What is the best dandruff shampoo for your itchy, dry and flaky scalp? Nowadays, there are many popular choices. These range from Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, to Neutrogena T/Gel, to Head & Shoulders.
The below list of dermatologist recommended 14 best dandruff shampoos in 2024 is applicable for both men and women. Some of the popular brands have many decades of research behind their formulas.
Make sure to also read my post on natural dandruff treatments. Several recent studies suggest that the condition of the scalp can impact hair growth. In particular, killing the Malassezia (P. ovale) fungi and yeast is proven to benefit scalp hair growth. Most hair loss sufferers tend to often get inflamed scalp conditions. On a related note, also read my post on demodex mites and hair loss.
Comparison Table of the Best Dandruff Shampoos
Anti-Dandruff Ingredients
Key ingredients in dandruff shampoos (comparison table) that reduce scalp flakes and itching include:
- Salicylic acid.
- Sulfur.
- Zinc pyrithione (ZPT).
- Coal tar.
- Selenium sulfide.
- Ketoconazole.
- Ciclopirox olamine.
- Piroctone olamine.
- Clobetasol.
- Climbazole.
Product effectiveness can vary depending upon: whether you have a dry scalp versus oily scalp (overproduction by sebaceous glands); presence of Malassezia yeasts on the scalp; whether you are male or female; and your own propensity for allergic immune reactions to certain ingredients.
For best results, make sure to lather and leave the shampoo on your scalp for at least a few minutes before rinsing. This is especially true for the bestselling Nizoral shampoo.
The 14 Best Dandruff Shampoos in 2024
The below is an official list of the best dandruff shampoos in 2024 to tackle scalp itching and dry flakes. All of the below shampoos are recommended by dermatologists and medical doctors.
Most are also among the top choices in rankings and ratings by WebMD, Consumer Reports and Amazon. Make sure to lather, rinse and scrub thoroughly when using these products.
- Nizoral Shampoo
- Neutrogena T/Gel
- Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength
- Jason Natural
- Head & Shoulders Classic
- Selsun Blue
- Pura D’or
- Dove DermaCare
- Nioxin Scalp Recovery
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree
- OUAI Anti-Dandruff
- Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
- Mizani Scalp Care
- Free & Clear Medicated
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral A-D
Nizoral shampoo (1%) is one of my favorite best dandruff shampoo products with ample scientific backing behind its efficacy. Numerous positive Amazon, Walmart and Reddit reviews. The key active ingredient in this over-the-counter shampoo is ketoconazole 1%, which is an anti-fungal agent with anti-dandruff and anti-androgenic properties. The last of these aids scalp hair growth according to a number of studies. In some countries, you can also purchase ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral 2%) shampoo, usually via a prescription.
Nizoral attacks the Malassezia microbe, the main cause of dandruff in many instances. It also reduces hairfall in some cases due to anti-androgenic properties. Nizoral comes in a fairly small bottle, but still lasts for many months with twice a week usage. I do not recommend more frequent usage or else you can exacerbate scalp dryness and end up with brittle hair quality and texture. You can also get Nizoral 2% medicated shampoo with a prescription.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel
The key active ingredient in this popular dermatologist recommended T/Gel product is coal tar 0.5% (2% Neutar® solubilized coal tar extract). Accompanying instructions suggest just once a week usage to be ideal in combating dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis as well as psoriasis. The coal tar gives this product an unusual color and keratolytic properties that can smoothen and improve inflamed scalp skin.
Edit: It seems like the manufacturer no longer makes this product, although it is still available on various sites for a high price. Luckily, Pura D’or also makes a 0.5% coal tar extract based shampoo that I have broken out further below.
