15 Best Dandruff Shampoos That Give You A Flake-Free Scalp – 2023
For a healthy, flake-free scalp that lets you have the long or short, luscious hair of your dreams.
Alicia Igess JonesHairstylist
Expertise: Hairstyling
Experience: 20 years
Alicia Igess Jones is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Ramona SinhaCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 11 years
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
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From a medical perspective, dandruff isn’t a condition that can negatively affect your hair health. But it can prove to be pretty annoying and embarrassing to fight the urge to itch and hide those white flakes. However, some of the best dandruff shampoos on the market can help you get rid of dandruff effortlessly and prevent it from returning.
No one likes to have a flaky and itchy scalp. Anti-dandruff shampoos help combat this pesky scalp condition as they are formulated with anti-fungal ingredients such as selenium sulfate, pyrithione zinc, and more. These over-the-counter shampoos keep flakes and itching at bay. With many dandruff shampoos available in the market, it can be hard to choose the one that works best on your scalp and condition. Let’s scroll through the list of the best dandruff shampoos now!
In This Article
The Top 15 Dandruff Shampoos That Fight A Flaky Scalp
1. Best Antibacterial Properties:Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo
Image: Maple Holistics Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo is a wonderfully blended mixture of Jojoba oil, Botanical keratin, Peach kernel oil, and rosemary oil. The balancing properties of Sage help stimulate the scalp and add volume to your hair. This anti-dandruff shampoo gently cleanses oily hair, helps relieve scalp itchiness, and improves hair texture. The keratin present in this special formula helps strengthen the brittle hair for better elasticity. The Tea Tree oil present in this shampoo is especially beneficial in fighting scalp dandruff, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent the return of the oh-so-unwanted dandruff. Watch this video detailing a tester’s experience of using the product for more information.
Pros
- Sulfate and paraben free product
- Enhances all types of hair be it normal, oily, or even color-treated one
- Works well for both men and women
- Volumizing formula
Cons
- Some users reported hair loss
2. Best Salon-Tested:Nizoral A-D Dandruff Shampoo
Image: Nizoral Anti-dandruff The Nizoral A-D Dandruff Shampoo is specially made for those who are struggling to get rid of stubborn dandruff. Made with Ketoconazole 1% this is an effective ingredient in controlling and fighting dandruff outbreaks. The Nizoral shampoo has proven to be more effective at fighting fungus, the root cause of dandruff. It is clinically proven to control flaking, scaling, and itching caused due to dandruff. Several reviewers recommend this product for soothing scalp irritation and controlling hair loss caused by dandruff. It has a rich lather that rinses clean leaving your hair looking and smelling fresh. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Works gently even on color-treated and gray hair
- Salon-tested
- Works well for men and women
Cons
- Some users reported itchiness post use
3. Best Dermatologist-Approved:Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo
Image: Neutrogena Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo is a popular brand that provides redness and scalp itch relief to those who suffer from chronic scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, besides pesky flakes. Recognized by The National Psoriasis Foundation, this scalp therapy has proven to give the extra strength due to the presence of 1% coal Tar formulated in it. This repairing shampoo can be used daily and starts showing results in the first use itself giving relief from dandruff for the whole week. Check out this video for a detailed review of a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
- When used with conditioners makes hair manageable and healthy
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some users reported smell issues
4. Best For All Skin Types:Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Shampoo is a well-known brand. Upon using it regularly, it balances and restores scalp health. With the presence of coconut oil, this Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Collection gives a luxurious scent that is long-lasting. The rich, creamy lather cleanses impurities, hydrates your crowning glory, and relieves you from the dry, itchy scalp. Its ability to provide long-lasting, deep hydration to the scalp and hair has garnered positive customer reviews online. The entire Royal oils line includes scalp relief for kinky and coily hair besides natural hair as well.
Pros
- Free from parabens and dyes
- Suitable for all skin types
- Anti-itch formula
- Smells like coconut
- Lightweight moisturization
Cons
- Some users reported scalp dryness post use
5. Best Lightweight:Dove DermaCare Scalp Coconut & Hydration Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Image: Dove Dove Dermacare Scalp Coconut & Hydration Dandruff Shampoo gives relief from the itchy and flaky scalp. Being formulated with Pyrithione Zinc, it hydrates hair from within and gives you healthy and luscious tresses. This pH-balanced formula helps reduce dandruff and soothe the itching and flaking caused by it. It gives instant nourishment to the dry hair leaving them looking refreshed and nourished after a few washes. Formulated with coconut oil and sweet lime, it leaves your hair well-nourished along with the long-lasting sweet smell as well.
