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09 Aug 2021 • 10 min read
Want to know how to manage your dry scalp right?
A dry scalp often occurs when the scalp doesn’t have enough sebum (skin oil) for the skin to feel lubricated and hydrated.
It is more common for people with dry skin in general to get a dry scalp.
Getting a dry scalp is quite common; with symptoms varying in severity, from a sprinkling of dandruff to full-blown seborrheic dermatitis (when flakes of skin become visible on your hair or clothing).
Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause skin flaking in other areas like eyebrows, ears, upper chest and beard region.
Dead skin shedding from the scalp is simply a visible sign of having a dry scalp.
Dandruff can also be caused by:
There are lots of potential causes of a dry, itchy scalps, including:
As you can see, it can be quite difficult to pinpoint the reason for your dry scalp, as it could be anything from the weather to your hair spray.
The best thing is to try and isolate which of these factors is causing your dry scalp and eliminate it.
Just like you get a shampoo for coloured hair or a shampoo for greasy hair, you can get a shampoo specifically formulated for dry scalps.
Dry scalp shampoos tend to be gentle formulas made with certain ingredients that dry scalps love to lap up, including:1
Natural oils like coconut and olive oil are very good for the scalp.
Coconut oil is full of nourishing essential fatty acids and vitamins to help moisturise the skin, whereas olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin.2
Humectants are moisturising ingredients that get absorbed into the upper layers of the skin where they attract and retain water modules.
Look for these ingredients on product labels: hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, urea, glycosaminoglycans, glycerine, sodium lactate, honey, sorbitol, aloe vera, flaxseed, algae extract, agave nectar or glycols.3
Another ingredient to look out for is an occlusive, which can help prevent the skin from losing hydration through evaporation.
Popular occlusives include dimethicone, petrolatum, lanolin, tea tree oil, candelilla, almond oil, beeswax and avocado oil.
Sometimes dry scalps and dandruff can be caused by bacteria and fungi growth, and it turns our apple cider vinegar could help with that.
Research suggests that apple cider vinegar could limit the growth of certain fungi and bacteria.4
And there are also ingredients that dry scalps don’t like, including:
Exfoliants are used in skincare and haircare products to tackle flakiness and strip away dead skin cells.
However, this exfoliation process can cause the skin to dry out, so it’s best to avoid for those with dry scalps.5
If you do want to exfoliate with dry skin, then look for products containing milder exfoliators, like bromelain, willow bark, papain, allantoin and citric acid.6
Astringents tone and tighten the skin by pulling water from the upper layers of the skin. They tend to dry the skin out, so should be avoided by those with dry scalps or skin. Look out for salt, alcohol and witch hazel.7
We’ve scoured our collection of natural hair care products here at H&B and chosen the top 10 shampoos for dry scalps.
Full of moisturising oils and extracts, and kind to your scalp – this could be the shampoo bar for you!
Jo Mc – Highly recommended for sensitive hair and scalp – 5/5 stars
“I've been using this for a few years now and love it. I don't have to use conditioner anymore either. It is a great product from a caring company and is environmentally better than bottles. The ingredients are all natural.”
Raffee – Love this!! – 5/5 stars
“I was sceptical about this, but wow it is amazing! Lathers nicely and rinses out really well. I suffer from itchy skin, but this does not irritate my scalp at all.”
Simple is often best when it comes to dry scalp shampoos, and this offering by sea magik could be the clean and conscious formulation to help your scalp stay healthy.
Leanora – Great for dry scalp – 5/5 stars
“You only need to use a small drop to get a decent lather. Excellent for dry itchy scalp and leaves hair with a lovely shine.”
MB27 – Gloss and health – 5/5 stars
“Glossy locks and healthy scalp - win, win.
Gently cleanse and help reduce scalp dryness with a blend of aloe vera and chamomile extract with this gorgeously simple micellar shampoo by Sukin.
Juliette87978 – Good – 4/5 stars
“Froths really nicely, a little goes a long way, feels really lovely in my hair. I wouldn’t recommend the micellar conditioner though, I personally don’t find it very moisturising at all and need to use alot of it to get any effect but this shampoo is really lovely.”
