After Nearly 1,000 Hours of Testing, We Determined the Best Shampoos for Dry Scalps — Shop the Winners from $7

After testing 30 shampoos for dry scalps, we can’t say enough great things about this exfoliating formula from Briogeo. The shampoo is formulated with binchotan charcoal, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and mint oil to deeply nourish and detoxify the scalp and strands. On top of that, the shampoo includes dissolvable granules, so it moonlights as a scalp scrub and can provide gentle exfoliation to lift away dandruff and relieve the roots of dandruff. 

While testing this formula, we saw nearly instant improvements, especially in the dandruff department. It provides a salon-worthy cleanse and effectively decreases dry, flaky skin thanks to moisturizing ingredients and physical exfoliation properties. 

Our only hangup is the packaging. It comes in a jar — similar to a hair mask or face cream — but a pump bottle is much more functional for a shampoo formula.

Size: 8 ounces, 32 ounces | Key Ingredients: Dissolvable granules, binchotan charcoal, coconut oil, tea tree oil, mint oil | Hair Type: All hair types

Enriched with apple amino acids, baobab, and glycerin, this shampoo from Act+Acre is designed for all hair types and can effectively detox the scalp, removing buildup and improving hair shine and hydration levels. Since it is a detox formula, it took a little bit of time for the formula to work its magic, but it’s totally worth the wait.

When we first started testing the shampoo, our scalp appeared a lot more flaky, but after the initial two weeks, the flakiness completely subsided, and we didn’t experience any dandruff for the rest of the testing period. The shampoo also provides a deep enough cleanse that we were able to extend our wash schedule without our roots feeling greasy between rinses and repeats.

Size: 3 ounces, 10 ounces | Key Ingredients: Apple amino acids, baobab, glycerin | Hair Type: All hair types

This Dove shampoo is proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to find an effective shampoo for dry scalps. The anti-dandruff shampoo is a budget-friendly formula that nourishes the scalp and softens the hair with regular use. 

When testing this drugstore shampoo formula, we didn’t experience its wow factor right away, but after a few washes, it was well worth the wait. By the third wash, we noticed our scalp felt much less itchy, and the dandruff cleared completely after a month of use. The application process is also super easy. Since it lathers so well, you only need a small amount to effectively cover the entire head and strands.

Size: 12 ounces | Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Hair Type: Not listed

If you deal with dandruff and want to nip it in the bud once and for all, consider trying the LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo. This shampoo formula is enriched with glycolic acid and coconut oil, so it’s ultra-nourishing and gentle on the scalp. The formula also features xylitol, which can improve skin health by balancing the overall flora to reduce dandruff, flakiness, and itchiness. 

After the first wash, we were completely sold on this shampoo. Because of its ingredients, it provides instant dandruff reduction. Unlike other anti-dandruff shampoos, you don’t have to leave it on your scalp for long, either. This formula also worked just as well as some of the more luxe products in our routine for a fraction of the price, which is reason enough for us to make the switch for a dandruff-free life. 

Our only hangup? After testing, we noticed some fading, so it’s not ideal for dyed strands (especially if you use a semi-permanent formula).

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Xylitol, glycolic acid, coconut oil | Hair Type: Dry

The Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Shampoo is another formula with lots of wow factor. It’s formulated with royal sugar kelp, Pacific sea kelp, and green microalgae, which are rich in potent nutrients that can support scalp health and also target dry, brittle hair. 

We love this formula because it provides an all-over balancing effect. After just one wash, we saw much less dandruff, and our itchiness subsided. The shampoo formula is also so hydrating that it completely changed the texture of our hair. With regular use, the extra hydration also made our hair look less frizzy and gave it a major shine boost, too.

Size: 8.5 ounces, 33.3 ounces | Key Ingredients: Royal sugar kelp, Pacific sea kelp, green microalgae | Hair Type: All hair types

If you need a deep cleanse, opting for an exfoliating shampoo can work wonders. We tested the Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo and were thoroughly impressed by how well it treated our dandruff and improved hydration, too. The shampoo features Bolivian mountain salt and doubles as a scalp scrub to buff away dandruff flakes and provide a deep cleanse without stripping the skin. 

When testing this shampoo formula, we saw a difference right away. After the initial wash, it lifted away dry skin and reduced flakiness so that the nourishing ingredients could better penetrate our scalp. In addition to sloughing off dead skin cells, the shampoo made our actual hair feel much cleaner, which can help extend a cleansing schedule. 

Although this shampoo formula is highly effective, it’s worth noting that it’s not a permanent solution. When we stopped using this shampoo, the flakiness returned. So, we recommend using this as a deep cleaning treatment and then incorporating another anti-dandruff shampoo in between uses.  

Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Bolivian mountain salt, papaya enzymes, prickly pear extracts | Hair Type: All hair types

If you’re on the hunt for a moisturizing shampoo that can refresh the scalp and provide deep nourishment, look no further. The Davines Nounou Shampoo is formulated with Fiaschetto tomato extract, which is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that can energize the scalp. The formula also lathers well and has a fantastic consistency, so it’s easy to apply all over for an effective cleanse. 

Since the shampoo is so hydrating, it’s great for soothing the scalp and reducing itchiness. And, while it wasn’t as effective on the hair, we did notice that our strands felt a lot more manageable at the end of the testing period.

Size: 2.5 ounces, 8.4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Fiaschetto tomato extract | Hair Type: Not listed

For instant results, check out the Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo. This exfoliating scrub shampoo is formulated with Himalayan pink salt that gently sloughs off dead skin cells to reduce dandruff and allow haircare formulas to penetrate the scalp deeper. Because of this, we noticed a significant reduction in dandruff, including after a sweaty workout, when we usually see increased flakiness. 

In addition to providing instant anti-dandruff results, the formula also features a fantastic lather. This makes the application process super easy and allows you to get enough coverage for an effective deep cleanse. On top of that, the shampoo features nourishing oils — including moringa oil and rosehip oil — to deeply nourish strands and provide a burst of hydration.

Size: 6.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Himalayan pink salt, cold-pressed moringa oil, rosehip oil | Hair Type: All hair types

For textured hair types, reach for the Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This formula is a fantastic choice for thicker, curly strands and is easy to apply all over the scalp without using a ton of product. Since it’s formulated with cucumber extract, peppermint oil, and menthol, it also calms the scalp and helps soothe itchiness. 

In addition to its impressive soothing properties, the formula provides the scalp and strands with an effective cleanse but is still gentle enough for regular use. And, with regular use, our hair felt softer and appeared shinier, too. 

Size: 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: Cucumber extract, peppermint oil, menthol | Hair Type: All hair types

The Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of our favorite formulas. While it takes a couple of weeks to see results, the shampoo’s salicylic acid formulation helps decrease flakiness (though it doesn’t fully get rid of dandruff) and reduces itchiness. 

In addition to targeting the effects of a dry scalp, the shampoo is also highly effective at targeting frizz for a smoother, silkier finish. It’s also super lightweight, so it’s a great choice for oily scalps because it can refresh the roots without weighing strands down.

Size: 10 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, propanediol caprylate | Hair Type: All hair types

For a gentle cleanse, consider the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, which is formulated with lots of noteworthy ingredients like rosemary oil, menthol, ginger extract, Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. We’ll be honest: When we first started using this shampoo, we didn’t notice much of a difference. But, after a week of regular use, the chronic itchiness we experience — one of the biggest dry scalp woes — completely subsided and began reducing flakiness. 

In addition to reducing itchiness, the shampoo is an excellent choice for sensitive scalps because it provides a gentle yet effective cleanse that doesn’t strip away natural oils or cause irritation. The shampoo also has an excellent lather, so it’s easy to apply it all over without needing excess formula.

Size: 3.4 ounces, 8.4 ounces, 33.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, menthol, ginger extract, Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Hair Type: All hair types, especially dry and oily