Colleen Sullivan
To help you navigate your search for OTC products, we asked experts for insight on products that can help with an itchy scalp. We also used our editors’ experience with these products and top-rated options from reputable retailers.
“This is an over-the-counter version of a prescription medicated anti-fungal shampoo and an effective treatment for many types of scalp irritations,” says Dr. Alexis Young, a board-certified dermatologist. “It contains ketoconazole, which controls flaking and itchy scaling by preventing the growth of fungus.” You should use this shampoo twice a week in place of your normal shampoo, according to the brand. “I usually recommend leaving medicated shampoos like this one on the scalp for five to ten minutes to allow them enough time to work.” This shampoo has a 4.6-average star rating from 89,134 reviews on Amazon.
This shampoo is another favorite of Young. It contains 3% salicylic acid, which can help ease itchiness caused by psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, according to the brand. It’s also free of fragrance, added color and preservatives, making it a nice option for sensitive skin. NBC Select’s editorial director, Lauren Swanson, has used this shampoo previously to help with a dry, itchy scalp, and it’s also top-rated, with a 4.3-star average rating from 937 reviews on Amazon.
This gentle micro-exfoliating scalp scrub dissolves dead cells and flakes using a 2% salicylic acid solution along with tiny argan and apricot seeds to help remove buildup, according to the brand. “This scrub will also exfoliate to help any additional dandruff products you may be using sink in better,” adds Downie. This product should be used twice a week before you shampoo your hair, according to the brand.
Young says she sees a lot of folliculitis in the warmer months because it can cause a rise in sebum, an oil-like substance that can clog pores and cause bacteria to proliferate. “This fluid includes both probiotics to maximize the growth of good bacteria and prebiotics to feed that good bacteria,” she says. “They work together to minimize scalp itch and flaking while optimizing the environment on your scalp.” This liquid should be applied directly to the scalp daily and not rinsed out, according to the brand.
This fragrance-free shampoo, designed by a physician suffering from scalp issues, contains sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid to soothe a scalp that’s prone to itching, dandruff or excessive oils, according to the brand. “Sodium hypochlorite is the technical name for bleach,” said Young. “Although it sounds like it would be irritating to the skin, it’s very gentle and an excellent antimicrobial topical for the skin.”
This serum is designed to balance your scalp’s hydration, allowing for relief from dryness, flakiness and irritation, says the brand. It’s fast-absorbing, and contains naturally moisturizing and soothing ingredients, like squalane and bisabolol. It’s also been awarded a Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association (meaning that it’s free from any common eczema irritants) and is also highly-rated, with a 4.5-star average rating from 47 reviews on SEEN.
Young says that a scalp that is flaking, scaling or redness should be washed daily. This scrub gently exfoliates excess oil and sebum on the scalp with a blend of salicylic acid (an ingredient Young likes for itchy scalps) and sea salt. “If you’re going to use a salt scrub on the scalp, make sure the granules are small or risk further irritation,” says Young.
This treatment from Act + Acre is meant to be used as a pre-wash oil, according to the brand. It uses baobab and sunflower oils to break down excess sweat, sebum and build-up, which in turn reduces itchiness and dryness. It has a 7.7-star average rating from 832 reviews on Act + Acre.
According to our experts, shampoo made with coal tar may help with scalp conditions like psoriasis, which causes an itchy, scaly rash. “Coal tar smells terrible but is an anti-inflammatory that works well to relieve the itch and scaly patches associated with conditions like psoriasis,” says Young. “Let this fragrance, PABA and dye-free product sit on your scalp for five minutes before rinsing.”
If you need to sop up some excess oil and sweat post exercising, this dry shampoo will do that without clogging the pores and causing itchiness. It works by using an ultra-fine micro starch sourced from rice and rambutan seed extract, according to the brand. Apply, then wait thirty seconds before massaging it into the scalp. “I exercise every day and this is one of the best dry shampoos on the market when it comes to maintaining a healthy scalp,” says Downie.
It’s important to protect an irritated scalp from ultraviolet rays by using sunscreen in that often overlooked area, according to Young. “In general, I’m not a fan of spray sunscreens but they do play a huge role when it comes to scalp protection because it’s difficult to apply a cream to that area,” says Young. “Just make sure to apply a thick enough coating and reapply every two hours in the sun or after going in the water.”
Overuse of styling products or leave-in formulas that don’t get fully washed out can lead to buildup that blocks the pores on the scalp, causing itching. This option from Paul Mitchell is formulated to cleanse and break up that buildup , and should be used once to twice a week, according to the brand. It has a 4.6-star average rating from 10,756 reviews on Amazon.
Developed by a dermatologist, this non-irritating, fragrance-free styling cream is considered a good option for those with sensitive skin, according to the brand. It contains hemisqualane, a plant-based, sugar-derived alternative to silicone along with bisabolol, a natural skin soother. “It’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog the pores on your head,” says Young. Swanson has also used this product and loves how it treats her scalp while making her hair look fabulous.
“Some of the chemicals used in hair dye can result in an itchy rash called allergic or irritant contact dermatitis — either from a product allergy or from being left on the scalp too long, causing a breakdown of the skin’s barrier,” says Young. “In order to prevent irritation, you or your colorist should avoid contact with the skin, applying the dye to the hair shaft only.” This permanent hair dye formula is free of ammonia, silicones, parabens and phthalates — all of which may irritate some people, according to our experts. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 16,025 reviews on Amazon.
“High heat can mess with your scalp’s health, increasing skin swelling and tenderness, which can lead to itching, flaking, red patches and hair loss,” says Downie. “Try to keep your dryer set to low heat and avoid keeping it on one spot too long.” This dryer controls heat using a thermal sensor to regulate the air temperature, preventing damage to the skin and hair, according to the brand. Dyson also says that it has an attachment that’s engineered to diffuse airflow and lower the temperature by up to 20 degrees.
When shopping for itchy scalp treatments, experts recommend keeping not only your scalp, but your hair needs in mind as well. This can include considering the products best for your hair type and routine, along with the moisturizing or sensitivity needs of your hair as well.
There are also a handful of active ingredients Downie recommends looking out for and considering while shopping for an itchy scalp treatment. You can learn more about them in the frequently asked questions below.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Colleen Sullivan has been a contributor at Today.com since 2015. She also writes for Brides, Business Insider, HGTV, MyDomaine and Women’s Health, among others. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, home and kitchen and more. For this story, they spoke with dermatologists and hair experts on the best products and advice for itchy scalps.
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