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When your scalp and strands are devoid of moisture for prolonged periods, myriad hair woes crop up – think dandruff, dryness, scalp itchiness, and irritation, among other concerns. The one-and-only solution? Hydration. Quenching your hair’s thirst is a sure-shot way to tackle these concerns, and if you’re contemplating where to begin, we urge you to start with a soothing shampoo.
An ultra-nourishing and hydrating shampoo will get to the ‘root’ of the problem. When looking out for a suitable product, remember to steer clear of one housing sulphates, parabens, fragrances, silicones, and alcohol, and look to include soothing ingredients such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile that can lend their anti-inflammatory properties to your mane. Sweet relief is just a product away, ladies; go on and splurge!
Causes Of Dry Scalp
A dry scalp is insanely irritating, but if one knows its causes, it is the way forward to relief. Most of these factors have been said to include weather changes, excessive use of harsh hair products, or a hidden condition such as dandruff or eczema, which a person might be suffering from, so the dry scalp causes itching and flakes. Nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, or stress can also impact scalp health. The best shampoos for a dry scalp would contain the right soothing ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid, thus initiating restoring moisture balance and the ultimate care a healthy and hydrated scalp could receive.
Tips To Treat Dry Scalp Issues
Suffering from a dry scalp? The best care routine, be it starting with the best shampoos for dry scalp can prove all the difference. To begin with, use a shampoo recommended for dry scalp, packed with soothing ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or salicylic acid that can help nourish and hydrate your scalp. Shampoo only 2-3 times per week to prevent stripping natural oils.
Hydrate, hydrate! Drink lots of water, and use a lightweight conditioner or scalp serum for added moisture. Even occasional gentle exfoliation once a week could help break off some flake formation and enhance its absorption.
Among the best shampoos for dry scalp, the non-sulfate and non-fragrance prove to be the best for sensitive skin. When combined with regular scalp massages, a great shampoo for dry scalp will really enhance circulation and thus make for healthier roots. You'll banish dryness quickly with time and enjoy a well-balanced flake-free scalp if you stay consistent with the right products.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp
Before you pick a formulation for dry scalp and dandruff, understand the root cause of the problem. If you have a flaky, itchy, or irritated scalp, there is a high chance you possess a dry scalp. According to a study, a dry scalp may be caused by various factors such as UV damage, incorrect product usage, unhygienic habits, or even a lack of hydration. As you’d imagine, the best way to treat a dry scalp would be by maximizing hydration.
But if your primary concern is dandruff, you’d require anti-fungal remedies. As per a study, dandruff is not just caused by a dry scalp, it can be exacerbated by an oily scalp, too. Hence, look for anti-fungal ingredients that treat a flaky scalp, or the correct combination of ingredients that either hydrate a dry scalp or curb excess greasiness.
Ingredients To Look For In A Dry Scalp-Friendly Formula
When on the hunt for a shampoo best suited to a dry scalp, look for ingredients that will solve the root cause.
- Dryness: If you are solely plagued by a dry scalp, look for moisturising ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, walnut oil, and avocado oil, among other plant-based oils that help retain skin moisture.
- Dandruff: If dandruff is the chief concern, look for antifungal and antimicrobial ingredients such as neem, tea tree, salicylic acid, and apple cider vinegar to help eliminate dirt, impurities, and bacteria that can exacerbate this condition.
- Irritated Scalp: If your scalp craves exfoliation, opt for formulas that boost cell regeneration, featuring ingredients including rosemary, onion, aloe vera, bakuchiol, and lactic acid.
The Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp
Here’s a list of the best-recommended shampoo for dry scalp and dandruff available on Nykaa.
In-House Recommendation
Soothe your scalp with our in-house formulation – the Nykaa Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar & Ginger Shampoo boasts a nourishing formulation, imbued with apple cider vinegar, ginger, and tea tree oil. Dermatologically tested for dry scalps, the anti-dandruff shampoo eliminates flaking and balances the skin’s microbiome.
Cross-Border Recommendation
Soothe your scalp with Rene Furterer’s nourishing formulation, imbued with wild ginger and celery extract. Dermatologically tested for dry scalp types, the Hydrating Shine Shampoo eliminates flaking and balances your scalp’s microbiome.
Nykaa Bestseller
L'Oreal Professionnel’s Scalp Advanced Dermo Clarifier Shampoo promises up to 72 hours of protection from dandruff and 100% visible dandruff removal after the first use. Powered by dermatological activities, this gentle clarifying formula is suitable for all hair types and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint with environment-friendly product packaging.
