The Best Men's Shampoos for Dry Scalp

A dry scalp is an unhappy and unhealthy scalp. Dryness up there is normally a part of a wider problem, too. If you don’t take care of it, things can get worse quickly.

The good news is that a dry scalp is far from the hardest thing in the world to deal with. It’s annoying, but in most cases when you have the condition, it’s still highly manageable. There are many small things you can do to treat your scalp, but in this article we will go over the easiest thing of all – just buying a different shampoo.

Many men suffer from dry scalp, often alongside issues like redness or male pattern baldness. There are various shampoos that can treat any combination of issues that lead to or at least accompany dryness. So, let’s go over what makes a shampoo good for dry scalp and some examples for you to look at.

What Makes Shampoo Good for Dry Scalp?

For a shampoo to be better than others for dry scalp, it first needs to be more moisturizing. Dry scalp shampoos contain ingredients both natural and synthetic that ensure your scalp is moisturized and protected. Some common natural shampoo examples include coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter. You will see examples like these and others as you go through our list.

What a shampoo contains is very important. However, for those with dry or sensitive scalps, avoiding certain things is at least as important as the ingredients that are included to help.

Many shampoos contribute to dryness due to the inclusion of harsh unnatural surfactants and cleansing agents. The presence of some strong but common preservatives can be especially harmful. All of these things can contribute to dry scalp and corresponding symptoms like dandruff. It’s essential to watch out for several typical ingredients that cause dryness or make it worse:

• Sulfates
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Synthetic fragrances

Good shampoos for dry scalp contain lighter and healthier alternatives to all of the above.

Sometimes, dry scalp can be the result of other undiscovered problems. In some cases, the acidity of your skin is responsible. The natural pH of your scalp is just slightly acidic, and disturbing that acidity level can cause several problems including dryness. In these cases, you need to get a pH-balanced shampoo to see a real difference.

Good, natural men’s shampoos for dry scalp also account for inflammation. Sometimes dryness is another symptom of some form of inflammation and natural shampoos may offer the relief you’re looking for. Most natural men’s shampoos contain several anti-inflammatory ingredients. Tea leaf extracts and several plant, nut, and fruit-derived ingredients can produce anti-inflammatory results. When your dryness is the result of inflammation, changing to a quality natural shampoo might be the answer.

Overall, a good shampoo for dry scalp is gentle. It will contain a mix of moisturizing ingredients that penetrate your skin barrier and provide it with long-lasting moisture protection. And it won't contain common harsh ingredients that cause or aggravate dryness.

10 Best Men's Shampoos for Dry Scalp

Let’s have a look at the best examples of men’s shampoos for dry scalp.

1. Blu Atlas Shampoo

Blu Atlas Shampoo is a deeply moisturizing and all-natural shampoo. It was formulated for men but works magic on dry scalps of any gender. It checks all the boxes we just went over and goes above and beyond to produce a healthy wash.

The basic idea of Blu Atlas is to provide 95+% natural ingredients that refresh and nourish men’s skin. The Blu Atlas Shampoo follows in the company’s principles, delivering the highest quality ingredients in a perfect mix. The packaging is not fancy, but a look into the formulation and the results that customers report reveals a level of quality seldom seen in the men’s shampoo industry.

In terms of ingredients, the effects are intensely positive. The formulation ensures your hair and scalp receive vitamins A, D, and E, multiple antioxidants, fatty acids, anti-inflammatory agents, and more.

The primary active ingredients include several premium choices. Jojoba oil provides intense vitamin-enriching and moisturizing effects – antioxidants and fatty acids are delivered directly to the applied area. Crucially, the oil’s natural properties resemble your skin’s natural properties more than many alternatives. This is why it penetrates your scalp so thoroughly, providing long-lasting protection.

Aloe barbadensis acts as one of the main natural moisturizers. It’s a succulent plant with moisturizing and healing properties. The leaves are also rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene (vitamin A). Vitamins C and E are also found.

Saw Palmetto is the last of the primary active ingredients. It’s included to provide anti-inflammatory properties that specifically reduce dryness and other associated symptoms. Saw palmetto is also known to counter the effects of DHT. DHT is a hormone common in men that contributes to hair loss. So, this is a healthy inclusion that improves the overall health and longevity of your hair.

