We sympathize if you’re presently dealing with flakes. While dandruff isn’t technically a medical ailment to be concerned about, it may be, in a word, humiliating. However, what exactly is dandruff and what causes it? It’s a little difficult, but there are several forces at work.
“Fungal development on the scalp combined with inflammation causes skin cells to multiply abnormally, resulting in peeling and itching,” dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield says. According to dermatologist Dr. Rita Linkner, it’s quite prevalent and frequently flares up with the changing of seasons.
Dr. Greenfield recommends using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo to treat the problem. “Most of these shampoos employ anti-fungal chemicals such as pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfate to go to the base of the problem,” she adds (though there are other ingredients that can help too; more on those to come). She recommends using one a few times a week and letting it sit on your scalp for at least a few minutes before rinsing to allow the ingredients to do their work.
We’ve compiled a list of the finest anti-dandruff shampoos. Include these flake fighters in your shampoo routine.
1. Overall winner: Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
What We Like
- Relieves irritation
- Feeling of coolness
- Make a good lather.
What We Don’t Like
- Fragrance is present.
Who else endorses it? Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo was chosen by both Men’s Health and Insider.
Three dermatologists we consulted with agreed that this sudser is exceptional. “This is a fantastic over-the-counter solution,” Dr. Linkner explains. “It’s not as powerful as prescription dandruff shampoos, but it works well for scaling and is a good place to start.” Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, who is also a devotee, says it works well to address the fungal component of dandruff. Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic physician, points out that it also contains menthol, which soothes inflammation and makes it feel especially refreshing.
2. Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo is the most affordable option.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Removes excess oil
- Itching is reduced.
What We Don’t Like
- Fragrance is present.
Dr. Nazarian recommends any of this “trusted brand’s” anti-dandruff solutions, and she adds that they also provide matching conditioners, which she enjoys. We like this inexpensive, efficient traditional formula since it eliminates not only flakes (due to the usage of pyrithione zinc), but also irritation, oil, and dryness.
3. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best for itching.
What We Like
- Gentle formulation
- Itching is reduced.
- Make a good lather.
What We Don’t Like
- It can be drying.
Flakes aren’t the sole sign of dandruff; itching can also be a serious issue. To treat peeling, scaling, and itching (as well as redness), consider another of Dr. Green’s recommendations, which has a 1% dosage of the antifungal chemical ketoconazole. Dr. Linkner favors the same active component, frequently recommending a shampoo with a little larger concentration of it. Also, the product is effective while being soft enough to use on color-treated and/or chemically-processed hair.
4. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best medicated shampoo.
What We Like
- Relieves irritation
- Itching is reduced.
- Redness is reduced.
What We Don’t Like
- It can be drying.
To illustrate that Head & Shoulders truly owns the dandruff business, here’s another derm-approved selection from the company. “This shampoo includes 1% selenium sulfide, which helps reduce dandruff flaking, itching, irritation, scaling, and redness,” explains Dr. Green.
Alternate this recipe with the conventional Head & Shoulders choice; moving between the two active components can be a more effective approach to target flakes, according to Dr. Nazarian.
5. Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner (Best Drugstore)
What We Like
- Hydrating
- Gentle formulation
- Itching is reduced.
What We Don’t Like
- Finer hair may become weighed down.
Some of the anti-dandruff shampoos we’ve discussed can be quite potent in theory, which is why Dr. Green prefers this mix. It contains pyrithione zinc to combat flaking, but it also contains vitamin E to maintain and feed the scalp, according to her. It is called a shampoo-conditioner in one, however if your strands are really dry, you may want to use a separate conditioner as well.
6. Biolage R.A.W. Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best with salicylic acid.
What We Like
- Salicylic acid is present.
- Itching is reduced.
- Redness is reduced.
What We Don’t Like
- It can be drying.
Salicylic acid, according to Dr. Green, is an excellent component to look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo. It is not an anti-fungal, but rather works by breaking down excess oil that feeds the dandruff cycle, as well as dissolving dead skin cells before they cluster together and come off as flakes. 3 This man has 2.9 percent salicylic acid, which is the maximum level available over-the-counter. As if that wasn’t enough, it also includes willow bark extract, which is a natural alternative to salicylic acid and functions in a similar manner.
7. RE-fresh Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is ideal for dry hair.
What We Like
- Removes excess oil
- Salicylic acid is present.
- Hydrating
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other choices
Dealing with dandruff and dry hair may be a difficult problem. On the one hand, you want to remove excess oil from the scalp, but you also don’t want to dry your strands more. Enter this selection. It has salicylic acid to break down excess oil and flakes, but it also has moisturizing coconut water to keep it from being overly drying. You can use it alone or with the accompanying conditioner.
8. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is the best splurge.
What We Like
- Itching is reduced.
- Hydrating
- Feeling of coolness
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other choices
This one-of-a-kind shampoo removes pollutants from the scalp and hair follicles to promote scalp health. This cooling solution, which contains charcoal, peppermint, and plant-based micro-exfoliants, promises to decrease inflammation and irritation while preventing dandruff. According to the company, in a clinical laboratory research, 100% of subjects had reduced flakiness and discomfort.
9. Best Splurge Runner-Up: ORIBE Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
What We Like
- It smells nice.
- Salicylic acid is present.
- Hydrating
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other choices
There’s no getting around it: anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t exactly glamorous or sumptuous. Enter this pleasant alternative, which demonstrates that you can still enjoy washing while fighting dandruff. From the lovely pink container to the refined aroma, this is unlike any other dandruff shampoo you’ve tried. Nonetheless, it exfoliates with salicylic acid and contains caffeine to help stimulate hair follicles.
10. Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is the best multitasker.
What We Like
- Salicylic acid is present.
- Excellent for psoriasis, eczema, and dry scalp.
- Make a good lather.
What We Don’t Like
- The bottle is smaller than the others.
Dr. Green says that dandruff isn’t the only scalp condition: “Dry scalp, psoriasis, and eczema can all present with similar symptoms as dandruff; however, the therapies are all different.” The one and only exception? This shampoo efficiently targets all of them. “It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate as well as colloidal sulfur, which serves as an anti-microbial,” she explains.
FAQ
How to Choose a Dandruff Shampoo?
Ingredients that are antifungal
Dominic Burg, MD, a trichologist, recommends looking for antifungal compounds to help reduce the effect of bacteria that may be causing your dandruff. “Common antifungal agents such as pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, and selenium disulfide have shown some decent benefits in decreasing dandruff,” he explains.
Elements of Solace
“Rosemary oil, lavender oil, green tea extract, and mangosteen all have excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic characteristics,” says Burg. He says that when administered alone, they may take longer than selenium disulfide to influence dandruff, but they can be just as beneficial in the long run.
Color Shielding
If you have color-treated hair, seek for a color-safe alternative to keep your color vibrant. While antifungal compounds are helpful, they can be harsh on color and cause premature fading. 6 Using a color-safe product can help to fight the toll they take on your highlights, extending their life and preventing flaking.
What really causes dandruff?
According to Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy Rose, dandruff is a persistent illness that is frequently misdiagnosed as a form of mild seborrheic dermatitis. “The etiology of dandruff is unknown, although it is frequently connected with increased oil production and an overgrowth of fungus, mainly Malassezia sp, on the scalp,” adds Murphy-Rose. “The scalp is densely packed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands that secrete copious quantities of sebum—an oily substance—creating an excellent habitat for fungus to grow.” You will notice white flakes of varied sizes, itching, and even some redness if you have dandruff.
How can I determine whether I have dandruff or dry skin on my scalp?
The most important distinction between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff is a medical problem, but dry scalp is not. As a result, according to BosleyMD certified trichologist Gretchen Friese, merely bathing your hair less may alleviate a dry scalp, although dandruff is unlikely to go away unless treated. It is also possible to have dandruff as well as a dry scalp.
How frequently should I use dandruff shampoo?
This is dependent on how frequently you wash your hair, but you may use your dandruff-fighting formula as frequently as you normally lather up, or alternate between your regular shampoo and the dandruff-specific alternative to see how the latter affects your hair and scalp.
