It’s annoying when you put on my favorite sweater and suddenly see white flakes all over my shoulders in a matter of minutes. Dealing with a dry, itchy scalp and never-ending flaking can be uncomfortable. But don’t worry; the best dandruff shampoo can help ease the discomfort. These shampoos work by exfoliating and cleansing your scalp with special ingredients that target the problem.
So, if you need to give your hair a fresh start, these specialized shampoos are just what you need.Lots of people feel embarrassed about having dandruff and may think it means they’re not taking care of their hygiene. But that’s not true at all. It’s important to go easy on yourself if you’re dealing with dandruff because it’s totally normal and happens to many people.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff doesn’t happen because your hair is dirty or you’re not keeping up with hygiene. It’s actually caused by a yeast-like fungus, also known as Malassezia. This fungus naturally lives on your scalp and feeds on its oils. Sometimes, factors like stress, environment, diet, hormones, or sensitivity to hair products can make this fungus grow too much, leading to irritation.
When this happens, your scalp starts shedding dead skin cells faster, which causes those annoying flakes and makes your scalp feel oily. You might also feel itchy and notice redness.
But not all flakes are dandruff. Sometimes, a flaky, itchy scalp happens because your skin is dry, which can be due to weather changes or reactions to a new product. According to experts, it could also be from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.
What Ingredients are Best for the Treatment of Dandruff?
Find anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide to combat dandruff caused by an overgrowth of fungus. An exfoliant is a lifesaver for dry skin and dandruff alike. To softly exfoliate, search for products containing salicylic acid. To keep your body from becoming used to only one sort of active ingredient, it might be helpful to switch up your dandruff shampoos periodically.
Continue scrolling to discover more best anti dandruff shampoos that cater to various hair types and symptoms. Following that, find out what causes dandruff, which components work best to remove it from the scalp, and how to choose the best dandruff shampoo for your needs.
1. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo – Best Overall
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Herbal, fresh |
| Size | 9.5 oz |
After trying many different shampoos for dandruff, I have settled on Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo. Using it in the shower is now much more pleasant, and it has helped tremendously with the flaking and irritation on my scalp.
Squalane and coconut oil provide moisture, while antifungal pyrithione zinc keeps the recipe mild (no sulfates!). Oh, and the scent? The combination of the mild scent of orange peel, lavender, and vanilla oils in my shower is like a mini-spa treatment for my hair and bathroom.
Pros- The testers are rather fond of the subtle, tropical scent
- The antifungal components work wonders on dandruff
- I love that it doesn’t contain any sulfates
Cons- The formula contains essential oils, which may aggravate sensitive skin for certain individuals
2. Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – For Type-4 Hair
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | No |
| Scent | Fresh, minty, floral |
| Size | 13.5 oz |
You can have a pleasant and revitalizing dandruff shampoo that doesn’t smell like medication. Consider this Biolage recipe, for instance. I enjoy the minty, flowery fragrance it emits. With its delicate and invigorating scent, it won’t overpower your shower, but it does leave my hair smelling somewhat refreshed all day.
The pleasant scent isn’t the only selling point; this shampoo is as efficient against dandruff as the others we evaluated. The salicylic acid and antifungal pyrithione zinc make it a useful product. In just a month of using it weekly, my discomfort had significantly subsided; what’s more, I couldn’t get enough of the delightful fragrance, so I kept using it every few weeks.
Pros- The pleasant, minty scent is well-liked
- It aids in flake removal using components like salicylic acid and pyrithione zinc
- Creates a really rich foam that is wonderfully hydrating as you wash
Cons- It may not be ideal for those with really dry hair since it doesn’t have moisturizing properties
3. As I Am Dry and Itchy Shampoo – Best Smelling
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Fresh, herbal |
| Size | 12 oz |
Truth be told, many anti-dandruff shampoos include strong sulfates, which can harm type-4 hair, which is both thick and sensitive. If you have curls, you need the But As I Am formula. Not only does it have traditional ingredients like pyrithione zinc to remove flakes and soothe irritation, but it is also jam-packed with hydrating products like olive oil and aloe vera to fight against dryness. After shampooing, make sure to condition your ends with a deep conditioner to keep them supple.
Pros- Includes aloe vera and olive oil to moisturize hair
- Tea tree oil alleviates itching and inflammation
- One of its selling points is that it prevents hair from becoming dry
Cons- People with very fine or thin hair coils may find it a little too heavy
4. Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean Dandruff Shampoo – For Scalp Health
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Light, sweet |
| Size | 13.5 oz |
Head & Shoulders Bare is perfect for you if you’re a stickler for utilizing only natural, non-toxic cosmetic products. With only nine basic ingredients, this dandruff shampoo fights flakes and irritation with the potent antifungal pyrithione zinc. The most exciting aspect? No need to sacrifice efficacy for a healthier alternative—it is devoid of silicones and sulfates.
