Dandruff is a common condition that can happen for many reasons, to name a few — irritated scalp, dry skin, yeast infection, product build up, etc. To keep things straight, an average shampoo is not capable enough to treat these concerns, thus, we have come up with these best anti-dandruff shampoos that are specially formulated to address your specific problems. An anti-dandruff shampoo is packed with ingredients that deeply cleanse your hair scalp without irritating the skin further. Some of them are also potent in curing a few deep rooted concerns like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc.

In his research paper, MD and dermatologist, Luis J. Borda revealed, "It is estimated that at least 50 million Americans suffer from dandruff, who spend $300 million annually on over-the-counter products to treat scalp itching and flaking." Keeping his words in mind, we can gather that anti-dandruff shampoos are hot selling products for a reason! However, it can be equally challenging to pick the product that suits you. Hence, to save you from visiting a physical store, we have rounded up the best anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market currently. Take a look at them - 

• 1
  Clinically Proven

  Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Nizoral’s anti-dandruff shampoo is a clinically-tested product that addresses the root cause of having a flaky scalp. It takes the upper hand in killing the fungus that causes dandruff in the first place. Moreover, with powerful ingredients, including 1% ketoconazol, the shampoo starts working from the very first use(1). To note further, it also contains hydroxide, glycol distearate, and sodium chloride to treat itching, scaling, and flaking in a jiffy.

2

Plant-powered Formula

WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo And Conditioner

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Worried about your flaky scalp and unmoisturized strands? Fret no more! We have come up with a shampoo set that contains a conditioner to take care of your hair from root to tip. With the goodness of raw apple cider vinegar, the shampoo effectively cleanses the buildup while balancing the pH of the skin. It is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients like nettle leaf extracts, coconut oil, and avocado oil to soothe the scalp and hydrate the shafts at the same time. 

 

3

Imparts Cooling Sensation

Tea Tree Special Shampoo

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Experience a cooling sensation on your scalp that invigorates your hair and senses with this special shampoo loaded with a powerful formula of tea-tree, lavender, and peppermint. All of these ingredients rinse the flaky scalp and leave your hair clean and full of luster. The best part? The product comes in an eco-friendly packaging that the brand boasts of for their long-standing commitment to the environment. Keeping everything in check, how the product is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and free of parabens is also really commendable and gets the tag of the best natural shampoo for dandruff for a reason!

 

4

Best for Color-treated Hair

ORIBE Serene Scalp Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Get rid of those pesky white flakes and treat your scalp to a soothing experience with ORIBE's Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo! This wonder-working shampoo is dermatologist-tested and free from parabens, sulfates, and sodium chloride, gently pampering your scalp with salicylic acid and eliminating dandruff while calming itchiness. Plus, it's safe to use even if your locks have been treated with color or keratin. Just lather it up, let it stay on for a while, and rinse it off to get a dandruff-free and happy hair experience. 

5

Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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The shampoo by Selsun is loaded with powerful medicated ingredients, including selenium sulfide to treat your itchy scalp and minimize the appearance of visible flakes. Explaining the causes of the existence of such flakes, our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, states, “Dandruff or a flaky scalp can be associated with internal medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. However, it can also be due to external factors like harsh hair care products or infrequent shampooing.” To note more, also formulated with potential botanical ingredients like, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and vitamins B5 & E, the shampoo not only eliminates dandruff but also promotes healthy looking hair. Last but not the least, the shampoo lathers quickly and requires a small to fight the toughest dandruff.

6

Sulfate-free

head & shoulders SUPREME SOOTHE & STRENGTHEN Shampoo And Conditioner Set

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When we talk about anti-dandruff shampoos, it is Head & Shoulders that comes to our mind first, because why not? The shampoo single-handedly soothes dry and itchy scalp while strengthening the hair shaft at the same time. Also, packed with the goodness of rose essence, almond oil, lemon extract, peppermint, and argan oil, you can get gorgeous strands that stay free from frizz for more than 24 hours. Not to miss, it also balances the pH levels of your scalp that further makes it safe to use daily.

7

Fragrance-free

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

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The T/Sal Therapeutic shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid that takes the upper hand in working on your scalp hours after you have rinsed off your shampoo. It not only effectively helps eliminate dandruff but also cures dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. To note, the strong formula starts showing its magic from the very first use by fighting against itchiness and crusty scalp conditions. Last but not the least, recommended by dermatologists, the clinically-proven formula can be a boon to your hair. 

 

8

Powerful Formula

head & shoulders DANDRUFF DEFENSE DRY SCALP Shampoo And Conditioner Set

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The Dandruff Defense range from Head & Shoulders works 2x better than your average shampoo. Infused with refreshing citrus, cooling menthol, and hydrating manuka honey, the drugstore anti-dandruff shampoo takes care of the scalp and shafts at the same time. The brand further claims to minimize visible flakes if used regularly with the right technique. Besides, providing nourishment to your hair while protecting your scalp at the same time couldn't be easier than this!

