The 17 Best Shampoos for Dandruff of 2022 to Keep Flakes Away

If you are currently struggling with flakes, know that we feel your pain. Even though dandruff isn’t necessarily a problem that should cause concern from a medical standpoint, it can be a source of frustration and embarrassment nonetheless. According to a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Nava Greenfield, dandruff is caused by a combination of fungal development on the scalp and inflammation, which causes skin cells to proliferate in an irregular way and results in dandruff symptoms such as flaking and itching. It’s incredibly common and often flares up with the changing of seasons, adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rita Linkner.

Picking up an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo is your best bet when it comes to getting rid of dandruff. According to Dr. Greenfield, the majority of these shampoos have anti-fungal chemicals that get to the source of the problem, such as pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfate (though there are other ingredients that can help too; more on those to come). She recommends using one a few times a week and let it to sit on your scalp for at least a few minutes before rinsing it off in order to give the active components time to work their magic.

We spent hours of research on the best shampoos for dandruff, consulting many board-certified physicians and a trichologist for expert advice. We investigated dozens of products, assessing them on the active components, how well they soothe the scalp, and how successful they are at getting rid of flakes. We also looked into additions like scent or potentially and whether or not a formula is sulfate and phthalate-free.

Here, we picked up the best shampoos for dandruff to keep you flake-free.

Our Absolute Favorites

Best Overall: Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Soothes irritation
Cooling sensation
Lathers well

What We Don’t Like

Contains scent

Who else recommends it? Men’s Health and Insider both picked the Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

What do buyers say? 90% of 4,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Three of the dermatologists we spoke with concur that this sudser is a genuine standout. “This is a terrific over-the-counter option,” adds Dr. Linkner. “It’s not as strong as prescription dandruff shampoos, but works really well to help with scaling and is a fantastic place to start.” It works efficiently to battle the fungal element of dandruff, adds dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, who’s also a fan. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green points out that it also has the added benefits of incorporating menthol to ease inflammation and make it feel particularly refreshing.

Hair Type: Dry, dandruff | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Unscented | Size: 11 fluid ounces

Best Overall, Runner-Up: First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Smells nice
Leaves hair soft
Safe for color-treated hair

What We Don’t Like

On the pricey side, especially given the smaller bottle size

If it wasn’t for how effectively this fights flakes, you’d never realize this was an anti-dandruff shampoo. Silk peptides in the formula leave your hair feeling next-level soft (far more so than is the case with my other dandruff washes) (much more so than is the case with my other dandruff shampoos). It also has a mild citrus and tropical scent—which is generated entirely from natural sources. But, per the dandruff part of things, it advertises a 1% concentration of pyrithione zinc, a substance recognized by the FDA for the control of dandruff.

Hair Type: Dry, dandruff | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus-y | Size: 8 fluid ounces

Best Budget: Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Affordable
Absorbs excess oil
Reduces itch

What We Don’t Like

Contains scent

Dr. Nazarian recommends any of the anti-dandruff solutions from this “trusted brand,” and notes that they also provide matching conditioners, which she enjoys. We’re partial to this economical, effective classic formula; it helps knock off not only flakes (due to the use of pyrithione zinc) but also irritation, oil, and dryness.

Hair Type: Dandruff, greasy | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Peppermint, lemon | Size: 8.45 fluid ounces, 13.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Itch: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Gentle formula
Reduces itch
Lathers well

What We Don’t Like

Can be dried

Flakes aren’t the only sign of dandruff—itch can also be a huge problem. To address flaking, scaling, and irritation (oh, and redness too), try another one of Dr. Green’s choices, which contains a 1 percent concentration of ketoconazole, an anti-fungal substance. Dr. Linkner loves the same active component, typically recommending a shampoo that includes a slightly higher dose of it. Also nice: The recipe is effective, yet soft enough to use even on color-treated and/or chemically-processed hair.

Hair Type: Color-treated, chemically-treated | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 7 fluid ounces

Best Medicated: Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Soothes irritation
Reduces itch
Calms redness

What We Don’t Like

Can be dried

To the point of Head & Shoulders really cornering the dandruff market, here’s yet another derm-approved selection from the brand. “This shampoo includes 1 percent selenium sulfide, which helps prevent flaking, itching, irritation, scaling, and redness associated with dandruff,” explains Dr. Green.

Hair Type: Color-treated, dry, curly | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 13.5 fluid ounces, 23.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore: Dove DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

What We Like

Affordable
Smells pleasant
Helps combat a dry and irritated scalp

What We Don’t Like

Not sulfate-free

Another alternative that relies on pyrithione zinc, this is one of the top selections to nab at the drugstore. It’s both inexpensive and highly effective; we particularly enjoy that it contains coconut oil, a substance that not only helps moisturize both the hair and scalp, but is also antibacterial and antifungal.

Hair Type: Dry, dandruff | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Tropical | Size: 12 fluid ounces

Best Drugstore, Runner-Up: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo With Build-Up Control

What We Like

Affordable
Fragrance-free
Good for a range of scalp conditions

What We Don’t Like

Can feel a bit medicinal
Bottle may be bigger

The genuine definition of an oldie-but-goodie, the star of the show here is a three-percent concentration of salicylic acid. The beta-hydroxy acid is wonderful at dissolving excess oil and helping to battle flakes;it’s also a good element to reach for if you have scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Just FYI, this can be a bit drying if used on its alone, so be sure to couple it with a conditioner.

Hair Type: Oily, dandruff | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fragrance-free | Size: 4.5 fluid ounces

Best with Salicylic Acid: DHS SAL Shampoo

What We Like

Contains salicylic acid
Soothes itchy scalp
Treats seborrheic dermatitis

What We Don’t Like

Can be dried

According to Dr. Green, salicylic acid is a fantastic element to seek out in an anti-dandruff shampoo. Unlike others, it isn’t an anti-fungal but rather works by helping to break down excess oil that feeds into the dandruff cycle, as well as dissolving dead skin cells before they can start to clump together and fall off as flakes.7 This dermatologist-recommended shampoo boasts a whopping three percent salicylic acid to expel and prevent flakes, while soothing a dry and itchy scalp. We love that not only is it fast-acting, but it also prevents dandruff and dryness completely with continued use.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Unscented | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Curly Hair: Curls The Green Collection Sea Kelp Curl Cleanser

What We Like

Natural formula
Soothes irritation
Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

This bottle is considerably more compact than the alternatives.

It’s possible that you’re familiar with the positive effects that eating sea kelp may have on your internal health; nevertheless, this vitamin-rich superfood is also supposed to work wonders for the condition of your scalp. Because this Curls shampoo is made entirely of natural ingredients and contains no sulfates, you shouldn’t expect it to produce a lot of suds. However, you should anticipate that it will provide a calming therapy for your dry and itchy scalp. Users have reported that their hair is softer, more hydrated, and dandruff-free after using this product, which was designed specifically for textured hair.

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Hair Type: Wavy, curly, kinky, and dry Sulfate-Free: Yes Size: 8 ounces

The RE-fresh Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is Highly Recommended for Dry Hair

What We Like

Absorbs excess oil
Contains salicylic acid
Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

More expensive than the alternatives available

Dealing with dandruff and dry hair at the same time can be a challenging dilemma to solve. On the one hand, you want to eliminate oiliness on the scalp, but on the other hand, you don’t want your strands to become even more dehydrated. Please select this option. It has salicylic acid, which helps to get rid of excess oil and flakes, and it also has a lot of moisturizing coconut water, which prevents it from being too drying. If you use it in conjunction with the conditioner that comes with it, you should be set to go.

All types of hair can use this product, although it is not sulfate-free and weighs 13.5 ounces.

The Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is the best luxury purchase you can make.

