Best shampoo and conditioner for dry and itchy scalp

A flaky and itchy scalp is definitely something I (and maybe you) want to avoid at all costs. It's important to treat it, though, because scalp health is so important. If it's dry, itchy, oily, or has excess buildup, it's going to mess with your hair growth and health. Not to mention that when your scalp is happy, healthy, and hydrated, you'll see a lot less annoying dandruff or dead skin flakes.

There are a couple of things to do to keep your scalp in good shape: If it's dry, you'll want to shampoo less because overdoing it can strip your scalp of its natural oils. You can try different treatments like oils and scrubs and massage it in to take care of the skin up there. Sometimes you might even need to see a dermatologist if it's excessively dry and doesn't improve after trying out different treatments and methods.

HAVING an itchy scalp is not only uncomfortable but can make you feel self-conscious.

But there's no reason to suffer because using the best shampoos for itchy scalps can help to clear up dandruff and other skin conditions that lead to constant scratching.

What causes itchy scalps?

For some people, it's all about the seasons. When it starts to get colder, there's less moisture in the air which can lead to a drier scalp and therefore dandruff and itchiness.

For others reacting to the colour in your hair is a common reason for scratching which is why it's so important to get a patch test 48 hours before any hair colouring appointment, or to do one on yourself if your taking on the box dye at home.

Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis can also cause flakes or irritated plaques on the skin.

If any of this rings true for you, then head to the NHS website and have read of its advice pages on dandruff and itchy skin to get a better idea of why you can't stop scratching.

How can you treat an itchy scalp?

First and foremost, you need to have a look at what you're using on your hair. If one of the best shampoos for itchy scalps isn't part of your hair routine then it's time to have a product overhaul.

Ditch any shampoos that include ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), because these irritate the scalp and dry out hair. Instead, look out for tea tree oil, oatmeal and zinc pyrithione which is an anti-dandruff ingredient.

If your itchy scalp is accompanied by other symptoms, like red and inflamed skin patches with whitish plaques and cracking dry skin and soreness then you may be suffering from psoriasis and should consult a physician. Psoriasis is not something to attempt to solve on your own.

We've all been there and know the huge temptation to pick off any scales or aggressively rub your scalp to scratch, but, just like squeezing a spot, it will only make the itchiness worse so try to avoid scratching if you can.

Curious about which shampoo to add to your haircare routine? These are our picks of the best shampoos for itchy scalps.

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Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo

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• Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo,£25.50 from Lookfantastic - buy here

There's no such thing as an edit of the best itchy scalp shampoos without the inclusion of editor favourite and award winning trichologist brand Philip Kingsley.

Mild enough to use everyday, it gently banishes flakes and prevents build up to ensure once the dandruff has gone, it's gone forever (if you keep up with the shampoo).

It soothes the scalp, adding moisture to combat flakiness without stripping or drying out the hair strands for an all over, refreshing, soothing finish.

It has an apple scent for a fresh, clean feel and is fully vegan.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

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• Johnson's Baby Shampoo, from £2.50 from Boots - buy here

Whilst this shampoo might be designed to cleanse and moisturise the delicate hair of babies, that doesn't mean that, as an adult, you can't also slather this over your locks.

Described as "as gentle as pure water", it's mild formula prevents dandruff and stops itching.

As well as soothing fiesty scalps, it also works for cleaning makeup brushes. Who doesn't love a multi-tasker?

Wella Professionals Elements Renew Shampoo

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• Wella Professionals Elements Renew Shampoo, £7.02 from Amazon - buy here

Wella is well loved by celebs like Game of Thrones star, Sophie Turner who became its ambassador in 2017 for its ability to deliver luxurious products at affordable prices.

Take the Elements Renew shampoo for example. It uses 91 percent natural origin ingredients which is so good for your hair, especially if you suffer with a dry and itchy scalp, and doesn't use animal-derived ingredients.

It gently washes hair without stripping the strands of their natural moisture and it nourishes the scalp, adding hydration.

With no sulphates and silicones, your scalp's in safe hands.

Aveda pramāsana purifying scalp cleanser

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• Pramāsana purifying scalp cleanser, £24.50 from Aveda - buy here

With Aveda products you always feel as though you're somewhere in between being in a salon and a spa, but you're not - you're in your own shower.

This deep scalp cleanser thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates while still remaining extremely gentle.

The Prmāsana purifying scalp cleanser contains a mix of babassu extracts, seaweed extract and other nourishing oils and ingredients alongside an exfoliating wintergreen derived salicylic acid.

This isn't a standard shampoo, so you'll need to apply this before your normal wash routine.

Klorane Soothing Shampoo

• Klorane Soothing Shampoo, £7.50 from Look Fantastic - buy here

Formulated specifically for sensitive scalps, Klorane's Soothing shampoo is all about nourishment.

Using organic peonies, it protects the scalp and hair from external aggressors to keep it as healthy, strong and moisturised as possible.

If you feel like you need that extra bit of help, Klorane launched an anti-dandruff exfoliating and treating powder mask in September that could be exactly what you need.

Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo

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• Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo, £9.99 from Superdrug - buy here

Aveeno is renowned for being a gentle and soothing brand so it's no surprise that this shampoo literally has the word 'soothing' in its name.

Using colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated scalps and cleanse hair, it gently calms itchiness.

For only £9.99, you'll get a very generous 300ml bottle which should see you through for months.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

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• Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, £6.99 from Amazon - buy here

This shampoo is an over-the-counter remedy for psoriasis sufferers, and contains coal tar, proven to reduce inflammation and help treat itchy, flaky scalp disorders.

Despite this being called an over-the-counter remedy, we'd still highly recommend going to a dermatologist or your GP to make sure your treating your psoriasis in the best way you can.

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

• Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo, £15.90 from Look Fantastic - buy here

Focused on purifying, this shampoo is sulphate free, mineral oil free and paraben free as well as being vegan and housed in a bottle made of 95 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

Aside from that, its formula is highly concentrated so you'll need less product for a really good clean meaning this 266ml bottle should last you 75 or more washes depending on the length of your hair.

As well as soothing itchy scalps, it also prolongs colour so you'll get a little bit of extra time between salon visits. Tick.

Noughty Care Taker Scalp Soothing Shampoo

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• Noughty Care Taker Scalp Soothing Shampoo, £6.49 from Amazon - buy here

A sulphate and silicone-free formula (which translates to no SLS), Noughty's Care Taker contains bisabolol and oatmeal to soothe irritated scalps. It hydrates without leaving hair greasy and helps alleviate dandruff.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconunt Oil Micro Exfoliating Shampoo

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• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconunt Oil Micro Exfoliating Shampoo, £15 from Beauty Bay - buy here

The Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro Exfoliating Shampoo by Briogeo gives your scalp a deeper-than-deep cleanse, unclogging pores and getting rid of dead skin cells.

Not only does it soothe and cleanse your scalp and hair, it also encourages hair growth using ingredients like coconut oil.

It comes in two sizes, 59ml and 236ml so which one you choose, depends on how regularly you wash your hair.

Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

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• Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo 250ml, £17 from Look Fantastic - buy here

Incorporating lavender extract, pyrithione zinc and glycerin, the Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo promises to eliminate dandruff, calming your scalp and leaving your hair feeling healthy.

Make sure you leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing to really see the results.

The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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• Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.50 for 250ml from The Body Shop - buy here

This gorgeous shampoo can help soothe a dry, flaky scalp and relieve dandruff symptoms thanks to a combination of Sri Lankan ginger, birch bark, white willow extracts and Community Trade Honey.

All of these aromatic ingredients make the shampoo smell like a spa and it's fully vegan and made with 90 percent ingredients of natural origin.

If you're worried about committing to the full bottle, start with the 60ml travel size, which only costs £2 and see how you like it.

Vichy Sensitive Shampoo

• Vichy Sensitive Shampoo, £13.86 from Amazon - buy here

French pharmacy brands have really come to the fore in the last couple of years, and Vichy is one of them.

This shampoo cleans the scalp of build up to eliminate and further prevent dandruff while also making sure your strands get some love too.

No stripping in sight, you'll be left with soft, healthy hair and you'll forget you ever had an itchy scalp.

What is the best shampoo for an itchy scalp?

There are lots of shampoos that strive to relieve itchy scalps but ingredients you should be looking our for are apple cider vinegar, salicylic acid, peppermint oil and tea tree oil for the best results.

Make sure your shampoo doesn't have any sulphates or silicones as part of its formulation to give yourself the best chance of an itch-free scalp.

Can dry shampoo cause an itchy scalp?

Dry shampoo itself will probably not cause an itchy scalp, but the act of not washing your hair for weeks on end and using dry shampoo to disguise that could result in an itchy scalp.

If you use it for too long, dry shampoo can clog up your scalp, creating dandruff, acne and more unwanted results that cause an itchy scalp.

What's the best conditioner for an itchy scalp?

Most of the brands that we have featured also stock conditioners for itchy scalps and we'd generally recommend sticking with the same brand for ease, although if you find another conditioner that works better for you, then condition away - it won't do your hair any damage.

Where to buy shampoos for an itchy scalp

Almost every drugstore or beauty retailer stocks shampoos for an itchy scalp, highlighting what a common problem it is. In fact, about 50 percent of people suffer from dandruff according to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Whether you want to hit up Boots or Superdrug on the high-street, or to order from Amazon, BeautyBay, LookFantastic or CultBeauty, the options are endless.

How much do shampoos cost?

The price of scalp-treatment shampoos ranges from below a fiver up to over £30 or more.

Some of the more expensive formulas actually give you the same effects, so we'd recommend not judging shampoos on their price.

What to look for in a shampoo?

When shopping for shampoo, you should consider what it is you're trying to achieve. If your hair is dry and flat then you'll probably want to opt for a moisturising, volumising product.

Suffering from greasy hair the day after you've washed it? Look for shampoos that give you a deeper cleanse, ridding your scalp of excess oils.

Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes on hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, adidas and more.

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