If your scalp’s been bugging you with that all-day discomfort, the best shampoos for itchy scalps can offer a temporary respite while you figure out the cause—which can, more often than not, feel like a guessing game. “An itchy scalp can be triggered by various factors, like dandruff from an overgrowth of the yeast malassezia, or a sensitive scalp affected by eczema or contact dermatitis, which can stem from environmental allergens,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Psoriasis and product buildup from dry shampoo, oils, or treatments can also clog pores and throw off the scalp’s microbiome, adding to the itch.”
Our Top Shampoos for Itchy Scalps
Fortunately, relief is just a wash away with the help of the right scalp treatments from our derms. We’ve gathered the shampoos that go beyond basic cleansing to calm irritation, eliminate flakes if you also have dandruff, and restore overall balance. These formulas, featuring gentle exfoliators to clear buildup and soothing hydrators, are packed with the ingredients your scalp needs to feel calm and happy again. “Shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, aloe vera, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and tackle potential causes like dandruff or dryness,” says Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Georgetown and Cedar Park, Texas. “Other beneficial ingredients include hydrating coconut oil, refreshing peppermint oil, and calming chamomile extract.”
But don’t worry—we won’t leave you decoding ingredient lists for days. We’ve rounded up the best itch-fighting shampoos that put these hardworking ingredients to work, so you can finally get some relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole
Nizoral
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole
Why we love it: If you’re all about immediate relief, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole should be your go-to for soothing an itchy, irritated scalp. All the dermatologists we spoke with love this shampoo to treat conditions like seborrheic dermatitis—those stubborn, oily patches that result in yellow or white scales. “Ketoconazole, the main ingredient in Nizoral, is an antifungal agent with anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Mamelak. “It targets malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on our skin but can lead to irritation for some people. By controlling this yeast, Nizoral not only calms the itch but also tackles the scaliness and oiliness that come with seborrheic dermatitis,” making a true hero for uncomfortable scalps, he says.
“Eczema doesn’t just plague my skin—it hits me with an intensely itchy(!!) and flaky scalp. Needing a gentle yet effective solution, my doctor long ago suggested I use Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, and it’s helped me manage the snowy flakes of dandruff over the years. Nizoral has helped me tackle suspected fungal acne breakouts on my forehead, too. Those tiny acne bumps hate to see the blue shampoo coming.” —Shanna Shipin, senior shopping director
- Key ingredient: 1% ketoconazole
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with irritated scalps and dandruff
Best for Oily Scalps: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
Oribe
Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
Why we love it: Oribe has perfected the art of endless good hair days with salon-quality products, and when it comes to soothing even the angriest, itchiest scalps, the Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo knows just what to do—especially if excess oil is the culprit for your itch. Too much oil can create the perfect Petri dish for buildup, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells to make residence on your scalp, which only fuels irritation. This gem of a shampoo calms irritation, controls oil, and brings balance back to your scalp’s microbiome thanks to green marine algae and prebiotics. And, as per usual with Oribe’s products, it smells incredible.
“Scalp bliss is the only way to describe the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo and Conditioner. Dealing with psoriasis coupled with postpartum hair loss, my current hair needs are two-fold: improving density and reducing irritation. Oribe is my daily go-to. I use a generous amount of shampoo through my roots and hit the ends with a nickel-size amount of conditioner, then let it sit on my hair for five minutes before giving it a thorough rinse. After each wash, my hair has a boost in volume, and there’s a bit less hair down the drain.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
- Key ingredients: marine algae, prebiotics, amino acids
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with oily scalps
Best for Dry-Shampoo Users: Virtue Scalp Remedy Shampoo
Virtue
Scalp Remedy Shampoo
Why we love it: Just when you think it’s impossible to have an oily scalp one day and a dry, itchy one the next (IYKYK), it turns out your scalp’s microbiome might be calling for a reset. Just like the rest of the skin on your body, your scalp has its own ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that help manage oil production, barrier function, and even how reactive you are to products. When that mix gets thrown off—say, from over-washing or too much dry shampoo—it can skew toward excess sebum, flakes, or irritation seemingly overnight. Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo helps restore balance with a gentle, fragrance-free formula. Salicylic acid clears away buildup and flakes, while the brand’s signature Alpha Keratin 60ku protein supports stronger hair right at the root. Calming plant extracts like rosemary, green tea, and rice protein keep things soothed and comfortable so your microbiome can chill out.
