The best shampoos for scabs on scalp all promise to do (and deliver on) two things primarily: stop the itchiness and cut out the flaking! A scab is essentially nothing but a protective crust that develops over a wound as it heals. In the context of scalp scabs, scratching and itching commonly injure the scalp, causing it to crust over, as suggested in this paper published on NCBI.  

Psoriasis, a long-term autoimmune condition, can also wreak havoc on your scalp. This chronic disease causes skin cells to rapidly build up, forming thick, discolored, and scaly patches called plaques. The result? An itchy, flaky scalp riddled with stubborn scabs. While psoriasis is the main culprit, other skin issues like severe dandruff (seborrhoeic dermatitis) can also lead to painful scalp scabbing. Left untreated, these scabs may cause more than discomfort - you risk inflammation, hair loss, and other problems.

The good news? You don't have to suffer endlessly. Like soaps for psoriasis, the shampoos on our list are made specifically to cleanse and nourish your scalp back to health. Look for active ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, and tar. These exfoliate and calm inflammation to clear those pesky scabs. Just be sure the formula is gentle enough for regular use. Your scalp needs moisture and oils too. With the right shampoo, you can say goodbye to scalp sores and scabs and hello to happy, healthy hair.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

  Buy on Amazon

For those struggling with an itchy, flaky scalp, Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo can be just the solution they’ve been searching for. With 3% salicylic acid, an ingredient dermatologists recommend for treating scalp conditions like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, it truly delivers. Users report that they have experienced a difference right from the first application — the formula washes away dry flakes and crusty buildup on the scalp and significantly reduces itching and irritation. Not only that, it also makes hair soft and manageable. 

What's unique about T/Sal is that even after you rinse it out, the therapeutic ingredients continue fighting scalp issues for hours afterward. A user shares, “I love this shampoo. Oddly enough, I don't even have to use conditioner when I use this. It cleans my scalp beautifully but gently, and my hair feels so soft that I don't even need to use conditioner.” While analyzing the formulation, we were also impressed with its gentle formula that is free of dyes, fragrances, and other irritants.

Key Ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid

Hair Type: All

Size: 4.5 fl. oz

2

Best All-Natural Formulation

PHARMBANNER Extra Strength Folliculitis Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

With alba flower extract combined with several other herbals, Pharmbanner’s Extra Strength Folliculitis Shampoo can get your scalp back to a comfortable, flake- and scab-free state. The anti-inflammatory action of the gentle formulation helps reduce itchiness and redness and also soothes inflamed follicles for relief. It also comes with potent antimicrobial and protective properties that can tackle fungal infections and folliculitis at the root. 

Based on our observations, it may take some time to see results, especially if you have big patches to heal, but we recommend sticking with it and using it consistently for a few weeks. 

The great thing is that the shampoo helps with symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, as well as folliculitis — if you have a dry and problematic scalp, it can help! We also liked how although it can rival prescription shampoos with its effectiveness, it does not smell offputting or too “medicinal”. Rather, the scent is mild and pleasant and goes away post-rinse, leaving a cleansed and refreshed scalp and hair behind. 

Key Ingredients: Alba flower and other plant extracts 

Hair Type: All

Size: 8.4 oz

3

Best for Oily Hair

OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Find itchy scalp relief with OGX's Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp +  Teatree Mint Shampoo. With tea tree oil, peppermint, and witch hazel, this shampoo refreshes and soothes your scalp and washes away residue without stripping your strands. To be honest, this one is a bit of a surprise entry — at first glance, it does not look like a potent enough formulation but it works! Here’s how: It cleanses the scalp gently and thoroughly so that any excess sebum, flakes, and itchiness is resolved. 

Here’s what a user shares on Amazon: “This shampoo is amazing. I have an EXTREMELY dry itchy scalp, that is not helped by the fact that my nervous tick is picking or scratching at my scalp. Three washes with this has pretty much eradicated my scabs to where I’m not embarrassed to get a haircut or have a hairdresser in my hair.” We recommend this strongly for those with oily hair and dry scalp prone to redness and itchiness. 

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, witch hazel

Hair Type: Oily

Size: 13 Fl oz

Quick Tip:

Wet hair thoroughly and slightly dilute the shampoo for better lathering.

4

Best Quick-acting Formula

Roycederm Seborrheic Dermatitis & Psoriasis Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Expertly formulated to bring quick relief to those with painful, itchy scalp, Roycederm’s Seborrheic Dermatitis & Psoriasis Shampoo can work wonders from the first use. It targets a host of scalp issues, all of which can cause scalp scabs — seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, and dandruff — and effectively restores scalp health. Based on our observations of user reports, this scalp elixir can counteract symptoms such as itching, scaling, flaking, redness, and swelling. 

We also found that while some users dislike the scent of the product, most find it mild and non-lingering — nothing that can’t be washed out with the rinse. One user shares, “The relief the shampoo offers after a few years of a painful and itchy scalp is worth any odor, but it really is so mild I was surprised it really bothered some people.”

