Scalp Experts Agree: These Shampoos Actually Get Rid of Dandruff (2024)

Our Top Picks

There are many reasons why we love this award-winning dandruff shampoo from Jupiter. But our No. 1 is its ability to soothe the scalp, hydrate locks, and combat a flaky scalp in no time. Thanks to the combo of dandruff-fighting zinc pyrithione 1%, along with hydrators like squalane, coconut oil, and sugar kelp extract, this formula does a fantastic job of reducing dandruff while moisturizing your hair.

Our testers note that it takes just one watch to notice a difference in itchy scalps and note that users can expect to see a significant decrease in flakes and scalp buildup with consistent application. Yes, it’s on the pricier side at $28 per bottle, but we think it’s worth it for a flake-free, happy scalp and hair.

Size: 9.5 oz. | Key Ingredient: Zinc pyrithione 1% | Sulfate-free: Yes

Trichologist and hair growth expert Shab Caspara recommends It's a 10 Scalp Restore Miracle Charcoal Shampoo for a few reasons. “This pick is the perfect example of a clarifying yet gentle shampoo to have in your hair care arsenal — it’s formulated with kaolin clay to gently lift away flakes while exfoliating to reveal a clean, clear scalp,” she explains. “The shampoo then adds naturally derived moisture to soothe and moisturize skin and a dry scalp, reducing discomfort and distress for hair that’s beautiful, comfortable, and in control.”

She also loves that, unlike most dandruff shampoos on the market, this can easily be used daily if you’re prone to a flakey scalp.

Size: 10 oz. | Key Ingredient: Kaolin clay | Sulfate-free: No

Graf recommends this pick to her patients who suffer from irritating and stubborn dandruff, but we love how it also can help eliminate other skin issues, such as fungal acne. There’s truly nothing better than a dual-use beauty product.

“The Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, which has antifungal properties to help combat the production of yeast in the scalp,” she explains. “This, in turn, rapidly decreases the appearance of dandruff.”

This is the best dandruff shampoo for people with oily hair because it includes the ingredient ketoconazole, which is known to erase away oil from tresses.

Size: 7 oz. | Key Ingredient: Ketoconazole 1% | Sulfate-free: No

Made with ingredients like salicylic acid, panthenol, and tea tree oil, this pick from Derma-E is a great natural, clean formula that’s gentle on the scalp. So gentle, in fact, that you can use it every day if you wish.

Unlike some other dandruff shampoos on the market, this one doesn’t excessively dry out your hair or scalp. It reduces itchiness, targets flakiness (thanks to the salicylic acid), and calms skin, too. Some folks have complained it’s difficult to squeeze the formula out of the bottle given its thicker consistency, so that’s something to consider if you have any type of musculoskeletal condition.

Size: 10 oz. | Key Ingredient: Salicylic acid, panthenol, and tea tree oil | Sulfate-free: Yes

Our pick for the best dandruff shampoo for color-treated hair is a top choice for Caspara. She likes to recommend this to her clients as a weekly clarifying shampoo — it uses charcoal powder to remove excess oil, product residue, pollution, and smoke. “This deep cleanser detoxifies and brings hair back to its healthiest state,” she explains. “I also like that it leaves both the hair and the scalp feeling fresh and renewed.”

Sometimes, dandruff can be caused by an overabundance of product buildup on your scalp. This is a great option to help gently remove all that product buildup, preventing dandruff from occurring or getting worse.

Size: 4 oz. | Key Ingredient: Charcoal powder, hops extract, coconut fatty acid blend | Sulfate-free: Yes

Get rid of scalp buildup that could be contributing to your dandruff with this clarifying pick specifically formulated for curly hair. Loaded with grapefruit, lemon, and orange extracts to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp, this pick is beloved by many curly testers because it cleans without drying out curls.

Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredient: Grapefruit, lemon, and orange extracts | Sulfate-free: No

Dr. Graf will sometimes recommend Selsun to her patients with itchy scalps. “This is a medicated shampoo that specifically targets dandruff,” she says. “It includes selenium sulfide and cooling mint to soothe your scalp while targeting yeast production.” The cooling sensation will help ease itchy scalp, while the 1% selenium sulfide will help reduce flakes.