Celebrity Seal Of Approval
Multi-hyphenate Priyanka Chopra Jonas presents a super-nourishing shampoo boasting coconut oil and aloe vera for limp and lifeless hair. Anomaly’s lightweight formula contains soothing enzymes and natural moisturising agents that deeply cleanse your scalp without stripping it of moisture. 100% recyclable packaging is a bonus!
Customer-Loved
Lending your hair the superior benefits of niacinamide, Dove’s Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Shampoo repairs at a cellular level, providing instant relief from dryness. A value-for-money offering from a household name, this one’s a must-purchase if you’re struggling with a dry scalp.
Worth The Splurge
One of the best shampoos out there for dry and sensitive scalps, SP Balance’s Scalp Shampoo is pH-friendly and instantly soothes your parched scalp while also building a protective barrier. It also offers respite from scalp itching, irritation, inflammation, and redness.
Made In India
Featuring a harmonious blend of biotin and salicylic acid, this India-proud product boasts a bare flake reduction technology to eliminate 100% dandruff while cleansing and hydrating your scalp. Gently exfoliant salicylic acid targets the dandruff-causing fungus and removes dirt build-up from your scalp. Meanwhile, biotin strengthens your strands and curbs hair loss.
Eco-Friendly
This product is good for your hair – and the planet. Infused with pure, cold-pressed, 100% certified organic ginger oil extract to heal your scalp and strands, Lotus Organics’ Intensive Scalp Care Shampoo is a potent formulation that tends to a dry, brittle, frizzy, itchy, and over-styled mane, promoting luster and strengthening your hair follicles.
pH-balanced
Sebamed’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with an active ingredient called Piroctone Olamine, which ensures the gentle removal of dandruff. The moisturising and conditioning shampoo helps revitalise your scalp and roots from within, while a pH of 5.5 stabilises the scalp to support and sustain the hair mantle.
Anti-Dandruff
Want to get rid of dandruff? Try the Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Shampoo which provides relief to the scalp by reducing itching. It is fortified with tea tree oil to combat dandruff while aloe vera soothes the and nourishes dry scalp. The natural ingredients also fight infection and leave your hair feeling silky smooth.
Dermat-Approved
Dermatologically approved and expertly crafted with sensitive scalps in mind, the Bonacure Scalp Soothing Shampoo stands out from the crowd as one of the best dry scalp shampoos. It soothes irritation and regulates moisture balance to produce soft, nourished hair. Featuring a vegan Superfood Complex with Kale and Madecassoside, it ensures that your scalp finds its rebalance, along with healthier hair over time.
The Lightweight Elixir
Find relief from flakiness and dryness with the best shampoos for dry scalp, the Kerastase Symbiose Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, containing Salicylic Acid and Piroctone Olamine. The dermatologically tested formula fights dandruff at its root, smooths even the most sensitive scalps, and leaves the hair refreshed and balanced as desired, with an effect lasting up to 7 weeks. Lightweight and non-greasy. If you are on a quest for the best shampoo for dry scalp, this is one of the best shampoos that will help in fighting dry scalp and ensure a flake-free hydrated finish.
When To Seek Medical Help?
If you have been using OTC (over-the-counter) products for 4–6 weeks and haven’t noticed any significant results, you should consider consulting a dermatologist or trichologist. Alternatively, if your condition is worsening, or if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or discomfort, it is recommended you seek professional intervention.
Parting Thoughts
If you have a dry scalp with dandruff, look for formulas featuring ingredients that’ll quench the skin on your scalp. Opt for a shampoo with moisturising and antifungal properties to help relieve irritation and flakiness. Bear in mind that if your condition doesn’t improve or ends up worsening, seek immediate medical attention for a tailor-made solution for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the best shampoo for a dry and itchy scalp?
St.Botanica Anti-Dandruff Pre-Biotic Shampoo To Reduce Visible Flakes & Soothe Itchy ScalpHimalaya Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With Tea Tree Oil & Aloe VeraNaturali Dandruff Defence Shampoo With Tea Tree Oil & Cactus Extract
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What should I look for in a shampoo for a dry scalp?
Look for hydrating ingredients such as plant-based oils, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, among others. Scalp-soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, bakuchiol, and hyaluronic acid can work wonders, too.
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Are sulphate-free shampoos better for dry scalp?
Yes, sulphate-free options are among the top shampoos for dry scalp, as they gently cleanse without stripping natural oils.
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Can a dry scalp lead to hair loss?
If untreated, a dry scalp may weaken hair roots, but using a good shampoo for a dry scalp can help maintain healthy hair and scalp.