Most natural shampoos have a few flashy main ingredients to market. Blu Atlas isn’t an exception in that regard, apart from the clear logic behind the choices and the effects customers experience. But what’s better is that the entire formulation contributes to the healthy effects. For reducing dryness specifically, the level of moisturization is excellent. The additional benefits may also support this process by addressing other causes of dryness as well.

Each bottle of Blu Atlas Shampoo is 99% natural origin ingredients like plants, fruits, and minerals. There are no animal-derived substances in the 100% vegan formulation, and no testing is conducted on animals in line with the brands cruelty-free commitments.

What you’ll get is an ethical, efficient, enriching, and thoroughly moisturizing natural hair wash routine.

2. Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp

Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp is a natural shampoo formulated specifically to address dryness and dandruff. It’s a stronger anti-dandruff option, as it isn’t as "natural" as many of the examples we’ll be going over.

For efficiency in removing dandruff, the formulation is based on a 3% salicylic acid concentration. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used to exfoliate. It’s also an anti-inflammatory. This concentration is a light and common one, so you don’t need a prescription for it.

Salicylic acid breaks down the bonds between the dead skin cells on your scalp. This allows them to be washed away easily as you rinse your head. The one problem this may cause is that it can contribute to dryness, but Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp handles this with the “extra-hydrating” formula (their words). It’s an intensely moisturizing formula, as we’re sure you’ve come to expect already, including aloe vera and other natural ingredients.

Customers report that Selsun Blue Naturals Itchy Dry Scalp removes most of their scalp issues, foremost among them being dryness. The hydrating formula leaves the scalp enriched. It’s reported by some customers to be efficient at treating seborrheic dermatitis and being gentle enough to apply on sensitive skin.

3. Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo

Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo is a shampoo for scalp nourishment and moisturization. Based on unrefined shea butter, it’s a strongly moisturizing shampoo meant for all hair types. Anyone can use it, and everyone except those with the oiliest of scalps tend to enjoy it. For those with extra-dry scalps, Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo is jam-packed with everything your scalp needs to feel normal again.

Shea butter is another one of those magical moisturizers you will see in some examples on this list now and again. It’s a deeply penetrating substance and offers lasting moisturization to the scalp following its application. That’s because it is similar to the composition of your scalp and adds to the natural essential oils already there.

The shea butter is supported by soothing and refreshing ingredients that shine. We are only being partially metaphoric here as the formulation also improves the shine and overall appearance of your hair. But it also soothes and moisturizes your scalp.

Tea tree and mint provide a cool, herbal scent. Applying the shampoo, you can feel it in the refreshing sensation that you get. It’s a cool and energizing fragrance that wakes you up while removing odor-causing dirt and bacteria from your head.

Again, simple ingredients do make a big difference, but ingredient quality and the removal of harmful components is often the most important battle against dryness and other issues. Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo is made sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate free. There are no artificial colors or fragrances either.

The brand is also cruelty-free and the product consists only of fair-trade ingredients. The company also supports mothers, the environment, and women’s education in west Africa.

4. Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo

Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo is a non-medicated shampoo meant to handle itchiness and dryness. It tackles both of these potential problems in several ways.

First, Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo is free of sulfate-based surfactants, parabens, and other harsh ingredients. It is formulated around tea tree oil, one of the more reliable natural remedies for dryness. It’s a natural antiseptic that cleans and moisturizes the scalp.

In addition to the healthy, light ingredients, the formulation is balanced for your skin’s natural acidity level. It’s a pH-balanced option that may be more suitable than most alternatives for sensitive scalps. Customers overwhelmingly report good results and often report relief from dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

The other selling point for many users is the scent, which is a mix of peppermint, eucalyptus, and vanilla. It’s a cooling combo that produces a fresh minty smell.

Like many of these high-quality shampoos, Neutrogena Soothing & Calming Healthy Scalp Shampoo can help with more than just dryness. Some customers also report that it’s light enough to be the perfect solution for inflammation and redness. These overlapping issues are all well-treated with this relatively inexpensive shampoo.

5. Kick Mens Shampoo - Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint

Kick Mens Shampoo - Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint is a natural shampoo meant for dry scalps and thinning hairlines. It is formulated around tea tree oil and 10 other powerful botanical ingredients.