Some users do not like the smell of this medicated anti dandruff T/Gel shampoo and also complain about dyed color treated hair fading. Coal tar also helps slow down the shedding of dry skin cells and can reduce scalp acne. Note that Neutrogena T/Sal is a different product made by the same company, but is also highly rated and contains salicylic acid 3%.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff & Dermatitis Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength
Over the years, Head & Shoulders has produced more varieties of dandruff and hairfall shampoos than any other company. Their most popular product for preventing scalp flakes is this clinical strength shampoo for stubborn cases of dandruff. The key active ingredient in it is selenium sulfide 1%, which reduces scalp fungus and bacteria at the root.
This product offers lasting relief from scalp itching and flaking. You can also find a number of other highly rated and reviewed Head & Shoulders dandruff shampoos on Amazon. After lathering, make sure to leave the product on your scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing and styling. Head & Shoulders also sells an anti-dandruff and anti hairfall two-in-one shampoo. However, I am skeptical in general about shampoos that claim to reduce hair fall. L’Oreal Paris also makes a fall resist 3X anti-dandruff anti-hair fall shampoo.
JASON Natural Dandruff Relief Shampoo
JASON Natural
Although not as well known as the above three listed products, Jason Natural is a unique pH balanced largely natural product. It contains colloidal sulfur 2.4% and salicylic acid 2.2% as the two main active ingredients to tackle dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Formulated with additional beneficial herbal and natural ingredients that improve scalp health, including: cooling aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, jojoba oil, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), olive oil, rosemary oil, seaweed extract, tea tree oil and vitamin E.
Head & Shoulders Classic Anti-Dandruff
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean (Walgreens Link)
Head & Shoulders came out with a zinc pyrithione (or pyrithione zinc) based shampoo all the way back in 1961. To this day, the company still makes anti-dandruff shampoos that are based on this original active ingredient, in a zinc pyrithione 1% formulation. This key ingredient helps inhibit scalp yeast and fungus growth. Note that you can also purchase stronger more effective zinc pyrithione 2% shampoos such as DHS zinc shampoo.
A cleaner scalp helps provide relief from uncomfortable itching and flaking; reduces redness and scaly skin; and removes product buildup. All beneficial in those with thinning hair. You can pick up various Head & Shoulders shampoos at your local Walgreens or CVS pharmacies. This classic clean version is paraben free.
Selsun Blue
Selsun Blue Medicated (Walmart Link)
Selsun Blue moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo with aloe is Sanofi’s bestselling product to fight visible flakes and dry hair. It contains selenium sulfide 1% (also spelled sulphide) . The aloe will soothe and moisturize sensitive scalps.
Also popular are Selsun Blue medicated dandruff shampoo and conditioner 2-in-1; and Selsun Blue Active 3-in-1 dandruff shampoo, which contains salicylic acid 2% to help fight acne and buildup.
Sanofi also makes a Selsun Gold shampoo and Selsun 2.5 shampoo that both contain selenium sulfide 2.5%. However these products do not seem to be sold OTC in the US. Perhaps you can get them via a prescription.
Pura D’or
Pura D’or MD Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo
Pura D’or has taken the hair loss world by storm over the past decade. The company’s shampoo products contain a wide range of beneficial ingredients. Moreover, Pura D’or is especially renowned when it comes to its product packaging and marketing. The Pura D’or Maximum Defense (MD) anti-hair thinning shampoo contains both 0.9% ketoconazole and 0.5% coal tar extract.
Both are known to fight dandruff. However, do note that some of the reviews suggest missing ketoconazole in newer formulations. Make sure to verify the exact ingredients before purchasing. This shampoo also contains a proprietary herbal blend of 19 key ingredients that nourish the scalp. This includes saw palmetto, nettle extract, He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), red Korean seaweed, hibiscus, clary sage, black cumin seed, tea tree, pygeum bark and rosemary.
Dove DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief
Dove is a globally renowned cosmetics brand name. The Dove DermaCare dandruff shampoo is formulated with active pyrithione zinc to resolve dryness and itching in dandruff-prone scalps. Its mild pH balanced formula helps avoid moisture depletion, and leaves hair flake free, smooth, and less frizzy.