What We Like

Helps relieve itching
Hydrating
Cooling sensation

What We Don’t Like

More expensive than the alternatives available

For the healthiest possible scalp, use this one-of-a-kind shampoo that removes pollutants from the scalp and the hair follicles. This soothing formulation, which contains charcoal, peppermint, and micro-exfoliants derived from plants, promises to relieve itching and irritation, so putting an end to dandruff where it stands. According to the findings of a clinical laboratory study conducted by the brand, one hundred percent of participants experienced a reduction in flakiness and irritation.

Coconut is the scent, and the product comes in an 8-ounce bottle. It is sulfate-free and cruelty-free. All hair types can use it.

Runner-Up, Best Splurge: ORIBE Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo What We Like • Smells good

Contains salicylic acid
Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

More expensive than the alternatives available

There’s no getting past the fact that anti-dandruff shampoos don’t leave your hair feeling particularly sensual or luxurious. Enter this helpful option, which demonstrates that you may still have a pleasant washing experience while still preventing dandruff buildup on your scalp. This dandruff shampoo is unlike any other that you have probably tried in the past due to a number of factors, including the sophisticated aroma and the adorable bottle. In spite of this, it accomplishes its purpose by exfoliating with salicylic acid and also contains caffeine, which helps give a boost to hair follicles.

Dry hair is ideal for this product, as it is sulfate-free and fragranced with Cote d’Azur. It comes in two sizes, 8.5 and 33.8 ounces, and is cruelty-free.

The Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is our pick for “Best Multitasker.”

What We Like

Contains salicylic acid
Effective treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and dry scalp
Produces a good lather

What We Don’t Like

This bottle is considerably more compact than the alternatives.

There are other conditions that can affect the scalp in addition to dandruff. According to Dr. Green, “dry scalp, psoriasis, and eczema can all present with similar symptoms as dandruff; however, the therapies for each of these conditions are different.” The one and only divergence? This shampoo, which is really helpful in addressing all of those problems. She explains, “It packs a one-two punch, containing both salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and colloidal sulfur, which acts as an anti-microbial.” “It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and colloidal sulfur, which functions as an anti-microbial.”

All types of hair can use this product; it does not include sulfates; it is odorless; and it comes in a 4 ounce bottle.

Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo came in second place for the title of Best Multitasker.

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Operates at a rapid pace

What We Don’t Like

Does not lack sulfates

Not only has this been very effective at clearing up our dandruff, but it has also been quite effective at clearing up our scalp psoriasis. A salicylic acid content of three percent, combined with a formulation that is free of aroma and colour, is credited with helping to reduce the risk of any subsequent discomfort occurring. (An interesting fact: it also works wonderfully as a beard wash for men who struggle with flaky patches in their facial hair.) Even though the bottle isn’t very big, just a little bit goes a very long way.

Hair is oily and prone to dandruff; the product is sulfate-free and fragrance-free; it comes in a 4 ounce bottle and does not have a scent.

Jupiter Balancing Shampoo is Highly Recommended for Slick Heads.

What We Like

Absorbs excess oil
Smells good
Vegan formula

What We Don’t Like

The lather might use some improvement

Dandruff is a complex condition with several contributing factors, one of which being an excess of oil in the scalp (we are oversimplifying here, but the fungus or yeast that cause dandruff feed off the oil). Decylene glycol is a chemical that is designed to assist manage oil production, and this newcomer employs zinc pyrithione to eliminate that fungus. Additionally, this product contains zinc pyrithione. In addition, we like that it is safe to use on all different types and textures of hair, is free of sulfates, is suitable for vegans, and has a fragrant aroma reminiscent of fresh herbs.

All types of hair can use this product; it does not include sulfates; the scent features mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender; it weighs 9.5 ounces; and it is cruelty-free.

Denorex Extra-Strength Dandruff Shampoo is Recommended for Use with Coal Tar.

