The 18 Best Dandruff Shampoos: Reviews
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It can be embarrassing to have dandruff! Visible flakes on the shoulder are not something anyone wants, gross!
Dandruff occurs because your scalp is dry. To effectively combat dandruff you need the right shampoo that moisturizes that leaves your hair and scalp feeling smooth and fresh.
However, some shampoos may not be suitable for your hair type. In this article, we will discuss the best dandruff shampoos to help you manage your hair and keep it flake-free and beautiful.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dandruff Shampoos for All Hair Types
Are you struggling to find the best dandruff shampoo to use for your hair? Here’s a list of top choices that you should keep in mind.
1. Maple Holistics Sage Dandruff shampoo
Our Pick
This product has been proven to reduce itching, flaking, redness, and irritation associated with dandruff in as little as two washes!
This natural hair care product is made from the best ingredients for your scalp and hair health. They used only organic essential oils in this shampoo so you get nothing but safe cleanliness for your hair every time!
You will love this product because it is Cruelty-Free and does not contain Parabens or Sulfates.
This gentle shampoo can also be used to treat dry hair, hair loss, and other common hair issues. It is also suitable for artificially colored hair.
2. Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Clinically Proven Dandruff Protection
Head & Shoulders is a must-have in the top anti-dandruff shampoos. This particular product is clinically tested and a generally well-trusted, popular brand that is why it is on our list of best dandruff shampoo.
It contains powerful ingredients that have been clinically proven effective for treating dandruff. It removes oil and flakes on your scalp while keeping your scalp moisturized. It is made from the active ingredient of pyrithione zinc (ZPT) to help you keep your hair well managed and stunning. It is suitable for color-treated hair.
3. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner Duo
With The Power of Tea tree oil
This shampoo works particularly well for people with frizzy hair. While it is not specifically advertised as an anti-dandruff shampoo, the ingredients used can moisturize the scalp and prevent it from drying out.
The main ingredient of both the shampoo and conditioner is Tea tree oil. This can be used to remove impurities from the scalp and restore the hair’s vitality and sheen. As a bonus, the shampoo and conditioner come in a matching set (with one of each) to help you get the most out of this excellent product.
4. Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp
This shampoo can be used to treat dandruff while also helping you manage thick, unruly, curly hair. It is perfect to help you keep thick and curly hair beautiful, vibrant, and free from imperfections.
It also contains tea tree oil, which will soothe and cleanse your scalp and hair. It contains cooling mint and calming lavender, two ingredients that can help with removing dandruff. This product is also suitable for artificially colored hair and sensitive scalps.
5. Luseta Tea Tree & Argan Oil Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner
Contains Peppermint oil
Tangling is one of the most common problems of hair. This shampoo has a unique formula that can provide exceptional detangling results while simultaneously helping you treat and prevent dandruff. This product is made with high-quality ingredients that both detangle hair and treat dry skin.
With a key ingredient of the product being Tea tree oil, it can also be used to improve the quality of oily hair. The product also includes peppermint oil to improve blood circulation and improves hair growth rate. Argan oil is also a great ingredient to help you repair and rejuvenate your hair.
As a final bonus, this product comes in a set of 1 shampoo and 1 conditioner bottle to help you make the most out of this fantastic product. You can use this shampoo on color-treated hair.
6. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Powered with Ketoconazole
Dandruff is embarrassing, and people who suffer from this scalp condition can feel self-conscious about their appearance when interacting with others. The itchy, flaky skin on your head can be hard not to scratch, but scratching only makes dandruff worse by spreading dead skin cells around your head. This causes more itching and dryness, which leads to even more scratching… you get the idea!
This scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole 1%, an effective ingredient that is proven to help fight dandruff outbreaks and decrease the itchiness that accompanies dandruff. It’s a powerful anti-dandruff shampoo that leaves hair looking healthy and feeling soft without stripping away any of your hair’s natural oils and sheen.
This anti-dandruff shampoo also helps keep skin cells unclogged so they can shed properly. The product also includes salicylic acid which loosens dead skin cells on the scalp surface for easy removal when brushing or combing. Salicylic acid also removes any excess oil.
The rich lather rinses clean leaving hair fresh while instantly helping relieve itchy, flaky, and scaly scalps that are flaky.
7. SILK18 Shampoo and Conditioner
Moisturizing shampoo with Jojoba oil
This product is a moisturizing shampoo that can be used to replenish moisture and treat the dry and flaky scalp. It will help keep your scalp hydrated and prevent dandruff.
It contains jojoba oil, aloe vera, African shea butter, and silk peptides. The manufacturer will offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with the product in any way. This is one of the best dandruff shampoos available in the market. It relieves scalp irritation.
As a bonus, it also comes in a set of 1 bottle of shampoo and 1 bottle of conditioner to help you make the best from the product.
8. Amaze Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Sulfate-Free Product
This is another product that uses tea tree oils to combat dandruff and nourish your locks. The unique hair repair formula will target common issues such as hair loss and brittleness, while also treating the symptoms of dandruff and increasing the beauty of your hair.
This product contains natural ingredients like hibiscus, pomegranate, and lavender to complement the tea tree oils cleansing effects. The shampoo is sulfate-free meaning it can be used even for those with the most sensitive scalps.
It also comes in a set of 1 shampoo bottle and 1 conditioner bottle to help you make the best from the product.
9. Pura D’Or Scalp Therapy Shampoo
Suitable For Curly Hair
This shampoo is suitable for all hair types, even those with curly hair! This product is designed for preventing flakes by treating dry scalp daily.
