Get Relief ASAP with These Derm-Approved Shampoos for Itchy Scalps (2024)

If your scalp’s been bugging you with that all-day itch, the best shampoo 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 NYC. “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."

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 at Westlake Dermatology 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.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, $30
• Best for Dandruff: Kérastase Symbiose Anti Dandruff Shampoo Crème, $42
• Best Clarifying: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, $26
• Best for Scalp Psoriasis: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, $7
• Best Scalp Detox: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo, $42
• Best Lather: Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Invigorating Shampoo, $5
• Best Daily Cleanser: Davines Naturaltech Calming Shampoo, $36

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the best shampoo for scalp itch?
• How do I stop my scalp from itching?
• Why is my scalp itchy but no dandruff?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: 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.

Editor's top: Ketoconazole is the same active ingredient dermatologists often recommend in prescription shampoos. "If the 1% over-the-counter ketoconazole isn’t quite cutting it, your doctor can prescribe a 2% version to take on the yeast more effectively," says Dr. Kobets.

Key ingredient: 1% ketoconazole | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with irritated scalps and dandruff

Best for Dandruff: Kérastase Symbiose Anti Dandruff Shampoo Crème

Why we love it: If you’re scratching your head (both literally and figuratively) on how to tackle dandruff, Kérastase Symbiose Anti Dandruff Shampoo Crème is your rescue. This isn’t your average dandruff shampoo—it’s a luxurious, creamy formula that fights flakes while pampering your scalp using pyrithione zinc. “Pyrithione zinc is an active ingredient in some dandruff shampoos because it inhibits the growth of yeast on the scalp, otherwise known as malassezia, which plays a role in the development of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York. Combined with salicylic acid, it clears away buildup, soothes itchiness, and reduces flakes—all without looking like a typical “dandruff shampoo” on your bathroom shelf.

Editor's top: Shampoos with active ingredients like this work best when you let them sink in for a few minutes before rinsing. This gives the formula time to break up flakes.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, 1% pyrithione zinc | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with irritated scalps and dandruff

Best Clarifying: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

Why we love it: If you’re guilty of overdoing it with dry shampoo and other styling products (no judgment), your scalp will benefit from having Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo in your shower routine. This deep-cleansing formula, powered by salicylic acid, goes beyond the surface to lift away oil, product buildup, and all that environmental gunk that can clog pores and lead to irritation. Each wash feels like a fresh start, leaving your scalp clean and itch-free without stripping your hair. Plus, it’s a champ at removing minerals from hard water (like copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium) and pollution, so your hair feels healthier and happier.

Editor's top: A shower filter can work wonders by removing chlorine, minerals, and other impurities that may undo all the benefits of your favorite shampoos.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with buildup

Best for Scalp Psoriasis: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Why we love it: Yes, the same exfoliating ingredient we trust and love in our skincare—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 Dr. Camp.

Editor's top: Hold on to 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 Lather: Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Invigorating Shampoo

Why we love it: Dry, flaky, itchy, red... when your scalp feels especially angry, it’s time to call in Hask Tea Tree & Rosemary Invigorating Shampoo to cool things down. Tea tree oil unblocks clogged follicles that make you scratch, while rosemary oil helps calm irritated spots. “Tea tree and rosemary also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Kobets. Plus, refreshing aloe vera deeply hydrates both scalp and hair. And the best part? It smells amazing and has the lather you want from a shampoo. “It’s like a mini spa experience,” says Dr. Kobets. None of that harsh medicinal smell typical of anti-itch shampoos—so lathering up becomes a little moment of zen.

Editor's top: While this shampoo does have a soothing, spa-like scent thanks to natural oil, it does have added fragrance. So, if your scalp tends to be extra sensitive, try to patch test and limit usage to a couple of times a week to make sure it’s gentle on your skin.

Key ingredients: tea tree oil, rosemary oil, aloe vera | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with flaky, itchy, dry, or oily scalps

Best Daily Cleanser: Davines Naturaltech Calming Shampoo

Why we love it: If nothing can keep you from being a daily hair washer, then the least you can do is treat your scalp to a super gentle cleanse with Davines Naturaltech Calming Shampoo. This formula is designed to soothe and balance, making it perfect for everyday use—even for sensitive scalps. Infused with bilberry extract (a close cousin to blueberries) for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and Sichuan pepper, known for its calming, anti-irritant properties, this shampoo pampers your scalp while keeping it balanced and irritation-free.

Editor's top: If you're usually a morning hair washer, try switching to a bedtime routine to wash away the day's buildup and set yourself up for a calm, itch-free night of sleep.

