Which are the Best Shampoos to help Relieve Dry Scalp
Post last updated: 14/03/2023
Finding the best
What Causes Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp can be caused by a number of factors, but medication, genetics, the environment and product choice all play a huge part. If you have dandruff, flaky and itchy skin or red scalp, chances are it's irritated and needs some attention.
If you live in a built-up polluted city, or are frequently exposed to smoke or the sun[1], external aggressors can cause your hair to become dry and irritated, which in turn has a big impact on your scalp health. Similarly, certain medications can cause scalp dryness[2], and using the wrong haircare products can cause major irritation. It's important to isolate which of these factors are causing your dry scalp, but using a shampoo specially made for the issue will help relieve and calm down any flare-ups.
Here's why you need to start looking after your scalp
Great hair starts at the scalp. We caught up with the experts at NIOXIN who gave us the lowdown on what, why and how of great scalp care
Our Picks of the Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp
- Kérastase Specifique Dermo-Calm Bain Riche Shampoo
- Leonor Greyl Creme Aux Fleurs Cream Shampoo
- L'Oréal Professionel Serie Expert Sensi Balance Shampoo
- Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Dry Scalp
- L'Oréal Professionnel Source Essentielle Sensitive Scalp Shampoo
- Philip Kingsley Shampoo for Flaky & Itchy Scalps
- Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo
- Aveda Scalp Benefits Shampoo
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo
- System Professional Balance Shampoo
We have put our top picks of the best shampoos for flaky, itchy scalps to help you choose the right one for your hair type and individual needs.
1. Kérastase Specifique Dermo-Calm Bain Vital Shampoo 250ml
64
RRP: £28.25Current price: £24.01
- Best for: Sensitive Scalps
- Why we love it: Free from silicone, it doesn't cause product build-up in the hair so is great to use as an everyday shampoo to keep your scalp healthy and calm.
- What LF Customers say: "Recommended by my dermatologist, this has had the best calming effect to my sensitive scalp." Read all reviews here
3. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Sensi Balance Shampoo 300ml
7
RRP: £18.99Current price: £17.09
- Why we love it: One of the best dry scalp shampoos for a budget price!
4. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Dry Scalp (400ml)
7
RRP: £39.90Current price: £35.91
- Why we love it: Safe for those with highlighted or colour-treated hair, the shampoo is also free from silicones so won't cause product build-up.
5. L'Oréal Professionnel Source Essentielle Sensitive Scalp Shampoo 300ml
3
£18.90
- Why we love it: The bottle has also been created to hold as much product using the least amount of plastic; making this one of the most environmentally-friendly haircare options.
6. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml
153
RRP: £30.00Current price: £20.95
- Best for: Flaky and Itchy Scalps
- Why we love it: A trial by the brand resulted in 99% of participants confirming that the shampoo helped to clear their flaky scalp and leave it conditioned and soothed.
- What LF Customers say: "This is the best dry scalp shampoo I have found - it seems to clear up my dry scalp after only a couple of uses - it is also extremely gentle and non drying on my colour treated hair " Read all reviews here
7. Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo (250ml)
93
£17.00
- Why we love it: Rich in liquorice and eucalyptus, the shampoo helps to relieve scalp tension, balance out flakiness and gently cleanse without disrupting the hair or scalps natural balance.
8. Aveda Scalp Benefits Shampoo 250ml
15
£21.50
- Why we love it: The shampoo is also sulphate-free, which is great for anyone with sensitive scalps as sulphates have been widely discussed as the culprits behind dryness and dehydration.
9. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo 300ml
3
£25.65
- Best for: Thinning hair
- Why we love it: Formulated to thicken each strand for fuller looking hair while also helping to soothe and calm irritated and itchy scalps.
- What LF Cusotmers say: "300ml bottle last quite a while - smell is more natural tea tree , leathers well , scalp is in better condition more moisturised and balanced"
10. System Professional Balance Shampoo 250ml
32
RRP: £24.75Current price: £12.38
- Best for: Oily, Greasy Scalps
- Why we love it: This shampoo has been formulated to help with hair loss or thinning as well as to calm sensitive scalps.
- What LF Customers say: "What a game changer ! I am using it for a week , and already I can see huge improvements in my hair condition. My hair and my scalp are a bit greasy , so the shampoo is so good to balance the oiliness without drying it " Read all reviews here
Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.