Pros
- Leaves your hair soft and nourished
- Smells amazing
- Lightweight moisturization and hydration
Cons
- It may irritate sensitive skin.
Pro Tip6. Best Cruelty-Free:Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Image: Jason Natural Care Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo as the name suggests helps treat seborrheic dermatitis. This liquid formula is a combination of sulfur and salicylic acid that helps treat mild psoriasis. Also the essential oils namely jojoba, rosemary, and olive are great healers that soothe, heal, and moisturize the scalp. The Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo reduces flaking and itchiness caused by the onset of dandruff.
Pros
- Cruelty-free product
- Controls recurrence of dandruff
- Reduces flaking to quite an extent
Cons
- Some users found the smell unappealing
7. Best Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulfate-free Shampoo
L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Shampoo formulated with 1% pyrithione zinc restores scalp balance thereby reducing the itching and flakiness associated with dandruff. This clinically tested product is sulfate, salt, and surfactant-free and will help prevent dullness and damage of your precious locks. The aromatic fragrance and luxurious lather make it an even go-for shampoo. Combining this shampoo with EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub will give optimal results.
Pros
- Safe on color-treated hair too
- Budget-friendly
- Refreshing fresh smell
Cons
- It may dry out your hair.
8. Best For Sensitive Skin:Free & Clear Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
Free & Clear Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is a creamy formula with a strength of 2% pyrithione zinc having antifungal properties to control and reduce dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With absolutely no fragrance and completely free of dyes, this product tends to solve hair-related medical issues. This medicated shampoo is dermatologist-tested and is mild and gentle, free of common chemical irritants.
Pros
- Gluten and sulfate-free product
- No smell
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-irritating formula
- This product is best for people with sensitive skin.
Cons
- May cause excessive drying in some cases
9. Best For Scalp Irritation:BIOLAGE Scalpsync Dandruff Shampoo
The Biolage Scalpsync Dandruff Shampoo is inspired by the anti-bacterial and calming properties of the mint leaf. The pyrithione zinc acts as a soldier targeting dandruff and controls the oh-so-visible flakes and reduces scalp irritation at the same time. Using it twice a week and massaging gently on wet hair helps greatly in deep cleansing the scalp and effectively reducing dandruff.
Pros
- Can be used by both men and women
- Mint cleanses and gives a cooling effect to the affected scalp
- Relieves irritation
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Pro Tip10. Best For Dry Scalp: The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo
Image: The Body Shop The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo is a refreshing and invigorating formula designed to gently cleanse and soothe the scalp while leaving your hair feeling soft and manageable. This shampoo is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including ginger essential oil, birch bark, and white willow bark extracts that exfoliate and eliminate flakes and soothe your dry, itchy scalp. The ginger in the formula also fills your hair with a clean fragrance.
Pros
- Made with 90% natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
- Gentle
- Flake reduction formula
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Waters down
- Greasy texture
11. Best Environmental-Friendly:Luseta Tea Tree And Argan Oil Shampoo
Image: Luseta Clean your scalp thoroughly with the Luseta Tea Tree And Argan Oil Shampoo. It is specially formulated with natural ingredients for oily and damaged hair. It has tea tree oil, argan oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and other ingredients that keep your scalp free of dandruff and associated itchiness. These ingredients remove excess oil and dirt from the scalp for healthy follicles and new growth. In addition, it also conditions your hair, thickens it, and adds shine to make it radiant and healthy. The product is also opted for by ethically conscious customers because it has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Suitable for mild dandruff
- Nourishes your hair and scalp
- Color-safe
- Oil control formula
- Shine-enhancing formula
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Environmental-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
12. Best Nourishing:Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo
Image: Botanic Hearth Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo is formulated with nourishing ingredients such as 100% pure tea Tree Oil, aloe vera, peppermint, and lavender oils making your hair and scalp healthy and strong. With the presence of tea tree oil, it soothes and deeply nourishes your hair and scalp. Without weighing your hair down it refreshes your hair to the tilt giving it that bouncy look and feel
Pros
- Sulfate and paraben free product
- Safe for all hair types
- Lightweight on hair
Cons
- Has a medicinal smell that some users don’t like
13. Best For Itchy Scalp: DHS Coal Tar Shampoo
Image: Dhs The DHS Tar Shampoo is a medicated formula designed to eliminate scalp itchiness and flaking associated with psoriasis, seborrhea, and dandruff. It contains 0.5% coal tar, which is a proven active ingredient in treating these conditions and provides maximum therapeutic benefit. This fast-acting shampoo is free of sulfates and fragrances, making it gentle on the scalp and suitable for daily use. It helps to soothe and nourish the scalp, leaving the hair soft and shiny.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive scalp
- Safe for daily use
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- PABA-free
- Offers quick results
Cons
None
14. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a gentle cleanser and is formulated with salicylic acid. It eliminates dandruff while soothing the dry, itchy, and irritating scalp. The result is a healthy scalp with zero flakes and hydrated hair. It helps relieve dryness and helps refresh and rejuvenate the hair and scalp. It also maintains a healthy moisture balance for hair and scalp.
