15 Best Dandruff Shampoos to Cleanse a Flaky Scalp, According to Dermatologists

Nizoral contains ketoconazole, a potent anti-fungal that’s often used in prescription-grade dandruff medications, Dr. Zeichner explains. But unlike some stronger formulas, Nizoral is still gentle enough to use on color-treated hair and offers a thick lather that leaves a clean scent behind.

With more than 11,000 raving reviews on Amazon, testers say it truly makes a difference. “This stuff is absolutely amazing. I was one step away from going to the dermatologist,” one reviewer wrote. “I had severe dandruff that was so bad I could shake my head and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all of my flakes.”

Both Dr. Fusco and Dr. Zeichner recommend the Dove Dermacare line. It utilizes the ingredient pyrithione zinc, which works to reduce the inflammation-causing yeast on your scalp, a driving force behind flakes. On top of that, this shampoo includes hydrating ingredients, like shea butter, which many anti-dandruff products lack, says Dr. Fusco. The result? Flake-free hair that looks shiny and healthy.

This soothing dandruff shampoo combines pyrithione zinc with cooling mint to relieve an irritated scalp while treating the problem at the source. The creamy formula lathers up generously for a deep cleanse, but a little bit goes a long way. “This is hands down the best dandruff shampoo I’ve ever used,” one reviewer wrote. “I get pretty bad dandruff, and it clears up with one shampoo of this. It’s the only shampoo I use anymore because my dandruff comes back if I don’t.”

Head & Shoulders is a go-to anti-dandruff shampoo for a reason. They’ve now created a line with Black scientists to ensure the protection of curly, kinky, or coiled hair types while fighting flakes. Many dandruff shampoos can be stripping, but this one is full of hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, removes build-up with a creamy lather, and smells great. Pair it with the line’s conditioner or opt for the co-wash.

This shampoo should be used more like a scalp treatment in conjunction with a mild dandruff shampoo and conditioner, Dr. Zeichner says. It contains tar, which helps reduce scalp inflammation (and can even relieve seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis) but doesn’t really clean or moisturize hair. For best results, apply and gently massage the T-Gel into your scalp for five minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse your hair, and wash again as you would normally.

Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide, which combats the overproduction of yeast on your scalp, Dr. Zeichner explains. Plus, this moisturizing formula contains calming aloe vera, which will help nourish your hair and soothe your dry, itchy scalp. Pro tip: Make sure you do an extra thorough rinse if your hair is permed or colored. This will help retain its shape and hue.

Fragrance-free and sulfate-free, this medicated dandruff shampoo is approved for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Like many other dandruff shampoos, it’s formulated with 2% pyrithione zinc to help remediate flakes and relieve itching, dryness, redness, and scaling.

If you can’t stand the smell of medicated shampoos, look no further. This effective formula is scented with the brand’s signature “Melrose” fragrance, with notes of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk. The shampoo is formulated with apple cider vinegar to exfoliate away buildup, flakes, and residue, and hydrolyzed keratin to soften, smooth, and add shine.

Dandruff shampoos can be especially harsh on color-treated hair, but this formula from L’Oréal is a safe bet. It contains menthol and neem leaf extract to help buff away flakes, dirt, product build-up, and oil, but is free of sulfates, salts, and surfactants that are known to strip or dull color. Bonus: reviewers rave about its dandruff fighting power, with one user writing: “After several washes my dandruff has been obliterated!”

Another great option for natural hair types, this shampoo makes use of African black soap, bamboo charcoal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. It’s enriched with shea butter, coconut and jojoba oils, and aloe to deliver a surge of moisture to the hair while cleansing and calming the scalp.

You’ve heard of salicylic acid for its acne-fighting properties, but your scalp can reap the benefits of this ingredient, too. It acts as an exfoliant, breaking down the crusty build-up associated with itching and flaking. “Salicylic acid is commonly used to help remove excess oil from the skin and flakes on the scalp,” says Dr. Zeichner. Keep in mind that while this dandruff shampoo is effective for some people, it can be too harsh and drying for others, especially if you have color-treated or delicate hair, Dr. Fusco says.

For a salon-inspired wash, reach for this splurge-worthy dandruff shampoo. It contains salicylic acid and caffeine to exfoliate and energize the scalp, but doubles up on moisture with shea butter and nourishing vitamin E.

Thanks to a blend of 1% pyrithione zinc and moisturizing green tea polyphenols, your flakes won’t know what hit ‘em once they’re slathered with this soothing anti-dandruff shampoo. It also contains peppermint oil and menthol to offer some cooling relief as you wash.

This color-safe formula uses 1% pyrithione zinc to rid the scalp of flakes while silk peptides and calendula calm and smooth the area, leaving the hair looking and feeling better all around.

If you’ve ditched plastic bottles in exchange for shampoo bars, there’s a dandruff-friendly version just for you. Ethique’s Heali Kiwi is a vegan bar that contains oatmeal, kiwifruit oil, neem oil (a natural anti-fungal), and coconut oil to treat dandruff issues and replenish moisture in one soap-free wash.