Key ingredients: bilberry extract, Sichuan pepper plant, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with dry, sensitive scalps.

Best Scalp Detox: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo

Why we love it: Putting charcoal in your shampoo might sound counterintuitive, but hear us out: Charcoal acts like a magnet, drawing out impurities, excess oil, dirt, and product buildup, all of which can be culprits behind that itchy, irritated feeling. Combined with the gentle exfoliation of salicylic and lactic acids and the ultra-hydrating power of hyaluronic acid, this shampoo is like a reset button, leaving your scalp balanced and soothed. So, yes, it’s a charcoal-based shampoo, but don’t worry, it’ll leave your scalp feeling oh-so-clean, hydrated, and refreshed without any flakes in sight.

Editor's top: No need to go overboard on the scrubbing. The chemical exfoliants in this shampoo are doing all the heavy lifting for you.

Key ingredients: 3% salicylic acid, lactic acid, charcoal, tea tree oil | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with dry, flakey, or oily scalps

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. “This entire line is perfect for anyone sensitive to fragrance. And despite its gentle formula, the shampoo lathers up nicely to remove dirt and oil, so your scalp feels fresh and clean,” she says.

Editor's top: Overwashing can strip the natural oils on your scalp that are essential for keeping its pH balanced and itch-free. Pairing shampoo with a hydrating condition can add an extra layer of moisture to keep your hair happy.

Key ingredients: hemisqualane, bisabolol, squalane | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with sensitive scalps

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Vanicream Shampoo

Why we love it: If you've exhausted every remedy for an itchy scalp, it might be time to simplify. Free & Clear Vanicream Shampoo takes you back to basics with a streamlined, gentle formula that truly soothes as it cleanses. “It’s formulated without dyes, aluminum, sulfates, lanolin, parabens, fragrances, and preservatives you’d typically see in shampoos, making it great for those with sensitive scalps or those with dry skin prone to eczema,” says Dr. Camp. With an ingredient list of only the essentials, it gives a refreshing cleanse minus any irritation. It’s worth noting that it’s more of a lotion-like texture and we find we need to massage a good amount of product to feel like our scalps are clean.

Editor's top: Hot water can further irritate an itchy scalp. Stick to lukewarm water to help prevent drying and soothe irritation.

Key ingredients: glycerin, pro-vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with sensitive scalps

Best 2-in-1: 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. Not Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Antidandruff Shampoo & Conditioner, though — it 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. The only catch? It does have a slightly medicinal scent, but for an itch- and flake-free scalp at just $11, that’s a minor trade-off worth making.

Editor's top: 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.

Key ingredients: 1% selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with dry, itchy scalps and dandruff

Best for Dry Scalps: LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo

Why we love it: A dry scalp can be a major itch trigger—when moisture levels plummet, your scalp feels just as irritated as any dry patch on your skin. Enter LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo, a dermatologist-developed hero specially crafted for those with kinky curls or textured hair who struggle to find soothing relief. Unlike harsh prescription shampoos, LivSo is gentle yet effective, giving you comfort without compromising how your hair looks and feels. "Hydrating coconut oil locks in essential moisture, while glycolic acid provides gentle exfoliation to clear dead skin cells and buildup," says Dr. Camp. Add in xylitol's calming touch, and your scalp is left balanced, comfortable, and, finally, itch-free.

Editor's top: Coconut oil not only helps hydrate, but it can help control yeast growth to reduce flaking and discomfort.

Key ingredients: coconut oil, glycolic acid, xylitol | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with dry scalps

Best For Textured Hair: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Scalp Care Shampoo

Why we love it: We all know the brand can handle flakes like nobody’s business, but this shampoo doesn’t just tame dandruff—it brings serious moisture to the table, too. A go-to for Dr. Kobets, Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Shampoo is desgined specifically for coily and curly hair, which are naturally more prone to dryness and scalp issues. It uses coconut oil to deeply moisturize and balance the scalp, while apple cider vinegar and 1-percent pyrithione zinc tackle itchiness, well, head-on. The result is a hydrated and balanced scalp for the sweet tune of $7.

Editor's top: Use a soft scalp massaging brush while lathering for an added boost. It can help lift buildup and exfoliate without irritating the scalp.

Key ingredients: coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, 1% pyrithione zinc | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with textured, dry hair

Best for Oily Scalps: 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, their 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.

Editor's top: On days you don’t plan on washing your hair, use your handy scalp massager on dry hair to help distribute the oils from your scalp.

Key ingredients: marine algae, prebiotics, amino acids | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with oily scalps

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

• Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in NYC
• Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in the tri-state area.
• Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Georgetown and Cedar Park, Texas

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?

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