This selection is free of all the irritants we mentioned earlier. Instead, it takes the path of plant-based refreshment for your hair and scalp. The other active natural ingredients include eucalyptus, rosemary, aloe vera, and peppermint.

Interestingly, many customers report on both of the major selling points – fighting hair loss and fighting dryness. For the former, it seems the formulation’s simple focus on fighting dryness and dandruff helps slow down male pattern baldness. Sweat-induced dandruff and dry scalp can both contribute to hair loss, so this adds up. The lack of common irritants is certainly helpful as well.

Customers generally talk about an end to dryness and frizziness in their hair and scalps. As we’ve seen so far, it’s often just a question of the right balance, which Kick Mens Shampoo - Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint certainly provides for most customers.

6. Head and Shoulders Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo

Head and Shoulders Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo is the most common shampoo on our list. You can probably find it within a 10 minute drive of wherever you are. But more importantly, that fame is well-deserved, with endless feedback about its moisturizing and cleansing effects.

There is some good branding at work with Head and Shoulders products, including this one. Their patented “Scalp Shield Technology” is what they credit for the relief that customers report. Looking through that, we can see how the trusted and thoroughly tested formulation fights dryness.

The active ingredient, pyrithione zinc, is a common antifungal and anti-bacterial meant to remove dandruff. It will reduce the flakiness and itchiness that often comes with the condition.

For the price range it’s in, Head and Shoulders Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo is a really effective product. It contains sweet almond oil, one of the best natural emollients. This soothes the scalp with its mix of fatty acids and vitamins, reducing dryness and offering relief from its symptoms.

Head and Shoulders Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo does, however, contain some harsh ingredients, like sodium laureth sulfate. These are generally best avoided and can make dryness worse for some, so this is one to avoid if sulfates are an issue for you. Overall though, the amount of positive feedback about its effectiveness seems to offset that concern for most people.

7. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a great choice for those with oily scalps and hair with dry ends. It is meant to add shine and volume, but happens to be a good choice for many people dealing with dryness.

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is infused with apple cider vinegar for shining and cleaning. If your hair appears dull, switching to this shampoo may offer some aesthetic benefits. It’s also free of sulfates, dyes, and other irritants.

In terms of dryness, Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a pH-balanced and moisturizing shampoo. It is made from a mix of several natural ingredients including oats, enzymes, amino acids, and several beneficial vitamins.

Apple cider vinegar itself is normally used for its benefits in the gut, but it’s also a detoxifying agent for the skin. Overall, the results are greatly appreciated among the thousands of customers who report improvements since switching to it.

8. Jack Black Double-Header® Shampoo + Conditioner

Jack Black Double-Header® Shampoo + Conditioner is a conditioner and shampoo combined in one. It’s a creamy shampoo that lathers easily, but it doesn’t use sulfate-based surfactants to do so, offering massive moisturization with the help of some great natural ingredients instead.

Jack Black Double-Header® Shampoo + Conditioner contains coconut oil, kelp extract, white lupine protein, and basil. It is used for every step of the typical haircare routine, cleansing, exfoliating, deodorizing, and moisturizing.

When you use Jack Black Double-Header® Shampoo + Conditioner, you enrich your scalp with creatine, rice seed protein, coconut oil, sage leaf extract, peppermint oil, and green tea extract. It’s an excellent natural formulation that is absolutely loaded with antioxidants. It leaves a cool, refreshing feeling on your scalp and helps with other forms of irritation.

Jack Black Double-Header® Shampoo + Conditioner is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, too. It shouldn’t cause any irritation and is generally considered to be a convenient and comfortable shampoo to use, offering a light touch that leaves a healthy scalp and a pleasant scent.

Customers report an end to dryness and itchiness after switching from generic shampoos. It’s a luxurious lather that provides all kinds of relief, making it one of the better shampoos for men with dry scalp.

9. Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo

Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo is a moisturizing shampoo for all hair types and works well on dry scalps for several reasons.

First, Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo is gentle. It is based on coconut oil, wheat protein, and amino acids. Together, you get an excellent emollient and moisturizer. These same ingredients also contribute to thicker with more life. They have restorative properties that also make Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo a good option for weak hair.

