Itchy Scalps and Flakes Be Gone with These Expert-Approved Shampoos

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.