Shampoos For Flaky Scalp

What it is: An exfoliating, sulfate-free scrub that lifts away impurities and buildup while balancing and soothing an itchy, irritated scalp (whether oily or dry).

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Hair Concerns:
- Dryness
- Oiliness
- Flaky, Dry Scalp

Key Benefits:
- Detoxifies and removes buildup, oil, and impurities
- Hydrates, balances, and soothes an itchy, irritated, and flaky scalp
- Clean and naturally derived, formulated 6-free™, and made with a proprietary NOVA Complex® that purifies, nourishes, and refreshes

Formulation: Scrub

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Binchotan Charcoal: Detoxifies and draws out impurities that clog the hair follicle and cause buildup on the scalp.
- Coconut Oil: Moisturizes the scalp, preventing dryness and flakiness.
- Peppermint, Spearmint, and Tea Tree Oil Complex: Has a cooling effect on the scalp and reduces itchiness, irritation, and flakiness.

Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.

What Else You Need to Know: Made with 95 percent naturally derived ingredients, this shampoo supports absorption of key vitamins and minerals for long-term hair health while balancing scalp hydration for both oily and dry types. Peppermint, spearmint, tea tree, and coconut oils soothe and refresh, while binchotan charcoal and plant-based exfoliators lift away buildup, impurities, dead skin, and excess oil that can clog hair follicles.

This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

Clinical Results: In a clinical study, after 1 use:
- This product increased scalp hydration

Clean at Sephora
Clean at Sephora is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. For the full list, check out the Ingredients tab.

What it is: A weekly cleanser comprised of California sea salt and tea tree oil that exfoliates and treats the scalp to restore your natural oil balance.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, and Curly

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Key Benefits:
- Deeply cleanses
- Soothes scalp

Formulation: Scrub

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil: Soothes the scalp and alleviates dryness.
- Sea Salt: Gently scrubs away product buildup and flakes from hair follicles.

Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.

What Else You Need to Know: This fragrance-free and silicone-free weekly cleanser helps restore hair’s natural balance.

Clean at Sephora
Clean at Sephora is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. For the full list, check out the Ingredients tab.

What it is: A moisturizing dry-scalp shampoo that relieves itchiness and dryness without stripping hair of its moisture.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Key Benefits:
- Treats Itchiness, Soothes Scalp

Formulation: Liquid

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Cucumber Extract: Reduces dryness and soothes the scalp.
- Peppermint Oil: Relieves dry scalp.
- Pyrithione Zinc: Relieves dry scalp.

What Else You Need to Know: This soothing and moisturizing shampoo provides a scalp detox with one percent pyrithione zinc to help stop scaling and itching, leaving hair smooth and soft. Use for ongoing scalp health and to improve dryness and itchiness due to protective styling.

What it is:
A mild, moisturizing cleanser made with marine extracts from the great green seas.

What it does:
This shampoo for normal hair nourishes without adding weight, leaving hair clean—but not stripped—shiny, and fresh. Formulated with marine seaweed, spirulina, and kelp, it feeds roots, adds shine, and keeps scalps happy.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

What else you need to know:
This product works for all hair types and is compatible with color-treated hair. For best results, follow with Seaweed Conditioner.

Bumble and bumble is a cruelty-free brand, meaning they don't test on animals. Bb. products are free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and formaldehyde.

What it is: A salt-enriched, whipped-mousse shampoo that removes product buildup, dirt, and oil and leaves hair looking healthy and shiny.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Key Benefits:
- Hydrates
- Adds Volume
- Addresses Dry Scalp

Formulation: Scrub

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Himalayan Pink Salt: Massages and exfoliates the scalp.
- Cold-pressed Moringa Oil: High in oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) and antioxidant vitamin E for nourishment and soft hair.
- Pure Unfiltered Rosehip Oil: Rich in all three key essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9) for nourishment and soft hair.

Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

What Else You Need to Know: This scrub lathers to cleanse the hair and scalp of product buildup, dirt, and oil, leaving it both clean and refreshed. The refreshing scent—rosemary, geranium, orange, and peppermint—lingers subtly in hair (and smells amazing as you wash).

Clean at Sephora
Clean at Sephora is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. For the full list, check out the Ingredients tab.

What it is: A salt-enriched, whipped-mousse shampoo that removes product buildup, dirt, and oil and leaves hair looking healthy and shiny.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Key Benefits:
- Hydrates
- Adds Volume
- Addresses Dry Scalp

Formulation: Scrub

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Himalayan Pink Salt: Massages and exfoliates the scalp.
- Cold-pressed Moringa Oil: High in oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) and antioxidant vitamin E for nourishment and soft hair.
- Pure Unfiltered Rosehip Oil: Rich in all three key essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9) for nourishment and soft hair.

Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

What Else You Need to Know: This scrub lathers to cleanse the hair and scalp of product buildup, dirt, and oil, leaving it both clean and refreshed. The refreshing scent—rosemary, geranium, orange, and peppermint—lingers subtly in hair (and smells amazing as you wash).

Clean at Sephora
Clean at Sephora is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. For the full list, check out the Ingredients tab.

What it is: A gentle, rebalancing, and soothing treatment shampoo that targets oily roots, itchiness, and sensitive scalps.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, and Curly

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Hair Concerns: Oiliness, Color Safe, and Flaky and Dry Scalp

Formulation: Gel

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Jujube Bark Extract: Acts as an anti-itching agent, rebalancing and soothing.
- Cherry Flower Extract: Moisturizes and soothes.

Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.

What Else You Need to Know: This color-safe shampoo uses jujube bark and cherry blossom extracts to calms itchiness and irritation for a sensation of freshness and comfort. When used regularly it reduces problems due to excess sebum, helps to eliminate itchiness, and calms the scalp.

Clinical Results: In a clinical test of 20 participants suffering from dryness, itchy and, oily scalps:
- 85% of participants notice an increase of scalp comfort after 2 weeks when used in conjunction with the purifying scrub with sea salt
- 80% of participants subjects notice a genuine reduction in dandruff after 2 weeks when used in conjunction with the purifying scrub with sea salt
- 75% of participants notice a soothing effect, considerably less itching, and a return to a more balanced scalp after 2 weeks when used in conjunction with the purifying scrub with sea salt

Which hair type is it good for?
✔ Straight
✔ Wavy
✔ Curly

What it is:
An innovative jelly shampoo that utilizes charcoal, pink clay, and sea salt to deep clean, purify, rebalance, and soothe the scalp.

Key benefits:
- Sea salt, pink clay, and charcoal exfoliate and purify
- Soothes sensitive, itchy, or oily scalps
- Absorbs toxins, dirt, and pollutants from hair and scalp

If you want to know more…
Hit reset and detoxify your scalp with this weekly treatment. An innovative cleanser for your hair and scalp, the gentle shampoo in jelly consistency uses charcoal, pink clay, and sea salt to deep clean, purify, rebalance, and soothe sensitive, itchy, or oily scalps. Hair is left feeling ready for another week of to-dos.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is certified free of MIT/MCI, artificial colors, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban, aluminum, and talc.

Sea buckthorn berry (also known as obliphica) is included in all of Amika’s haircare and styling products. It contains over 190 biologically active compounds, including vitamin C (15 times more than an orange), vitamin A (three times more than a carrot), and vitamin E. It also has high concentrations of the rare omega-7, making up 40 percent of the berry. Typically only found in fish oil, omega-7 keeps free radicals at bay and promotes the production of collagen, a key building block for skin, hair, and nails.

Sea buckthorn has been thoroughly researched in over 130 modern scientific studies that have found that this berry promotes health. Women throughout the ages have used the obliphica berry to protect themselves against the ravages of the sun and the elements. Founded on tradition and now based on extensive scientific research, sea buckthorn is one of the biggest functional whole food rediscoveries of the 21st century.

Which hair type is it good for?
✔ Straight
✔ Wavy
✔ Curly
✔ Coiled
✔ Tightly Coiled

What it is:
A balancing shampoo for oily hair with dry ends.

Key benefits:
- Nourishes sensitized areas and dry ends
- Cleanses and intensely purifies the scalp
- Treats oily roots to remove excess sebum

If you want to know more…
This silicone-free balancing shampoo for oily hair and dry ends. It is enriched with glycine to regulate oil production and purify the scalp.

What it is:A new scent in our original deep-cleansing sugar scrub! With notes of dragon fruit, tuberose and orange blossom this scrub exfoliates product buildup from your scalp and visibly smooths out and nourishes dry skin.

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Sugar: Gently exfoliates the scalp and body while increasing micro-circulation.
- Probiotic Blend: Supports the scalp and the natural defenses of your skin’s microbiome.
- Coconut Oil: Nourishes and moisturizes the scalp and body.

Fragrance Description: This limited-edition scent has notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, and Baltic amber.

What Else You Need To Know:Sugar crystals deeply exfoliate the scalp without drying hair out and probiotics balance your skin's natural bacteria levels and smooth out dry patches of skin. Coconut oil has fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and body.

What it is: A purifying shampoo formulated with salicylic acid that fights flakes while soothing an itchy, irritated, dry scalp.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Hair Concerns:
- Dryness
- Color Safe
- Flaky, Dry Scalp

Key Benefits:
- Combats flakiness
- Relieves dryness and visibly reduces redness
- Visibly rejuvenates the hair and scalp

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates to address flakiness while alleviating the feeling of itchiness and irritation.
- Bilberry Fruit and Sugar Maple Extracts: Soothe the scalp while protecting against free-radical damage.
- Oribe Signature Complex: Defends hair from environmental elements, oxidative stress, photoaging, and the deterioration of natural keratin.

Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, and triclosan. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

What Else You Need to Know: Healthy hair starts at the scalp. This sulfate-free shampoo keeps flakiness at bay while supporting optimal moisture balance of the scalp and hair. Infused with salicylic acid, sugarcane extract, and caffeine, the gently exfoliating formula promotes healthy, hydrated hair without a trace of flakes.

All Oribe products are dermatologist tested and formulated with safe, high-quality, innovative ingredients. They are also PETA approved, UV protective, and color- and keratin-treatment safe.

Fragrance Description: Created in collaboration with one of the oldest French Fragrance houses, Oribe’s signature scent, Côte d’Azur, features sun-drenched notes of Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, and sandalwood—embodying the glamour and heat of the legendary destination.

What it is: A gentle cleansing shampoo that addresses itchy, sensitive scalp.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Hair Concerns:
- Flaky, dry scalp

Key Benefits:
- Cleanses and moisturizes scalp
- Calms irritation
- Soothes itching

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Calophyllum Oil: Calms irritation and redness.
- Piroctone: Anti-bacterial active ingredient to sooth itching.
- Glycerin: Moisturizes the scalp to relax from external aggressors.
- Menthos: Refreshes the scalp.

What Else You Need to Know: This silicone-free, hypoallergenic shampoo cleanses and soothes the scalp to reduce itchiness while giving hair a light, airy feel. An exact blend of calophyllum, piroctone, glycerin, and menthol deliver a truly refreshing feeling.

Which hair type is it good for?
✔ Straight
✔ Wavy
✔ Curly
✔ Coiled
✔ Tightly Coiled

What it is:
A deep-cleansing, foaming skin and scalp scrub.

Key benefits:
- Unclogs and gently exfoliates
- Support your skin’s natural defenses
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin, scalp, and hair

If you want to know more…
Use this pre-wash to remove product buildup from your scalp and smooth out dry patches of skin. Sugar crystals deeply exfoliate the scalp without drying hair out and probiotics balance your skin's natural bacteria levels. Coconut oil has fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and body.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The fragrance is Melrose Place—a velvety rich rose fragrance with hints of bergamot, lychee, cedar-wood, and white musk.

This product is not tested on animals.

This product is an Allure Best of Beauty winner.

What it is: A lightweight, gel-to-foam shampoo that removes build-up, helps maintain moisture and volume, and supports balance—all without stripping.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Key Benefits:
- Removes dirt, oil, and buildup
- Cleanses and detoxifies without stripping
- Lightweight gel-to-foam format adds moisture and restores volume

Formulation: Lightweight Gel

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Pink Clay: Helps balance hair and scalp, while gently removing dirt and buildup.
- Charcoal Powder: Helps absorb dirt, odors, harmful substances, and impurities that collect on hair; also helps cleanse pores of toxins and odors, while exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Indian Cress Extract: Supports oxygen flow for a balanced, healthy scalp.

Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free.

What Else You Need to Know: This unique aerosol shampoo transforms from gel to foam to cleanse, revive volume, and replenish moisture. It is formulated with pink clay and charcoal to absorb dirt, odor, buildup, and impurities, while Indian cress extract nurtures the scalp to help support a natural, healthy balance—without stripping.

Sea buckthorn berry, also known as obliphica, is included in all of amika’s haircare and styling products. It contains over 190 biologically active compounds, including vitamin C (15 times more than an orange), vitamin A (three times more than a carrot), and vitamin E. It also has high concentrations of the rare omega-7, making up 40 percent of the berry. Typically, only found in fish oil, omega-7 keeps free radicals at bay and supports natural collagen, a key building block for skin, hair, and nails.

What it is: A proprietary dry-shampoo formula that adds thickness, maintains hair freshness, improves scalp condition, and promotes healthier hair between washes.

Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily

Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick

Hair Concerns:
- Anti-aging
- Oiliness
- Volumizing

Key Benefits:
- Adds fullness and volume
- Fast dissolving to eliminate buildup
- Supports hair and scalp health

Highlighted Ingredients:
- Tapioca Starch: Natural, talc-free oil-absorbing powder refreshes and adds volume to hair.
- Biotin: Helps promote healthier-looking skin and hair.
- Konjac Root Extract: Supports moisture retention to keep hair and scalp hydrated and healthy.

Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.

What Else You Need to Know: This dry shampoo refreshes any hair type by absorbing excess oils and making hair appear fuller—extending time between washes. This proprietary fast-dissolving formula easily rinses in water, washing away product buildup and excess oils without leaving any sticky residue.

What it is: A dry shampoo that will actually clean your hair for you—removing dirt, oil, and odor for a fresh start—no shower necessary.
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, and Curly
Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, and Thick
Hair Concerns:
- Oiliness
Key Benefits:
- Cleans hair
- Absorbs dirt, oil, and sweat
- Makes hair look, feel, and smell clean
Formulation: Spray
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Fast-Absorbing Powders: Soak up oil and sweat.
- Patented Healthy Hair Molecule: Reduces surface friction so it’s easy to remove the powders (and whatever they’ve soaked up) to keep hair cleaner, longer.
- Odor Neutralizers and Time-Release Fragrance: Create freshness and deliver a light scent all day.
Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This dry shampoo has fast-absorbing powders that soak up oil and sweat, while Living Proof’s patented healthy hair molecule allows powders to lift easily from the hair—taking dirt and oil with them. Odor neutralizers and a time-released fragrance keep hair smelling freshly washed—so no one will know your not-so-dirty secret.
Clinical Results: In a concept and use test of 200 people:
- 9 in 10 users agree PhD Dry Shampoo keeps hair clean between shampoos
- 8 in 10 users say PhD Dry Shampoo is better than other dry shampoos
- The same majority of non-users agree PhD Dry Shampoo is the next best thing to washing