Published: 20th March, 2023
Suffering from an itchy scalp is very common, and it can cause both irritation and embarrassment for those affected. An itchy scalp may develop as a result of a skin condition, allergies, or simply due to seasonal changes. Regardless of what is causing your itchy scalp, finding the right shampoo and haircare products is essential.
In this article, we’ll look at the best shampoos for itchy scalps, as well as what ingredients you can look out for to help relieve it.
Many conditions can cause an itchy scalp, including:
The first step you can take to tackle your itchy scalp is to find out what to look for in your shampoo that will help to soothe it.
Some of the most beneficial ingredients to help an itchy scalp include:
Coal tar has some antibacterial properties, and is used to treat itching, irritation and dry patches. Coal tar can help with a range of scalp conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid will help to reduce flaking, and can assist in moisturising a dry scalp.
Pyrithione zinc is an antifungal that can fight bacteria and is commonly used in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.
Shampoos with selenium sulphide also contain an antifungal, which can relieve itchiness and flakiness of the scalp.
Ketoconazole shampoos can reduce dandruff, scaly patches and itching caused by seborrheic dermatitis. They may require different use techniques, such as shampooing every other day, so make sure to check the label.
At Weldricks Pharmacy, we stock an extensive range of hair products for a variety of hair types.
Here are some of our top shampoos for itchy scalps:
E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo is free of common irritants and is specially formulated to cleanse and enrich hair with conditioning ProVitamin B5. Treating the scalp daily with this shampoo will reduce itching and restore the hair and scalp to a healthier condition.
Nizoral Shampoo not only treats and prevents dandruff, but it also tackles the inflammation associated with it, relieving your scalp from redness and itching. It's dermatologically tested and fragrance-free.
Polytar Scalp Shampoo is an antiseptic tar-medicated shampoo that helps treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoea, eczema, dandruff and an itchy scalp. Polytar Scalp Shampoo should be used once or twice a week.
Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp shampoo has been specially formulated for all-day itch relief associated with dandruff. The soothing itch-control formula contains eucalyptus and leaves hair flake-free. Gently massage the product from the roots to the tips, and rinse thoroughly.
Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo treats dry, scaly scalp conditions such as seborrhoeic eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis and cradle cap in children. It contains coal tar which is mildly antiseptic and salicylic acid that helps reduce the further shedding of skin cells.
T/Gel is a fragranced medicated shampoo that treats itchy, flaky scalp disorders including psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The unique formulation produces a rich lather and is gentle enough to use every day.
Alphosyl 2 in 1 shampoo is a medicated scalp cleansing shampoo that will treat itchy skin conditions. It contains coal tar extract, which has anti-inflammatory effects that'll work to relieve itching and leave your scalp feeling cool and refreshed.
Oilatum Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has been specially formulated with ciclopirox, which is an ingredient proven to treat underlying causes of itchy and flaky scalps. It's suitable for all hair types and gentle on sensitive scalps.
Alpecin contains four active ingredients (allantoin, fumaric acid, panthenol, and piroctone olamine) to help remove dandruff and relieve irritation. You can use Alpecin daily, but make sure to rinse immediately after use.
We’ve discussed the best shampoos for itchy scalps, so decide which one best suits your needs, and give it a go! Alongside our shampoos and conditioners for itchy scalps, we also offer a range of other haircare essentials, including styling products and treatments for hair loss and thinning hair.