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It’s a known fact that a flaky, itchy, dandruff-ridden scalp is not the vibe. Whether your scalp acts up in the winter or your psoriasis seems to have made its way up to your head, there’s nothing worse than having white flakes on your clothing. The last thing we want is someone saying, “Is it snowing out?”…when it’s the middle of summer. Which is why, we are eternally grateful for dandruff shampoos. Unlike detox shampoos which mostly deeply clean, dandruff shampoos employ an array of ingredients like pyithione zinc and salicylic acid to rid your scalp of flakes and prevent them from coming back in the future. And there are a ton of options.
1
Best For Repair
Clean and Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo Nexxus
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2
Best For All Hair Types
Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Shampoo Briogeo
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3
Best For A Deep Clean
Papaya Scalp Scrub Ceremonia
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4
Best Luxury Dandruff Shampoo
Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Oribe
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5
Best Dandruff-Attacking Duo
Balancing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner Set Jupiter
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While we're getting down and dirty to treat dandruff, we also have other hair concerns at hand we want to attend to, like our oily scalp, color-treated hair, or dry strands. So whether you’re looking for an ultra-hydrating shampoo or a scalp scrub that gets down to business, we have you covered on the 15 best dandruff shampoos below for every hair type.
1
Best For Repair
Nexxus
Clean and Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo
2
Best For All Hair Types
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Shampoo
3
Best For A Deep Clean
Ceremonia
Papaya Scalp Scrub
4
Best Luxury Dandruff Shampoo
Oribe
Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
5
Best Dandruff-Attacking Duo
Jupiter
Balancing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner Set
6
Best For A Scrubby Detox
Nexxus
Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub
7
Best For Itch Relief
Dove Beauty
Derma Care Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
8
Best For All Scalp Types
Act + Acre
Cold Processed Hair Cleanse
9
Best For Flakey Scalps
Nizoral
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
10
Best For Soothing The Scalp
First Aid Beauty
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
11
Best For Scabs
Biolage
Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
12
Best For Everyday Cleansing
Typology
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
13
Best For Dry Hair
Bondi Boost
Dandruff Shampoo
14
Best For Invigorating Your Scalp
Bumble and Bumble
Bb. Sunday Shampoo
15
Best For Psoriasis and Dermatitis
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
What causes dandruff?
“Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is not a fungal infection, but your body's inflammatory response to the presence of a yeast-like fungus, called malassezia globosa that naturally occurs on our scalp,” says Dr. Rodney. “Specific skin types, like oily skin or dry skin, are more likely to get dandruff. Another leading cause is scalp and hair product sensitivity. Lastly, flaky scalp may also be due to other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.” Twine also notes that “seasonal changes and hormonal shifts can also cause dandruff.”
What ingredients should consumers look for in a dandruff shampoo and how do they work?
Dr. Rodney recommends looking for shampoos with pyithione zinc, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole, which all work to fight dandruff and flaking. “The key to effective dandruff treatment is to find the right combination of ingredients that are strong enough to treat the underlying scalp issues (e.g., oiliness, buildup, congestion) without causing irritation, sensitivity, or dehydration to the scalp,” says Twine.
How should I apply an anti-dandruff shampoo?
“Try to leave the medicated shampoo on your scalp for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. These medicated shampoos can be drying to your hair, and may lead to hair breakage, so try to apply them only to your scalp; not the full length of your hair. After rinsing, you can wash your hair again with your regular shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner,” recommends Dr. Rodney.
What at-home remedies treat dandruff?
Dr. Rodney says tea tree oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera can be applied to the scalp before washing to treat dandruff. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a treatment by diluting with water and leaving on the scalp for 15 minutes. However, with any at-home remedy or new product, proceed with caution and listen to your scalp. To expand your dandruff treatment and keep your scalp healthy in all conditions, try spritzing the Dr. Hauschka Hair Tonic to the roots after each wash. “The Hair Tonic with herbs like neem, nettle, burdock, birch bark and arnica helps balance the condition of the scalp whether it is dry and flaky or oily or a combination of both,” says Batista.
Emily Burns Assistant Beauty Editor Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine.