Watchingdandruffslowly fall from yourscalpand onto your favorite top can spur a lot of emotions. For many, dandruff is a small but persistent common hair andskin care concern. Thankfully, experts say, it’s easily treatable with a dandruff shampoo.
I spoke to dermatologists about what causes dandruff and how to shop for ashampoothat can help. I also gathered expert-recommended shampoos and highly rated options that align with our experts’ guidancefor your consideration.
SKIP AHEAD The best dandruff shampoos | What is dandruff? | What causes dandruff? | How to shop for dandruff shampoos
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If you’re looking to combat dandruff and its associated effects like itchiness and flakiness, dermatologists recommend considering the following factors:
- Ingredients: The biggest difference between your standard shampoo and a dandruff shampoo is the ingredients. Look for dandruff-combatting ingredients, including salicylic acid, ketoconazole and selenium sulfide — all of which relieve common occurrences like flakes and itchiness. More on ingredients below.
- Price: Dandruff shampoos can vary in price depending on ingredients, size and bundles. However, all of the products on our list cost less than $25.
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Take care of your dandruff with one of these dermatologist-approved shampoos. But keep in mind, if an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo is not showing any improvement, consult with your dermatologist for a prescription shampoo.
Best overall dandruff shampoo: NizoralNizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can relieve the flaking and itching associated with dandruff and is suitable for all hair types and textures, consider this one, which comes recommended by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Isabela Jones and Dr. Julie Jackson. This is the only over-the-counter option that has ketoconazole in it, which dermatologists say is the best anti-yeast medication, says Jones. (Yeast, specifically Malassezia yeast, is linked to dandruff, so controlling this is important to combat, prevent and target this skin and hair care issue, according to our experts.)
Key ingredient: Ketoconazole | Size: 7 fl oz | Scent: Fresh and clean
Best dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalps: VanicreamVanicream Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you have a sensitive scalp, consider this mild option from Vanicream. It targets itchiness, redness and flaking, and it hydrates the scalp with ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, according to the brand. This shampoo, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 1,800 reviews on Amazon, is also free of common irritants, including dyes, parabens and sulfates.
Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Size: 8 fl oz | Scent: Fragrance-free
Best dandruff shampoo for curly and coily hair: As I AmAs I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo
With a 4.5-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, this dandruff shampoo is formulated specifically for wavy, curly and coily 4C hair. Not only does it help combat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, but it’s also safe for those with dry and sensitive scalps, according to the brand. Reviewers say their scalp felt a sense of relief without any irritation and suggest using a moisturizing agent (like a conditioner or hair mask) if you worry about it drying out your hair.
Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Size: 12 fl oz | Scent: Fragrance-free but has a natural tea tree scent
Best dandruff shampoo for color-treated hair: JupiterJupiter Balancing Shampoo
This color-safe shampoo helps with mild to moderate dandruff, dry scalp and itchiness, according to the brand. It also has ingredients like coconut oil to soften and hydrate hair, squalane to prevent hair breakage and sugar kelp extract for its hydrating and anti-bacterial properties, according to Jupiter. The shampoo has a 4.7-star average rating from over 730 reviews at Jupiter.
Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Size: 9.5 fl oz | Scent: Fragrance-free but has a natural mint, vanilla sage and lavender scent
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo is an expert-recommended option because it lathers well, smells good and has zinc, a gentle ingredient that helps control the yeast that can contribute to dandruff, according to Jones. It will clean your hair and combat dryness, relieve irritation and itchiness, reduce visible flakes and redness, and control oil levels, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Size: 12.5 fl oz | Scent: Fresh and clean
Best multipurpose dandruff shampoo: KenkodermKenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo
This shampoo not only helps tame psoriasis, but it also helps combat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (a condition that can create itchy, flaking scales and rashes that develop on the scalp and other areas of the face, according to the according to the American Academy of Dermatology). The neutral-smelling shampoo has a high percentage of salicylic acid (3%), which is great for removing flakes and oils that cause the yeast to grow, says Jones.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 4 fl oz | Scent: Fragrance-free
Best cooling dandruff shampoo: Selsun BlueSelsun Blue Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue’s shampoo has selenium sulfide and menthol, the latter of which is a cooling ingredient that helps relieve mild itching, says Jones. The shampoo will also help combat and prevent flaking when used regularly (at least twice a week for approximately two minutes, according to the brand).
