The Best Men’s Shampoos for Dry Scalp

It can be embarrassing, frustrating, and painful. No one likes having a dry scalp. You probably spend most of your time itching your head, getting out flakes, and washing your hair. It’s not fun for you and it’s certainly not fun for your scalp. 

Take back control of your life and give your scalp some much-needed TLC and relaxation. We’ve rounded up the best men’s shampoos for dry scalp so you can enjoy life without itching more. 

1. Blu Atlas Shampoo

New York-based men’s personal care brand Blu Atlas has the best men’s shampoo for dry scalp. All of their products are crafted with the guidance of skincare experts, such as dermatologists, and are free of harmful and irritating ingredients. 

You know—the list of usual suspects—such as artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and so much more. All their products are cruelty-free and vegan because it’s almost 2023, and brands should no longer be testing on animals. 

Blu Atlas has taken the beauty and skincare world by storm, racking up thousands of great reviews from avid fans and enthusiasts. If you’re ready to take the plunge and try out Blu Atlas Shampoo, here is what you need to know.

This shampoo isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill drugstore find. It’s crafted with clean, elegant ingredients that actually get the job done. Take jojoba oil, for example. Jojoba oil is bursting with antioxidants and fatty acids, using vitamins A, E, and D to penetrate deeply into the scalp and remove impurities. 

Chances are, if you have a dry scalp, you probably also have buildup and flakes. That’s okay—we’ve all been there. Jojoba oil gets the job done, sending all that nasty stuff down the drain and leaving maximum nourishment. 

Aloe barbadensis leaf, naturally full of beta carotene and antioxidants—like vitamins C, E, and A—moisturizes the scalp and hair, adding rich and intense nourishment where needed. Saw palmetto contains an anti-inflammatory property known to be DHT, a hormone that can contribute to hair loss. The saw palmetto adds bountiful volume to your hair, turning your scalp into a hydrated wonderland. 

This shampoo is so great at what it does, you only need a small quarter-sized amount. After you rinse, pair with Blu Atlas Conditioner for the best results.

2. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Soothe & Calm Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil 

Everybody and their mother loves Neutrogena. From their amazing face washes to their makeup line, there is truly nothing this brand can’t do. Neutrogena offers affordable, accessible products that you can buy from anywhere. 

Seriously, head over to your local grocery chain or drugstore and you’ll be impressed with how readily available Neutrogena is. We love brands that aren’t hard to find and don’t cause you to break the bank.

With too many expensive shampoos for dry scalp, Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Soothe & Calm Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil is a breath of fresh air. This shampoo is designed to reduce itchiness and discomfort caused by having a dry scalp. 

You know—that horrible feeling when you’re trying to focus on work but can only think about how itchy your scalp is. You keep thinking about it until you relent and furiously scratch your scalp. It’s a vicious cycle. 

Give yourself a break and ditch the itch. This shampoo is formulated with tea tree oil. If you don’t know anything about tea tree oil, just know it’s a natural ingredient that conditions the scalp. By doing so, tea tree oil brings instant relief and rejuvenation to your head. 

This shampoo is also pH-balanced and non-medicated, which is great because people with dry scalps also tend to have sensitive skin and don’t need the extra irritation. To top that off, this product has zero parabens, phthalates, and sulfated surfactants. 

Take back control of your scalp and life with Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Soothe & Calm Shampoo. 

3. Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp 

Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp is probably one of the most underrated products on the list. Many haven’t heard of it, but the few who do, they know. If you know, you know. You know? We’ll let you in on our dirty little secret: this product is an absolute gem and shouldn’t be slept on. 

This blue bottle is formulated with 3% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works to absorb excess oil, grime, buildup, and other impurities that may be lodged in your scalp. Your body works overtime when your pores and hair follicles are clogged, which may result in itchy and dry scalps. 

To help salicylic acid get the job done, vitamins B5 and E come to the rescue. This power duo distributes intense moisture across the scalp, calming and reducing inflammation. Your scalp will never feel better. Hydration, nourishment, and moisturization? Count us in.

Selsun Blue is also just a great brand, in general. They care about the environment and encourage their customers to do the same. Once you’re done with a bottle of the shampoo, you can recycle through TerraCycle, a program that aims to keep consumer waste out of landfills. 

