Talking about a dry scalp isn't exactly the most glamorous topic—but it's a conversation worth having. As a beauty editor for nearly a decade, I've dealt with it more times than I can count, and I know I'm not alone. Friends, family, strangers—you name it—almost everyone has faced the tell-tale signs: itchiness, flakiness, and that constant feeling of irritation (both on your scalp and your patience). The easiest way to address it is by using one of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry scalps—and finding the perfect pair can be an enjoyable process, I promise.
Before diving into the best options, it’s important to understand why your scalp is feeling dry in the first place. "A lot of times, it's environmental," says board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, M.D. "Things like cold weather, low humidity, or even hot showers that strip moisture from the scalp can be a culprit." But the elements aren't the only possible irritants. "Overwashing or using harsh shampoos can also lead to dryness because they can disrupt the scalp's natural oil balance," he adds.
That’s where the best shampoo-and-conditioner duos for a dry scalp come to the rescue. Fortunately, there are plenty of dermatologist- and beauty editor-approved combos on the market, from options for color-treated hair to the best shampoos for greasy hair. To curate this guide, I consulted three board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Shah, Doris Day, M.D. and Jeannette Graf, M.D.—and spent weeks testing dozens of products to narrow it down to the top 12 picks.
Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp
- Best Shampoo for Dry Scalps Overall: Nécessaire The Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Treatment
- Best High-End Shampoo for Dry Scalps: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo
Nécessaire is one of those hair-care brands that just gets it, which is exactly why it’s claimed the top spot on my list of the best shampoos for a dry scalp. Its formula is no-fuss yet highly intentional, using humectants (glycerin and hyaluronic acid), emollients (avocado oil), and soothing ingredients (aloe vera, niacinamide, and celery seed extract) to hydrate, nourish, and calm your scalp in one go. While the fragrance-free option might not deliver the most sensory experience, it’s the best choice for anyone with sensitive or ultra-dry scalps.
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily; fine, medium, and thick
Scent: Fragrance-free
Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice (soothing), glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating), niacinamide (hydrates and soothes)
Size of Bottle: 8.4 fl oz
What I Love: Fragrance-free; sensitive skin-friendly; Awarded the Seal Of Acceptance by The National Eczema Association
What I Don't: Light lather might not be satisfying for everyone
Review for MC: “What initially drew me to this shampoo was its minimalist aesthetic, but after using it, obsessing over it, and buying a new bottle, I realized it’s so much more than just good looks. The twist-lock cap is super easy to use and prevents spills. As for the formula? It’s hydrating, soothing, and gentle enough for regular use. It’s the one I reach for most often—perfect for days when I don’t need to bring in the big guns, like a shampoo with antifungal properties (more on that in a sec).” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Necessaire The Shampoo
I'm not one to turn my nose up at a well-formulated drugstore find, especially when it’s as hardworking as Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo. Sure, the bottle might not be the most aesthetically pleasing option on my list, but what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in performance. It uses pyrithione zinc, an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredient, to clear away dead skin cells, excess oil, and flakes. To top it off, it’s infused with moisturizing almond oil to leave your scalp feeling soothed and hydrated.
Hair Type: All hair types and thicknesses
Scent: Almond oil
Active Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc (antifungal; reduces flaking and irritation), almond oil (moisturizing)
Size of Bottle: 12.5 fl oz
What I Love: Budget-friendly; Widely available; Offered in the largest bottle size on our list, with two options (12.5 fl oz and 28.2 fl oz)
What I Don't: Might be too heavy for fine or oily hair types
Review for MC: “Head & Shoulders might not have the chicest packaging in the haircare aisle, but it delivers results where it counts. Its streamlined, no-frills ingredient list combines an effective antifungal to treat and prevent dandruff with moisturizing almond oil to hydrate my perpetually dry strands. And since my skin doesn’t mind a little fragrance, I actually love its almond oil scent; It’s equal parts soothing and calming.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Almond Hair Shampoo
Swedish haircare brand Maria Nila might not be one of the most well-known names on this list, but it’s time to change that. Its Head & Hair Heal line is packed with active ingredients designed to soothe and nourish dry, itchy scalps, such as aloe vera for hydration, piroctone olamine to combat flakes, and vitamin E to protect and calm sensitive skin. And if that’s not convincing enough, let me add this: of all the shampoos I tested for this list, it left my thick hair feeling the softest.
