Dealing With Dandruff? Here Are 12 of the Best Dandruff Shampoos for a Flake-Free Scalp
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by a flaky scalp. We’re raising ours, for sure. Dealing with dandruff, flakes, shoulder snow (or whatever you may call it), can be super frustrating. And anyone who has ever had dandruff (that’s most of us to some degree) will probably agree that it’s a stubborn issue that can take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Bottom line: Your gorgeous hair doesn’t have to be overshadowed by those pesky white flakes forever. We’re here to help you get rid of dandruff for good, so you can rock that LBD completely flake-free.
First things first, what causes dandruff? "The exact cause of dandruff is unknown, but it is associated with infrequent shampooing, dry skin, and yeast that feeds on oils on the skin," says Debra Wattenberg, MD, a dermatologist at NY Skin RX. "It can also be associated with certain diseases like Parkinson's or those with a weakened immune system." Dandruff is most commonly caused by an overgrowth of fungus on the scalp, which can happen for several reasons that affect your scalp condition. For these reasons, some people are just more prone to dandruff than others. It’s also important to note that not all flakes are dandruff and not all dandruff are flakes. “I recommend seeing a dermatologist because people tend to mistake seeing flakes as dandruff but it could just be that their scalp is irritated and dry. This way the dermatologist can properly diagnose dandruff, etc. Sometimes it can be allergies, like being really allergic to a strong shampoo, which can cause flaking instead of dandruff,” says Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kim Kimble.
While a quick online search can yield thousands of at-home dandruff treatments, oils, serums, scalp massagers, and more, the best way to start getting rid of dandruff is with a good anti-dandruff shampoo and solid scalp care. Below are 12 of the best dandruff shampoos to consider if you're currently dealing with a flaky, irritated scalp. Read on to learn more about how these products work, what active ingredients are best to look for, and more expert tips from our pros.
Meet the Expert
Debra Wattenberg, MD, is a dermatologist at NY Skin RX.
Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kim Kimble.
1. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for a Sensitive Scalp:
VANICREAM™ Dandruff Shampoo
This potent flake-fighting shampoo is made with 2% pyrithione zinc, an antifungal that is the gold standard for treating dandruff. If you’ve got stubborn dandruff and sensitive skin plus an irritated scalp, consider this shampoo your BFF. It’s formulated specifically to help soothe irritation, redness, itchiness, and scaling caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Best Clarifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
PAUL MITCHELL Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Anything with tea tree oil in it immediately triggers a fresh, clean feeling that’s like a detox in a bottle.In this shampoo, the good-for-skin ingredient, paired with peppermint and lavender, helps rid your scalp of impurities while leaving your hair squeaky clean, and full of shine. Plus, it creates a tingly feeling that feels so good on the scalp. “Tea tree oil helps wash away oil, dead skin, and chemical buildup and helps improve scalp health by unblocking pores,” says Kimble.
3. Best Overall Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
NIZORAL® Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This tried-and-true product contains ketoconazole, a strong over-the-counter version of the anti-fungal that fights the root cause of dandruff, not just the side effects. It’s at the top of most dermatologists' lists when it comes to treating dandruff at home—and for a good reason. This stuff just works. Even better, it leaves behind a refreshing scent that doesn’t smell like medicine.
4. Best Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
HEAD & SHOULDERS Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo
It’s a never-ending cycle. You’ve got an itchy scalp, you scratch your itchy scalp, and the flakes fall like a sudden winter flurry. Thankfully, this medicated shampoo is formulated to ease the itch while fighting dandruff, so those flakes don’t stand a chance. Made with 1% selenium sulfide, this baby offers prescription-strength dandruff treatment while soothing your scalp with a dose of cooling menthol.
5. Best Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
It’s no secret that salicylic acid is a transformative ingredient in skincare, which makes total sense why it would work wonders on a flaky scalp too. In this formula, salicylic acid helps to minimize flaking, itching, and irritation while leaving your hair looking and feeling both healthy and silky smooth. Even better, this shampoo is keratin safe, sulfate-free, and made with sustainable packaging.
6. Best Anti-Dandruff Scalp Scrub:
BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo
This scalp scrub and shampoo combo makes us look forward to shampoo day. Besides feeling so good to massage into your hair, this formula states that it has clinically shown to reduce up to 82% of dry scalp flaking when you use it regularly. It’s also made with charcoal and coconut oil, which have amazing clarifying and skin-soothing properties. “The fatty acids in coconut oil combat the irritation and flakes associated with dandruff,” adds Kimble.
7. Best Strengthening Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
JUPITER Balancing Shampoo
Repeat after us: “A healthy scalp grows healthy, happy hair.” If your scalp and strands need some extra TLC, this balancing shampoo is everything. Made with zinc pyrithione, squalane, coconut oil, and sugar kelp extract, this product helps treat dandruff while moisturizing your scalp and strengthening your hair to boost shine and prevent breakage. We’ll say yes to all of that.
8. Best Drugstore Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
DOVE DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly buy that does it all, this baby is it. Also made with zinc pyrithione, this solution helps tackle dandruff, soothe an irritated scalp, and leaves hair flake-free. It’s also infused with a yummy coconut shea butter scent that’ll keep you coming back for another lather.
9. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair:
SHEA MOISTURE African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Curly-haired babes, we see you. While we envy your gorgeous swirls, we’re totally aware that not every shampoo is one size fits all. So if you’ve got dandruff and need a fix that won’t destroy your curl shape or leave you with damaged, dry hair, look to this formula that serves up a deep scalp cleaning without the sulfates, silicone, or parabens. This shampoo helps remove dirt and buildup without the dry, stripping side effects, which helps promote healthy hair growth.
10. Best Leave-In Anti-Dandruff Treatment:
AVEDA Scalp Remedy™ Dandruff Solution
This dandruff solution has been shown to reduce flaking by up to 41% in just one week. The formula uses salicylic acid, oregano oil, sugar beet, rosemary, echinacea, and sage to treat the scalp. Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate dead skin cells while oregano oil's antifungal properties reduce the potential for more dandruff to form (a fungus called malassezia can trigger dandruff). Rosemary, echinacea, and sage then work together to soothe and condition the scalp. To use this anti-dandruff treatment, spray it on affected areas after shampooing and do not rinse it out. Use one to four times daily.
11. Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair:
FIRST AID BEAUTY Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
While there are plenty of products on the market that promise to rid your head of flakes for good, not many promise to keep your hair color intact too. Enter: FIRST AID BEAUTY Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This zinc pyrithione–infused potion helps nix dandruff while keeping your new dye job bright and glossy. We love how much this shampoo lathers without stripping strands of hydration and color, all thanks to nourishing silk peptides and soothing calendula.
12. Best Luxe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
ORIBE Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This flake fighter is more than just a pretty pink bottle (which we’re completely obsessed with, BTW). Made with salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid, and a handful of extracts (orange and lemon fruit, sugarcane, pea sprout, bilberry fruit, and sugar maple, to name a few), this luxurious lathering formula gently exfoliates your scalp to help get rid of dandruff and excess sebum while deeply hydrating, strengthening, and soothing both your scalp and hair.
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