A true scalp soother. This shampoo by Fushi is made with a herb-enriched formula with calming chickweed to support your scalp naturally.
Jen765 – Perfect to sooth itchy scalp… 5/5 stars
“I've tried numerous shampoos for my itchy scalp but this is the only one that works, it smells lovely too as it is fragranced with essential oils... People have commented that my hair looks really healthy so I would definitely recommend this product.”
SI84 – Lovely soothing shampoo – 4/5 stars
“This is lovely shampoo and conditioner. I was having problems with a patch of very itchy skin on my scalp, it hasn't cleared it up completely, but it definitely helps to ease the itch. My hair also feels really nice after using the products too. So, I would recommend this shampoo.”
If your dry scalp is caused by eczema or psoriasis, then this highly moisturising shampoo by Miaderma could be for you.
Jojo4499 – The only one that works for me! – 5/5 stars
“I’ve tried lots of treatments for my scalp and none seem to work except this one. It works so well for me I was worried about the reviews, but I guess every scalp is different. Other shampoos burn my scalp and don’t get rid of the dandruff, this one doesn’t hurt at all and clears flakes after first wash.”
Ann62 – Miaderma shampoo – 5/5 stars
“Love this shampoo. My scalp is so clean. Tried every anti dandruff shampoo under the sun to no avail. This one works a treat. No more itchy scalp. No more dandruff.”
Kind to your hair, your scalp and the planet! This Earth Kind shampoo in enriched in tea tree and eucalyptus to help keep your scalp healthy.
Li CB – Thumbs up – 5/5 stars
“So far so good. Been using it for about 2 weeks and no itchy scalp or flakes.”
Emmalouiseshair – One of the best shampoo bars I’ve ever tried! – 5/5 stars
“I’m really happy I purchased this a few weeks ago. I’ve used it consistently since then and it has really improved the condition of my scalp. It has a very strong tea tree scent but it doesn’t linger in your hair. Most shampoo bars take a while to get them to lather, but not with this one! It’s a game changer!”
A real treat for your scalp! This shampoo is enriched with tea tree essential oil, vitamin E, quinoa protein and more to help soothe irritation and support your scalp.
Laura2487 – Amazing – 5/5 stars
“Lovely smell and really helped my sore dry scalp after one use! Highly recommend.”
Dot jay – Lovely – 5/5 stars
“This smells lovely and leaves your hair and scalp really clean.”
Look after your scalp, fight frizz and help repair dry and damaged hair with this natural, hydrating shampoo!
Sotontraveler – Good general shampoo – 5/5 stars
“I've been using this shampoo for a few years now and really like it. It is gentle on my hair, low perfumed and gentle on the environment.”
Antoman – Great value and quality – 5/5 stars
“I'm really happy with it, it is hydrating and sulphate free while also creating a good lather so leaves curly my hair feeling clean!”
Rich and indulgent, this shampoo contains organic shea extracts and argan oils to gently cleanse, soothe and nourish dry hair and scalp.
Em Louise – Great shampoo for frizzy, curly hair! – 5/5 stars
“Love this shampoo and the conditioner. Always on the look-out for affordable paraben & SLS free hair care. I have naturally curly hair that is prone to frizz! This really helps to tame it & I can even let it dry naturally - I now have more good hair days than bad!”
Paula0151 – Nice product – 5/5 stars
“Made my hair feel lovely. Smell was not overpowering. Styled easily and kept the shape for longer than normal. I don’t have to wash my hair as often.”
This is an award-winning shampoo with beautifully simple herbal ingredients and coconut oil to soothe and nourish sensitive scalps and hair.
StellaM – Calms irritable scalp – 5/5 stars
“This shampoo does have an unusual colour which is probably all the herbal ingredients. But no other shampoo calms my irritable scalp like this one. Leaves my hair looking so shiny and soft too. Will definitely be buying again.”
Kb333 – Thicker, cleaner hair! – 5/5 stars
“This shampoo does have an unusual colour which is probably all the herbal ingredients. But no other shampoo calms my irritable scalp like this one. Leaves my hair looking so shiny and soft too. Will definitely be buying again.”
Eat more omega-3s and omega-6s. These essential fatty acids help retain water in the skin and keep it moisturised.
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Last updated: 6 August 2021