One thing to note is that this formula can be a bit drying on your hair, so make sure you apply moisturizing and hydrating products to your strands after each use.

Size: 11 oz. | Key Ingredient: Selenium sulfide 1% | Sulfate-free: No

Head & Shoulders is probably the most well-known dandruff shampoo on this list. Dr. Graf says this is one of the best dandruff shampoos because it helps relieve itchiness and provides hydration to the scalp. “This is formulated with cooling menthol, which will have a cooling effect,” says Dr. Graf. “It also has selenium sulfide to clinically fight dandruff and flaking.”

But fair warning: some users have complained that this formula doesn’t smell great. Additionally, you might want to be cautious using this pick if you have really light, gray, or white hair — testers note that it makes hair look more brassy.

Size: 13.5 oz. | Key Ingredient: Selenium sulfide | Sulfate-free: No

Oftentimes, a physically exfoliating shampoo can help remove excess flakes and clogged skin on your scalp. Caspara likes to recommend this pick from Rahua to her clients because it’s a gentle, plant-powered scrub and natural, nourishing peel for a purifying exfoliation experience for the scalp. “This one-step shampoo scrub uses rose clay to remove dead skin cells and buildup with the help of crushed star anise,” she explains. “It also improves blood circulation at the scalp and promotes a healthy microbiome.”

We also like that this is exfoliating without being overly drying, and the ingredients are pretty clean and safe for sensitive skin.

Size: 9.3 oz. | Key Ingredient: Rose clay, star anise | Sulfate-free: Yes

Loaded with 3% salicylic acid, this pick from Neutrogena is a great fragrance-free option. It’s ideal for folks who are sensitive to fragrance or who want to avoid artificial fragrance so they don’t further irritate their dandruff. Dr. Grad recommends this pick to her patients because it’s “formulated with salicylic acid, which will help treat scalp oil and dead skin cell buildup on the scalp, which aids in relieving dandruff,” she explains.

Note that this formula has a high concentration of salicylic acid, so it’s probably best to use this only a few times per week so that you don’t over-dry your scalp and hair.

Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredient: 3% salicylic acid | Sulfate-free: Yes

If you’ve got a lot of product buildup on your scalp and need a bit of a scalp detox, consider reaching for the Grown Alchemist Detox Shampoo. “This formula uses polyphenol antioxidants found in sage to detox the hair and scalp from heavy metal environmental pollutants and free radicals,” explains Caspara, who recommends this pick to her clients. One thing to note about this formula is that it doesn’t sud up as much as some of the other shampoos on this list.

Size: 16.9 oz. | Key Ingredient: Sage extract, lactic acid, glycerin | Sulfate-free: Yes

This is another formula that uses zinc pyrithione to target itchiness and flakiness at the source — and you really can’t beat the price. Found at most drugstores nationwide, this best-seller from Dove is beloved by many for its pleasant scent, affordability, impressive lather, and most importantly, its effectiveness at reducing dandruff.

Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredient: Zinc pyrithione | Sulfate-free: No

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you get rid of dandruff with shampoo?

  Make sure you follow Dr. Graf’s instructions and maintain a clean scalp — no more days of relying on dry shampoo post-gym! — to get rid of dandruff with your shampoo. Massage your dandruff shampoo into your scalp before showering and keep your routine consistent even after the flakes and itchiness subsides. Additionally, Caspara recommends using a scalp brush to help with spreading the shampoo over the entire scalp and dislodge any flaking.

• How long does it take for shampoo to get rid of dandruff?

  You can see results in as little as two weeks in very mild cases, according to Dr. Graf. “More severe cases can take up to several months with consistent use of shampoo,” explains Dr. Graf. “If the dandruff persists in spite of consistent use of the shampoo, you should see a dermatologist who can provide medication to relieve the symptoms and quiet the dandruff.”