The creamy, lightweight lather makes Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo easy to apply thoroughly. It leaves a cleanse that feels very satisfactory, with the formulation washing away excess oils without delivering irritants to your scalp. Instead, it complements your natural oils with serious hydration for both your scalp and hair. If you also have thin and dry hair, this is an even better option for you.

Customers also generally appreciate the scent, which is mild and pleasant. Overall, it provides a great result that delivers natural moisturization to dry scalps.

10. American Crew Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

American Crew Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a shampoo to prevent itching and flaking. It’s meant for dry hair as much as it is for dandruff.

The main active ingredient in American Crew Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is zinc pyrithione, an anti-dandruff ingredient that reduces itching and flaking. This makes it a good anti-dandruff option, while the rest of the main active ingredients address dryness. Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that can address several different issues.

Sage leaf extract is also present in this choice, offering cleansing, soothing, and antioxidant properties. Also infused with tea tree oil, peppermint, and rosemary, it leaves a great natural scent while repairing the hair.

Customers report relief from dryness after using American Crew Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Predictably, it’s well-regarded for its anti-dandruff effects and is usually easily tolerated by most people.

For its unique value, American Crew Anti-Dandruff rounds off our list of the best men’s shampoos for dry scalps.

What Triggers Dry Scalp in Men?

Many different lifestyle choices and environmental factors, as well as genetics, can trigger dry scalp in men. Many of these factors are difficult to control, but some of them are very easy to change.

Not washing

If you don’t wash your scalp enough it may contribute to dryness. The oils, sweat, and dead skin on your scalp build up over time, leading to dryness and irritation.

If your scalp is dry and irritated from the shampoo you use, it’s still important to keep washing, but you need to find a better product that won't upset your scalp in the same way.

The wrong product

Sometimes, it’s simply that one or more of the ingredients in your shampoo don’t agree with your scalp. This can be a question of sensitivities to certain ingredients or other issues. Shampoos with high concentrations of sulfates or other irritating compounds are among the more typical suspects.

The solution here is a simple one, but it may take some time and testing. Try lighter shampoos that do not irritate your scalp or dehydrate it. It’s a simple process, even if it can be frustrating having to conduct a scientific experiment on your sensitive or dry scalp. But it is worth it once you find the best option for you.

Cold and dry weather

During the winter months while the air is cold, dryness may start to become a real problem. The good news is that this is a simple and easy-to-detect problem. A change in the shampoo you choose to use is often enough to get your scalp through a rough dry winter.

If you start to experience dryness associated with the weather, it’s important to deal with it promptly. The timeframe differs from person to person, but ignoring this kind of dryness can lead to irritation.

Warm and wet weather

Yes, the opposite weather can also lead to dryness in men’s scalps, albeit in a different way.

When the weather is humid and hot, it is much easier for fungal growth to begin and thrive. This can cause many issues, including dryness. If you add sweat and a lack of a healthy wash, you can end up with a lot of flakiness, itchiness, and a full-on dandruff outbreak.

The solution to this problem is very similar to the solution for other causes of dry scalp. You need to wash regularly with the right shampoo. Anti-fungal, zinc-based shampoos are especially good at treating fungal growth. But you also want a good moisturizing solution at the same time so that once the impurities are removed you can also resolve the dryness on your scalp.

Dermatological conditions

This is more complex territory. There are several common dermatological conditions that dry out millions of men’s scalps every year. The answer is normally a medicated shampoo, or at least one that doesn’t aggravate the symptoms of your condition.

If you’re unsure whether you have a dermatological condition, go see a dermatologist. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can all cause continuous dryness. While you can perhaps control the symptoms on your own, it is much better to see a doctor so you can deal with the problem decisively and get an accurate diagnosis.

The Bottom Line

Dryness in your scalp is annoying, but it's extremely common. It tends to get worse over time if left unchecked, but there are plenty of ways to deal with it.

If you want to tackle your dry scalp right now, we recommend you try Blu Atlas Shampoo. It’s a great shampoo formulated for men and jammed full of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients. You can also try any of the other great products we’ve gone over.

Dealing with scalp problems is irritating, however, often a simple change can make a world of difference.