 

9

Biodegradable

Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Apart from providing a powerful formula that treats your flaky scalp, the brand boasts of meeting the Environmental Working Group's strictest criteria for ingredients. To note, the shampoo is composed of a powerful blend of the botanical ingredients with the components derived from modern science to deliver you the best of everything. Containing 2% salicylic acid, aloevera, tea tree, and chamomile, the medicated shampoo effectively reduces dandruff while bestowing healthy-looking hair. Last but not the least, the brand provides you with a biodegradable formula backed by vegan and non-GMO components to ensure a greater good for the future.

10

Gluten-free

VANICREAM Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

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The fragrance-free product by Vanicream is formulated with 2% zinc pyrithione to treat your flaky scalp and reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. It is also free of lanolin, fragrance, and parabens to deliver you a mild yet effective formula to treat your hair-related concerns. Furthermore, it is suggested by dermatologists which further solidifies its claims! Last but not least, the brand suggests you to use the product twice a week to get the best results! 

 

11

Lab-tested

ALEVAI STEM CELL Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Standing true to its name, the anti-dandruff shampoo is curated using plant-based stem cells that not only treat flaky scalp but also tame frizz and add moisture to the mane. You can witness the result within the 24 hours of using the product, thanks to the powerful formula backed by 2% pyrithione zinc(2). Furthermore, the dermatologically-tested ingredients help restore the pH of your scalp and ensure the natural acidic and alkaline balance of your hair to reduce the appearance of flaky scalp. Speaking of the benefits of restoring the pH of your scalp, our contributor Dr. Chacon states, “Balancing pH helps in minimizing the appearance of dandruff because a healthy scalp pH is slightly acidic, between 4.5 and 5.5. An imbalance in pH can lead to dryness and flaking.”

12

Dove DERMACARE SCALP Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Dove dermacare boasts of providing you with nourished hair while treating the flaky scalp at the same time. It is infused with the tropical scent of sweet lime and coconut to also soothe your senses as you use it to wash your hair. So, why wait? Experience a refreshed scalp resulted by a balanced pH and minimizes irritation and itching with this product today. All credit goes to its pyrithione zinc-enriched formula via which the product addresses the root cause of dandruff and treats it for a healthy scalp and luscious mane.

 

13

Kick Men’s Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Packed with the goodness of tea tree oil, eucalyptus, lemon grass, witch hazel, sage leaf, rosemary, and peppermint, the shampoo works wonders on your itchy scalp and thinning hair. It not only guarantees dandruff-free tresses but also promises to strengthen the hair follicles by stimulating new growth. Furthermore, the shampoo deep cleanses all the impurities, sweat, dead skin cells, and dirt to leave you with healthy and strong hair. Last but not least, apart from taking good care of the hair, the product leaves you with a cooling sensation and an invigorating scent of mint.

 

14

bellisso APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Shampoo and Conditioner Set

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Infused with keratin, collagen, vitamin B5, and apple cider vinegar, the shampoo claims to treat flaky scalp while calming down the irritated scalp condition. The brand also provides you with a conditioner in the set as an after care to the strands to make them softer and shinier. Based on our expertise, we can safely claim that this could be your holy grail if you are looking for the best shampoo and conditioner set for dandruff! So,why wait? Have these products on your shelf to experience a stress-free scalp and luscious mane that you have been dreaming of!

 

15

head & shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Shampoo

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This shampoo and conditioner set by Head & Shoulders is the best for oily hair and eliminating dandruff. Formulated with an advanced oil control formula backed by refreshing citrus, the product claims to fight 35% more dandruff from the very first wash! Plus, with potent ingredients like 2% ketoconazol and 1% selenium sulfide, the clinically-proven product not only gives you relief from a severely flaky scalp but also cures extreme conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. So, why wait? Say adios to itchy scalp and flaky roots that caused embarrassment with this product in your stash!

 

16

OUAI Anti-dandruff Shampoo

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Experience flake-free hair roots by welcoming this anti-dandruff shampoo that is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, propanediol dicaprylate, and conditioning agents to keep your hair smooth and soft while keeping the scalp problems at bay! With an earthy fragrance packed with the notes of peppermint and ginger, the product further soothes your senses as you use it. Moreover, along with providing you with a classy packaging, the shampoo is here to elevate your hair cleansing ritual by leaving you with a squeaky clean scalp and shiny mane!

Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best anti-dandruff shampoos, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision. 

 

Here are a few aspects to consider before vouching for the best anti-dandruff shampoos - 

a) Ingredients: The right ingredients can work wonders on your scalp! Scan them before picking up the product for an effective result. Ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione are some of the revolutionary ones that are proven to treat dandruff from the very first use.

b) Hair Type: Since anti-dandruff shampoos are loaded with acidic ingredients, they tend to make the hair shaft drier than usual shampoos. If you already have dry ends, it is wise to pick a well-balanced formula that also hydrates the ends along with addressing the core issue itself.

c) Formula: Make sure the product you are choosing has a scalp-friendly formula in the first place to suit every hair type. An ideal anti-dandruff shampoo will balance the pH of your scalp and ensures healthy hair.

Conclusion

So, there you go! You have a clear idea of the best anti-dandruff shampoos in the market that can actually make a difference to those stubborn flakes! These products are packed with effective ingredients that promise visible results from the very first use. They not only make your scalp clean but also ensure an overall hair care by providing a stronger and smoother shaft. Now, go on and grab one before they get out of stock!

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam