These Derm-Approved Dandruff Shampoos Will Make Your Scalp And Hair So Happy

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Anyone who's experienced dandruff knows how much of a nuisance an itchy scalp and those unsightly white flakes can be.

“Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp,” explains Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN, co-founder of Lauréate Aesthetics in Sherman Oaks, California.

It can present in many ways, and often appears as white or yellowish flakes that can be visible in the hair and on clothing. Dandruff can leave the scalp inflamed and itchy; some people experience just a dry scalp, while others can have an oily and dry scalp at the same time. In more severe cases, hair loss and shedding may occur.

Meet the experts: Liana Sahakyan, RN, MSN is the co-founder of Lauréate Aesthetics in Sherman Oaks, California. Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Blair Murphy Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

For most people, dandruff is a constant issue, which means that finding the best dandruff shampoos to soothe irritation and itchiness is an ongoing journey. To eliminate flakes for good, these anti-dandruff shampoos are the best place to start.

Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

This classic from Head & Shoulders is formulated with the brand's scalp shield technology that provides you with 72-hour dandruff protection. It’ll offer you some much-needed itch relief while nourishing your scalp and hair.

Rave review: "Worked great to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp. Love how clean and light my hair feels after using this and it smells great too."

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole

This shampoo contains a special ingredient called ketoconazole. "It's an antifungal ingredient that helps address excess yeast on the scalp that contribute to symptoms of dandruff, namely redness, itching, and flaking," says Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. Use it twice a week for best results.

Rave review: "I bought this for my 11-year-old daughter. She has always had dry scalp and, no matter what we do, continues to have dandruff. This stuff is amazing. The first scrub loosened a ton of dry scalp and after the second scrub it was gone. Now she uses it once or twice a week to keep flakes out of her hair! Highly recommend!"

Detox Shampoo

This shampoo works to get rid of product buildup, dirt, and oil. It’s made with apple cider vinegar to give your strands a nice refresh. Use it one to two times a week for best results.

Rave review: "Works perfectly and leaves my hair and scalp feeling clean and fresh! If you don't have a water softener you need to try this shampoo. It works excellent and removes any product buildup, oils, etc."

Healthy Scalp Shampoo

According to the product description, this shampoo has been recommend to patients by dermatologists over 10,000 times. "Shampoos like this that contain salicylic acid help address dandruff by clearing the scalp of excess oil and dead skin cells, which helps lessen symptoms like itching and flaking," says Dr. Camp.

Rave review: "I suffer from folliculitis and have been embarrassed about the ever growing red bumps on my head. My dermatologist suggested CLn Shampoo as a potential treatment, and I have been blown away by the results. Took only a few days before I started noticing a reduction in the amount of breakouts that I was having, and after about two weeks I have been symptom free. I feel much more comfortable and confident in keeping my hair cut as short as I actually prefer. I have already recommended this product to several people."

Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

Medicated with menthol, this anti-dandruff shampoo is a max-strength formula that'll give your scalp a cooling and soothing sensation. It lathers up quickly on your scalp and helps to get rid of itchiness and visible flakes.

Rave review: "Honestly hands down my favorite shampoo that actually helps my dandruff go away! I love the after minty feeling my scalp gets."

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This formula is made with 1 percent zinc pyrithione (ZPT), a hero ingredient that reduces flaking and irritation. Board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy Rose, MD, says that this sulfate-free formula also great for those with shorter hair. "It doesn’t lather quite as well for longer hair but certainly cuts down on symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis," she says.

Rave review: "I've had really bad dandruff for years due to over-production of oils in my scalp. I was prescribed a medicated shampoo but it was too harsh on my skin for regular use. I use this pretty much every time, except for the occasional use of my prescription shampoo when I have a flair up. As someone with sensitive skin, this is a blessing."

African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

If your scalp is in need of a deeper cleanse, this shampoo is perfect for you, since it's gentle and effective and can lift away dirt, excess oil, and flaky buildup.

Rave review: "Dandruff and oil buildup [are] not the same! I have too much oil built up making it look like I have dandruff even though it's not. I gave this product a chance and after one wash it has made such a noticeable difference. I can't wait to keep using it."

Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

Pyrithione zinc is a major ingredient that controls dandruff and its symptoms. This formula from Redken clarifies and relieves the scalp without drying out the hair.

Rave review: "I have tried everything and this is the only product that doesn't dry out my hair and gets rid of my dry, itchy, flaking scalp!"

T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Salicylic acid is an ingredient most associated with acne, but it can also clarify the scalp, hence its inclusion in this derm favorite. "By eliminating excess oil on the scalp and acting as a gentle exfoliant, this shampoo helps address symptoms of dandruff while also being free of added color, preservatives, and fragrance," says Dr. Camp.

Rave review: "I’ve purchased this brand and have also tried others. I keep coming back to T/Sal because it works very well. I found it works best for me to alternate with other shampoos. This product is easy on the hair."

African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo

"This is a clarifying shampoo rich with minerals and moisturizing ingredients like cocoa and shea butters to calm and heal the scalp," says Dr. Camp.

Rave review: "It was a luxurious feeling to wash my hair with this shampoo. It left my scalp feeling fresh and clean, plus the bottle's design allowed me to really get in there without wasting product. I am in love!"