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Soothing formula
- Paraben and sulfate-free product
- Dermatologically tested and approved
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
15. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Image: Sebamed The Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo is a specialized hair care product designed to soothe and balance your scalp. The formula is clinically-tested with a pH value of 5.5, which is ideal for strengthening the natural protective barrier of the scalp. It also contains botanical extracts that nourish your scalp and hair. It reduces the incidence of dandruff and prevents irritation and itching.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gentle
- Residue-free
Cons
None
How To Choose The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo- A Buying Guide
- Type of hair
The type of hair you have plays a major role in deciding which Anti-Dandruff Shampoo to purchase as many of these shampoos contain a few products that might cause drying and itching. Choosing a shampoo that has hydrating elements will prove useful to keep your hair soft and damage-free.
- Check the ingredients
Always check the packaging of the shampoo and understand the ingredients that are present in it. There may be a wide variety of ingredients in the shampoo that will clear out your dandruff but end up damaging your hair.
How To Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The primary function of using anti-dandruff shampoo is to prevent the growth and removal of dandruff from the scalp. Rinsing your hair initially with warm water will open the cuticles so that the shampoo penetrates the scalp. Apply evenly all over the scalp, massage gently combing it right through your hair and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse off the shampoo with water thoroughly while combing with your fingers. Always dry your hair before brushing through it.
Alicia Igess Jones, a hairstylist, says, “Never scratch up dandruff. If you need to loosen them up, allow the dandruff shampoo to sit on your scalp for at least 5-10 minutes and rub up the dandruff with your finger tips. Do not use your nails for scratching. The rubbing should resemble what it looks like to rub something sticky off a surface.”
The Bottom Line
Dandruff shampoos are the need of the hour! These shampoos offer restorative care and help in revitalizing your locks while attending to the issue of dandruff in your hair and scalp. The Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo is paraben- and sulfate-free, while the Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo provides relief from if you have an itchy scalp. For a cruelty-free option, opt for the Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo. These shampoos can help you get rid of excessive white flakes on your hair that ruin every hairstyle. Some shampoos are enriched with anti-fungal ingredients that can eliminate excessive itching and keep your scalp smooth. Choose dandruff shampoos that thoroughly cater to hair loss as well. Opt for dermatologist-recommended shampoos and conduct a patch test before application to check for scalp sensitivity.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Medha Deb, the author of this article, is a haircare enthusiast. Understanding the pain users feel in their quest for the perfect dandruff shampoo, she has taken extra care and gone through hundreds of reviews by users to pick the best dandruff shampoos for her readers. This list offers a wide range of shampoos that keep dandruff and itching at bay on an affordable budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anti-dandruff shampoo good for your hair?
While the use of anti-dandruff shampoos should be restricted to when you have dandruff, it may not necessarily cause damage to your hair.
Does anti-dandruff shampoo cause hair loss?
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients that kill the fungus that causes dandruff on your scalp. This can also lead to damage to your hair roots which can cause hair loss.
Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo every day?
Anti-dandruff shampoos are designed to treat the fungus on your scalp and may contain chemicals that are not suitable for prolonged use.
Does hot water cause dandruff?
Yes, as hot water tends to strip hair of its natural oils causing dryness which eventually leads to dandruff.
How often should you use anti-dandruff shampoo?
The use of anti-dandruff shampoo differs from person to person depending on the amount of dandruff they carry.
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