10 Best Hairstylist-Approved Professional Dandruff Shampoos Of 2024
Remove excess oil and sebum from the scalp and prevent the appearance of dry flakes.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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 editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona 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 Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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Dandruff is a common concern that makes your scalp flake, itchy, dry, irritate, and hair fall. Dealing with this issue is much necessary to keep your scalp healthy. You need the best dandruff shampoo instead of a regular shampoo to deal with all your dandruff concerns. In addition, they are formulated with special ingredients to control dandruff and prevent its reoccurrence thus helping in reducing hair loss.
The best anti-dandruff shampoo reduces the occurrence of flakes, eliminates irritation, prevents the growth of fungus, and reduces the buildup of skin cells. These anti-dandruff shampoos come with medicated formula and are dermatologist-recommended. They prevent the recurrence of dandruff. Professional dandruff shampoos always give the desired results. In this article, we have sifted out a list of the 13 best professional dandruff shampoos that provide a healthy scalp. Keep scrolling to read further.
In This Article
10 Best Professional Dandruff Shampoos
1. Best Overall:Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you are looking for the ultimate solution for your scalp concerns, go for the Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This potent yet gentle formula is clinically-proven and has proven efficacy in fighting the dandruff-causing fungus, thereby relieving scalp itching, flaking, and scaling. This clinically proven formula can be used on color and chemically treated hair. Its rich lather gives you a pleasing bathing experience while the fresh scent invigorates your senses. Before buying the gentle shampoo, have a look at a reviewer’s experience in this video for more details.
Key Ingredient: Ketoconazole 1%
Pros
- Gentle on scalp
- Quick lathering
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Fresh fragrance
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,552 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Pharmacist-Recommended:Selsun Blue Maximum Strength Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo
The cult-favorite medicated formula of the Selsun Blue Maximum Strength Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo is made with selenium sulfide that treats scalp infections. Its rich, anti-fungal properties help get rid of dandruff and dead skin cells. It also contains cooling menthol to heal inflammation and redness. In addition, this shampoo also makes your hair shiny and silky. Watch this video to know more about the gentle shampoo from the tester’s experience.
Key Ingredient: Selenium sulfide 1%, Pyrithione zinc, and Salicylic acid
Pros
- Quick lathering
- Gentle for sensitive scalp
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for all hair types
- SLS-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 1,207 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
3. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated AntiDandruff Shampoo
The Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated AntiDandruff Shampoo is a popular over-the-counter remedy for allergy-prone scalp, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. The powerful anti-fungal 2% pyrithione zinc controls and relieves the symptoms of dandruff and fungal infections on the scalp. It also relieves symptoms of scalp flaking, itching, redness, and scaling. . This video will give you more insights and how people experience multiple benefits from this dermatologist-tested shampoo.
Key Ingredient: Pyrithione zinc 2%
Pros
- Non-drying
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist tested
- pH-balanced
- Protein-free
- Gluten-free
- Essential oil-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Lanolin-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Paraben-free
- Cocamidopropyl betaine-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipAdd a cup of rose water to your normal shampoo and apply it to your scalp and along the length of your hair. This is an effective anti-itch scalp treatment that helps soothe an itchy, irritated scalp and adds a beautiful sheen to your tresses.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 5,076 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
4. Best For Scalp Dermatitis:Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Say bye-bye to itchy, flaky, and irritated scalp with the Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo. This flaky scalp solution employs a combination of FDA-approved sulfur and salicylic acid to target scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis. In addition, the blend of jojoba and olive oils softens your locks while the rosemary oil deeply conditions the scalp and regulates scalp balance and sebum production. Further, this hair product is an affordable option and has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Jojoba oil, and Rosemary oil
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Pleasant fragrance
- Artificial color-free
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,039 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
5. Best Scalp Purifying Action:L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Instant Clear Shampoo
For a salon-like scalp detoxification action, try the L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Instant Clear Shampoo. Its state-of-the-art formula is enriched with piroctone olamine for fighting flakiness and relieving scalp dryness and discomfort. The daily shampoo contains a powerful blend of zinc pyrithione and glycolic acid that keeps dandruff in check.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, Piroctone olamine, and Glycolic acid
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Ideal for daily use
- Lathers well
- Unisex product
Cons
- Can be drying
Pro TipAfter washing your hair, apply L’Oreal Professionnel Inforcer Hair Mask to towel-dried hair. Leave it for two minutes and rinse with water to get strong, lustrous locks.
6. Best For Scalp Psoriasis:Dermasolve Psoriasis Shampoo
The Dermasolve Psoriasis Shampoo is dermatologist-recommended and the ultimate solution for itching, flakiness, and dandruff concerns caused by scalp psoriasis. This luxurious conditioning and hydrating shampoo has nourishing ingredients that relieve dry scalp concern, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff, leaving you with silky soft and tangle-free tresses. It is powered by the patented Ovasome technology that incorporates the nourishing goodness of a whole egg into the shampoo for overall scalp care.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid 3%
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Safe for color treated hair
- Fragrance-free
- Steroid-free
- Gentle on scalp
Cons
- None
7. Best Botanical Formula:Kamedis Dermatology Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
The Kamedis Dermatology Dandruff Therapy Shampoo is a clinically proven formula that provides long-lasting relief from itching, irritation, and redness of the scalp associated with dandruff. It is enriched with anti-inflammatory soapberry for its soothing and anti-microbial benefits, along with zinc pyrithione for its anti-fungal and anti-dandruff benefits. In addition, the salicylic acid helps clear stubborn dandruff and scaly patches while nourishing the scalp.