“As a beauty writer, a buildup of dry shampoo and scalp oils is basically an occupational hazard, so I’m picky about what I use to keep things in check. Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo—and the corresponding conditioner you actually apply directly to your scalp (which surprised me, since I’ve always been trained to focus conditioner on mid-lengths)—left my hair feeling clean but never weighed down. After just a couple of washes, I noticed less itchiness and zero dandruff. I still rely on my prescription ketoconazole 2% shampoo in the winter when my dry scalp is insufferable, but this is my new go-to for the rest of the year.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, white willow bark extract, ziziphus joazeiro bark extract, rosemary leaf, green tea, rice protein
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with oily or dry scalps
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Olaplex
No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Why we love it: An itchy scalp could be interfering with more than just your comfort; it might also be affecting your hair health. An unbalanced scalp can lead to inflammation, clogged follicles, and even breakage over time. Enter: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, a sulfate-free formula that gently lifts away buildup from oil and styling products without stripping hair of its natural moisture. “It’s also a great shampoo for hard water buildup and also strengthening hair, enhancing shine, and delivering deep hydration,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, FL. Plus, it features Olaplex’s signature bond-building technology to reinforce hair at the core for a soothed scalp and stronger, shinier strands.
Tester feedback from Silva
“Oils, topical solutions, creams, with scalp psoriasis keeping my hair healthy can feel like a full-time job. The Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner are my solution to all the wear and tear I put on my hair. I use the duo once or twice a week to keep my hair long and strong.” —Silva
- Key ingredients: a patented bond builder (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, citric acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dry, damaged hair
Best Daily Shampoo: Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo
Kérastase
Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo
Why we love it: If nothing can stop you from being a daily hair washer, then the least you can do is treat your scalp to a gentle cleanse. Kérastase’s Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo uses amino acids to help rebalance sebum production and break up buildup without stripping—an important piece if itchiness stems from congestion or over-cleansing. Vitamin B6 then steps in to support the scalp barrier and defend against external aggressors (think pollution and sweat), which can worsen irritation and keep oil glands in overdrive. “Itch related to congestion often improves within a few washes, with steadier scalp comfort over time,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Key ingredients: amino acids, vitamin B6
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with excess oil
Best for Dandruff: Vichy Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Vichy Laboratories
Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why we love it: Come for the cooling menthol sensation, stay for the refreshingly deep clean that sweeps away flakes as you lather. Vichy’s Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo doesn’t just mask irritation; it uses selenium sulfide to target yeast-related flaking and redness at the source, while salicylic acid helps loosen and lift existing scales so they rinse away more easily. Glycerin keeps the cleanse from feeling too harsh, and niacinamide supports overall scalp comfort as things rebalance. “Many people notice meaningful improvement of flakes and itchiness with this shampoo within the first few washes, with fewer flare-ups when used consistently,” says Dr. Reszko.
- Key ingredients: selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with flakes or dandruff
Best Clarifying Shampoo: Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo
Malibu C
Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo
Why we love it: If dry shampoo and styling products are part of your daily routine, your scalp will feel better with an occasional reset. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo is formulated to break down stubborn residue that regular washes could miss. “Buildup-related itch often improves only after residue is removed, and this shampoo is designed to lift styling products, hard-water minerals, and environmental buildup from the scalp,” says Dr. Reszko. A strong surfactant system (including sodium olefin sulfonate) creates a thorough, sudsy lather that leaves the scalp feeling clean and not stripped. Because it’s such a powerful clarifier, it’s best saved for once or twice a month rather than daily use.
- Key ingredient: surfactants (sodium olefin sulfonate)
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with product buildup or a congested scalp
Best for Damaged Hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
Why we love it: Charcoal…in your hair? But just like in skin care, it works like a magnet to draw out buildup and residue that cling to the scalp. Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo pairs that with 3% salicylic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate while lifting excess oil and product gunk. “This formula gently cleanses while helping soothe itch and irritation, making it a good option for those balancing scalp concerns with fragile hair,” says Dr. Reszko. And while it’s fragrance-free, a touch of peppermint oil makes it smell great and feel refreshingly cool on the scalp.
- Key ingredients: charcoal, salicylic acid, lactic acid, peppermint oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fragile hair
Best Fragrance-Free: Seen Shampoo
Why we love it: If your scalp is super itchy but you’re not dealing with dandruff or flakes, it’s a sign you need more hydration. Seen Shampoo uses gentle, skin-soothing ingredients like bisabolol to calm itchiness while thoroughly cleansing your hair. “It’s formulated with mild, non-irritating ingredients ideal for sensitive scalps, especially those with eczema tendencies,” says Dr. Kobets. Some fragrance-free formulas don’t exactly feel luxurious, but this builds to a satisfying foam. “Despite its gentle formula, the shampoo lathers up nicely to remove dirt and oil, so your scalp feels fresh and clean,” says Dr. Kobets.
