Dandruff Doesn't Stand a Chance Against These Top-Rated Shampoos
Dandruff Doesn't Stand a Chance Against These Top-Rated Shampoos
Dandruff is one of the most common hair problems, with one in two people in the world suffering from it at some point in their lives. It's true that even the best of hair days can be ruined by an itchy, dry scalp and those telltale white flakes—a few of the most obvious signs of dandruff. But as annoying and persistent as this condition might be, one of these best dandruff shampoos may be all you need to get flake-free!
Contrary to popular belief, dandruff has nothing to do with bad hygiene. In fact, there are lots of reasons why someone might have dandruff, including seborrheic dermatitis (aka an overgrowth of yeast) from oily hair, psoriasis, hair product allergies, or a dry scalp. Because this condition has so many causes, the dandruff-fighting shampoos featured on this list use a variety of active ingredients, such as pyrithione zinc, coal tar, ketoconazole, and salicylic acid. You'll also find both drugstore and higher-end picks on this list, so there's something for every budget.
Here's the bottom line: You may have to "date around" a little bit before you find your perfect flake-fighting match, but rest assured that a smooth, itch-free scalp is well within reach, whether you have thinning hair or color-treated hair. Also, remember to help the ingredients do their job by letting the shampoo sit for a few minutes on your scalp before rinsing it out. Thorough and proper application can make a huge difference!
1) Head & Shoulders 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Head & Shoulders
walmart.com
$5.84
This formula includes nourishing and anti-dandruff ingredients such as almond oil and pyrithione zinc, which work together to condition the scalp, eliminate and prevent flakes, and calm irritated skin. Itch, begone!
2) Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
kamedis.com
$15.99
The pyrithione and soapberry in this dandruff shampoo help get rid of fungus and bacteria while reducing inflammation. It's a moisturizing formula that soothes and nourishes the scalp for complete relief.
3) Dove DermaCare Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dove Beauty
walmart.com
$4.88
Some dandruff shampoos can dry out your hair. Not this pH-balanced option, which is formulated with conditioning ingredients like shea butter to keep your scalp and strands healthy and happy.
4) ApotheCARE Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
ApotheCARE Essentials
walmart.com
$10.49
Essential oil fans will fall in love with this dandruff shampoo. The paraben- and silicone-free formula is infused with juniper berry, sunflower oil, and distilled cypress for the most soothing scent and contains tea tree oil and salicylic acid to reduce flakes.
5) Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena
walmart.com
$8.38
This pick's star ingredient is coal tar extract. The ingredient is used to treat both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, two common culprits behind dandruff.
6) Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
REDKEN
amazon.com
$23.00
Massage this pyrithione-infused pick into your scalp a few times a week to maintain flake-free hair. Remember: Consistency is key!
7) DHS Zinc Shampoo
DHS
amazon.com
$23.79
This no-frills dandruff shampoo has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon for a reason—it works! It keeps flakes at bay, conditions the scalp and hair, and soothes the skin.
8) L'Oreal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Shampoo
L'Oreal Paris
walmart.com
$11.16
This shampoo fights dandruff using 1% pyrithione zinc and neem, a plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Plus this pick sulfate-, salt-, and surfactant-free, making it safe for color-treated tresses.
9) Klorane Shampoo with Peony
Klorane
amazon.com
$20.00
This peony extract-infused, plant-based pick from Klorane balances the pH of your scalp and gently combats inflammation with zinc. You can use it as your daily shampoo or as a companion to your usual dandruff shampoos and treatments.
10) Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue
walmart.com
$6.98
This dandruff shampoo is like a breath mint for your scalp—the menthol in the formula cools and calms, while the 1% selenium sulfide addresses the flakes and irritation.
11) Solimo Dandruff Shampoo
Solimo
amazon.com
$9.09
This Amazon brand shampoo comes with a money-back guarantee— if you're not completely satisfied they'll refund the full amount of your purchase, no returns necessary. That said, it has more than 2,600 5-star reviews from users who say it works just as well as expensive versions at a fraction of the cost.
12) Mizani Scalp Care Dry Scalp Shampoo
MIZANI
amazon.com
$24.00
According to one reviewer, this shampoo is so creamy and hydrating it almost feels like a conditioner. It’s no wonder: All of its key ingredients, including cucumber extract, peppermint oil, and pyrithione zinc, are known to reduce dryness, which is essential for fighting flakes.
13) Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo for Oily or Flaky Scalp
Christophe Robin
amazon.com
$28.69
If you struggle with dandruff and oily roots, give this Christophe Robin shampoo a chance. It's full of ingredients like jujube bark extract and cherry flower extract to support a healthy, non-irritated, and balanced scalp.
14) First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
$30.00
Dandruff doesn't stand a chance against this Nordstrom find. The nourishing, sulfate-free formula is safe to use on color-treated hair, too!
15) Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Oribe
nordstrom.com
$46.00
This cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan shampoo is made with salicylic acid, caffeine, and sugarcane extract. It promises to eradicate flakes and rejuvenate strands. After all, a happy scalp means happy hair!
These best dandruff shampoos fight flakes and dry scalp. They include ingredients like salicylic acid and coal tar to help you eliminate dandruff for good.