This shampoo is designed to work for all hair types — short and curly, dry and flat, and everything in between. Lin T-K, et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicol Res. 2014;30(4):297-304. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297

When it comes to how often to wash your hair, it really depends on your hair type and the severity of your dry scalp. “If you find your scalp is getting extremely dry and you’re washing it daily or every other day, then try to minimise how often you wash as over washing can strip the scalp,” Dr Khorana advises. Davis MG, et al. Scalp application of the antioxidant piroctone olamine reduces hair shedding in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. International journal of cosmetic science vol. 43 Suppl 1 (2021): S26-S33. doi:10.1111/ics.12737 It contains no fragrances, parabens, lanolin, parabens, sulfates, or formaldehyde. It also doesn’t contain botanical extracts or essential oils, which makes it a good option if you have allergies or sensitivities to common shampoo ingredients. Just note it may not produce the same sudsing action as your old shampoo.

By Product

If your scalp is dry and plagued by flakes, Hill recommends using a shampoo with active ingredients such as selenium sulfide, sulfur, zinc, piroctone olamine, or salicylic acid, like SachajuanScap Shampoo. Though it does come with a higher price tag, many reviewers say it’s well worth it. People say it helps relieve itching and flaking right away and leaves hair feeling refreshed without weighing it down. Mosca M, et al. (2021). Scalp psoriasis: A literature review of effective therapies and updated recommendations for practical management. Diomede L, Salmona M. The soothing effect of menthol, eucalyptol and high-intensity cooling agents. Nutrafoods. 2017;(3):153-157. doi:10.17470/NF-017-1006-3

The key isn’t shampooing more frequently, but switching to a shampoo specifically formulated for dry scalp. This shampoo includes moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil and glycerin, that can help soothe dry scalp and ease inflammation. What’s more, it contains none of those shampoo ingredients you might want to avoid, like parabens, phthalates, or sulfated surfactants (SLS and SLES). It does contain fragrance, though, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitivity to certain fragrances. Dealing with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp? Trying to cleanse persistent product buildup? This micro-exfoliating shampoo may work well for you. It contains coconut oil, panthenol, and tea tree oil to help promote hair growth and health while removing dead skin, excess oils, and impurities from the scalp. Both the shampoo and conditioner contain glycolic acid. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can exfoliate your scalp and help your skin retain moisture, but it leaves your skin more vulnerable to sunburn.Mashhadi NS, et al. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36-S42. Schmidt-Rose T, et al. (2011). Efficacy of a piroctone olamine/climbazol shampoo in comparison with a zinc pyrithione shampoo in subjects with moderate to severe dandruff. There are also a few ingredients you should steer clear of while treating your dry scalp. “For many people sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) can be irritating if you have a dry scalp,” says Dr Khorana. Similarly, drying alcohols can further irritate a dry scalp. “I'm also mindful of people using home remedies that can upset the pH balance of your scalp and can be irritating—try not to use your kitchen ingredients on your scalp,” she adds. Leave the mixing to those talented cosmetic chemists. How often to wash hair if you have a dry scalp Shampooing too often could dry out your hair and scalp even more. If every other day still seems too frequent, try shampooing every third or fifth day.