Hair Type: All hair types and thicknesses
Scent: Floral
Active Ingredients: Piroctone olamine (combats dandruff and microbial imbalances), aloe leaf extract (soothes and hydrates), tocopheryl acetate glycerin (humectant; locks in moisture)
Size of Bottle: 11.8 fl oz
What I Love: Treats and prevents dandruff and flakiness; Vegan and cruelty-free; Leaves hair feeling soft
What I Don't: Not yet widely available in physical retail stores nationwide
Review for MC: “Being honest, this brand wasn’t even on my radar when I started brainstorming product options for this article. But then it showed up on my doorstep, and after testing it, I realized it checked every box—and then some. From its subtle yet lovely floral scent to its clean, vegan ingredient list, this shampoo completely blew me away. My hair felt shockingly soft—from the moment I squeezed out the water in the shower to when it fully air-dried. Most notably, I couldn't spot a single flake in sight—a huge win for someone like me who stretches wash days as long as humanly possible.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Maria Nila Hair & Heal Shampoo
Other Shampoos for a Dry Scalp I Love
"Deep cleansing should be done weekly or every few weeks, depending on how oily your hair is, how much product you use, and how exposed your hair is to environmental elements," Pineda advises. "A regular shampoo won’t be enough for this, and you’ll need a cleansing agent that’s deeply clarifying and can break down the heavy buildup on your scalp." This formula from Olaplex is a perfect option for all hair types and curl patterns, promising to banish buildup and pollutants in one single wash. In turn, it helps alleviate dryness and allows the scalp to better absorb moisturizing ingredients.
Pair it with the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance™ Strengthening Hair Repair Conditioner for best results.
Hair Type: Fine, medium, and thick; coily, curly, straight, and wavy
Scent: Olaplex's signature scent: grapefruit and mint
Active Ingredients: Panthenol (hydrating), sodium PCA (moisturizing), and citric acid (pH-balancing)
Size of Bottle: 8.5 fl oz
What We Love: Award-winning; Deep-cleaning effective for all hair types, from straight to coily
What We Don't: Meant to be used once weekly, not daily
Customer Review: “I've used this shampoo ONCE & I can already tell a difference it’s made on my scalp. I live in an apartment with very hard water and causes a lot of buildup on my scalp, but this could be a game changer. Love it so far!” — Sephora
This shampoo was developed by trichologists (experts specializing in scalp and hair health) at the Philip Kingsley Trichology Institute in New York City and clinically tested to improve the look and feel of a dry scalp and to encourage hair growth by eradicating buildup and excess oil. Make it a duo with the Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Hydrating Conditioner.
Hair Type: All hair types and thicknesses
Scent: Apple
Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice (soothing and hydrating), glycerin (hydrating), and piroctone olamine (combats dandruff and microbial imbalances)
Size of Bottle: 8.45 fl oz
What We Love: Developed by trichologists; Recyclable packaging; Safe for color-treated hair
What We Don't: Contains fragrance, which might not work for those with sensitivities to scented products
Customer Review: "I’m impressed with this scalp-soothing shampoo—it effectively does what it’s supposed to do, and actually moisturizes my dry hair without stripping color. Only a little is needed for good lather, and it smells nice too." — Amazon
If you struggle with both scalp and hair dryness, or if you have dry skin in general, then this is the shampoo for you. It’s suitable for all hair types, and focuses on moisturizing hair and enhancing softness while ridding the scalp and roots of impurities. It also promises to transform dull hair and undefined curls, and to mitigate and prevent breakage and split ends. These benefits can be attributed to the shampoo’s all-star formula, which includes nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and abyssine.