What We Like

Cooling sensation
Contains salicylic acid
Affordable

What We Don’t Like

May be very dehydrating

The substance known as “coal tar” is exactly what it sounds like—a viscous, dark liquid that originates from coal. According to Dr. Green, it is another one of the best ingredients that you should seek for in a flake-fighter shampoo, even if it might sound odd as a component for a shampoo. It does this by restoring a healthy balance to the rate at which dead skin cells are shed from the body (dandruff is caused by this rate being abnormally high). 7 This particular product has an approximately two percent concentration of the active component, and it combines that component with menthol, which is known for its calming effects, and chemicals that condition the hair in order to ensure that it remains strong and healthy.

All types of hair can use it, it does not include sulfates, it has a volume of 10 fluid ounces, and it is cruelty-free.

The bhs Fresh Detox 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is highly recommended for oily hair.

What We Like

Affordable
A two-in-one formulation that makes the hair feel soft
Suitable for daily usage on a wide variety of hair types and textures

What We Don’t Like

Contains scent

This product truly does live up to its slogan, which promises “improved hair and scalp,” by improving both the hair and the scalp. Oily scalp types may be more prone to dandruff, despite the fact that an overgrowth of fungus is the actual cause of dandruff (no pun intended). Because these microorganisms feed off of oil, oily scalp types generate dandruff. 9 This purifying solution includes salicylic acid and cleansing charcoal, is safe for use on all hair types and textures (including color-treated hair), and even has some beneficial effects for conditioning the hair.

Final Verdict

Our top pick for all-around use is the Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This product has a formula that is favored by a number of dermatologists who are board-certified, and it successfully combats the fungal component of dandruff. Additionally, it contains menthol, which soothes irritation. Consider purchasing the medicated shampoo available at your local drugstore under the brand name Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Shampoo. This product is also recommended by board-certified dermatologists and contains 1% selenium sulfide, which works to stop scaling, itching, flaking, irritation, and redness.

What to Look for in a Shampoo If You Suffer from Dandruff

Anti-Fungal Ingredients

Dominic Burg, MD, a trichologist, recommends looking for antifungal components in hair care products in order to assist reduce the impact of the bacteria that may be the cause of your dandruff. “Common compounds like pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, and selenium disulfide are antifungal and have shown some decent effects in decreasing dandruff,” he says. “These chemicals have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing dandruff.”

Elements That Are Calming

According to Burg, rosemary oil, lavender oil, green tea extract, and mangosteen all possess powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities. When taken on their own, he observes that they may have an influence on dandruff after a longer period of time than selenium disulfide does, but that they can be just as effective when used for a longer period of time.

Protection for Colors

If you have hair that has been colored, you need to make sure to get a product that is color-safe so that the color won’t run. Even while they are effective, the antifungal agents indicated above can be extremely harsh on color and may cause it to fade more quickly than normal. By using a product that is color-safe, you may help to protect your highlights from the damage that these products cause, so extending the life of your color and reducing the likelihood of flaking.

FAQ

Where does dandruff come from?

According to the board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield, “fungal development on the scalp and inflammation leads skin cells to proliferate in an unnatural way, resulting in both flaking and itching.”

How can I tell the difference between having dandruff and having a dry scalp?

The fact that dandruff is a medical issue as opposed to a dry scalp being a medical condition is the most significant distinction between the two. According to Dominic Burg, PhD, a trichologist, simply shampooing your hair less could alleviate a dry scalp, however dandruff is unlikely to go away unless it is treated. It should be noted that it is not impossible to have both dandruff and a dry scalp at the same time.

How frequently should I use my shampoo if I have dandruff?

This is something that is dependent on how frequently you wash your hair, but you have the option of using your dandruff-fighting formula as frequently as you typically lather up, or alternating between your go-to shampoo and the dandruff-specific option to see how your hair and scalp are affected by the latter. This is something that is dependent on how frequently you wash your hair.