When you look good, you feel good, but even on your best day, a flaky scalp can be an instant nightmare.
This dryness, flaking, and itching, also known as dandruff, is most commonly caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast. “This is a harmless yeast that lives in our bodies, but due to the chemical properties of the human body, it can overgrow on the scalp, ears, eyebrows or nose,” says skin doctor. Willow based in Los Angeles said. Dr. Jessica Wu. “When there is an overgrowth of yeast, your body develops an inflammatory response that causes itching, flaking, or redness.” However, this is not the only cause of dandruff. Those symptoms can also be due to product buildup, allergic reactions, seasonality, or medical conditions like psoriasis.
A common misconception about dandruff is that it’s caused by dry hair, but it’s not. Wu explains that with seborrheic dermatitis, yeast feeds on the oils we all produce, causing an overproduction that leads to dandruff. She sees patients who think their scalp is dry so they use more oil when they should be doing the opposite. The oil works for a short time to cover the flaking, but symptoms return as the yeast eats up the oil. “We often see this in people with oily hair or people who don’t wash their hair as often,” she says.
Based on Dr. Sumayah Jamal, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, removing oil from your routine isn’t necessarily the answer. “There are many ways that you can maintain moisture in your hair while also controlling yeast production,” she explains. The texture and quality of your hair, along with your hair care routine, will determine which treatments work best. However, it is important to remember that dandruff is not something we can completely get rid of. “Because it’s related to yeast, which is part of our skin’s natural flora, we can’t get rid of it,” she says. “Some people have very mild dandruff with occasional flare-ups, but some people need ongoing treatment that can’t be cured.”
Both Jamal and Wu recommend trying an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo first to treat your symptoms. Ingredients like zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole are effective at killing yeast and are common in many shampoos. If you have dry or coarse hair, be sure to look for a shampoo that doesn’t strip away too much moisture.
As Wu says, taking care of our hair is more important today than ever to help us feel more confident, as we often cover most of our faces with masks and we have to agree. If you’re looking for the best anti-dandruff shampoo for your best hair day, check out our top-rated picks below.
If you go to a dermatologist to treat dandruff, they will probably tell you to try it this shampoo. In fact, this has been recommended by both of our experts as it is an over-the-counter version of what doctors prescribe to patients in more severe cases. Nizoral contains 1% of the active ingredient ketoconazole to help prevent dandruff flare-ups (prescription is usually 2%). Nearly 17,000 Amazon reviewers are impressed with its ability to treat symptoms after just a few uses at a fairly affordable cost.
This T/Gel Shampoo by Neutrogena Lives up to its name by providing relief from itching and flaking. According to Jamal, it is known to reduce inflammation because it contains coal tar extract. It’s gentle but formulated to keep working even after you rinse it off. In addition to dandruff, it also works well for people with more severe scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Reviewers didn’t quite like the smell but thought it was worth the exceptional results.
This new 2 in 1 product from Harry’s will be a game changer for those super fragile days when you need quick relief. For less than $10, you can have a dandruff formula containing zinc pyrithione to fight even the most stubborn dandruff patches. The shampoo even comes in three different strengths (with slightly different formulations) – dry scalp, anti-dandruff and extreme anti-dandruff – to best suit your concerns.
We can personally attest to the effectiveness of the Dove DermaCare collection in combating stubborn dandruff. This Dry & Itchy Shampoo again, formulated with zinc pyrithione to properly care for your dandruff and its accompanying symptoms. For under $5, you can get rid of a flaky scalp with a gentle coconut and shea butter scent.
Jamal recommends that people with color-treated hair avoid products that contain the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Essentially, these can be too strong and deprive your hair of the color or nutrients your hair needs. She suggested this Shea Moisture’s African Black Soap Cleansing Shampoo. It’s made with tea tree oil and willow bark extract to deep clean, removing build-up while soothing your scalp without damaging your hair color. Reviewers also love it because it controls oil without drying out your hair.