Hair Type: Fine, medium, and thick; straight, wavy, and curly
Scent: Apple
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), and bisabolol (soothing)
Size of Bottle: 8.45 fl oz
What We Love: Adds volume; Simultaneously hydrates and exfoliates scalp; Protects and strengthens hair with antioxidants and nourishing lipids
What We Don't: May not be hydrating enough for coily hair
Customer Review: "Amazing, amazing, amazing!! Love the way this shampoo (the whole K Chronologiste line) leaves my hair. This shampoo smells great. The container is convenient and looks sleek. It leaves my hair so soft, clean and I've seen my hair fall a lot less. It's gentle on the scalp and it cleanses my oily hair very well." — Sephora
Best Conditioners for Dry Scalps
- Best Conditioner for Dry Scalps Overall: Nécessaire The Conditioner
- Best Drugstore Conditioner for Dry Scalps: Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Almond Hair Conditioner
- Best High-End Conditioner for Dry Scalps: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Conditioner
Given that I tested an overwhelming number of shampoo-conditioner duos for this piece, it’s only fitting that the matching conditioner to each “best overall” shampoo earns its spot, too. (They’re designed to work in perfect harmony, after all!) Nécessaire The Conditioner is no exception; its thoughtful formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, strengthening panthenol, and scalp-soothing niacinamide—all of which nourish hair of every type and curl pattern without adding weight. Plus, because it’s free from buildup-causing ingredients like silicones and sulfates, it won’t clog your scalp’s pores or leave behind unwanted residue.
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily; fine, medium, and thick
Scent: Fragrance-free
Active Ingredients: Coconut and avocado oil (nourishing), panthenol (hydrates, strengthens, and calms irritation), aloe leaf juice, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Size of Bottle: 8.4 fl oz
What We Love: Detangles; Hypoallergenic; Minimalist packaging
What We Don't: Strongly mixed opinions on scent
Review for MC: “There are few conditioners I can apply from scalp to tip without my hair looking ridiculously greasy afterward—but this one is the exception. Pairing it with the shampoo leaves my hair feeling soft, less frizzy, and not weighed down in the slightest. If your hair is always begging for moisture like mine, this one deserves a spot in your lineup.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses Nécessaire The Conditioner
When it comes to conditioners for dry scalps, Head & Shoulders' Dry Scalp Care Conditioner is the perfect partner for its shampoo. Loaded with fatty alcohols, emollients, and glycerin, it hydrates, softens, and smooths your strands. Like the shampoo, it’s powered by pyrithione zinc to fend off flakes for double the defense when used together.
Hair Type: All hair types and thicknesses
Scent: Almond oil
Active Ingredients:
Size of Bottle: 10.9 fl oz
What I Love: Thousands of five-star ratings; Gentle enough for daily use (paired with the matching shampoo); Paraben-free
What I Don't: Only available in one size, while the shampoo comes in two options
Review for MC: "I'm biased—I’m a beauty editor who sticks to the rules—but I genuinely can’t imagine pairing any other conditioner with the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Almond Shampoo. While it’s not marketed as the go-to duo for prepping your hair before a DIY blowout, it absolutely should be. It leaves my hair shiny, smooth, and touchably soft—and all for around $10 total." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Almond Hair Conditioner
Similar to its shampoo, Maria Nila's Hair & Heal conditioner uses piroctone olamine to banish flakiness and prevent scalp issues. It also features softening shea butter to hydrate and smooth strands, along with strengthening apigenin, oleanolic acid, and biotinoyl tripeptide-1—ingredients that help fortify hair, promote healthier growth, and reduce breakage over time.
Hair Type: All hair types and thicknesses
Scent: Floral
Active Ingredients: Piroctone olamine (combats dandruff and microbial imbalances), shea butter (softening and moisturizing), apigenin, oleanolic acid, and biotinoyl tripeptide-1 (strengthening)
Size of Bottle: 10.1 fl oz
What I Love: Protects hair color; Contains strengthening ingredients such as peptides, apigenin and oleanolic Acid; Uses piroctone olamine like its shampoo counterpart
What I Don't: Recommended you also use the mask for best results
Review for MC: “Over the years of testing, tweaking, and perfecting my shampoo-and-conditioner routine, I’ve learned that steering clear of my roots when applying conditioner was usually the key to my hair looking its best because most of the hydrating and volumizing formulas I use aren’t exactly formulated for root application. But this dry scalp-targeting conditioner is the exception. I apply it from mid-lengths to ends and throughout my roots, and as you can see in the photos, it didn’t weigh my hair down or sacrifice volume one bit. Plus, no greasiness in sight.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Conditioner
Other Shampoos for a Dry Scalp I Love
This conditioner by Oribe is beloved by reviewers for its softening, shine-enhancing capabilities. It works on all hair types and curl patterns, from pin-straight locks to tight curls and coils, and it’s color-safe to boot. Formulated with dry, flaky scalps in mind, it promises to hydrate the scalp while soothing any existent irritation or redness. It addresses strand health, too, fortifying hair and deeply conditioning the shaft so that your mane is easier to detangle and bouncier than ever after each use.