This shampoo’s effectiveness lies in its extraordinary natural ingredients, including organic argan, and tea tree oil. These ingredients will nourish and soothe your scalp. As a bonus, they will also make your hair easier to manage, which is a great way for you to control your curls!
10. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, Original Formula
Tested by Dermatologists
Being a Neutrogena product is enough to make it a strong choice over other products due to the brand’s well-earned respect within the cosmetic world. This product not only controls dandruff but also treats itching.
The product is tested by a board-certified dermatologist for treating several scalp-related skin conditions like scalp psoriasis. It can be used daily and is gentle enough to not dry your hair as much as other products. You can feel the instant results, and we have no doubt you will love this product’s highly effective formula. It is suitable if you have a dry scalp.
11. Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Has antibacterial properties
This product treats dandruff while also improving general hair health and sheen. It also has a pleasant, minty-fresh scent that we know will be one of the many things you love about this product! It is also exceptional for those with oily hair.
Mint leaves provide a cooling effect that keeps the scalp moisturized and fresh without producing too much sebum (grease or oil in the hair). Mint has antibacterial properties that will help nourish the scalp, while the gentle formula helps to maintain your hair’s health and removes any impurities.
12. Maple Holistics Cedarwood Dandruff Shampoo
Reduces flaking of skin
This shampoo is great for your hair. It reduces flaking and scaling and is perfect for those suffering from dry hair or scalp.
It is a natural oil that can calm and soothe and moisturize the scalp. This product contains cedarwood as well as rosemary, tea tree, and jojoba, giving it a rich, earthy scent that we know you will love.
13. Puriya Sulfate-Free Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Contains Rosemary and Sage oils
This product has a unique ability to treat dandruff and moisturize the hair and scalp. The shampoo is perfect for those struggling with dry and dull hair and will give your hair a healthy and luscious sheen.
The product contains arnica, rosemary, and sage oils, which are all known for their ability to nourish the scalp. This product does not contain any parabens or sodium chloride which can irritate your skin and damage your scalp. It also doesn’t have artificial fragrances making it perfect for those who are sensitive to scents.
14. Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Dual-Action Formula
We absolutely loved the dual-action formula, which can be used as both a shampoo or conditioner! The shampoo penetrates deep into the scalp to treat the root cause of dandruff and relieve itchiness.
One key ingredient of the product is Pro-Vitamin B5. This will give your hair shine and make it easier to manage curly and unruly hair, even if it has been exposed to heat and humidity all day. It is also great for relieving itchy scalps.
15. SheaMoisture Africam Black Soap Dandruff Control Shampoo
Made with Organic Ingredients
This product is designed to complement your natural curls. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it perfect for preserving and managing your hair as it works to target your dandruff.
The shampoo includes tea tree, and aloe vera oils, which can help moisturize the scalp. It has anti-bacterial ingredients, which can help promote healthy hair and scalp. It is also free of sulfates and made with organic ingredients making it perfect for those with sensitive scalps.
16. The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo
Powered with Ginger and White willow extracts
This shampoo is great for dry, flaky hair and is also suitable for sensitive skin. It has a unique combination of ingredients that will soften your hair, making it easier to manage and ensuring it positively glows!
The flaky scalp cleansing shampoo contains a combination of ginger, white willow extracts, and birch bark. It is also free from paraben, gluten, and other harsh ingredients which could trigger your scalp’s sensitivities.
17. Kenra Dandruff Shampoo
Perfect for Long Curls
This is another shampoo that can help you maintain the natural beauty of your curls as you address and prevent dandruff. It will also help you add weight and shine to your hair, making it perfect for those with long curls. As a bonus, it contains zinc pyrithione to help prevent future outbreaks of dandruff.
18. Davines Purifying Shampoo
Decreases Itchiness
This shampoo is excellent for many hair types, including those with oily scalps and dry hair. It is also a more cost-effective option as users report that it is unnecessary to use it daily to combat dandruff and other hair conditions.
The use of dandelion phytoceuticals is one of the key reasons this product works as it decreases itchiness and targets imperfections on the scalp. This product is also sulfate-free making it perfect for sensitive skin. As a bonus, the results will be visible if you only use it once or twice per week.
This is the end of our list of the best dandruff shampoo, now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Cause of Dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale.
It is normally found in your hair follicles and the outer layer of skin called the stratum corneum. This yeast is generally harmless and will only cause dandruff under certain circumstances.
Types of Dandruff Shampoos
There are two types of dandruff shampoo – anti-yeast and seborrheic dermatitis.
Anti-Yeast Shampoos
Anti-yeast shampoos typically contain zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide to limit the presence of yeast on the scalp. These shampoos are commonly marketed as anti-dandruff.
You can generally tell if anti-yeast shampoos will be effective in the first few weeks of use. It can help to check with a doctor first to ensure that your dandruff is caused by Pityrosporum ovale before you begin these products regularly.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos
Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos typically have coal tar extract as an active ingredient to blocks oil production from the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos also contain salicylic acid to remove skin flakes while moisturizing the skin.
These shampoos will help control oily skin and flakes but they will not kill off the yeast that causes most cases of dandruff.
Should I use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo once or twice a week?
Anti-dandruff shampoos should be used twice a week. Don’t use them more than this as they may damage the skin and hair on your scalp instead of treating dandruff.
Conclusion
This list of shampoos mentioned above will help you not only target the cause of dandruff but also make your hair more manageable and radiant. You can check out our shampoo category here.
Emma Smith
I love staying healthy by doing working out and yoga. I am mother of a beautiful baby girl, I spend most of my time caring for her while still managing work obligations.