4. Matrix Biolage Scalp Sync Anti Dandruff Shampoo 

If you have never smelled the wonder that is a Matrix Biolage product, you are missing out. It’s truly a salon-like experience and fragrance in a bottle. Give your dry scalp the gift of quality with Matrix Biolage Scalpsync Anti Dandruff Shampoo. 

According to the brand, this shampoo is inspired by the anti-bacterial calming properties of the mint leaf. That means this shampoo will cleanse your scalp and add healthy hydration. Using the healing powers of pyrithione zinc, Scalp Sync Anti Dandruff Shampoo reduces visible flakes, dandruff, and irritation. 

After just a few washes, you’ll feel much better. No one likes itchiness and Biolage works hard to take care of that for you. For the best results, use this shampoo at least twice a week to give your scalp enough hydration and clarifying cleanses. 

5. OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo 

Tea tree this; tea tree that. It seems like every product marketed toward dry scalp has a tea tree in it. We’re here to let you know that it’s not just a sales gimmick—tea tree oil really does work. 

OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo harnesses the cleansing and clarifying powers of tea tree oil, peppermint, and witch hazel. Your scalp is in for a real treat with this shampoo. These three powerful ingredients work together to remove flaky skin, buildup, dirt, oil, and other impurities causing you trouble. 

Be prepared for a wildly invigorating, head-tingly experience. Not only does this shampoo cleanse and restore hydration to your scalp and hair, it’s also insanely relaxing. Who doesn’t want to feel soothing tingles across their scalp? It’s like a massage in a bottle—no hands required. 

Sulfate and paraben free, this shampoo is gentle on your hair but tough on impurities. Pair with an OGX conditioner for the best hair you’ve ever had. No, go forth and enjoy having itch-free, flake-free hair.

6. Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Shampoo 

Dove is a brand that exudes comfort. It’s reliable, dependable, and reputable. Dove makes products that work well; products that you’ll rave about to all your friends and family. 

Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Shampoo is a revolutionary product clinically proven to relieve dryness on the scalp. Vitamin B3 locks in moisture, adding intense hydration to your dehydrated scalp. 

If you use this shampoo in combination with Dove’s Dry Scalp Care 3-step system, your hair will look and feel luscious—free of itchiness, flakiness, and dryness. You deserve soft hair, and you also deserve products that aren’t harmful. You probably already know what we’re going to say, but this shampoo is free of sulfates that can seriously dry out your hair. 

7. Aveeno Rose Water & Chamomile Blend Shampoo

How does a soothing blend of rose water and chamomile sound? Relaxing? Inviting? Enchanting? Take it easy with Aveeno Rose Water & Chamomile Blend Shampoo—a softly sensitive shampoo that is sure to ease your scalp needs. 

As stated on the bottle, oats are the first ingredient in this calming blend. Oats work to soften the scalp, reducing any buildup and dryness. Oats also are great at adding shine and volume to the hair if that is your hair care concern. 

Rose water and chamomile blend together to add hydration and clarity. These natural ingredients remove oil and leave behind supple hydration. Farm-fresh ingredients inspired Aveeno with this shampoo, and we love that they care about consumer health and the environment. 

Like most shampoos for dry scalp, this shampoo is free of sulfates, dyes, and parabens. Enjoy your new head of hair—not literally—from one of the most trusted household brands since 1945.

8. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 

It doesn’t take much to take back control of your scalp. Despite what beauty bloggers and outlets tell you, you don’t actually need a 10-step hair care routine. It’s okay to use fewer products that work, rather than a ton of products that don’t work. You know what they say; less is more. 

Nizoral understands the age-old adage, which is why they aim to pack all the ingredients that will soothe your scalp into one product, so you can spend less time in the shower and more time doing what you love. 

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with 1% Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is a clinically-proven powerhouse at fighting dandruff. It fights against and controls fungus that can cause dandruff. Yeah, we know. Nobody wants to think about how their scalps might have fungus, but sometimes that’s the case. 

Ketoconazole gets deep down into the scalp and releases all that built-up gunk—oil, dead skin, dirt, and fungus. After all that goes down the drain, your scalp can breathe fresh air and finally heal—ridding itself of the chronic itchiness. 

Use this shampoo only twice a week for the best results. And guys, your secret is safe with us. If you have colored hair, you can use this too. 

9. The Body Shop Shampoo Ginger Scalp Care

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 and has been rocking it ever since. From face wash to lotions, you can find almost any hair or skincare product from the brand. 