For best results, use it with the Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.
Hair Type: Fine, medium, and thick; coily, curly, straight, and wavy
Scent: Oribe's signature Côte d’Azur scent
Active Ingredients: Shea butter and glycerin (hydrating), panthenol (hydrates, strengthens, and calms irritation)
Size of Bottle: 6.8 fl oz
What I Love: Hydrating; Comes in a large value size if you love it and want to save some money; Chic packaging
What I Don't: Most expensive option on my list
Customer Review: “This Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner is likely to be a new winter hair staple for me. After using this conditioner, my hair not only looks soft and healthy, it feels that way, too. When I felt the consistency of this conditioner on my hands, I wasn’t sure that it would stand up to the challenge of helping tame my hair. This conditioner does just that without weighing your hair down. In terms of balancing my scalp, I have no evidence of flaking and no itchiness, even in the dead of winter. Loving this product." — Amazon
If you’re battling the oh-so-fun combo of a dry and oily scalp, the Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Conditioner deserves a spot in your routine. This formula pairs hydrating ingredients with lightweight, scalp-friendly oils to soothe dryness, while gentle exfoliants help tackle buildup and regulate excess oil. With consistent use and by pairing it with the brand's Scalp Balancing Shampoo, I'm confident that "balanced" might just become your new favorite word to describe your scalp.
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily; fine, medium, and thick
Scent: Lavender, tea tree, and bergamot
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), glycerin (hydrating), niacinamide (hydrates and soothes)
Size of Bottle: 8.5 fl oz
What I Love: Great for scalps that are simultaneously oily and dry; Uses salicylic acid balanced with salicylic acid to soothe; Comes in three sizes
What I Don't: Salicylic acid might be too harsh for sensitive or very-dry scalps
Customer Review: “This conditioner is perfect for soothing both oily and dry scalps while deeply nourishing your hair. It reduces flakes and redness with niacinamide and salicylic acid, plus argan, jojoba, and olive oils leave your hair super soft and hydrated. A must-have for balanced, healthy hair!" — Sephora
While any scalp-clarifying or exfoliating shampoo or conditioner can indirectly help with hair fall by removing buildup that hinders growth, this conditioner takes it a step further with a thoughtful mix of botanicals. It uses ingredients such as ashwagandha, hibiscus flower extract, and tulsi leaf extract. While they may not have the same level of clinical backing as heavy-hitters like pyrithione zinc, they come with plenty of anecdotal praise in reviews to support their efficacy. The brand's RANAVAT Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Repair Shampoo has also garnered similar acclaim.
Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, and oily; fine, medium, and thick
Scent: Jasmine flower extract
Active Ingredients: Ashwagandha (reduces irritation), glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid (hydrating), hydrolyzed wheat protein and rice protein (strengthening)
Size of Bottle: 8 fl oz
What I Love: Reduces frizz; Has the CLEAN at Sephora seal of approval; Clinical results show improvement in hair regeneration and hair fall
What I Don't: Does not contain clinically proven ingredients like pyrithione zinc
Customer Review: “Smells amazing and leaves hair feeling incredible. I have chronically dry hair and scalp. Has improved the texture and look of my hair over time and leaves hair feeling smooth detangled and hydrated after each use. I feel like it’s even reduced and helped eliminate scalp irritation. New fav." — Sephora
Do I Have a Dry Scalp?
"Dry scalp usually shows up as itching or flakiness," says Dr. Shah. "You might notice white flakes, or your scalp might feel a little raw or irritated." It’s important to take care of it because if you don’t, the dryness can lead to more serious issues like inflammation, irritation, and even hair thinning. Plus, dry scalp can make your hair look dull and lackluster, so it’s really about getting your scalp and hair back into balance for healthier, shinier hair, adds Dr. Shah
What Caused My Dry Scalp?
As mentioned by Dr. Shah and all of the dermatologists consulted for this piece, there are multiple potential culprits behind scalp dryness. The most common ones go as follows:
Lack of Moisture
As mentioned by Dr. Shah and Pineda, dryness from styling, sun exposure, and cold, dry temperatures are some of the potential culprits behind dry scalp. While Pineda reassures me that dryness happens to just about everyone, she points out that the way you treat your hair directly impacts the state of your scalp
"The scalp’s moisture balance can decrease over time, especially if you frequently apply heat styling, use harsh hair products, or undergo chemical hair treatments like dyeing, relaxing, or perming," she says. "This can cause dryness, flaking, and dandruff."
