their pros and cons in this article. She has also added a buying guide and answered some common questions to help buyers make an informed decision.
Finding the right natural shampoo that you would want to keep using for an extended period to treat your dry scalp can be a little daunting. However, the process becomes a lot simpler when you know what ingredients to look for and understand your hair type and texture. A shampoo with nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera extract, essential oils and botanical extracts, salicylic acid, and zinc, can restore the health of your tresses over time. Furthermore, when you choose a shampoo sans chemicals, you can care for your hair gently, without exposing it to nasty ingredients.
Infographics Title: Buying The Right Shampoo To Keep Scalp Dryness At Bay
When your scalp gets itchy and forms a layer of flakes within days of washing, you need to invest in the right natural shampoo. However, the market has several options, which can make your buying process daunting. Here’s an infographic to help you choose the right natural shampoo for your dry scalp. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- 10 Reasons Your Scalp Itches And How To Get Relief
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch - Dry Scalp
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23326-dry-scalp#:~:text=Your%20dermatologist%20may%20prescribe%20a - Is Your Dry Scalp Something More Serious?
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/dry-scalp-conditions
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