- Key ingredients: hemisqualane, bisabolol, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive scalps
Best for Scalp Psoriasis: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena
T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Why we love it: Yes, the same exfoliating ingredient we trust and love in our skin care—salicylic acid—is also the star ingredient in the Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, designed to help manage dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. “Salicylic acid is a lipophilic beta hydroxy acid, meaning it can penetrate deeply into pores to remove excess oil. Its exfoliating properties also help shed dead skin cells from the scalp, reducing the itch and flakiness that come with these conditions,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in the Tri-State Area. But hold onto your regular shampoo. “Focus this product directly on the roots and scalp, as it can dry out and strip natural oils from the rest of your hair,” advises Dr. Kobets. “For your lengths, use a second, regular shampoo to keep them hydrated and balanced.”
- Key ingredient: 3% salicylic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with thick or large flakes
Best Drugstore: Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Antidandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Selsun Blue
2-in-1 Antidandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Why we love it: Some shampoos that tackle dandruff and clarify the scalp can leave the rest of your hair feeling a bit dry. Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Antidandruff Shampoo & Conditioner, however, was designed to specifically hydrate while gently lifting away flakes. “It contains selenium sulfide, which combats the Malassezia yeast, helping to regulate skin cell turnover and balance oil production,” says Dr. Mamelak. Plus, its cooling sensation brings instant relief to itching and irritation. With its built-in conditioning ingredients, this product lets you skip a step in the shower (score). But if your hair needs a little extra moisture, apply a separate conditioner just to the ends. This way, you keep the shampoo’s active ingredients working at full strength on your scalp. The only catch? It does have a slightly medicinal scent, but for an itch- and flake-free scalp at just $8, that’s a minor trade-off worth making.
- Key ingredients: 1% selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with dry, itchy scalps and dandruff
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shampoo for scalp itch?
If your scalp’s been feeling itchy and flaky, certain ingredients can bring you serious relief. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is a must-have because “it’s lipophilic, meaning it can penetrate deeply into pores to remove excess oil” and exfoliates dead skin cells, says Dr. Camp. Then there’s ketoconazole, an antifungal champion that “interferes with the formation of the fungal cell membrane,” perfect for tackling scalp yeast that causes itch and flakes, he says. And don’t forget pyrithione zinc, which “inhibits the growth of malassezia yeast—a big culprit in dandruff,” he says.
How do I stop my scalp from itching?
A few lifestyle tweaks can make all the difference in stopping scalp itchiness (or preventing it before it even starts). Though your hair washing schedule can vary depending on your hair type and lifestyle, regular washing is key. “Listen to your scalp—when it gets oily and the volume decreases, then it’s time to wash it,” says Dr. Kobets.
Keeping your scalp clean helps prevent buildup that can trigger itchiness. Proper conditioning also matters, especially for oily scalps. “Make sure to keep conditioner away from the roots, focusing instead on the ends to maintain hair volume,” she says. Weekly scalp exfoliation is another great habit to adopt. “Once a week, try a scalp scrub or a wash with salicylic acid or tea tree oil, followed by a gentler shampoo for the rest of your hair. If your scalp is dry, scalp treatments with oils like rosemary, peppermint, or grapeseed can help,” says Dr. Kobets.
Beyond hair care, maintaining a balanced diet and managing stress are essential for scalp health. Hair follicles are “susceptible to stress and the hormone cortisol,” so getting regular sleep and reducing stress can help keep itchiness at bay, she says. Gentle styling practices are also beneficial: Try to scale back on chemical treatments, reduce your use of hot tools, and refrain from tight hairstyles that tug on the scalp and cause it to get irritated. Finally, “keeping up with good hygiene and treating yourself to a regular scalp massage can boost circulation and create a healthier scalp environment overall,” says Dr. Kobets.
Why is my scalp itchy but no dandruff?
It’s possible that your scalp can be itchy without the presence of dandruff. “Dandruff is the term we use to describe the white and gray flaky skin that appears on the scalp, in the hair, and sometimes on our clothes. Not all conditions that cause itchy scalp are always associated with dandruff. Other conditions can also cause itchy scalp, including dry scalp, poor hygiene and overwashing, psoriasis, allergic reactions to hair dye and other exposures, fungal infections, and ringworm, as well as infestations such as lice. High stress, hormonal fluctuations, and underlying medical issues can also lead to an itchy scalp,” says Dr. Mamelak.
Meet the experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in the Tri-State Area
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in NYC
- Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Georgetown and Cedar Park, Texas
- Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best bond repair treatments, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair experts—many of whom want shinier, healthier-looking hair. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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