Pros
- Contains no silicones or sulfates!
- The delightful scent of coconut is well-loved by the testers
- The bottle and its cap are also recyclable, making its package eco-friendly
Cons
- For certain hair types, it may not be moisturizing enough.
5. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – For Dandruff And Scalp Acne
| Active ingredient | Salicylic acid |
| Sulfate free | Yes* (*but contains other strong surfactants) |
| Scent | Light, floral |
| Size | 8.5 oz |
If you want to repair damage or grow your hair long, give this dandruff shampoo from Oribe a try. It’s packed with proteins to repair and strengthen your hair. And it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate your scalp, getting rid of flakes and breaking down any product buildup or excess oils.
Pros- Fortified with protein for added strength.
- Includes salicylic acid for scalp exfoliation.
- After using it, my hair feels really supple.
Cons- There were a few critics who thought the flowery scent was too strong.
6. Alevai Products Stem Cell Anti Dandruff Shampoo – With Clean Ingredients
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Light, clean |
| Size | 8 oz |
Many of the dandruff shampoos I tried left my hair feeling straw-like and dry. On the other hand, the shampoo from Alevai nourished my hair with a combination of biotin, argan oil, and coconut oil while simultaneously removing flake buildup and itching with 2% pyrithione zinc. Since my dandruff has significantly subsided, I normally use this shampoo only once a month for maintenance purposes.
Pros
- Argan and coconut oils hydrate the hair
- Uses antifungal products to remove dandruff flakes effectively
Cons
- Upon delivery, the goods allegedly leaked, according to a few testers.
7. Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Best For Moisturizing
| Active ingredient | Salicylic acid |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Minty, fresh |
| Size | 10 oz |
Excess oil is a common side effect of dandruff treatment, and it may cause pimples and breakouts on the scalp. Scarcely a celebration! This 2-percent salicylic acid shampoo is my go-to when my scalp acne is in the limelight. It cleanses my scalp of greasy buildup, dead skin cells, and flaky hair without blocking my pores. My scalp became noticeably less bumpy after using it weekly for a month, and I found that I didn’t have to wash my hair nearly as often, which is, in my view, a boon for anybody who struggles with a greasy scalp.
Pros- With 2% salicylic acid, it removes flaky skin
- The minty fragrance is really nice while I’m in the shower
- According to reviewers, it works wonders on greasy hair
Cons- Since it lacks antifungal components, it could not be effective against severe dandruff
8. Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Shampoo
| Active ingredients | Salicylic acid, lactic, acid, charcoal |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Herbal, fresh, minty |
| Size | 8.4 oz |
Dry shampooing my roots is something I do almost daily, although it sometimes leads to a buildup of flakes. As a result, I use Briogeo’s dandruff shampoo every other week, or more often if necessary, for my hair. Charcoal powder, salicylic acid, and lactic acid work together to gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells, oil accumulation, and buildup.
Pros- Removes dead skin cells chemically using alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids formula
- Uses charcoal powder to aid in flake removal
- Without stripping my hair of its natural oils, it cleanses my scalp
Cons- Some dry hair types may not get enough moisture from this
9. Dove Derma Care Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | No |
| Scent | Soft and sweet |
| Size | 12 oz |
Dove Dermacare is an easy-to-find dandruff shampoo that you should consider adding to your shopping list. Because it contains pyrithione zinc, which helps fight dandruff and lessen flakes, our specialists suggest this shampoo. Additionally, the formula’s hydrating shea butter and coconut oil make it mild enough to use on even the most delicate scalps.
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Pros
- You should have no trouble finding it
- Pyrithione zinc aids in the treatment of flakes
- The gentle, sweet smell of shea and coconut is pleasant to me
Cons
- It can dry out your hair because it contains sulfates
10. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
| Active ingredient | Ketoconazole |
| Sulfate free | No |
| Scent | Herbal |
| Size | 7 oz |
The cult-favorite Nizoral works a lot like the prescription dandruff shampoos you’d purchase at a dermatologist’s office. That is why it is so effective in removing chronic dandruff. It’s filled with 1 percent ketoconazole, an antifungal chemical that helps eradicate the yeast that causes dandruff, according to specialists. To maintain supple ends, apply it to your scalp twice weekly and then use a conditioning treatment and leave-in moisturizer.
Pros- Uses potent antifungals to soothe itching and flaking
- A top pick among dermatologists for dandruff treatment
Cons- To keep your hair from becoming dry, apply a hydrating conditioner
11. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
| Active ingredient | Coal tar (exfoliating) |
| Sulfate free | No |
| Scent | Herbal |
| Size | 8.5 oz |
A classic and widely used dandruff shampoo, T-Gel has been around for a long time. According to experts, the coal tar in it inhibits the production of new skin cells, which means less flaking. How did it turn out? Decreased itching and inflammation. Even though it has a less-than-stellar scent when applied to the scalp, most individuals won’t mind it after their hair is dried since the smell quickly goes away.