Dermacare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff and itch-relief for under $10? Sign me up! With regular use, this formula with banish visible white flakes while reducing redness and irritation of the scalp.

Rave review: "I’ve been using another product for 10 years and it’s been discontinued. Being without it for about two weeks has caused horrific itchiness and return of psoriasis on my scalp—this shampoo provided instant relief."

Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo

For instant relief, turn to this soothing shampoo that's made with luxe ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and white truffle oil to get rid of flakes while giving your strands a glossy finish.

Rave review: "I’ve struggled for years with my flaky scalp, it’s manageable day to day but it especially flares up with stress and when this happens I really struggle to get it back under control. I find this is one of the only things I can buy (without going to the doctors) that can get my stressed scalp back under control after it flares up."

Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo

Peppermint oil and tea tree mint come together in this super-refreshing formula that makes your scalp tingle (in a good way!) while getting rid of buildup and dirt. It also has an amazing scent and won't dry out your locks after use.

Rave review: "I wanted a tea tree shampoo that didn't stink. This shampoo is wonderful. It smells really good because of the mint. It does an excellent job cleaning the scalp & hair. I am hooked. This is my new shampoo. There is none better."

Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The pyrithione zinc in this formula helps control the appearance of flakes and reduces irritation. It also comes in a 33-ounce bottle, ensuring you're getting plenty of use out of the formula.

Rave review: "Started using it about [three] months ago and it has completely gotten rid of my dandruff. Sure, it's a little pricey, but it works well and lasts a long time. Smells great too. Would recommend!"

Scalp Revival Megastrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

"The inclusion of both alpha and beta-hydroxy acids in this dandruff relieving shampoo help to eliminate and prevent scalp itching, irritation, and redness," says Dr. Camp. The shampoo is formulated with salicylic and lactic acids but is still gentle on the scalp while detoxifying and cleansing.

Rave review: "I bought this shampoo because I was looking for a dandruff shampoo that was safe to use for colored hair but also had clean ingredients. Just using it once I immediately saw less flakes and my color was fine. It was a bit pricey but worth the money."

Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Apple cider vinegar, vitamin B3, and salicylic acid come together in this shampoos to gently cleanse your hair and remove buildup, leaving you flake-free and with a soothed scalp.

Rave review: "I've been trying to get my hands on this shampoo because my head gets so dry and itchy sometimes! This brought instant relief in the shower and I feel no itch during hair drying or the next day. I also got the scalp treatment from the same line and it's been great with regular shampoo to combat the itch and flakes."

Flaky Scalp Shampoo

If your dandruff presents itself in the form of flakes, this shampoo is a great go-to, since it reduces oiliness to help clear the scalp of flakiness. "Containing both zinc omadine and coal tar, this high-end shampoo also employs a combination of botanicals to relieve symptoms associated with dandruff and scalp psoriasis," Dr. Camp says.

Rave review: "This is truly a miracle product for troublesome, easily irritated scalps. Tried many shampoos before this one and it’s the only thing that really helps, so I continue to buy it despite that it’s kind of expensive. Once it restores your scalp back to its naturally healthy state, I think you could use it once in awhile as needed for maintenance."

EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This shampoo banishes dandruff while being easy on your dye job. The special formula gets rid of product buildup, dirt, and oil without stripping your hair of its color.

Rave review: "I absolutely LOVE how my hair feels after using this scrub and shampoo. I have trouble with build up on my scalp and this product has made dandruff less noticeable and the build up next to nothing. I use this once a week, or as needed but my hair feels like silk for [two] days after using it."

How we chose the best dandruff shampoos

Women’s Health editors rounded up this list of the best anti-dandruff shampoos by sifting through thousands of customer reviews under the most popular and bestselling products. We also consulted four board-certified dermatologists for their expert opinions to narrow down the best anti-dandruff shampoos for a variety of needs.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff (also known as seborrheic dermatitis) is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast (called malassezia) in the scalp, but many other factors can worsen or exacerbate it. For example, “stress can aggravate or worsen dandruff for some individuals,” Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD explains, adding, “certain products like specific oils can fuel the growth of the yeast and exacerbate dandruff.”

Since yeast thrive in warm and wet places, other factors that can feed yeast is excessive sweating and leaving hair wet in a ponytail or under hats and/or scarves. Dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to dandruff.

How to choose the best anti-dandruff shampoo

In order to decrease inflammation, Dr. Kobets recommends looking for parabens-free, preservative-free, and fragrance-free formulas, as well as pH balanced shampoos.

“In relation to dandruff, the important ingredients to look for would depend on the type of dandruff, if it’s super oily or more dry or flaky,” she adds. Ketoconazole shampoo—available over the counter under the brand name Nizoral, or by prescription—can be highly effective for oily or mildly oily scalps. It targets the yeast overgrowth and may even have benefits for conditions like androgenetic alopecia. Note: it's important to only apply ketoconazole shampoo only to the roots to avoid making the rest of the hair brittle.

For excessive scaling and buildup on the scalp, exfoliating or clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil can be helpful. These ingredients can aid in removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthier scalp environment. However, caution is needed to prevent stripping natural oils from the hair strands. Clarifying shampoos should be used closer to the scalp roots, especially since sulfate-free shampoos might not clean the scalp as effectively.

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