We were impressed with the lather and the results. Here’s what another user shares: “Out of habit, I often run my fingers over my scalp in all areas, searching for any bumps, build-up, tenderness, or denting; and I'm still in shock that all those things are virtually gone. This stuff is a lifesaver, a game changer, and I'm so thankful I took a chance and tested it out.” We recommend this for you if need to see results fast!

Key Ingredients: Mild herbage extraction, menthol

Hair Type: All

Size: 8.45 oz

5

Best for Severe Dandruff

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

With a medicated extra strength formula that harnesses the potency of a prescription-grade 1% selenium sulfide, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo can help you resolve even the most stubborn dandruff and flaking issues (a study on NCBI). Plus, it features a pH-balanced formula to combat seborrheic dermatitis and other irritable scalp conditions.

Based on our observations, this shampoo cleanses gently while moisturizing, so you can use it daily. It nourishes deep down to the scalp's surface layers to prevent dryness, flakes, and itchiness.​ What’s more? It's also safe for color-treated and textured hair.  However, it is important to note that you need to rinse for 5 minutes if you are using it on permed, bleached, grey, or tinted hair. 

Key Ingredients: 1% selenium sulfide, 

Hair Type: All

Size: 3.5 Fl oz (Pack of 2)

Quick Tip:

Follow up with a pleasant-scented conditioner to offset the slightly chemical scent of the shampoo.

6

Most Affordable Choice

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

What makes Dove DermaCare Anti Dandruff Shampoo stand out is its signature NutriumCare complex, enriched with coconut and shea butter. This indulgent blend hydrates parched scalps, soothing irritation and itchiness. The star ingredient in the formulation is Pyrithione Zinc, which gets to work on pesky dandruff flakes. It inhibits fungus growth and clears away dead skin cells to eliminate visible flakes. 

We like how the formula is mild and pH-balanced, so it never strips or dries your scalp and hair. This is key for long-term dandruff relief and nourished, frizz-free hair. Here’s a user comment on it: “I bought this shampoo hoping it would help my itchy scalp. I've used it twice and I can see it's helping already. I would recommend this product.”

To add more, Dove is cruelty-free too, so you can feel good about your beauty routine.

Key Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc

Hair Type: Normal

Size: 12 oz

7

Most Luxurious Choice

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

A gentle yet effective cleanser packed in a gorgeous bottle, Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo features a soothing formula that harnesses the power of salicylic acid to deeply exfoliate the scalp and get rid of flakes and dandruff. At the same time, it soothes the scalp to reduce irritation, itchiness, and redness and leaves it hydrated and healthy. It’s not just for the scalp though — the formulation helps make hair silky and strong, and makes detangling a breeze! 

While it comes with a higher price tag, many users swear by it! “I find it's worth every penny for the dramatic improvement to my hair and scalp health. My locks have never looked or felt better! Even washing just twice weekly, my hair never appears dirty, and my formerly oily scalp is flake-free. And the dreamy scent is just an added bonus. I'm in love with this stuff!” shares one satisfied user on Amazon. 

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid

Hair Type: All

Size: 8.5 Fl oz

8

Best for Long-lasting Results

KAMEDIS Dandruff Therapy Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Dermatogist-recommended and clinically proven, Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo tackles dandruff head-on, removing up to 100% of visible flakes for good. But it doesn't just mask symptoms. Kamedis' triple threat of botanicals, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid gets to the root of the problem, providing relief for conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. The luxurious, rich lather gently cleanses while calming redness and absorbing excess oils. A user shares, “Seborrhea never gave me a lot of flakes, it was always more the itch and the crusting that bothered me, so something to keep it toned down is essential. I will keep using Kamedis as long as it's effective, and just hope it stays effective for a long time.”

What makes Kamedis stand out for us is its thoughtful ingredients. It contains soapnut, a natural detergent with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This means gentle yet effective cleansing without disrupting your scalp's pH balance. The best part? Kamedis is free of harsh chemicals and safe for even the most sensitive skin and all ages above 3 years. 

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, 1% zinc pyrithione, soap nut

Hair Type: All

Size: 6.7 Fl oz

Quick Tip:

Works best when combined with Kamedis Scalp Control Scalp Lotion.

Ingredients: Some ingredients to look for when selecting a shampoo that helps reduce scalp scabs include pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and tar. For milder ingredients, you can look for tea tree oil, witch hazel, and other plant-based extracts. 

Formulation: Mild formulations devoid of harsh ingredients are a must for treating dry, itchy scalp — you want to ensure that you do not further exacerbate the issues of dryness, product buildup, and irritation. Avoid products without alcohol, added dyes, paraben, SLS, etc. for the most gentle care. 

Scent: Look for fragrance-free products if you are sensitive to scents. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is one such option. It is also important to note that some products may smell a little medicinal, especially if they are therapeutic grade. In most cases though, the scents don’t linger and can be easily remedied by using scented post-shampoo products — for all those who do not mind using haircare products with added fragrance. 

Price: From medicine-grade to well-crafted professional formulas, there is a wide variety of shampoos that can help treat and heal scabs on the scalp. It is recommended to pick something within your preferred range so that you can stick to it for as long as it takes to restore your scalp back to health.