Key ingredients: Selenium sulfide | Size: 11 fl oz | Scent: n/a
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Dandruff, which falls under the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis, is flaking of the scalp skin. It can fall on a spectrum of mild and severe cases, according to the AAD. Dandruff causes white to yellow flaking or scales on the scalp. You’ll sometimes notice it more prominently along the hairline or behind the ears. Most people have no symptoms, but occasionally, there is mild itching. In the more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis, you might even notice redness on the scalp, larger scaly plaques and more severe itching, says Jones.
What causes dandruff?As with many conditions, dandruff may be multifactorial, meaning multiple causes are at play, says Jones. Here are a few factors dermatologists say can cause dandruff:
- The presence of a yeast called Malassezia. This yeast, which is part of the normal flora on the skin, may cause inflammation in some people.
- Excess sebum production. We know that during puberty, our bodies produce hormones that make our oil glands create larger amounts of sebum. This oil is a significant factor in causing dandruff, and Malassezia yeast likes to grow in this oil. Because of this, dandruff is more common in teens and those in their 20s and 30s. Dandruff may also decrease later in life as oil production decreases.
- Genetics. Scientists are finding more genes related to our skin structure and immune system that make certain people more likely to develop dandruff.
When shopping for a shampoo to combat dandruff, our experts recommend keeping characteristics like ingredients and hair type in mind.
IngredientsLook for active ingredients that help to combat yeast and are anti-inflammatory, such as pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole or ciclopirox, says Jackson.
- Ketoconazole is an anti-yeast ingredient that is found in both prescription and over-the-counter shampoos. This ingredient may be more gentle on your hair, especially if your hair is very brittle, says Jones.
- Zinc, like ketoconazole, is another gentle ingredient to look out for. Zinc and other ingredients like selenium sulfide will help control the yeast that is involved with dandruff.
- Salicylic acid is good at helping remove the oils that are contributing to dandruff and can help exfoliate the flakes away.
- Coal tar is another ingredient found in anti-dandruff shampoos, which helps reduce flaking and inflammation.
There are also a few ingredients you’ll want to avoid, if possible. For example, many dandruff shampoos contain tea tree oil, which, in general, is great for combating seborrheic dermatitis. However, it is a common allergen, so if your scalp tends to be more sensitive, this ingredient might make your dandruff worse, according to Jackson. Also, since the yeast that causes dandruff likes to grow in oil, our experts advise against shampoos that have oils as the primary ingredient.
Hair typeIf you want to go the extra mile, consider shampoos for your specific hair type and texture, according to our experts. For example, if you have color-treated hair, shop for a color-safe option to remove dandruff while preserving your color. Also, depending on your hair type, make sure you are picking an appropriate conditioner for your strands to make sure you are counteracting any drying effects of your shampoo, according to Jones. “It’s a bit of a battle — we want to degrease the scalp but moisturize your hair,” says Jones. “As most know, we don’t want conditioner on your scalp, which will add oils that can worsen dandruff.”
Frequently asked questions
Dandruff can affect people regardless of their skin type, hair type and hair texture, according to our experts. Those with oily skin also tend to have an oily scalp, making them more likely to develop dandruff and acne around the hairline because the Malassezia yeast can contribute to both issues, says Jones.
Seborrheic dermatitis may be a lifelong condition for some, according to Jackson. However, there are certain periods where the condition may worsen. “I will see flares in a hot, humid environment, and I have even seen flares in susceptible individuals who have taken up activities such as hot yoga,” says Jackson. “However, other individuals will flare in the less sunny months.”
How often you use a dandruff shampoo will depend on the severity of your condition. If you suffer from a mild form of dandruff, consider incorporating this type of shampoo once or twice a week. In more severe cases, you might rotate two to three different anti-dandruff shampoos, but overuse may also lead to your hair strands drying out, says Jones.
There isn’t a specific amount you need to apply — just make sure you apply enough to cover the entire scalp, which will vary from person to person, says Jones. But be sure to use the balls of your fingers or a gentle scalp massager to work the shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for two to five minutes before rinsing, says Jones.
“You should see improvement after a week, and if you don’t, then you may need to see a dermatologist for prescription treatment,” says Jones.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Isabela Jones is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Virginia Square Dermatology. Her areas of expertise include acne, acne scars, skin cancer detection, seborrheic dermatitis, minimally invasive procedures and more.
- Dr. Julie Jackson is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Her areas of expertise include medical dermatology, skin cancer prevention and treatment and dermatopathology — a sub-specialty in which she is board-certified.
I am an NBC Select associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, including roundups of the best leave-in conditioners and heat protectants. For this story, I interviewed experts and researched highly rated dandruff shampoos that align with expert guidance.
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Bianca Alvarez
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select.
