If you aren’t sure which is the best-medicated shampoo you should be using, we’ve got you covered. Take a deep sigh of relief and check out our top 10 list of the best medicated shampoo for dry scalp. We’re sure with the help of our buying guide, you will pick the perfect one for your scalp and tresses.

10 Best Medicated Shampoos You Should Definitely Try

1. Best For Flaky Scalp:Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you have severe dandruff problems, you can use this shampoo for dandruff twice a week between regular shampooing to control flaking, scaling, and itching. The anti-dandruff shampoo is clinically proven to be 10 times more effective to fight dandruff. It contains ketoconazole, an antifungal medication that reduces the volume of pityrosporum yeast on the scalp along with redness and scaly patches. One of the best medicated shampoos for a dry, flaky scalp, it has a rich consistency and pleasant fragrance. To apply, wet your hair and apply it generously before you rinse it off. If swallowed by a child, seek medical help immediately. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Pros

Clean, fresh scent Reduces itching Helps control hair fall Suitable for color-treated or gray hair

Cons

It may take a long time to show results.

2. Best For Itchy Scalp:Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

This medicated shampoo for extremely dry scalps claims to control severe dandruff with twice the amount of active ingredients in its formula. The shampoo contains Neutar technology with 1% coal tar, which has proven to control a flaky and itchy scalp hours after use. The alcohol-free formula contains added conditioners, which leave your hair soft and shiny. To use the shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly before applying the shampoo twice a week to your scalp. Leave it on your scalp for a few minutes before you rinse it. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review. Pros

Pleasant fragrance Leaves hair soft and smooth Proven to treat psoriasis and dandruff Results in just 3 washes

Cons

Contains sulfates.

3. Best For Psoriasis:MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo

Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, this medicated hair shampoo is known to control itching, scaling, and scalp build up. It is formulated with 3% coal tar that fights the symptoms of psoriasis and strengthens the hair. It claims to work by slowing down excessive cell reproduction, reducing inflammation, and flaking of psoriasis. The conditioning formula in this over-the-counter medicated shampoo leaves your hair clean and soft. It also prevents the recurrence of dandruff. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product. Pros

Leaves your hair soft Slows down excessive cell reproduction Prevents recurrence of dandruff Relieves itching and irritation of the scalp Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation

Cons

Cannot be used with other forms of psoriasis therapy

4. Best For Inflammation And Redness:Psoriatrax 5% Coal Tar Psoriasis Shampoo

This medicated shampoo has been proven safe and effective in controlling skin cell growth and scale build up. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching in the scalp. The main ingredient of the medicated hair shampoo is the FDA-approved coal tar, which helps to treat psoriasis. For the shampoo to work, it is better to use it 3 to 5 times a week and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes on your scalp before you rinse it off. You may then not use the shampoo for weeks or months until you need to retreat your scalp. Pros

Controls skin cell growth Reduces inflammation and itching Quick results Eliminates symptoms of many kinds of psoriasis

Cons

Contains coal tar that may increase the risk of cancer in reproductive issues.

5. Best Fragrance-Free:CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo

This medicated shampoo for a dry scalp was developed by a physician to treat itching, flakes, and folliculitis (irritated hair follicles) on the scalp. It helps wash off unwanted oils, dead skin cells, and any residue or build up from pores. Hence, you may use it once or thrice a week for your scalp or beard without any worries of allergic reactions. It is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any antibiotics, parabens, or triclosan. To use, wet your hair and massage a small amount of the medicated anti-dandruff shampoo for 30 seconds into the desired area. Pros

Hypoallergenic Eliminates flakes and unclogs pores Paraben-free Suitable for all hair types

Cons

Slightly expensive.

6. Best For Everyday Use:Head & Shoulders Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo

This medicated hair product claims to provide quick relief from flakes and other symptoms of dandruff and nourishes your scalp and hair. It goes deep into the scalp to prevent itchiness, flaking, and dryness. The product is a 2-in-1 combo with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. Infused with almond oil, tea tree oil, lemon extract, and peppermint, the shampoo can be used on all hair types and textures. This medicated shampoo for the scalp comes in various scents and formulas. It is safe for everyday use and to hydrate your hair. Pros

2-in-1 combo offer Cleans and conditions hair Restores the natural moisture of the scalp Contains almond oil

Cons

Might leave your hair frizzy once dry

7. Best Sulfate-Free:LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo

Introduce the LivSo moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and scalp lotion into your hair care routine. The ingredients in this medicated shampoo such as coconut oil help moisturize your hair and xylitol fights dandruff and flakes. The medicated hair shampoo gives you relief from dryness and itching on your scalp. The product has been developed after an extensive scientific study of 12 weeks with patients of dry hair and scalp. It’s been proven to be over 90% effective. The sulfate-free formula restores your scalp’s moisture and strengthens your hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Pleasant fragrance Suitable for kinky and curly hair Treats dry scalp, flakes, and damaged hair Preserves natural moisture of your scalp

Cons

May not be suitable for coarse hair.