Nioxin Scalp Recovery
Nioxin Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff
Nioxin is a respected brand, but not known for its dandruff shampoos. However, their scalp recovery line of products is a popular product to treat itch and flaky scalps. It contains zinc pyrithione, green tea extract, scalp soothing peppermint oil and biotin. The product claims to prevent recurrence of flaking and itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special
Tea Tree Special
A number of readers have mentioned the highly rated Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. I have heard about this product a lot over the years, and might even have tried it some years ago. You can often purchase it at local hairdressers and beauty salons for a discount.
Besides tea tree oil, the product also contains peppermint and lavender according to the manufacturer’s website. Note that Head & Shoulders also sells a popular tea tree oil containing anti-dandruff shampoo that is currently on sale at Walmart.
OUAI Anti-Dandruff
This sulfate-free hair and scalp shampoo and cleanser targets flaking with exfoliating salicylic acid. It is a great choice for oily hair. Moreover, like glycerin, aloe vera and coconut oil in this product intensively hydrate and soothe the scalp. The end results is reduced itching, redness and irritation.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
This shampoo contains climbazole, which is an antifungal agent that targets the yeast on the scalp. In a similar way to ketaconazole. Also containts piroctone olamine, rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid and ginger extract. Together, these ingredients work to help maintain a healthy moisture balance in the scalp skin.
Mizani Scalp Care
This shampoo is specifically formulated for curly or textured hair. It contains pyrithione zinc, peppermint oil and cucumber extract. It promotes overall scalp health and adds shine and moisture to your hair.
Free & Clear Medicated
Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo is free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. It is therefore a suitable option for people with sensitive skin. It also contains maximum OTC strength zinc pyrithione 2% for the control and reduction of the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Temporary Scalp Relief
The best dandruff shampoo (with or without conditioners) will at least temporarily relieve your dry, itchy, flaky scalps. Scaly scalp skin conditions and inflammation are especially common in balding regions of the head. For those suffering from recurring dandruff episodes, treatment choices can be confusing.
Most of the leading products (both non-prescription and prescription strength) work effectively in both men and women. Some will work better than others for color treated hair, greasy oily hair, excessively dry hair, grey hair and curly hair. Others will work better on oily scalps versus dry scalps.
The tingling scalp and embarrassing white flakes on dark clothing cause a lot of stress in people suffering from this problem. For some, the dandruff comes and goes in patches. For others, it represents a daily problem of high skin turnover that can be genetic in nature.
Dry indoor winter heating and washing your hair too often can further exacerbate the flaking, itchiness and dead skin cells. Note that dandruff is one particular manifestation of a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. People in hot weather countries such as India will need a different shampoo to those in rainy countries such as the UK.
Over the years, I have had many episodes of severe dandruff and scalp itching and burning, especially during dry weather days. Although these are not always frequent, I have tried and tested most top rated medicated anti-dandruff shampoos over the years. And I have also experiments with many natural treatments such as apple cider vinegar.
How to Treat Scalp Flakes and Dryness
A number of scientifically sound dandruff treatment approaches can be used to target and control scalp flaking.
Most of the below selected best dandruff treatment medicated products have their own unique key ingredients. These have their own distinct mechanisms of action to give you a smooth flake-free scalp.
I try to alternate between several different antifungal and dandruff shampoos every month. My reasons for doing this are so as to:
- Not get side effects from the overuse of any one product with its key anti-dandruff ingredient(s).
- Avoid having my scalp becoming immune to the effects of certain ingredients due to overuse. This can lead to dandruff recurrence.
Try to purchase products that do not include sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, diethanolamine (DEA) and artificial dyes. I try to also buy products that are never tested on animals.
In addition to dandruff (see reddit), many of the below shampoos also work to treat other skin conditions of scalp buildup and flaking such as eczema and psoriasis. Usually, these products work by reducing the overproduction of skin cells when mild to moderate. Note that several of the products contains sulfates and other potentially harmful ingredients that cause side effects in some people. For babies with cradle cap, it is recommended to use less harmful baby shampoos.
