Dandruff Shampoos That Really Work

I'm not totally clear on why dandruff is still considered embarrassing or taboo, considering that it affects up to fifty percent of adults. What I am clear on is that dandruff and an itchy scalp are annoying—but I'm happy to share that they're also treatable. But before you treat it, you need to determine whether you even have dandruff in the first place. A flaky scalp can be caused by many things: Heat styling, irritation caused by a product ingredient, or spending too much time in the sun. As such, if you do have a shedding scalp, first try avoiding stylers with alcohol, air-drying your hair, and slathering on a deep conditioning treatment to quench your follicles. You'll also want to rule out psoriasis, which is characterized by a lot more itching than run-of-the-mill dandruff. If after all of that, you're still experiencing flaking, you likely have the real deal. (Here's our complete guide on how to treat it.)

The cause of dandruff—or excess exfoliation of scalp skin cells—is an abundance of the fungus malassezia, a naturally occurring microspecies, explains S. Ranganathan, a doctor specializing in the condition based in Chennai, India. Happily, shampoos with the anti-fungal agents zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide can zap the pesky malassezia almost immediately, restoring ideal scalp health. Other shampoos make use of ingredients like coal tar (!) and salicylic acid to address the exfoliation caused by the malassezia, and can also have excellent results. Like most things, you'll have to find what works best for you and your hair type.

Matrix

ulta.com

$24.99

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Imagine a lush salon-like shampoo...that's also a great medicine for the white, flaky skin cells you're shedding. Here is your answer, which works almost immediately and feels downright luxurious.

Head & Shoulders

amazon.com

$8.99

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The latest from the Head & Shoulders, a.k.a. the anti-dandruff OG, is no joke: Selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione work as a dynamic duo to address the most stubborn cases, while manuka honey provides much-needed moisture.

Dove

walmart.com

$12.38

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Sure, you have dandruff, but that doesn't mean you should leave your hair out to dry. Here, good old pyrithione zinc zaps dandruff-causing fungus while coconut and shea butter work to nourish parched strands.

Selsun Blue

walmart.com

$6.98

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A classic is a classic for a reason. The one percent selenium in this old school queen minimizes flaking and itching, leaving behind only a satisfying menthol scent. Use just once or twice a week to control ultra-annoying cases.

Jupiter

amazon.com

$46.00

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Those of us with bleached strands, Brazilian blowouts, or other chemical treatments are often more prone to dandruff. And yet our strands need the most love—the irony! This brand-new formulation works to both zap malassezia while it wraps vulnerable hair shafts in a fortifying coconut oil and argan extract blend.

Neutrogena

walmart.com

$8.50

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As discussed, coal tar extract—not a typo—doesn't address the malassezia fungus. Instead, it works to slow the cell turnover caused by the malassezia's proliferation. Whatever the mechanism, it seems to work on dandruff, dermatitis, and some psoriasis.

L'Oreal Paris

walmart.com

$6.53

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If you spend who knows what on your color-treated hair, bombarding it with medicinal and stripping shampoos isn't likely high on your list of priorities. That's why this one percent zinc pyrithione product is sulfate-free and loaded with nourishing botanicals like neem and Indian lilac to halt flaking and preserve rich$$ pigments.

American Crew

amazon.com

$12.25

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Yes, your scalp can be dry and your hair can be oily. (Just ask your dad...) Here, a combination of flake-fighting zinc pyrithione teams up with oil-adverse peppermint, sage, and tea tree oil for a potent yet pleasant suds.

Clear

amazon.com

$24.99

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This formulation makes use of a proprietary blend of guar BB18, niacinamide, and amino acids to deeply clean the scalp and limit excess exfoliation. The result is an effective treatment, an excellent wash, and the lingering smell of the delicate sakura flower.

LEONOR GREYL PARIS

nordstrom.com

$46.00

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A delicate blend of botanicals and two lesser-known but equally effective anti-fungals work in synergy to create a gentle wash that feels more like a treat than a treatment.

Redken

amazon.com

$20.50

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In this pleasant white bottle you'll find zinc pyrithione doing its thang, but also glycerin to hydrate a scaly scalp. Plus, a soothing, clarifying lavender extract.

DHS

dermstore.com

$13.64

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With a whopping two percent concentration of zinc pyrithione, we recommend this near-prescription grade treatment when all else has failed. You (and your scalp) won't be disappointed.