Wu recommended This scalp treatment serum for coal and tea tree oil. “Charcoal is good for oily hair. It helps absorb dirt and oil,” she explains. Charcoal can remove buildup, while a blend of tea tree, mint, and aloe works to reduce itching and soothe the scalp. This cruelty-free, vegan treatment is super mild so won’t cause a build-up. She advises that if you’re looking for a scalp treatment in between shampoos, choose a serum, not an oil, unless it’s tea tree oil.
According to Vu, this shampoo by anti-dandruff legend Head & Shoulders is great for people with dry hair. This one contains 1% zinc pyrithione, which helps control yeast, but is also fortified with avocado oil to bring nutrients to each strand of your hair. Jamal also notes that this shampoo is also safe for color-treated hair.
Continuing its anti-dandruff legacy, Head & Shoulders has created the Royal Oils range to address the specific scalp needs of those with frizzy hair. Each product is designed with hydration in mind, to retain moisture while reducing the symptoms of flaking and dry scalp. This scalp miracle is a standout product of the line, recommended by both of our dermatologists, as a way for people with natural hair to address their worries between washes. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, menthol, and menthol that help relieve itching after each use.
Jupiter’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has 1% zinc pyrithione to help relieve itchy and flaky scalp, and it also contains conditioning ingredients like coconut oil, squalane and sugar kelp extract. Reviewers love how quickly it soothes an itchy and sensitive scalp. Plus, it’s color-treated hair safe, certified vegan, jumping bunny, and contains no synthetic fragrances.
Trying to be more conscious of the amount of plastic you’re buying and disposing of? A shampoo bar is your solution. Heali Kiwi Shampoo Bar Ethique’s favorites are loved for both their commitment to zero waste beauty and their ability to soothe sensitive scalps. The bar contains oatmeal, coconut oil, neem oil, and karanja oil to address the itch without weighing the hair down.
Reviewers can’t seem to understand enough rub this scalp by Christophe Robin. An exfoliating blend combines with sea salt to remove residue from the scalp while using sweet almond oil to soothe sensitive or itchy sensations. Wu recommends that people with oily hair exfoliate their scalp between shampoos. And although this exfoliator is meant to be used as a shampoo, she recommends using an exfoliator only once or twice a week so as not to over-irritate the skin.
If you are looking for a more natural shampoo for dandruff, then a shampoo made with tea tree oil might be worth a try. While it may not be as effective as a zinc shampoo treatment, Wu shares that the oil has an anti-yeast effect to balance the scalp. She suggested Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special ShampooA favorite choice for thoroughly cleansing the scalp, leaving a cooling and soothing tingling sensation.
Apple cider vinegar is another natural ingredient known to help treat dandruff and it is the main ingredient of Ouai’s Detoxifying Shampoo. According to Wu, ACV has antibacterial properties that help get rid of yeast and is acidic enough to remove dead skin cells. However, in most cases it is not strong enough to properly control yeast like zinc pyrithione. So if you’re experiencing milder flaking, this formula works with keratin and chelators to literally detox your hair while strengthening it. Better yet, it’s SLS-free, which means it’s safe for color-treated hair.
Go ahead and say it clearly This bottle of Oribe will look Insta-worthy when you shower. Luckily, form matches function, because according to reviewers, this anti-dandruff shampoo both relieves your scalp problems and is great. Sulfate-free and formulated with salicylic acid, this shampoo can break down dead skin cells, relieve itching, and gently cleanse for healthy-looking hair. It also contains caffeine to energize hair follicles and various extracts that can help protect hair from breakage and damage.
In general, treating dandruff is about listening to your scalp, as successful treatment really depends on the severity of the dandruff. According to our experts, try using your anti-dandruff shampoo once a week, then see how your hair reacts to it. You may need to increase the frequency if you are not seeing results. If your symptoms don’t go away, consider seeing a dermatologist.
