The 9 Best Dry Shampoos for Dry Scalp, According to Hairstylists & Editors 

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As someone who religiously relies on dry shampoo and struggles with a dry, itchy scalp, I have to be extra selective about which formula I use. Otherwise, the build-up only creates more irritation (or worse yet—will encourage me to actually wash my hair more often, leading to drier strands). But the good news is there are actually dry shampoos out there that can refresh your oily or flat roots without exasperating your scalp situation.

To help you find the best dry shampoos for dry scalp, we tapped experts—and included some of our own tried-and-true favorites—to curate a helpful list of budget-friendly (and a couple luxe) options to check out.

Best Dry Shampoos for Dry Scalp 2025, at a Glance

• Best Spray: Batiste Hydrating Dry Shampoo , $14
• Best Powder: Dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo , $30
• Best Hydrating: Batiste Hydrating Dry Shampoo , $14
• Best for Sensitive Scalps: Klorane Ultra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat+ , $24
• Best for Damaged Hair: BeautyBio Healthy Scalp Dry Shampoo, $39
• Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Oil Control Dry Shampoo , $46

Our Experts

• James Kilgour, Stanford dermatologist and founder/CEO of KilgourMD
• Megan Schnell, celebrity hairstylist
• William Whatley, celebrity hairstylist and Creative Education Director for Scruples
• Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist
• Dr. Kristina Collins, board-certified dermatologist

Can dry shampoo be used on a dry, flaky scalp?

Yes—according to James Kilgour, Stanford dermatologist and founder/CEO of KilgourMD, you don’t have to ditch use of dry shampoo if you deal with a dry, flaky scalp. But it is important to use it sparingly and with the right approach. 

“Dry shampoo is designed to absorb oil and refresh the scalp, but it doesn’t address the underlying causes of dryness or flaking, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis. In some cases, overusing dry shampoo can make flaking worse by causing buildup on the scalp, which might lead to further irritation,” he shared with StyleCaster.

“If you have a dry, flaky scalp, try limiting dry shampoo use to once or twice a week. Make sure to wash your hair regularly with a gentle, hydrating shampoo to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and remove any product residue.”

What ingredients should you look for in a dry shampoo? 

If you have a dry scalp, Kilgour recommends looking for dry shampoos that contain soothing or hydrating ingredients to minimize irritation, such as the below:

• Aloe vera: Known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
• Colloidal oatmeal: Helps to calm itching and irritation.
• Chamomile extract: Can reduce inflammation and provide gentle comfort.

He also notes that dry shampoos labeled as “gentle” or “formulated for sensitive scalps” are generally better suited options for those dealing with dry or flaky skin. 

What ingredients should you avoid in a dry shampoo?

As our expert shared, some ingredients can worsen dryness or cause irritation, so if you see any of the below ingredients on a product’s list, you may want to think twice about purchasing. 

• Alcohol: Common in aerosol sprays, and can dry out the scalp further.
• Fragrances or essential oils: These may smell nice but they can irritate sensitive or dry scalps.
• Starch-heavy formulas (e.g., cornstarch, rice starch): These can cause build-up on the scalp if not washed out properly.
• Sulphates: Although not common in dry shampoos, sulphates can strip away natural oils and exacerbate dryness.

Finding a decent dry shampoo on your own shouldn’t be a hard task, but if you find the above information overwhelming, make sure to check out our list of expert- and editor-approved dry shampoo formulations down below.