Say Goodbye to Flaky Hair With These Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

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Ok, dandruff can be embarrassing. Beyond dulling even the sharpest of all-black ensembles, dealing with dandruff can seem never ending. What is dandruff? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak offers insight. “The most common cause is a reaction to a yeast called Malassezia, which is a normal inhabitant of our skin’s oil glands...yeast’s interaction with the body’s immune system is what leads to redness, itching and flaking.” Keeping a regular skincare routine is just as important as maintaining a balanced and healthy scalp. ‘This yeast-like organism loves to grow in damp warm environments, and thrives in those with oily hair, or those that put edible oils on their heads (coconut and olive oil),” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel. But don’t give up. From curly to color-treated hair, there is an anti-dandruff shampoo for you.

Make time to experiment with treatments until you find your match. Effective prevention and treatment options often include powerful antimicrobial formulations with zinc, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and tar are often blended with tea tree, eucalyptus or spearmint oils -- oils that calm the scalp and leave behind a cool, tingly feeling.

Flakes are necessarily a sign of uncleanliness. Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Principal Scientist and Senior Manager of Scientific Communications, Beauty Care at Procter & Gamble offers her assurance. “One of the misconceptions is that those suffering with flakes and itchiness are unhygienic... but [dandruff] is a predisposition embedded in our DNA.” That said, because dandruff is triggered by an immune response, it can also be a sign of a larger issue. If it’s difficult to treat your condition, see a dermatologist. “There are known correlations to allergies, vitamin deficiency, and nervous or immune system irregularities,” adds Dr. Mamelak.

Here are the 12 best anti-dandruff shampoos for nearly every common need.

Ok, dandruff can be embarrassing. Beyond dulling even the sharpest of all-black ensembles, dealing with dandruff can seem never-ending. What is dandruff? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak offers insight. “The most common cause is a reaction to a yeast called Malassezia, which is a normal inhabitant of our skin’s oil glands...yeast’s interaction with the body’s immune system is what leads to redness, itching and flaking.” Keeping a regular skincare routine is just as important as maintaining a balanced and healthy scalp. ‘This yeast-like organism loves to grow in damp warm environments, and thrives in those with oily hair, or those that put edible oils on their heads (coconut and olive oil),” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel. But don’t give up. From curly to color-treated hair, there is an anti-dandruff shampoo for you.

Make time to experiment with treatments until you find your match. The best anti-dandruff shampoos should have ingredients like zinc, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide, all of which are powerful antimicrobial formulations to help wipe out flaking. The experts we spoke with also recommend that anti-dandruff shampoos have exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and tar, which are often blended with tea tree, eucalyptus or spearmint oils—to calm the scalp and leave behind a cool, tingly feeling.

Flakes aren't necessarily a sign of uncleanliness. Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Principal Scientist and Senior Manager of Scientific Communications, Beauty Care at Procter & Gamble offers her assurance. “One of the misconceptions is that those suffering from flakes and itchiness are unhygienic... but [dandruff] is a predisposition embedded in our DNA.” That said, because dandruff is triggered by an immune response, it can also be a sign of a larger issue. If it’s difficult to treat your condition, see a dermatologist. “There are known correlations to allergies, vitamin deficiency, and nervous or immune system irregularities,” adds Dr. Mamelak.

To find the best anti-dandruff shampoos for men, we consulted with a panel of seven board-certified dermatologists, and talked to our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce. Over the past two years, we've tested over 30 anti-dandruff shampoos, clarifying shampoos, and scalp treatments find the best ones that helped clear dandruff.

Anti-Dandruff & Sebum Control Shampoo

Scalp maintenance is long-term and essential for healthy hair growth. “Unfortunately, there is no ‘cure’ for dandruff, but it can be effectively controlled so that it is barely, if at all, noticeable,” says dermatology resident Dr. Charles Puza. American Crew Anti-Dandruff & Sebum Control Shampoo is formulated with rosemary oil and zinc pyrithione to regulate flaking and sebum—the oily substance that the body releases on the skin. Sage leaf extract, peppermint and tea tree oil purify and invigorate the scalp.

"Even if you don’t have dandruff, this shampoo controls itchiness, reduces oil, and soothes with botanical ingredients," says Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, who gave this a 2023 Men's Health Grooming Award.

Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo

Regular hydration and scalp stimulation is key to preventing dandruff. The Royal Oils collection is specially developed to support the variety of natural, kinky, curly and coily textures. The Moisture Boost Shampoo features lightweight coconut oil that relieves the scalp, then locks in moisture. “The first step to effectively treat dandruff, is to cleanse the scalp to remove product buildup, dirt and oil,” says Dr. Wilkerson.

Our testers had a hard time trying to find an anti-dandruff shampoo that didn't dry out textured hair. That's why we loved Royal Oils' hydrating, sulfate-free formula, which kept our curly manes moisturized. Though we did find that it was too heavy to use on thin or fine hair.

2-in1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner

If you also hit snooze multiple times, you will appreciate the convenience of a 2-in1 shampoo/conditioner. The Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner by Every Man Jack taps into the power of eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils to calm an itchy and irritated scalp. Another plus, this 2-in-1 works to help your hair look thicker and fuller.

Our testers can confirm: using this 2-in-1 formula helped thicken the appearance of their hair after two weeks of using it. We also love its pleasant, sandalwood scent that isn't too overpowering.

Read more: Best Hair Products for Men

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best non-prescription options—in fact, without a prescription, you’d be hard-pressed to find another treatment with the anti-fungal treatment, Ketoconazole 1%. “Preventing dandruff consists of moisturizing and conditioning your scalp regularly, avoiding hair care products you're sensitive to, and using shampoos that have either ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, zinc or tar,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre.

Most of our editors who tested say it was incredibly strong, but that it worked on a variety of hair types, including gray hair. Though take note: you should only use this every three days for 2 to 4 weeks, and then once every 1 to 2 weeks once your scalp has cleared.

Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

“Dandruff is not curable since the combination of oil and normal microflora (bacteria) worsened by stress causes flare, but dandruff can be well-managed,” says Dr. Graf. But if you're looking for a shampoo that can manage dandruff, while also offering a spa-like experience, look no further than Oribe's bestselling formula. It's one of Dr. Draf's favorite shampoos, and it's not hard to see why. Key ingredients like pea sprout extract and salicylic acid help exfoliate excess sebum. Plus, it's especially formulated for color-treated hair.

Our editors love its vibrant and refreshing scent, which really does feel like you're at a five star resort. And while it's one of the most expensive picks on our list, Oribe's strong ingredients and luxurious smell makes it a great splurge shampoo.

Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo

There’s a fine balance between cleansing the scalp versus stripping it of vital oil and moisture. That’s where the genius blend of shea butter and African Black soap gets to work. Prone to sensitive skin? Make sure your products work for your unique needs and opt for this gentler option. “The sulfur in African Black Soap contains antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help to kill dandruff-causing yeast, and the oils help moisturize dry scalp,” says Dr. Patel.

Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo (Pack of 6)

First things first, the Selsun Blue commercials of the '90s are somehow burned into my memory. Arguably one of the best original shampoos for combatting tough dandruff, the maximum-strength formula features selenium sulfide 1%—a common anti-dandruff component—as the active ingredient. “Regardless of hair type, you should wash your hair every other day, and if that doesn’t help, bump your shampoo to a medicated version like T-Sal or Selsun Blue that will get rid of the build-up,” says celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.

Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Tea tree oil is an antibacterial, aromatherapeutic powerhouse on its own. Even better, it’s blended with invigorating peppermint and lavender in Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. There’s a reason this is Paul Mitchell’s best-selling shampoo0—it’s formulated to rid the scalp of impurities and leaves behind an unmatched clean and cooling sensation.

Cleansing Shampoo

Developed by trichologists—also known as experts that are dedicated to studying the scalp and hair—Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is a highly effective zinc-based treatment that is also safe for color-treated hair. Expect a flake-free and clarified scalp without excessive stripping or dryness.

Synbiotic Polyamine Shampoo

Who knew probiotics and prebiotics are good for the scalp? The VENN Synbiotic Polyamine Shampoo is formulated with a mix of probiotics and prebiotics that help support a balance of healthy bacteria on the scalp. This pick is backed by science and powered by an effective blend of antioxidant herbal extracts and vitamins.

Active Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Formulated with 11 botanical ingredients to target sweat-induced dandruff, KICK provides a solid shampoo solution for those who live highly active lifestyles. Even better is the fact the shampoo is optimized to strengthen and thicken hair—making it especially ideal for guys with a thinner hair type.

T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula

T/Gel is another one of those no-nonsense anti-dandruff shampoos that get the job done. Neutrogena uses coal tar extract to provide instant relief to common symptoms from dandruff, as well as relief to symptoms caused from other conditions like chronic scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. While the formula is powerful it's still gentle enough for everyday use. You also can't beat the price point on this shampoo.

Purifying Shampoo with Jujube Bark Extract

Christophe Robin makes a great formula that's gentle enough to use every day, but strong enough to help wipe away grease and oil from your scalp, while also controlling dandruff. Our editors also found that it helped with relieving itchiness caused by dandruff.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Salicylic acid is the hero ingredient in this TikTok-favorite shampoo, which helps control oil and dandruff, as well as exfoliates dead skin and gunk from your scalp. Plus, it's gentle enough for everyday use.

How We Selected

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top grooming products for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and Senior Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan put countless anti-dandruff shampoos to test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and value. We also considered top-reviewed anti-dandruff shampoos that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

What Causes Dandruff?

Let's start with what dandruff actually is. Head shedding is a chronic skin condition caused by the buildup of yeast around the base of your hair follicles, says Dr. Nicole Rogers, M.D., a professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine.

“The fungus feeds off the skin’s sebum and excretes end products onto the scalp which can irritate the scalp skin, resulting in dandruff and its symptoms like dryness, itch, and flaking,” says Dr. Rolanda J. Wilkerson, Ph.D., a principal scientist for Procter and Gamble.

Can Dandruff Be Cured?

No, but it can be controlled. You’ll need to reserve a permanent space in your shower for specialized anti-dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. These anti-dandruff ingredients can help slow the rate at which your skin cells die and slough off.

How Long Does It Take for Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to Work?

When used daily and left in for at least five minutes, these shampoo treatments can rid a good portion of white flakes in about a month, says Dr. Rogers.

Assuming you have any flare-ups under control, you can switch back to regular shampoo as long as you continue to rotate in dandruff-control stuff at least once or twice a week, says Marie Jhin, M.D., a San Carlos dermatologist.

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