Best Dandruff Shampoo

Say goodbye to an itchy, flaky, and dry scalp with the best dandruff shampoo.

best dandruff shampoo
(Image credit: Tim Mossholder via Unsplash)

The best dandruff shampoo protects against product and bacteria build-up, leaving your scalp feeling healthy and moisturized. Dandruff shampoo works toward reducing itchiness and discomfort due to a dry scalp. When your scalp feels healthy and hydrated, it's will itch and flake less. When it comes to the best dandruff shampoo around, here's a list of our favorites. 

Staff pick

best dandruff shampoo

(Image credit: Amazon)

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Formulated with ketoconazole

This dandruff shampoo is great for chemically-processed and color-treated hair.

Pros:

  • Formulated with ketoconazole
  • Gentle on processed and colored hair
  • Leaves hair and scalp feeling soft and hydrated

Cons:

  • Formula can be pretty strong

This dandruff shampoo is salon-tested to prevent a flaky and dry scalp. Formulated with ketoconazole, this shampoo treats itching, flaking, and irritated skin, leaving your hair soft and a scalp hydrated. This shampoo is gentle enough to use on color-treated and chemically-processed hair. 

Fast-acting

best dandruff shampoo

(Image credit: Neutrogena)

Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo

Noticeable results after one week

This dandruff shampoo is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation because it provides relief to an itchy and dry scalp.

Pros:

  • Fast-acting
  • Can be used daily
  • Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation

Cons:

  • Strong smell

This fast-acting dandruff shampoo kicks in after only one use, with noticeable results after one week. Gentle enough to use daily, this shampoo combines Neutar Technology with coal tar extract to treat dandruff at its source. This shampoo is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation to provide quick relief to an itchy, flaky, and dry scalp.  

Holistic shampoo

best dandruff shampoo

(Image credit: Maple Holistics)

Sage Shampoo for Thin Hair Care

Contains sage essential oil

This dandruff shampoo is terrific for fine and thin hair.

Pros:

  • Great for fine and thin hair
  • Does not contain harmful chemicals
  • Features sage essential oil

Cons:

  • Can wash out hair dyes

Great for thinning and fine hair, this dandruff shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients. Formulated with sage essential oil, this shampoo locks in moisture and leaves your hair looking shiny and healthy. The lather gently removes build-up, allowing your scalp to breathe, rejuvenate, and hydrate. Because this shampoo is made without the use of harmful chemicals, it causes less irritation to your scalp, reducing dandruff-causing conditions.

Dual-action

best dandruff shampoo

(Image credit: Head and Shoulders)

Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner

This one comes with shampoo and conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner fight dandruff by balancing your pH levels.

Pros:

  • Free of dyes and parabens
  • Balances scalp pH levels
  • Comes with conditioner

Cons:

  • Bottles can be hard to open

This dandruff shampoo and conditioner combo are great for use regularly. The formula is paraben and dye-free and leaves behind a light coconut scent. Use this shampoo and conditioner to balance your scalp's pH levels and get soft, shiny, and healthy-looking hair and skin. The shampoo's soothing benefits are long-lasting, reducing itchiness and irritation of your scalp between washes.

Extra-dry

best dandruff shampoo

(Image credit: Head and Shoulders)

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

This one is great for extra-dry scalps

This dandruff shampoo and conditioner is clinically formulated to reduce dandruff.

Pros:

  • Prescription-strength formula
  • Reduces and prevents itchiness and dryness
  • Formulated with ketoconazole, manuka honey, and coconut oil
  • Comes with conditioner

Cons:

  • Has a strong odor

If you're looking for ultra-strong dandruff shampoo and conditioner that not only fights dry scalp but prevents it as well, this Head and Shoulders duo is a great choice. Formulated with selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, manuka honey, and coconut oil, the cleansing set provides prescription-strength relief. This shampoo and conditioner drastically reduce flaky skin and itchy discomfort, leaving you with a soft and moisturized scalp and hair.

The bottom line

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The best dandruff shampoo balances your scalp's pH levels, preventing itching and flaking. The Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is great to use on color-treated or chemically processed hair as it has a gentle formula. Blended with ketoconazole along with other dandruff-fighting ingredients, this shampoo will leave your hair and scalp hydrated and flake-free.

If you're looking for a shampoo and conditioner to tackle your dandruff, the Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner is definitely a combo to watch for. Free of parabens and dyes, their pleasant formula balances your pH levels for a soothed scalp.

Freelance Writer

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.