The Body Shop Shampoo Ginger Scalp Care is one of the best men’s shampoo for dry scalp. It’s creamy and soothing, filled with vegan silk protein that adds bountiful hydration. Ginger essential oil clarifies the scalp and removes any buildup. It also makes your hair smell great, which is an added bonus. 

Birch bark and white willow extracts help loosen dead skin cells and rebalance the scalp. You’ll feel rejuvenated, and your hair will instantly feel less itchy after using this shampoo. 

The Body Shop recently made the switch and now this shampoo is vegan with 90% naturally-sourced ingredients. Plus, the bottle comes from recycled plastic that is collected off the streets of Bengaluru, India as part of Community Fair Trade. 

Do some good for your scalp and the planet with The Body Shop.

10. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo

Tea tree is one of the best ingredients for dry scalp, as we’re sure you’ve noticed by now. It’s cleansing and clarifying, transforming even the roughest scalps into hydrated landscapes. 

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is one product you must try to believe. With tea tree—obviously—as the main ingredient, this shampoo focuses on getting the impurities out of your scalp. Rather than treating the symptoms, like many other shampoos, this tea tree shampoo wants to get down to the root cause and stop the problem. 

Although it may seem counterintuitive to strip away buildup, this actually helps the skin and hair naturally renew itself, adding much-need moisture. Maple Holistics only uses the finest, most natural oils—opting not to use parabens and sulfates. 

11. Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo

Many haircare products on the market are made by people who have no idea what they’re doing. It may sound harsh, but it’s the truth. Luckily, Derma-E sources their shampoos with the guidance and expertise of doctors, crafting products that will actually work. 

Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo is a therapeutic psorzema herbal blend that soothes dry, flaky, and irritated scalps. Even though doctors make it, this shampoo is available without a prescription because Derma-E aims for accessible products. 

Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo is made with powerhouse ingredients, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an absolute beast at what it does. It doesn’t just cleanse your scalp; it completely reinvigorates it. 

If you forgot what it was like to have itch-free hair, you’ll soon know because the salicylic acid is strong enough to remove dirt, oil, sebum, and buildup that cause dryness and itchiness. The relief can soon be yours. 

It doesn’t stop there, though. Aloe vera extract is a natural moisturizer, nourishing almost anything it touches, which is a win for your scalp. With the help of provitamin B5, an extra burst of hydration will please your thirsty scalp. 

Leave this product in your hair for up to five minutes and then rinse. Follow up with your favorite conditioner for soft, hydrated hair.

Derma-E doesn’t use parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, gluten, soy, or GMOs. Their products are clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and ethical. By sourcing packing from recycling, you’re helping keep waste out of landfills with each purchase. 

12. Jupiter Balancing Dandruff Shampoo

Jupiter may be in retrograde, but your hair doesn’t have to be. Be two steps ahead of the itchiness and dryness with Jupiter Balancing Dandruff Shampoo, dubbed one of Vogue’s “best dandruff shampoos.” If it’s good enough for Vogue, it’s good enough for you. 

Zinc pyrithione is the active ingredient that will revitalize your hair. You can say goodbye to excess dandruff, sebum, flakes, dirt, and oil with each wash. Coconut, mint, vanilla, rosemary, sage, tangerine, and lavender essential oils create one of the best-smelling shampoos of all time. You’ll be left with a happy, healthy, hydrated scalp that impresses you. 

We know this shampoo will become your new holy grail, which is why it’s one of our favorite best men’s shampoos for dry scalps. Jupiter is also a great brand to buy any product from. They source their ingredients responsibly, choosing vegan and cruelty-free methods. 

13. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Neutrogena kills it with any product they make. If you aren’t already using their products, this is your wake-up call to stock up. 

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is what dreams are made of. Seriously, close your eyes. Can’t you picture this product? Jokes aside, we think you’ll enjoy this extra-strength shampoo, especially if you have a severely dry scalp. 

Made with 3% salicylic acid, your scalp will get a full dosage of this mighty shampoo. The salicylic acid quickly gets to work, reducing buildup and flaky scalps. After a few washes, your scalp will be significantly less dry, flaky, and itchy. Over time, your hair will gradually heal itself, allowing your scalp to breathe. 

This shampoo is clinically proven to treat symptoms caused by dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Use this product a few times a week to get the maximum benefits and relief. 

14. Kick Active Shampoo Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint 

After a long day of working, you want nothing more than to relax and take it easy. Taking a warm, invigorating shower is just the thing you need but don’t use just any ordinary shampoo. You deserve something special. 

