10 Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp, According to Hair Experts

Rated as the best shampoo for dry hair based on our GH Beauty Lab's moisturizing shampoo tests, the coconut extract and aloe Herbal Essences shampoo and matching conditioner boasted the highest level of conditioning.

What testers say: It impressed in the lathering and cleansing departments, too. “My dry hair was much more moisturized,” a tester marveled. Online reviewers appreciated that it left the scalp feeling equally hydrated, especially in frigid temps. "The winter is a dreadful time for my hair: My scalp gets dry, my hair gets dry, and I can never find something to really help my hair look alive and healthy," a Walmart shopper wrote. "I have been using the Bio:Renew Coconut Oil Shampoo for two weeks, and my hair is LOVING it. My hair has shine, my scalp doesn't itch, and the scent is just amazing." Take note that some online reviewers report the rich shampoo left a film on their hair after using.

Those who suffer from sensitive skin may know Vanicream for its famed mild-yet-effective skincare and haircare. Many think its line of no-frills, fragrance-free formulas make an ideal non-drying match for those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. One GH editor with dry, sensitive skin used Vanicream as a "reset" when winter months flared their eczema.

What reviewers say: "This shampoo will really clean your hair without stripping it," an Amazon reviewer said. "I am sensitive to fragrances, and I can use this shampoo after I have been out and it removes all accumulated scents and fragrances that my hair has picked up. If you are sensitive to fragrances, you know what I mean." Just note that select reviews added that it didn't suds up and lather as well, which is the norm for sulfate-free shampoo formulas, but off-putting for some nonetheless.

RELATED: Best sulfate-free shampoos

A GH Beauty Award winner (along with the matching conditioner and mask), the formula contains amino acids to internally repair hair, strengthen strands, and protect from future damage. It also boasts other nourishing ingredients to hydrate both the hair and scalp.

What testers say: One hundred percent of our testers gave this shampoo a perfect score for making hair feel soft, smooth, and strong, along with leaving hair feeling clean. While most liked the scent, a few found it to be strong.

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A tried-and-true anti-dandruff shampoo, Head & Shoulders deploys key ingredient pyrithione zinc to specifically treat dandruff. GH beauty pros complimented the shampoo's fresh fragrance, a major plus for dry scalp shampoos since some of them can have a medicinal scent. "I love the creamy texture of the shampoo and the dense lather it creates," adds our beauty review analyst.

What reviewers say: "I used to have dry and frizzy hair, and this shampoo works pretty well," a satisfied Amazon reviewer commented. "It leaves your hair silky, smooth, and 100% dandruff free. The best part about this shampoo is you require very little amount and it works superb." It's worth noting that a few users on the brand's site experienced a waxy-like film on hair after washing.

RELATED: The difference between dry scalp and dandruff

Uniquely formulated with apple cider vinegar, this OUAI shampoo gets rid of dirt and grime, according to our Lab pros who personally found it washed away styling product buildup without over-drying. Other detoxifying shampoos may leave hair feeling brittle and straw-like, but an assistant editor said, "a small amount of this shampoo leaves my hair feeling super clean without leaving it dry."

What reviewers say: "My scalp gets sooo dry and irritated in the winter and is very sensitive, and this shampoo works so well for me," a Sephora reviewer wrote. "It smells so good and lathers well, too. I do make sure to do a deep condition of my hair afterwards. Yates recommends using it sparingly: Washing with clarifying shampoos too often can cause dryness and tightness on the scalp, so be sure not to use too frequently.

Color-treated hair requires a bit of maintenance; you'll want to keep your 'do vibrant and nourish strands, but you can still be left with a dry scalp. This Pureology shampoo and its conditioner contain hydrating jojoba oil designed to moisturize color-treated hair and green tea to promote a healthy scalp. Given its thicker and creamier texture, it's most ideal for thicker hair types.

What reviewers say: "My hairdresser recommended this to me because I have a very dry scalp," one Amazon reviewer said. "For the price, it is worth it ... my hair has transformed!"

Give flakes the boot with a scrub that gets right down to business. This exfoliator combines stimulating tea tree and peppermint oil that gives scalp a tingling sensation and aims to reduce congested hair follicles while coconut oil moisturizes. You'll get a strong whiff of peppermint with the scrub, so keep that in mind if you prefer less potent-smelling formulas.

What reviewers say: "I do not wash my hair regularly and experience quite a bit of buildup on my scalp," shares a Sephora reviewer. "No shampoos have made my scalp feel the way this shampoo does. It gives me an extremely deep clean without harshly stripping my scalp [or] leaving it red, sore, and itchy."

Innersense gives parched scalps a creamy, rich lather that "instantly hydrates," says Yates. She recommends the shampoo for alleviating tightness and improving manageability. Recommended for thick, coarse hair, the ultra-nourishing combination of shea butter, avocado, and tamanu oil penetrate strands. Quite a few people noted its powerful floral scent—some enjoyed it while others would've gone without.

What reviewers say: "I have short, coarse hair, usually extremely dry. This shampoo gently cleanses, a little goes a long way," a reviewer raved. "My hair is gradually becoming more hydrated after each use."