Buildup
Similarly, Dr. Graf notes that buildup from common products such as styling gels, mousse, and sprays can also impact the health of your scalp.
If you're particularly concerned about buildup, or if your haircare routine regularly involves the use of multiple gels and stylers at once, consider using a clarifying shampoo once to twice a month in order to eradicate flakes, dandruff, buildup, and excess oil. Clarifying shampoos are notoriously drying, though, so consider the cause of your scalp irritation before use, and be sure to only employ a clarifying shampoo occasionally.
Nutrition
Finally, Pineda reminds us that what we put in our bodies impact how they look on the outside.
"Your hair and scalp depend on the nutrition of your diet," she says. "If you have a dry scalp, it might be because your diet lacks the vital nutrients your hair needs." This means ensuring that you consume a well-balanced diet filled with water, Vitamin B, collagen, protein, and other essential nourishment.
"Boost your diet with amino acids, antioxidants, and protein-rich foods," agrees Pineda. "Think fatty fish, avocados, berries, eggs, and lean meats while avoiding processed food. If your diet falls short, you can supplement it with vitamins. Consult a healthcare professional to know what you can take."
When Should I See a Dermatologist About My Dry Scalp?
"It is best to see a dermatologist to address scalp dryness before the issue has a negative impact on your life," says Dr. Day. "Persistent itching, scalp redness, and consistent dandruff are signs of a disrupted scalp, and a dermatologist would be able to provide the best recommendation to ease immediate discomfort while providing a long-term solution."
Why Trust Marie Claire
Marisa Petrarca is a beauty editor and writer with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She has words in Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Us Weekly, Popsugar and more, focusing on digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. She spoke with board-certified dermatologists and experts about dry scalps to compile this list of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry scalps on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Marie Claire beauty contributor Marisa Petrarca went through a vigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of shampoos and conditioners for dry scalp. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and skincare experts, she tested each shampoo and conditioner on her itchy, dry scalp and thick hair.
Each shampoo was massaged onto the scalp for 60 seconds and followed up with conditioner application from roots to tips. The results, along with the texture, ingredients, and post-cleanse feel determined this list of the 12 best shampoos and conditioners for dry scalps. She also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Muneeb Shah, also known as the "DermDoctor" on social media, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, cosmetic, and procedural dermatology, as well as founder of of the skincare brand, REMEDY. He is a partner at Fora Dermatology in Mooresville, North Carolina, and according to his biography on the provider's website, he "prides himself on the strong relationships he builds with his patients and strives to make every patient experience the best it can be."
Doris Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in laser, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. She is a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center, and the founder of the Dr. Doris Day dermatology clinic in New York City.
Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D. is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Graf has been a Member of Scientific Advisory Board at RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation since July 2012. In addition to her private practice and her academic activities, Dr. Graf is also an accomplished product developer, who has created her own skin care line based on her continuing research on natural active ingredients and deep scientific understanding of the aging processes that take place in the skin. She has also contributed to many publications as well as books on this subject, including her best seller Stop Aging, Start Living. In addition, Dr. Graf has made multiple television and news appearances on national news and cable programs including: The Dr. Oz Show, Fox And Friends, MSNBC, The View, Inside Edition, Focus On Women, CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, Mike and Juliet and Sirius Radio. One of the most widely quoted dermatologists in the country; Dr. Graf is frequently quoted in national print and online magazines and newspapers including: Allure, Self, Glamour, InStyle, Prevention, Health, Women's Health, Redbook, Ladies' Home Journal, and Good Housekeeping, O the Oprah Magazine, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle and The New York Times. Dr. Graf is a board certified, clinical and research dermatologist with a private practice in Great Neck, NY. She received the "Teacher of the Year" award from the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Graf did a residency in pediatrics at Schneider's Children's Hospital in New York, followed by 2 years as a Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda where she received an award for Outstanding Achievement and obtained a patent on peptides in 1987 and by a residency in dermatology at the New York University Medical Center, which she completed in 1990.
Eliza Pineda is a hair, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle journalist and an internal expert for several organic, earth-focused personal care brands. She currently works with Mayraki Professional as a content specialist and internal expert to spread the word about the benefits of natural ingredients and impart traditional and innovative solutions for clean and sustainable skin, body, and hair care.
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