Dreaded dandruff? Banish flakes and itchiness with these expert-approved picks. (Amazon)
If you've ever seen those white flakes on your hair or clothing characteristic of a dandruff problem, you're not alone. Nearly half of all adults experience the condition at some point in their lives. And since it affects so many people, brands have developed all sorts of hair care products to help tackle the situation quickly and effectively.
But before you rush out to buy the first dandruff shampoo you see, it’s worth learning about the different options available that address the varied causes contributing to dandruff, including Malassezia yeast, scalp oils, and personal sensitivity. We reviewed a list of dandruff shampoos and treatments, consulting Yahoo's shopping experts, dermatologists and hair stylists to determine the most effective options. Our top picks for best dandruff shampoos not only treat dandruff but also soothe and hydrate the scalp.
Update, July 16, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best dandruff shampoo remains unchanged.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 7 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Ketoconazole
This award-winning shampoo and companion conditioner by Nizoral has been a cult favorite among experts and shoppers for years, likely because it is clinically proven to control flaking, scaling and itching from dandruff, according to the brand.
Three dermatologists we spoke with recommended it, including New York–based Rachel Nazarian, MD: “The ketoconazole in this product decreases the yeast associated with seborrheic dermatitis," said the doc, adding that it can be "used long-term to prevent a return of flaking and scaling.” Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, added, “The active ingredient also serves as a potent antifungal agent, particularly effective against Malassezia [a fungus that causes dandruff]." You only need to use it twice weekly to get relief; no wonder this medicated shampoo is also an Amazon bestseller with over 77,000 five-star ratings.
Formulation: Treatment | Size: 3.6 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Ectoin
This ultra-hydrating dandruff treatment is celebrity hairstylist Harry David’s top pick. “It’s important to really target the scalp because that’s where the excess oil and yeast overgrowth starts," he said. "This shampoo moisturizes, stimulates and rebalances to strengthen the natural protective layer for a refreshed and energized scalp." Aside from nourishing, soothing and rebalancing oily, flaky or dry scalp, it also helps reduce scalp irritation and leaves hair silky smooth.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 12 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
This popular over-the-counter Dove option proves you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get results. New York dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, recommends it. “It helps control dandruff because it contains pyrithione zinc, which adds anti-microbial properties to the shampoo," she said. "It also contains shea butter and coconut oil to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy.” Along with being gentle and calming enough for everyday use, the shampoo has a delicious smell that shoppers adore. Some note that it can weigh your hair down if you don’t rinse thoroughly.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 4.5 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
Both Dr. Nazarian and Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recommend this formula. “This shampoo incorporates coal tar to slow down the turnover of skin cells and reduce flaking,” said Dr. Graf. It contains 3% salicylic acid, which treats dandruff symptoms caused by scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis by removing scalp buildup while relieving itching and flaking. The shampoo says it’s fragrance-free, but some shoppers felt it had a medicinal smell to it.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 33.8 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Dr. Graf is a fan of this scalp care shampoo because it contains pyrithione zinc, “which helps balance and hydrate the skin and soothe irritation,” she said. The brand claims this clarifying shampoo can help reduce itching and flaking with just one use, but you should use it at least three times a week for best results. Multiple Amazon shoppers have called it a “lifesaver.” Take it from this customer: “This is the only shampoo that helps with my itchy, flaky scalp."
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 8 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Charcoal
This exfoliating Briogeo shampoo is Zaydenberg's other top pick, but she uses it more for periodic maintenance. “It's not an everyday shampoo — it's a little heavy — but it really leaves my scalp feeling clean and flake-free. I have a friend who uses it for eczema on her scalp and she loves it, too,” she said. The scrub shampoo is formulated to get rid of impurities and buildup while balancing and soothing an itchy, irritated scalp. It can be used on dry or oily scalps and all hair types.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 13.5 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Selenium sulfide
Head & Shoulders has been synonymous with tackling dandruff for decades — and this clinical strength formula might be its most effective product yet. Dr. Graf loves it because “it is infused with manuka honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to break down the yeast and soothe and hydrate the scalp.” With regular use, the brand says you will see 100% protection against visible flakes. Thousands of Amazon shoppers are fans, with many reporting immediate results. Some didn't love the strong smell, though.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 10 ounces | Hair Type: All | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
I noticed my hair getting flakier last winter, so I gave this anti-dandruff shampoo from Ouai a try when it launched last December, and I loved it. Thanks to the 2% salicylic acid formula, not only did I see a reduction in flakes after consistently using it for a few weeks, but I also loved how soft and clean my hair felt. It was much gentler than other dandruff shampoos I'd tried in the past — but since my case is mild, it worked great for my needs. I really fell for the ginger, basil and spearmint smell, too.
Formulation: Shampoo | Size: 11 ounces | Hair Type: Dry | Key ingredient: Selenium sulfide
If you suffer from a super itchy scalp, Dr. Henry suggests trying this Selsun Blue option. “Selenium sulfide is the key component here, effectively targeting dandruff and alleviating itching,” she said. The shampoo is infused with menthol for a cooling and soothing sensation on the scalp that people love. “Something was making my head really itchy, so I got this. Wow, this explodes into an amazing thick blue lather, and the menthol was just what the doctor ordered,” raved one. The smell, however, might not be for you. Some shoppers warn the scent can be too intense.
“Zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide and salicylic acid are all ingredients I tell my patients to look for when they have trouble with dandruff, because they have antifungal properties,” said Dr. Jaliman, a New York City dermatologist.
“Salicylic acid is a very good ingredient to look for,” the doc added, "because it helps the exfoliation process and gets rid of the dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. While zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide help eliminate the fungus on the skin called Malassezia, ketoconazole decreases the growth of the fungus that causes the dandruff."
Other key players: Coal tar and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), according to Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. They both address the root causes of dandruff: “Coal tar slows down the growth of skin cells and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) helps regulate the production of sebum.”
According to Dr. Graf assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, “Dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis — a very common condition precipitated by increased oil production in the scalp. In response to the oil, our fungal microflora — part of our protective microbiome — rapidly multiplies as it loves the oily environment. As it continues, it can result in what seems like dry scalp with redness, scaling bumps, patches on the scalp and flaking along hair and shoulders.”
Another reason you may suffer from dandruff is from an overgrowth of Malassezia — a yeast-like dandruff-causing fungus that occurs naturally on the scalp. “When this fungus proliferates, it can trigger an inflammatory response in some individuals, leading to the characteristic flakes and itching,” Dr. Henry told Yahoo Life.
While you may think they are the same thing, celebrity hair stylist Harry Josh explains, “Dry scalp is caused by the lack of moisture on the scalp, whereas dandruff is caused by excess oil,” so they are two very different problems. Dr. Graf added, “While both dandruff and dry scalp cause the scalp to flake off, dandruff flakes tend to be large, have a yellow hue and are oily to the touch. A dry scalp produces small, white flakes of skin. Since the fungus is part of our normal flora, dandruff is not curable but can be controlled.”
While washing your hair every day can strip away oils, if you have dandruff, doing the deed daily can actually help (depending on the severity of your case). “If you’re experiencing dandruff, the more exposure to the active ingredients in the shampoo, the quicker the condition will resolve. Washing your hair daily is completely fine and encouraged,” said Dr. Nazarian. If your case is less severe, Dr. Jaliman says that, in most cases, "using a dandruff shampoo two to three times a week should be sufficient. Once dandruff is under control, the frequency can be reduced to once a week or as needed to maintain results.”
Dr. Nazarian recommends “giving it a full week to notice improvement. But many of my patients experience dandruff relief after one wash.” Just remember that results can vary from person to person: Some individuals may notice an improvement after a few washes; others might require several weeks of consistent use to see full results.
Debra Jaliman, MD, a NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist
Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College
Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist
Harry Josh, celebrity hairstylist
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