Other Popular Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Choices
- Also popular option is the color-safe shea moisture African Black Soap bamboo charcoal deep cleansing shampoo. This is a popular dandruff shampoo for African American hair. It does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can harm colored hair. Key ingredients include African black soap, bamboo charcoal, tea tree oil and willow bark extract. Soothes itching while revitalizing dry hair and skin. This product was never tested on animals. On a related note, Briogea sells a charcoal and coconut based shampoo and scalp scrub product.
- Some people have mentioned that ciclopirox olamine based shampoos may be effective for moderate levels of dandruff. However, I have as yet not found any popular over-the-counter dandruff shampoo that is based on ciclopirox olamine. Also effective is piroctone olamine.
- Also popular are argan oil and apple cider vinegar based anti-dandruff shampoos. Head & Shoulders sells a highly rated apple cider vinegar containing 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner product.
Dandruff Shampoo Soap Bar
A very interesting product that is worth mentioning here is Ethique’s highly rated and popular dandruff shampoo soap bar. This Ethique Heali Kiwi shampoo bar is eco-friendly and helps tackle dandruff and itchy scalps. The bar (various colors for different hair types) contains cocoa butter, coconut oil, neem oil, karanja oil and oatmeal. Each solid bar is equivalent to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
Ethique is renowned in New Zealand for its eco-friendly environmental footprint. Plastic waste is a huge global problem, especially in the oceans. According to Ethique, 80 billion plastic bottles of shampoos and conditioners are disposed of around the world each year. This product is much needed and highly recommended.
My Experience with Head & Shoulders
For many years, I used the very effective and popular Nizoral shampoo to treat my scalp flakes. However, in 2022, it started to lose its effectiveness for me. Perhaps because the Malassezia (Pityrosporum) fungus started to develop tolerance to Ketoconazole? Moreover, the Nizoral makes my scalp and hair a bit too dry.
In 2022, I chose to try out Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength dandruff defense shampoo for intensive itch relief. Over the course of 20 years, I have used various Head & Shoulders shampoos for my on-and-off dandruff problems. The Head & Shoulders line is considered American’s #1 dandruff shampoo brand.
I have also used many dermatologist recommended hair loss shampoos to help soothe my inflamed scalp. Some people also like to use carbonic acid based shampoos.
Switching to the Head & Shoulders extra strength anti-dandruff shampoo has been a great success so far. My scalp flakes always go away for at least two or three days after each use. I also do not seem to get excessive scalp skin dryness after using this product. Update: As of 2024, I almost never need to use it since my scalp is almost always flake free.
Your Experiences Relieving Itchy, Flaky Scalps
Do you have an itchy scalp and dandruff related problems? What shampoos have worked best for you over the years without drying out your hair (both men and women can respond)? Have you tried any natural and herbal products and seen a reduction in flaking and dryness? Feel free to share success and failure stories, as well as rate your top shampoos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best dandruff shampoos for your itchy flaky scalp.
What is the most effective shampoo for dandruff?
Our picks for the most effective dandruff shampoo are as follows: Nizoral A-D; Neutrogena T/Gel; Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength; Jason Natural; Selsun Blue; Pura D’Or MD; Dove Dermacare; Nioxin Scalp Recovery; and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree. Note that some of these may not be available in countries such as the UK and India.
What ingredients are the most effective in anti-dandruff shampoos?
The most effective ingredients in dandruff shampoos are ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, coal tar, selenium sulfide, sulfur, tea tree oil and ciclopirox and clobetasol.
How often should you use a dandruff shampoo?
If a mild shampoo does not control your dandruff, a medicated dandruff shampoo should be used two to three times per week. If this causes excessive scalp dryness, you can reduce the frequency and wash your scalp with milder moisturizing products on other days.
Is it OK to use a dandruff shampoo every day?
For most people, daily use of a dandruff shampoo will lead to excessive scalp dryness and skin problems. This is especially true if the product contains harsher ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parabens, Polyethylene Glycols and Alcohol.