Best Shampoo for Itchy Dry Flaky Scalp | Top 5 Shampoos | Comparison & Buyer Guide

There are many factors that can cause our scalp to become dry, and flaky, and it can become quite uncomfortable for the person. Typically a dry scalp also causes itchiness and redness, which are all signs that you need to take better care of your scalp.

An itchy and flaky scalp can be caused by a number of different things, it could be a disease, or it could also be a reaction to some kind of environmental factor.

There are always different treatment options available for these conditions, however, using a shampoo that is specifically made for the dry, itchy and flaky scalp can be immensely helpful, and it will make you feel much more comfortable and relieved.

Quick list of best Shampoos for dry itchy flaky Scalp

If you are in hurry and want to get hold of the best shampoo for your dry, itchy and flaky hair, then we recommend you to pick any of below-listed shampoos, you will not be disappointed.

What Can Cause Dry and Itchy Scalp?

  • One of the most common problems that can lead to a flaky scalp is Dandruff. Dandruff is caused by a microbe called Malassezia which feeds off the oil on your scalp and causes the skin to flake.
  • Another common reason which can cause an itchy and flaky scalp is excess buildup in the hair caused by other products. Some hair care products tend to leave a lot of residue on the scalp, which eventually builds up on the scalp and causes the scalp to be flaky.
  • Allergies to certain ingredients in your hair care products could easily cause your scalp to become dry and flaky. Certain ingredients may not be suitable for your skin and can cause an allergic reaction on your scalp, which in turn causes your scalp to become itchy and dry.
  • Lack of moisture can also be a very common reason, which causes flakiness on your scalp. We typically see this during winter, when the weather is dry, and our scalp is dehydrated. 
  • Other conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis can also cause your scalp to be itchy and flaky. These problems require medical attention and treatment.

Comparison of Top 5 Best Shampoos for Itchy Dry Flaky Scalp

ClarifyingSoothingNon-DryingMakes Hair ShinyActive Ingredients
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control ShampooYesYesYesYesZinc Pyrithione, Glycerin
BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff ShampooYesYesNoYesSalicylic acid
Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness RemedyYesYesYesNoVitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Biotin
MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff ShampooYesYesYesYesZinc Pyrithione
Tea Tree Special ShampooYesYesNoYesTea Tree Oil, Lavender, Peppermint

Buyer Guide to Select the Best Shampoo for Itchy Dry Flaky Scalp

1. Clarifying

When you buy a shampoo for an itchy and flaky scalp, always try to find a shampoo that cleans your scalp thoroughly without leaving any residue.

This will ensure that you clean your scalp from all the products that may have built up and do not cause any more buildup.

A clarifying shampoo will make sure that the flakes on your skin are gone, and any excess oil that may have built up will also be washed away.

2. Non-drying

Make sure that the shampoo that you choose for your scalp does not strip the scalp of its natural moisture.

The oil that is naturally produced by our scalp is very good at protecting our hair and scalp from becoming overly dry. This is why always use a shampoo that isn’t overly drying and does not wash away all the natural oils. 

3. Soothing

If there is one thing that a shampoo should do for an itchy scalp, it would be to soothe the scalp of the irritation. Soothing shampoos typically contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, which help reduce the inflammation on the scalp and help relieve the irritation. 

Top 5 Best Shampoos for Itchy Dry Flaky Scalp

1. Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo is an excellent shampoo for anyone who is suffering from itchy or flaky scalp, it effectively removes the flakiness and restores moisture to the scalp without stripping the scalp of its natural oils.

Zinc pyrithione, which is an active ingredient in shampoo, is a dermatologically tested ingredient that has been proven to reduce dandruff and its symptoms. The lavender and glycerin in the shampoo help moisturize the scalp and keep your hair smooth and shiny.

 Key Benefits of Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo:

  • Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo is very good at cleansing your hair of built-up products as well as the flakes from your scalp.
  • The active ingredient in the shampoo helps remove the dandruff-causing microbe, which makes a huge difference in the dandruff-prone scalp.
  • Lavender actively helps soothe the scalp of inflammation and reduces itchiness.

How does Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo work?

  • It is a clarifying shampoo, which means it exfoliates the scalp and removes all the flakes and dry skin from your scalp.
  • Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo is not an overly stripping shampoo, which is what makes it the ideal shampoo for itchy and flaky scalp, as it neither makes your scalp too oily nor too dry.
  • It contains Zinc Pyrithione, which inhibits the growth of dandruff-causing microbes, and helps keep the scalp healthy.

2. BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Formulated with 2.9% active Salicylic acid, the BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo is excellent for exfoliating the scalp and relieving the scalp from dandruff and other irritants.

Other important ingredients such as Rosemary and Willow bark extract help soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness.

The formula of this shampoo does not have any parabens or sulfates or silicones, which means your hair or scalp will not be harmed in any way. Just take a dime-sized amount and work into your scalp, and leave it on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing it out.

Key Benefits of BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo:

How does BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo work?

  • Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant and an important ingredient in BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo, which helps remove dead skin cells more effectively.
  • Salicylic acid also helps remove excess oil and sebum from the skin, which will help your scalp not become overly oily or flaky. 
  • Other ingredients such as Rosemary extract are very good at soothing the skin, which helps reduce itchiness.

3. Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness Remedy

The Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness Remedy is a crystallized scalp treatment that is packed with antioxidants and botanicals which help treat dry and itchy scalp.

Although it is not a shampoo, it is a product that has to be used in conjunction with your shampoo to get the best results. With the help of Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Biotin, it increases blood circulation in the scalp and reduces inflammation.

It starts to work immediately as soon as it is applied and effectively helps remove flakes from the scalp, as you massage it onto your head.

Use this crystal powder after one round of shampoo and leave it on your scalp for a few minutes, before rinsing it out and shampooing once again.

Key Benefits of Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness Shampoo:

  • The antioxidants in Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness Shampoo help soothe the scalp of irritation and helps reduce inflammation.
  • The element of massaging the crystals on your scalp helps physically exfoliate your scalp and reduce the flakes on your scalp.
  • It helps prevent build-up of products on your scalp and it also prevents the scalp from future irritation that may be caused by environmental factors.

How does Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness Shampoo work?

  • Vitamin C is an excellent ingredient in Malibu C Scalp Therapy Wellness shampoo that helps fight dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.
  • Vitamin B and C together fight the free radical damage that may be caused to the scalp and help restore the natural balance of the scalp.

4. MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo 

The MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo is a cleansing shampoo, with an active ingredient, which helps kill excess bacteria on the scalp and leaves a tingling fresh sensation on the scalp.

It calms the scalp with the help of cucumber extracts and peppermint oil, and helps reduce inflammation. This formula is perfect for fighting flakiness and dryness on the scalp, as it effectively removes irritants from your hair. 

Key Benefits of MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo:

  • This shampoo helps maintain a healthy balance on your scalp.
  • MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo cleanses your hair from impurities without causing any irritation.
  • It alleviates itchiness, and irritation and soothes the scalp.
  • The shampoo is great at fighting dandruff and dandruff-causing microbes.

How does MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo work?

  • Natural ingredients such as cucumber extract and peppermint oil help reduce irritation and soothe the scalp.
  • MIZANI Scalp Care Pyrithione Zinc Anti Dandruff Shampoo consists of Zinc Pyrathione, which is an excellent active ingredient that helps fight dandruff causing bacteria and effectively reduces them.

5. Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Tea Tree Special Shampoo is an incredible cleansing shampoo, which helps reduce any flakes and impurities from the scalp. Its clarifying formula helps reduce the amount of oil and sebum on the scalp, which in turn helps reduce dandruff.

The special blend of tea tree oil, lavender and peppermint helps reduce any inflammation and reduce itchiness on the scalp. This is an overall great shampoo, which helps relieve itchy and flaky scalp issues and it is ideal for all hair types.

Key Benefits of Tea Tree Special Shampoo:

  • This shampoo is good for all hair types and it leaves the hair looking shiny and healthy.
  • Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a good cleansing shampoo, which does not leave any residue.
  • The combination of lavender, tea tree and peppermint is great for treating scalp irritation.

How does Tea Tree Special Shampoo work?

  • Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo that removes all flakes and dry skin from the scalp, giving your scalp a clean and refreshed feeling.
  • Natural ingredients such as tea tree and lavender are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the scalp from itching.

Final Thoughts

If you are suffering from a dry, itchy and flaky scalp, it is recommended that you first see a professional to evaluate the exact problem. However, to help with the symptoms, any of the above-mentioned Shampoos can be used.

If you think you have dandruff, all of the shampoos are great options, and even if you are suffering from some other scalp problem, these Shampoos will definitely relieve your symptoms and prevent your scalp from irritation.

Overall, it is always a good idea to have a clarifying shampoo in your routine, to clean your scalp thoroughly, as it will do wonders for your scalp and hair health. Now that you are informed about all the best shampoos for dry and itchy scalp, it is time for you to choose your favorite and start caring for your scalp.