The Best Natural Shampoo for Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Does persistent dandruff have you scratching your head and lamenting “Why me?!” It may put your mind (and scalp) at ease to know that 1 out of 5 people in the U.S. are asking that same question, suffering the same symptoms. Don’t worry, we’re not trying to trivialize your scalp struggles – but you should know that relief is just around the corner!

Although a dry scalp and dandruff have similar symptoms, they are distinctly different. To get to the root of these issues, it’s important to learn their causes and recall which natural ingredients can help treat them. By the end of this blog, you’ll be armed with best natural shampoo treatments needed to soothe a thirsty, irritated scalp.

Dry scalp and dandruff have the same main symptoms, which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp. Alas, as it turns out, they are not one and the same! With a dry scalp, the skin gets irritated and as a result, flakes off. When you have dandruff, the cause is too much oil on the scalp. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and shed pesky, party-crashing flakes onto your shoulders.

Understanding the causes of these conditions will help take that flakey burden off your shoulders (literally). Dry scalp occurs when your scalp has too little moisture, and becomes irritated. Flaking, irritation, and scaling soon follow. If your scalp is dry, other parts of your body – arms, legs, and hair – are likely dry, too. A good indicator of a truly dry scalp, according to Bustle, is if the rest of your skin is lacking in moisture.

Dry scalp can also be triggered by the following factors:

• dry air, particularly during the winter months

• contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, especially if they’re not in the categories of all-natural, organic, or vegan

• excessive hair washing

On the opposite end of the hair spectrum, it’s a hair myth that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp; an oily scalp is actually a main precursor to dandruff. Our scalp sheds dead skin cells naturally, but higher shedding rates and extenuating factors can alter the natural shedding process. Dandruff occurs when the scalp’s cell turnover speeds up, overproducing skin cells that build up and increase the shedding process. Dandruff produces oily, waxy flakes, and the scalp will often be red or scaly where the flaking occurs.

Dandruff can also be caused by factors like these:

• fungal infections of the scalp, such as seborrheic dermatitis: a condition that turns the scalp red, oily, and scaly

• oils secreted on the skin or scalp from yeast called malassezia: a type of fungi that lives on all scalps, which causes issues if it gets out of control (doesn’t sound like a ‘fun-guy’ to us!)

• sensitivity to substances, such as hair products

PRO TIP: You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands. This includes your eyebrows, groin, armpits, and along the sides of your nose. In babies, it’s more commonly identified as cradle cap. Talk to your dermatologist about irregular skin symptoms to ensure you’re getting the most appropriate treatment for you!

Ready to dust off the dark-colored shirts that have been hiding in your closet? It starts with finding the best natural shampoo for dandruff, and scalp conditioning treatments that can level-up your hair and send it into hair-adise. Let’s dive in hair first, starting with key ingredients that can help banish itchy scalps and those pesky flakes associated with dry scalp and dandruff.

Household ingredients that you know and love are capable of restoring scalp and hair health. Take honey and coconut oil for example, which are serious powerhouses for combating dry scalps. Nourishing aloe, biotin, and rose water can restore hydration and shine while enhancing hair growth. Hair-yeah!

A formula that fits the bill for hydration is our Moisture Drench Shampoo, which features coconut oil and seaweed collagen to lock essential moisture and essential nutrients into your locks. Pair it with Moisture Drench Conditioner, or for a deeper dose of rich moisture, go with the Honey & Virgin Coconut Conditioner.

DID YOU KNOW? It’s the water – not oil – that keeps your hair hydrated, as the oil molecules produced by your scalp are too large to penetrate the hair shaft itself. Shampooing your hair on a frequent basis (not over-washing) helps to return hydration back into dry strands.

As for dandruff, the best natural shampoo and conditioner for your hair should purify and unclog pores, while also stimulating circulation in the scalp. Key ingredients like burdock and neem will alleviate dryness, itching, and flaking, and will have you ‘back in black’ in no time!

Each follicle on your scalp is attached to an oil gland. Those with fine hair will have more hairs on their scalp than people with coarse hair, and will frequently find that their scalps get greasy quite quickly. Our Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo is a warrior for warding off excess oil and dandruff flakes once and for all. Add its BFF, Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Conditioner, and you have a dynamic duo that will have others wanting to rub their hands through your healthy tresses.

Want more help with hair care? Check out our post on natural scalp conditioners for a breakdown on nourishing treatments for every hair type and hair concern. While you’re around, take a peek at our posts on how to get a healthy scalp, and our top tips for exfoliating your scalp – because vibrant, glossy hair begins at the root!