It started out as a simple itch on the lower back of my head and ended with a scratch that kept me up at night. Thinking the annoying red patch that had formed in that area was dry skin, I started treating it with dabs of petroleum jelly. But the itch didn’t stop until months later when I went to see a dermatologist who prescribed an anti-inflammatory cream for what turned out to be seborrheic dermatitis, an extremely common skin irritation that can be caused by anything from an allergic reaction to a change in season. She shared I could have found earlier relief with some over-the-counter (OTC) medications and remedies.
Seborrheic dermatitis isn’t the only skin condition that can cause an itchy scalp. Other things that may cause irritation include psoriasis, folliculitis or contact dermatitis, which occurs when your scalp comes in direct contact with something you’re allergic to. Whatever is causing the urge to scratch, chances are you’re dealing with skin that’s red and irritated. The first thing you should do? “Stop scratching, which can lead to an increase in itching and flaking,” says Dr. Jeanine Downie, a board-certified dermatologist. From there, you can try out an OTC treatment.
Experts recommend keeping both your scalp and your hair needs in mind when shopping for an itchy scalp treatment. This can include considering the products best for your hair type and routine, along with the moisturizing or sensitivity needs of your hair. In the list below, I included products that work across a range of hair types and needs.
- Hair type: When recommending products to her own patients, Downie emphasizes the importance of considering hair type. “I look at hair type — curly, straight, wavy, dry, oily — and take all of this into consideration when recommending different products for itchy scalp,” she says.
- Hair needs: Your hair’s hydration and sensitivities are also an important factor to consider. When choosing an itchy scalp treatment, be sure to pick one that’s also compatible with your hair’s needs and routine. Downie recommends “looking for products that can balance the itchiness of the scalp with the need for moisturizer in your hair.”
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.
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To help you navigate your search for OTC products, I asked experts for insight on products that can help with an itchy scalp, along with recommendations from editors and top-rated options from reputable retailers.
Best overall
“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.”
Best for sensitive skin
This shampoo is another favorite of Young. It has 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 great option for sensitive skin.
Best shampoo
This fragrance-free shampoo, designed by a physician suffering from scalp issues, hassodium 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,” says Young. “Although it sounds like it would be irritating to the skin, it’s very gentle and an excellent antimicrobial topical for the skin.”
Best serum
This serum hydrates your scalp, allowing for relief from dryness, flakiness and irritation, according to the brand. It absorbs quickly and has naturally moisturizing and soothing ingredients, like squalane and bisabolol. It also has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning that it’s free from any common eczema irritants. The serum is highly-rated, with a 4.1-star average rating from 192 reviews on SEEN.
Best scrub
You can use this sugar scrub on both your hair and body to help remove dead skin and flakiness. On the scalp in particular, panthenol and glycerin help to add hydration and protect the skin barrier, while the sugar crystals remove product buildup, according to the brand. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses this scrub twice a week to keep her scalp and body healthy. “It’s a great two-in-one product, and it smells amazing,” she says. For best results, the brand recommends using the scrub in the shower and following it up with your favorite conditioner.
Best oil
This treatment from Act + Acre is a pre-wash oil, meaning you can apply it to your hair before washing to help remove dirt and moisturize, according to the brand. It has baobab and sunflower oils to break down excess sweat, sebum and build-up, which in turn reduces itchiness and dryness. It has a 4.3-star average rating from 385 reviews on Amazon.
Best anti-inflammatory shampoo
Shampoo made with coal tar may help with scalp conditions like psoriasis, which causes an itchy, scaly rash, experts say. “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 sit on your scalp for five minutes before rinsing.”
Best spray
This scalp spray requires no rinsing — it targets buildup and dead skin while soothing your scalp, all without messing up your hairstyle, according to the brand. Ingredients like honey and ceramide help to balance moisture and hydration, while the menthol creates a cooling, soothing effect, according to the brand. The bottle’s nozzle also has a precision design, so it’s easy to spray hard to reach places, like between braids and under wigs.
Best dry shampoo
If you need to sop up some excess oil and sweat post-exercising, this dry shampoo will do that without clogging pores and causing itchiness. 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.
Best SPF
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.”
Best scented shampoo
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, which you can use once to twice a week, is formulated to cleanse and break up that buildup, according to the brand. It has a 4.6-average star rating from 13,401 reviews on Amazon.
Best styling cream
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 has hemisqualane, a plant-based, sugar-derived alternative to silicone along with bisabolol, a natural skin soother. “It’s noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog the pores on your head,” says Young. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson has used this product and loves how it treats her scalp while making her hair look fabulous.
Best hair dye
“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 common irritants, experts say. It has a 4.4-average star rating from 17,998 reviews on Amazon.
Best styling tool
“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.
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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.
- Dr. Alexis Young is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City
- Dr. Jeanine Downie is a board-certified dermatologist and director of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey
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. For this story, they spoke with dermatologists and hair experts on the best products and advice for itchy scalps.
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