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The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to Soothe Flakes and Itchiness
Dermatologists share which ingredients to look for when shopping for a dandruff shampoo.
Dealing with dandruff is tricky. Not only is it hard to differentiate from a dry scalp (another all too common skincare concern), but it can be hard to get rid of—and, until you do, it's itchy, flaky, uncomfortable, and noticeable. "Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and is associated with an overproduction of sebum (aka oil) and yeast on the scalp," explains Karen Kagha, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
Yeast is naturally found on the scalp, but sometimes it can proliferate (due to excess oil production, stress, genetics, and more), causing inflammation, redness, itching, and flaking, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The good news is you can treat dandruff yourself at home; all you need is an anti-dandruff shampoo. But you do have to prioritize using it: "If you have dandruff, it's necessary to wash your hair regularly to prevent oil from building up on the scalp, which can contribute to more yeast," he says.
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There are great over-the-counter shampoos to help with dandruff symptoms. Make sure to look for ones that include pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, and/or selenium sulfide because they help lower levels of yeast on the scalp, says Kagha. Or try a formula with salicylic acid to remove excess oil and flakes, says Zeichner. Ahead, the best anti-dandruff shampoos based on dermatologists' advice and recommendations.
First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- FDA-approved
Cons
- Contains fragrance
For those with color-treated hair, this anti-dandruff formula combats symptoms of dandruff without stripping hair color. The addition of silk peptides also helps smooth and moisturize hair.
Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Cruelty-free under Leaping Bunny Program
- Vegan
- 100% recyclable bottles
Cons
- Some buyers say it weighs down fine hair
All hair types can benefit from this scalp-balancing formula. It has pyrithione zinc and mint leaf to offer a revitalizing cleanse that controls flaking and irritation.
Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Gentle on scalp and hair
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
Anti-dandruff shampoos are great at zapping excess scalp oil, but it comes at the expense of drying out your ends. Both Zeichner and Kagha recommend this affordable drugstore option because it's gentle on the scalp and strands.
Head & Shoulders Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Suitable for curly and coily hair
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Textured hair is especially dry, so your anti-dandruff shampoo needs to be especially moisturizing. This formula contains coconut oil to nourish curls and coils as the pyrithione zinc and apple cider vinegar fend off flakes.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Highly-rated
- Safe for color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair
Cons
- Can be drying
Kagha says this over-the-counter option formulated with ketoconazole controls flaking, scaling, and itching but is gentle enough to use on color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair.
Pros
- Exfoliates scalp to reduce oils
Cons
- Contains fragrance
If you've wished for a dandruff shampoo with major shelf appeal, meet this chic, minimalist Ouai bottle. It contains salicylic acid to help remove excess oils on the scalp and a soothing earthy scent with notes of ginger and spearmint.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense + Dry Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense + Dry Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for dryness
Cons
- Contains fragrance
It's possible to have dandruff and a dry scalp at the same time. Treat both concerns with this clinical-strength shampoo that helps protect against dryness and fights dandruff-causing yeast with 1 percent selenium sulfide.
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Protects against free radicals
- Pretty packaging
Cons
- It's a splurge compared to other options
Salicylic acid gently exfoliates the scalp and combats flakes, while bilberry fruit and sugar maple extracts soothe and protect against free radicals, which studies have linked to dandruff.
Pros
- Helps soothe scalp
Cons
- Best results when you use the entire system, conditioner and serum
A blend of 1 percent pyrithione zinc and green tea polyphenols come together in this formula to offer soothing and moisturizing relief from scalp irritation, flaking, dryness, and itching.
Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Better suited for mild to moderate dandruff
This formula is gentle enough to use daily without stripping the hair (thanks to its moisturizing squalane and coconut oil) or irritating the scalp.
Mizani Scalp Care Dry Scalp Shampoo
Mizani Scalp Care Dry Scalp Shampoo
Pros
- Good for protective styles
- Soothing sensation from peppermint oil
Cons
- Some buyers found that it's drying when used daily
You can use this shampoo, made with cucumber extract, peppermint oil, and pyrithione zinc, to help soothe dandruff symptoms—but it's also great to counteract the itchiness and dryness from protective styling.
Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Pros
- Convenient
- Repairs damaged hair
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Get the convenience of a shampoo and conditioner in one with this combination formula. It soothes dandruff and strengthens damaged hair.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok
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