Key Ingredients: Soapberry, Zinc pyrithione, and Salicylic acid
Pros
- Dye-free
- Tar-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Steroid-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Expensive
8. Best Nourishing Formula:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
The Jupiter Balancing Shampoo is an all-in-one solution for dry, flaky, and itchy scalp. It has ingredients like zinc pyrithione, reduces dandruff, and coconut oil nourishes and softens the hair. The plant-derived squalane boosts hair shine and prevents breakage. It also contains hydrating sugar kelp extract that provides anti-aging and anti-bacterial benefits to your scalp and natural hair. Further, the product is free from animal testing.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione 1%, Coconut oil, Squalane, and Sugar kelp extract
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Safe for chemically-treated hair
- Suits all hair types
- Vegan
Cons
- None
9. Best For Itchy Scalp:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
If you are tired of a constantly itchy scalp and dry flakes, try the dermatologist recommended formula of Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. It is formulated with coal tar extract that targets dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis by regulating the production of skin cells and reducing inflammation. It promotes shinier and manageable hair.
Key Ingredients: Neutar solubilised coal tar extract
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Value for money
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Contains SLS
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,106 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
10. Best For Seborrheic Dermatitis:Avalon Organics Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The pH balanced formula of Avalon Organics Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a godsend for anyone struggling with seborrheic dermatitis! This medicated formula clears your scalp without stripping your hair off its natural oils. It also prevents the reoccurrence of dandruff. It is enriched with a blend of 2% salicylic acid, aloe vera, tea tree, chamomile, and essential oils that condition and nourish hair. Further, the product is not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Aloe vera, Tea tree, Chamomile, and Essential oils
Pros
- Non-GMO
- SLS-free
- Phthalate-free
- Synthetic color-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive
The products listed above are tried and tested and loved by all users. They help you tackle dandruff effectively. But which one will suit you the best? To understand this, read the section below.
How To Choose The Best Dandruff Shampoo
- Ingredients
Potent clinically-tested anti-fungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione, octopirox, ketoconazole, climbazole, selenium sulphide, and keratolytics like salicylic acid are a must in anti-dandruff shampoo formulas because they target the root cause of dandruff, thereby preventing their reoccurrence. Look for shampoos with a blend of antifungal ingredients and exfoliants to get dual-action benefits. They help break down dead skin cells and clumps of dry skin to clear your scalp and improve its overall health.
- Hair Type
The problem of dandruff can occur, regardless of your hair or scalp type. So, choosing a shampoo based on your hair type is a must even with anti-dandruff formulae. For instance, if you have oily hair, go for deep cleansing and clarifying shampoos that leave your scalp clean; similarly if you have dry hair, consider a hydrating shampoo to leave your scalp feeling moisturized.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Although dandruff is a common condition, its management is not easy. This is where good anti-dandruff shampoos that target the root cause of dandruff come in. However, it is important to know the essential ingredients that go into these formulas to ensure you make an informed purchase for your specific scalp condition. Check out the infographic given below to know more about the ingredients that make these shampoos effective.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A clean scalp leads to healthy hair growth. But, dirt, outside pollution, sweat, and other impurities may cause your scalp to trigger dandruff, flakes, and irritation. You can remedy that by using the shampoos that keep your scalp healthy, eliminating the fungus growth and dandruff. The Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is an excellent choice as it relieves itching and reduces flaking, while the Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Shampoo soothes sensitive skin on the scalp gently without drying hair. For those who are looking for oil-based shampoo that conditions and restores scalp balance then try the Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo. Invest in anti-dandruff shampoos that are paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, gentle on the scalp, and hypoallergenic. However, restrain from using those shampoos that leave residue and make your hair dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dandruff mean your hair is dirty?
No. Excessive product buildup and accumulation of oils are the primary reasons for dandruff. However, people with clean scalp may also suffer from the problem.
Can I use a professional dandruff shampoo daily?
No. Do not wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Otherwise, it will cause hair breakage and make the strands dull and brittle.
What is the best remedy for dandruff?
An anti-dandruff shampoo is the best remedy for eliminating dandruff. In addition, home remedies like applying apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, lemon juice, and green tea to the hair are also effective in reducing dandruff.
Can we use a clarifying shampoo as dandruff shampoo?
No. Clarifying shampoo removes excess product buildup and may eliminate dandruff just for once. But, if you only want a more permanent solution for dandruff, opt for an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Can I use a regular conditioner after using professional dandruff shampoo?
No. A regular conditioner decreases the potency and reverses the effect of professional anti-dandruff shampoo. Use a formula from the same line of products for the best results.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has a keen interest in hair care. She loves to research various hair care products to bring the top list for the readers, making their choice easy. After extensive research and reading many consumer reviews online, she has curated this list of the best professional dandruff shampoos for her readers. These shampoos are the best way to combat dandruff and prevent reoccurrence.
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