8. Best Long-Lasting Effects:DHS Zinc Shampoo

With this medicated hair shampoo, you can get relief from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. One of its main ingredients is 2% zinc pyrithione, proven to be effective in fighting dandruff. It soothes and nourishes your scalp and hair to provide long-lasting effects. As it contains gentle healing properties, it is safe for regular use. It can prevent the recurrence of itching, flaking, and other symptoms of dandruff. Pros

Long-lasting effect Makes your hair healthy Soothes and nourishes your scalp Helps prevent the recurrence of dandruff

Cons

May not be safe to use if you have allergies to any chemical

9. Best For Dry Scalp:Rugby Sebex Shampoo

This medicated shampoo is an excellent choice to control dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The main ingredient of the shampoo is salicylic acid, which attacks the fungus that contributes to dandruff. The shampoo also helps to get rid of flakes and moisturizes your dry scalp. Apply it on wet hair until you work up a lather and rinse it off after massaging the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. It’s proven effective on any scalp condition, especially those with severe symptoms. Pros

Helps fight more severe symptoms of dandruff and psoriasis Moisturizes your scalp Helps get rid of flakes and itch Rich lather

Cons

Contains sulfates.

10. Best Anti-Inflammatory:Healthy Hair Plus Psoriasis Shampoo

With an advanced formula rich in emu oil, this shampoo promotes healthy hair. It claims to penetrate deep to moisturize and carry nutrients, minerals, botanical extracts, and vitamins to the root of the hair. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents soothe redness, itching and reduce flakes on the scalp. The blend of methanol and peppermint leaves a cool and fresh feeling scalp with a refreshing aroma. It works towards restoring the health of your scalp and hair. And, it is safe for daily use. Pros

Penetrates deep to moisturize Reduces hair loss Refreshing and soothing effect Control inflammation and redness

Cons

May not reduce itchiness

Now, here are some pointers you need to keep in mind while purchasing a medicated shampoo for your dry scalp.

How To Choose A Medicated Shampoo for A Dry Scalp

Ingredients

When buying a medicated shampoo, one should thoroughly check the ingredients. Manufacturers use multiple ingredients to treat your scalp issues by reducing yeast build-up on your scalp and preventing your sweat glands from producing too much oil. The active ingredients include coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and zinc pyrithione. Also, check for conditioning ingredients such as essential oils and plant extracts.

Hair type

If you have oily hair, avoid shampoos with selenium sulfide as it is known to make your hair more greasy. A study has found that 75% of women with dandruff prefer 1% ZPT solution or a 2% ketoconazole shampoo as they tend to make their hair less frizzy. If you have flyaway-prone hair, you can try a ZPT-containing product. ZPT is known to reduce yeast growth, excess oil, and overproduction of skin cells that cause flakes in your scalp. For low porosity hair, it is best to use a clarifying shampoo to help retain moisture in your hair.

Hair Color

Medical practitioners usually do not recommend products with coal tar to patients with light-colored hair as it can darken or affect the appeal of your hair.

How To Use A Medicated Shampoo For Dry Scalp

Step 1: Wet your hair. Step 2: Apply it to wet hair. Step 3: Work up a lather Step 4: Massage your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. Step 5: Rinse it off.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Vaishnavi Kothuri is a skin and hair care enthusiast. She has curated a list of the best medicated shampoos for dry scalp in this article. A dry scalp is often accompanied by problems such as dandruff and needs special care. Sneha has researched and reviewed several products available in the market to sort out the most effective ones. She has mentioned the pros and cons of each product and included a buying guide to help you purchase the most suitable medicated shampoo. What do dermatologists prescribe for dry scalp? Dermatologists prescribe shampoos containing pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid for dry scalp. These antibacterial and antifungal shampoos treat scales and nourish the scalp. What medications cause dry scalp? Medications like diuretics, antihistamines, and acne and cholesterol medications (statins) can cause dry scalp. Is ketoconazole 2 shampoo available over the counter? Yes. Ketoconazole 2 shampoo is available over the counter. How often should I use a medicated shampoo? Use a medicated shampoo two or three times a week. Should you use conditioner after using a medicated shampoo? Use a medicated conditioner after washing the hair with a medicated shampoo to retain the hair’s shiny and healthy look and feel. If you are using the shampoo only on your scalp and a regular shampoo on your strands, you can use a regular conditioner on your strands as well. How do you apply medicated shampoo to your scalp? • Wet the hair thoroughly. • Pour a few drops of the medicated shampoo. • Rub the product on the scalp gently. Do not apply it to the rest of your hair. • Leave the shampoo on the scalp for five minutes. • Wash the rest of the hair with regular shampoo. • Apply a moisturizing conditioner. • Rinse the hair thoroughly with clean water.

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