Kick Active Shampoo Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint is the shampoo of your dreams. It will give you a spa-like experience that soothes you after a tiring day. Although this shampoo is marketed toward active individuals—like athletes—it’s also the perfect shampoo to use when you want to feel rejuvenated. 

Kick Active Shampoo is made with ultra-potent botanical ingredients. Tea Tree strips the scalp of oil, flakes, and dandruff. Trust us, your head will feel amazing after just one wash. Other active ingredients, like peppermint, will send cooling tingles throughout your head, invigorating the scalp and promoting blood circulation that reduces dryness. 

Eucalyptus, rosemary, and aloe vera add rich hydration to the scalp and will make you smell heavenly. Reviewers rave about how this shampoo makes their hair feel, with many saying it also helps tame frizz and tangles. This shampoo is free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals and is 100% cruelty-free. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy Kick Active Shampoo. 

15. Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo

Bright, bold, and yellow. Acure is a brand you need to know about. They have a wide range of haircare products that target a number of concerns—like dryness, oiliness, frizz, and more. 

But you’re not here to learn about those, you want to know why we think Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo is one of the best men’s shampoos for dry scalps. Okay, we’ll tell you what we think. 

This vibrant shampoo wants to give you the best version of your hair and eliminate dryness and itchiness. It infuses organic argan oil throughout the scalp that latches onto dander and skin flakes, removing the annoying impurities that can leave your hair follicles clogged.

Pumpkin oil adds a boost of hydration that will keep your hair nourished and shiny for days. Plus, omega fatty acids give your hair strength, clarity, and fortification. If your hair tends to break when you wash or brush it, you need this shampoo. 

Vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, and paraben-free—nothing could make this shampoo better. 

How to Treat Dry Scalp

If you suffer from a dry scalp, know you’re not alone. Plenty of people experience bouts of dryness. Although it can be annoying and downright terrible, there are solutions out there to help alleviate some of the symptoms and get to the root of the problem. 

Coconut Oil

An easy and affordable at-home method for treating dry scalp involves coconut oil. Coconut oil can be found at any grocery or drugstore. You can even buy it on Amazon. Coconut oil is great for a variety of uses, especially adding hydration. 

Since coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties, it can reduce the fungi on your scalp that may be causing your dryness. It also adds hydration and nourishment to your hair follicles, eliminating dryness and itchiness. 

Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your scalp and allow it to sit for several minutes. After around 10 minutes, rinse the coconut oil out of your hair and style as desired. Repeat this process a few times a week for the best results. 

You should start to notice an improvement of your scalp after the first few uses. See a healthcare professional if you experience any irritation or are continuing to have dry scalp-related problems. 

Tea Tree Oil 

As you’ve seen on this list, Tea Tree oil is one of the best products to use for dryness. It works by breaking down fungus and bacteria that may be causing your dryness and leaving behind moisture. 

Tea tree oil is also amazing at promoting blood circulation throughout the scalp. It sends cool tingly sensations to the hair follicles, which helps your body naturally heal itself and remove impurities. 

Tea tree oil can be found at most stores and on Amazon. When using tea tree oil, it’s important to buy a product that has already diluted the oil, or else you will have to do that yourself. Coconut oil is a great carrier oil for tea tree oil. Other oils include argan or almond oil. 

Regardless of what you pick, thoroughly dilute the tea tree oil, so it doesn’t irritate your scalp. It’s hard to believe, but, sadly, there can be too much of a good thing. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse and wash your hair. 

If your scalp is more sensitive, you may want to start with just one to two drops of tea tree oil so you can see how your skin reacts to the blend. You can start out by just using tea tree oil once a week and then gradually build up to using it several times a week, as needed. 

As mentioned with the coconut oil, you should discontinue use if the tea tree oil is irritating or causing pain. Reach out to a dermatologist to discuss further treatment options. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the most-used natural products. You can seriously use it for almost anything. It’s soothing, hydrating, and extremely affordable. 

Pick up a bottle of aloe vera at your local drug or grocery store and apply a few drops to your scalp. Since aloe vera is typically more gel-like, you can rub the product into your hair to help it penetrate the scalp more.

After a few minutes, rinse out the aloe vera and wash your hair. It’s best to use a leave-in conditioner to add extra hydration to your scalp and ensure your hair and skin is getting all the treatment it needs.