The 7 Best Dandruff Shampoos, and How to See Which One Is Best for You

A quick look at the best dandruff shampoos

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Dandruff is an itchy, flaking scalp condition where layers of skin cells accumulate and form visible flakes in the hair.

If your dandruff is mild to moderate, using over-the-counter (OTC) medicated shampoos can frequently help control flakes, itching, and irritation.

Continue reading to find out what to check for in a dandruff shampoo and how particular active ingredients interact with various hair types.

Pricing guide

• $: prices range from $5 to $15
• $$: prices range from $16 to $30
• $$$: prices range from $31 to $40
• $$$$: prices range from $41 to $60

Healthline’s picks of the best dandruff shampoos

Comparison of the best dandruff shampoos

NamePriceActive IngredientsScentsSulfate-free?Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo$zinc pyrithione 1%unscentednoDove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo$pyrithione zinc 1%coconut and shea butternoPhilip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo$$$$cocamidopropyl betaine applenoJupiter Balancing Shampoo$$$zinc pyrithione 1%mint/vanilla/sage/lavenderyesSACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo$$$piroctone olamine, climbazolerefreshnoNizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo$$ketoconazole 1%freshnoLeonor Greyl Paris Gentle Dandruff Shampoo$$$$ propolisylang ylangno

How we chose the best dandruff shampoos

For this roundup, we set out to include dandruff shampoos across a range of price brackets while considering all hair types. We personally tested several products and combed through online reviews, ingredient lists, and pricing.

Keep in mind that finding the right shampoo often requires some experimentation. Your hair type and whether it’s colored are important factors to weigh.

Allow a medicated shampoo at least 3 weeks of consistent use before deciding it’s ineffective. If you don’t see improvement by then, consider switching to a product with a different active ingredient.

What to look for in a dandruff shampoo

When evaluating dandruff shampoos, it’s useful to understand that dandruff typically develops due to a combination of three main factors:

• the presence of Malassezia yeast on the scalp
• sebaceous (oil gland) activity and overproduction
• your immune system’s reaction to the yeast

Consequently, most dandruff shampoos include actives that either reduce yeast on the scalp or help control excess sebum production.

Contact dermatitis and skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema can also lead to flaky scalp issues.

Antidandruff ingredients

Brands use a variety of active ingredients in dandruff shampoos. What works well for one person may be less effective for another.

The list below outlines common ingredients and how they help reduce dandruff.

IngredientHow it worksciclopiroxThis antifungal ingredient works by halting fungal growth.coal tarCoal tar reduces skin scaling and the excess buildup of skin cells that causes dandruff.ketoconazoleThis antifungal agent prevents yeast growth and can assist with loosening and removing scaly skin cells. salicylic acidThis beta-hydroxy acid helps prevent skin cells from sticking together and aids in removing scaly build-up. salicylic acid and sulfurCombining sulfur with salicylic acid further diminishes skin cell accumulation; sulfur also has antimicrobial properties. selenium sulfideThis antimicrobial component slows skin cell turnover and scaling while reducing yeast growth. zinc pyrithioneOften called ZPT or ZnPT, this ingredient helps improve scalp health by curbing yeast, lowering excess oil production, and reducing overproduction of skin cells that form flakes.

How to choose the best dandruff shampoo for you

According to HairClub hair health expert and trichologist Shab Reslan, “A dandruff shampoo is necessary to cleanse the scalp more effectively than your everyday shampoo, which generally provides milder cleansing.”

She suggests picking a dandruff shampoo that includes cleansing agents capable of breaking down sebum, product residue, environmental grime, and flakes from Malassezia. After one or two uses, your scalp should feel noticeably cleaner and freer of flakes.

Other factors to consider for dandruff shampoos

Beyond active ingredients, consider these additional aspects when selecting a dandruff shampoo:

Hair color

Coal tar-based shampoos can darken or stain hair, so they’re not usually recommended for light-colored hair.

Frizzy and flyaway hair

If your hair tends to be frizzy or have flyaways, a ZPT-containing formula may be a good option.

One older study comparing a 1% ZPT treatment with a 2% ketoconazole shampoo in women with dandruff found that 75% preferred the ZPT product because it produced less frizz and fewer flyaways versus the ketoconazole shampoo.

Oily hair

The National Library of Medicine notes that shampoos containing selenium sulfide can sometimes make oily hair feel greasier. If excess oil is a concern, consider dandruff shampoos with alternate active ingredients.

Male vs. female response

Because of differences in the skin barrier, men are more prone to dandruff than women. A small study found that men’s dandruff responded better to a 1% ZPT shampoo than women’s did when using the same product.

The researchers also observed that women’s dandruff seemed to respond better to non-medicated shampoos than men’s, possibly due to the cleansing (detergent) properties of the shampoos used by women.

What about hair conditioners?

Conditioners can make hair softer and easier to manage. Some conditioners are formulated specifically for people with dandruff and often include actives like ZPT to reach the scalp and hair.

It’s also wise to avoid hair products that may dry out the scalp, as a dry scalp can trigger overproduction of oil and worsen flakes. Try to steer clear of hair sprays or regular shampoos with high alcohol content.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve used several dandruff shampoos for at least a month and flakes persist, consult a medical professional such as a dermatologist or a trichologist, who specializes in hair and scalp conditions.

See a doctor sooner if you experience redness, pain, crusting, or pus.

Frequently asked questions about dandruff shampoos

Which antidandruff shampoo actually works?

A shampoo that includes one or more of these active ingredients should help address dandruff: ciclopirox, coal tar, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole.

How can I permanently get rid of dandruff?

Dandruff is a chronic, relapsing scalp condition. Using medicated shampoos 2 to 3 times per week often brings relief and temporary control, but ongoing use may be necessary to manage flare-ups.

How do I get rid of dandruff fast?

For mild dandruff, try brushing your scalp more often and shampooing more frequently. For more severe symptoms, switch to a medicated dandruff shampoo.

Are there ingredients to avoid that cause dandruff?

Ingredients such as parabens, silicones, sodium chloride, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances are unlikely to directly cause dandruff, but they can aggravate existing flakes by drying or irritating the scalp.

What should I do if my dandruff is extreme?

If OTC dandruff shampoos containing selenium or ketoconazole (used correctly, for example leaving the product on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing) don’t help, you may need prescription-strength treatment. Consult your doctor about options such as a topical corticosteroid.

Takeaway

For many people, OTC dandruff shampoos effectively relieve symptoms.

If your dandruff is more severe or persistent, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments to help control it. Talk with your healthcare provider if OTC options don’t deliver the results you need.