Pros- Coal tar is great for itching and flaking
- Reports indicate that it provides relief for very itching scalps
Cons- Because of the strong tar scent, several reviewers had a hard time with the smell
12. Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate-Free Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
| Active ingredient | Pyrithione zinc |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Soft and sweet |
| Size | 12.8 oz |
Many people believe that dandruff shampoos are drying out your hair, which is particularly true if you have curly hair. That being said, this curl-specific shampoo was created by Head and Shoulders. A combination of the antifungal pyrithione zinc and the hydrating coconut oil was used to seal in the moisture. If you use a deep conditioner afterward, your scalp will feel relaxed, and your hair won’t be stripped too much.
Pros
- Combined with coconut oil to maintain hydrated curls
Cons
- People have complained that the cap breaks easily
13. Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid (exfoliating) |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Citrus, fresh |
| Size | 14 oz |
Even though I’m wary of natural remedies for dandruff, this shampoo really helped. The anti-inflammatory tea tree oil and calming plant extracts like aloe vera and chamomile work together in this formulation to alleviate the itching and scaling that dandruff can trigger. In addition, the 2% salicylic acid helps eliminate dry, flaky skin.
Pros- Contains a blend of plants that are both relaxing and exfoliating
- Critics praised the calming scent of herbs
Cons- For certain users, it might not work quite as well
14. KERASTASE Symbiose Anti Dandruff Shampoo Crème – Best Exfoliating
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid |
| Sulfate free | No |
| Scent | Citrus |
| Size | 6.8 oz |
For my oily, dandruff-prone scalp, this citrusy shampoo has become my new favorite. I began using it a month ago, and it has significantly reduced the flaking and irritation on my scalp while still leaving it feeling very clean. Salicylic acid chemically dissolves dead skin and flaky layers, making it effective. Despite the fact that it includes drying sulfates, I still use it once a month since it helps to revive my scalp and get rid of any remaining accumulation of products like oils, silicones, and waxes that normal shampoos could miss.
Pros- Uses salicylic acid for chemical exfoliation
Cons- Includes sulfates, which may dry out the hair and cause irritation to delicate scalps
15. First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – For Color-Treated Hair
| Key ingredients | Pyrithione zinc, calendula, silk peptides |
| Sulfate free | Yes |
| Scent | Calendula |
| Size | 8.0 oz |
First Aid Beauty’s anti-dandruff shampoo has pyrithione zinc. Scientific studies have shown that it effectively treats seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. On top of that, this mixture removes flaky scalp hair without drying out your hair by gently exfoliating the scalp. This product is ideal for those who have dyed their hair since it does not include sulfates or phthalates. Also included are soothing elements like calendula for an irritated scalp, as well as moisturizing ones like colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and allantoin.
Pros- It nourishes hair while gently exfoliating the scalp
Cons- The packaging could be better designed to make it easier to squeeze out the product
What is the Best Dandruff Shampoo?
Experts agree that antifungal chemicals like pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide are what you need in a dandruff shampoo. In addition to salicylic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells and diminishes flaking, certain dandruff shampoos include coal tar, which slows the shedding of skin cells and reduces flaking.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair With Dandruff?
The recommendation of experts on the best shampoos for dandruff while washing your hair varies by hair type. Using dandruff shampoo two or three times weekly is usually enough to solve the problem. If you don’t suffer from dryness, sensitivity, or irritation, it’s OK to use dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair, as some individuals choose to do.
How to Choose the Best Dandruff Shampoo
Let’s take a look at a few of the factors to consider before choosing the best shampoo for dandruff.
Find the active components
Verify that the dandruff shampoo you’re using has active dandruff-fighting chemicals. Ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, and selenium sulfide are antifungals that effectively eradicate the overabundance of fungi that cause dandruff. Try salicylic acid as well if you have dry patches, excessive sebum production, or acne on your scalp. As the dead skin cells peel off, it dissolves the oil and chemically exfoliates.
Use elements that promote relaxation
Aloe vera and tea tree oil aren’t going to magically eliminate dandruff, but they may alleviate irritation and itching by reducing inflammation on the scalp. If your scalp is really itching, try to find a product that contains coal tar. Even though it has an unpleasant odor, it drastically lowers skin shedding, which means fewer flakes and discomfort.
Evaluate the texture of your hair
Select a dandruff shampoo that has rich moisturizers such as coconut oil and shea butter if your hair is very dry. Steer clear of harsh, drying sulfates. However, sulfates are essential for oily scalp sufferers since they remove excess oil and product buildup, which is the root cause of greasy flakes. Even when using a medicated shampoo, it is essential to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to maintain healthy-feeling hair. This applies to all formulas.
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