The best shampoo for a dry scalp is a mild, moisturising one that cleans without stripping your skin's natural oils. Look for gentle cleansers and conditioning ingredients, wash with lukewarm rather than hot water, and massage the scalp instead of scrubbing it. If your scalp is very flaky, sore, red or itchy for more than a couple of weeks, speak to a pharmacist, as it may be dandruff or a skin condition that needs a different product.
Below: how to tell a dry scalp from dandruff, what to look for in a shampoo, and the washing habits that help most.
Dry scalp or dandruff?
They can look similar, but they are not the same thing:
- A dry scalp usually feels tight or itchy, with small, fine, white flakes. It often gets worse in winter, with central heating and hot showers.
- Dandruff usually comes with larger, slightly oily or yellowish flakes and can be linked to an oily scalp.
A gentle, moisturising shampoo is the right starting point for a dry scalp. Dandruff often needs a specific anti-dandruff shampoo; a pharmacist can help you choose one.
What to look for in a shampoo for a dry scalp
- Mild cleansers that leave the scalp feeling comfortable, not squeaky.
- Moisturising ingredients such as argan oil, glycerin or panthenol.
- No harsh extras if your scalp is sensitive. Strong fragrance can bother some people.
- A matching conditioner, so your lengths stay soft while you focus the shampoo on the scalp.
Our guide to sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoo explains what the labels mean.
How to wash a dry scalp
- Use lukewarm water. Hot water strips oils from the skin.
- Use a small amount of shampoo and massage it in with your fingertips, not your nails.
- Rinse thoroughly, so no product is left on the scalp.
- Condition your lengths, not your roots.
- Wash a little less often if you can. Our guide on how often to wash your hair can help you find the right rhythm.
Habits that make a dry scalp worse
- Very hot showers.
- Scratching or scrubbing hard with nails.
- Hairdryers on the hottest setting held close to the scalp.
- Washing several times a day with a strong shampoo.
More of these in habits that make dry hair worse.
Our picks
- XHC Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set: one 300ml argan oil shampoo and one 300ml argan oil conditioner. Nourishing, moisturising, vegan friendly and paraben-free, for all hair types.
- XHC Argan Oil Shampoo Twin Pack: the same argan oil shampoo in a twin pack or a 6 bottle stock-up.
If your lengths are dry too, read what is the best shampoo for dry hair. Prices are live on Amazon, and orders are dispatched by Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
What shampoo is best for a dry, itchy scalp?
A mild, moisturising shampoo used with lukewarm water. If the itching lasts more than a couple of weeks or the skin is sore or red, ask a pharmacist.
How do I know if it's dry scalp or dandruff?
Dry scalp flakes are usually small and white and the scalp feels tight. Dandruff flakes are usually larger and oilier. A pharmacist can confirm which you have.
Should I wash my hair less if I have a dry scalp?
Often, yes. Washing a little less often, with a gentle shampoo, gives the scalp's natural oils time to build back up.
Does conditioner help a dry scalp?
Conditioner is mainly for your lengths. Keep it off the roots, and focus on a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water for the scalp.
