21 Best Dry, Itchy Scalp Remedies That Actually Work

Scalp issues are way more common than you think. If you have an itchy scalp that's inflamed and constantly sheds white flakes, you’re not alone. However, that doesn't mean it's something you need to just accept and suffer from in silence.

There are tons of dry itchy scalp remedies out there, including products that hydrate and soothe your scalp, and help it heal so you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Sometimes, all it takes is adding some TLC to your routine and taking the same care of the skin on your scalp as you do the skin on your face.

Under $20

1. NatureLab. TOKYO Perfect Repair Mask

This itchy scalp remedy is a deep conditioning hair treatment that is formulated with bamboo stem cells, smart keratin, and prickly pear oil to improve the appearance of dry, damaged hair and scalp.

(Amazon)

RELATED: 21 Best Shampoos For An Itchy Scalp

2. VERB Ghost Oil

A fast-absorbing, daily restorative hair oil that revitalizes any hair-do from root to tip. This product is cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without gluten.

(Sephora, $16)

3. Yes to Naturals Tea Tree & Sage Oil Scalp Relief Shampoo

Clinically proven to soothe dry, itchy scalp in just eight days! For best results, follow with Scalp Relief Conditioner. The sweet potato extract and kukui seed oil provide added moisture and softness while you let your scalp chill out.

(Amazon)

4. Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Conditioner

This product leaves hair flake-free with no visible flakes. With regular use, it hydrates and soothes itchy scalp with Coconut Shea butter, and the indulgent scent reduces scalp redness.

(Target, $4.89)

5. OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

Lather up with this precious blend, containing Argan oil of Morocco, to help restore and strengthen your locks to silky perfection. It will help protect your hair from styling, without any sulfates or parabens.

(Amazon)

Over $20

6. Belle Bar Witch Hazel Scalp Cleansing Tea Rinse

This tea rinse was created with the goal of strengthening the hair and healing the scalp. This rinse promotes scalp health, new hair growth and strengthens hair follicles. It's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. 

(Belle Bar Organic, $25-$95)

7. Drybar On the Rocks Shampoo

On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo is enriched with activated charcoal to purify and thoroughly cleanse both the hair and scalp, absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities. It removes product build-up without stripping or drying out hair, while vegetable protein strengthens and reinforces chemically treated or damaged hair.

(Sephora, $26)

8. Evolis Professional REVERSE Activator

This weightless and proprietary blend of natural actives and antioxidants targets those suffering from thinning and aging hair, as well as dry, itchy scalps. Formulated with ingredients like rosemary, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and licorice root, which absorbs excess oils and protects against irritation and dandruff, this Activator is your new weapon for optimum scalp health.

(Evolis Products, $65)

9. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

Hit the reset button for your best hair yet, and revive lackluster locks with the power of antibacterial Apple Cider Vinegar. Say goodbye to sweat and scalp build-up, and say hello to a re-balanced pH and incredible shine.

(Amazon)

10. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Peppermint Oil Cooling Jelly Conditioner

An innovative jelly conditioner that combines peppermint, tea tree, and spearmint oils to calm the scalp with an invigorating cooling sensation, while binchotan charcoal helps absorb deep rooted impurities.

(Sephora, $36)

11. Mizani Scalp Care Calming Scalp Lotion

Mizani Scalp Care Calming Lotion cools an irritated scalp and fights dandruff and dry scalp. Made with aloe vera, avocado oil and eucalyptus, it nourishes, cools, and smooths the scalp and purifies hair of dandruff and flakes.

(Ulta, $20)

12. NIOXIN Scalp Recovery System Kit

Regular use provides 100 percent elimination of visible flakes, soothes dry scalp over time, brings moisture control after color/perm formula, and reduces hair breakage from scalp itching.

(Ulta, $45.50)

RELATED: The Best Hair Products For Scalp Build-Up: 15 Solutions That Actually Work

13. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This gentle treatment cleanser, formulated with salicylic acid, relieves and prevents dandruff while soothing dry, itchy, irritated scalp. The result: healthy, hydrated hair with no trace of flakes.

(Amazon)

14. Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Plant Extract

This itchy scalp remedy is a pre-shampoo and treatment prep made from regenerating plant extract. It's 53 percent pure essential oils of Orange & Lavender purify the scalp and increase microcirculation.

(Amazon)

15. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt

Purifying, hydrating and soothing shampoo for sensitive or oily scalps. The cleansing, purifying scrub with sea salt is ideal as a detox treatment as it cleanses, purifies and restores balance to sensitive or oily scalps. It can also be used as a post-color treatment to sooth tingling and itching sensations.

(Amazon)

16. Cake Restorative Scalp Tonic

CAKE is carefully handcrafted in California using the finest organic ingredients from sustainable origins from around the world. This product protects the hair and scalp, while promoting growth and restoration.

(Amazon)

17. Aveda Pramasana Protective Scalp Concentrate

A concentrate that helps to balance sebum levels to maintain the purity of the scalp at the root of the hair. It helps to protect the scalp from aggressors such as pollution and free radicals.

(Amazon)

18. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Removes dandruff and soothes scalp irritation through a blend of Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole. Rosemary oil, Menthol, Salicylic acid & Ginger extract work to help maintain a healthy moisture balance, with a refreshing effect. Soothes scalp irritation and removes dandruff. Salicylic acid gently sheds dead skin, promoting new cell growth.

(Amazon)

19. Kérastase Initialiste for Scalp and Hair

A high-performance consolidating leave-in hair and scalp serum that is formulated with plant-based biotechnology that reinforces and thickens hair fibers. Enriched with Malus Domestica plant cells that impart exceptional luster to hair.

(Amazon)

20. Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

An antioxidant-rich, multi-benefit scalp and hair mist that protects from heat, UV rays, and color fading while keeping hair healthy and moisturized.

(Sephora, $26)

21. Keune Care Derma Exfoliate Shampoo

Combats dandruff and calms an itchy, irritated scalp. This scalp-clearing shampoo deflakes, refines and rebalance the scalp’s natural function. Octopirox combats existing dandruff and prevents new dandruff from forming. Its anti-bacterial properties relax the sebaceous glands to relieve itch and irritation.

(Amazon)

RELATED: How To Make Your Hair Grow Hair Faster: 15 Tips To Get Long Hair That Doesn't Break

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.