5 Best Shampoos For Dandruff Most Recommended By Experts

Dandruff – the uninvited guest that loves to crash your parties, meetings, and even cozy nights in. It’s like the confetti you never asked for, constantly sprinkling onto your favorite black sweater. Fear not, because we’ve done the gritty, flake-fighting research to find the best dandruff shampoos that can banish those pesky scalp snowflakes for good. Get ready to reclaim your wardrobe and your confidence, one lather at a time! If you have a recommendation to share that isn’t listed here, feel free to comment below! Additionally, if you feel that your symptoms are more serious than just dandruff, consult with a medical professional.

1. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The primary fungus implicated in dandruff is Malassezia, and this product contains an active ingredient that kills it. “Nizoral contains ketoconazole, a potent anti-fungal that’s often used in prescription-grade dandruff medications. 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. explains board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, to Prevention Magazine.

If you’re worried about the product drying your hair, which is common with deep-cleaning shampoos, there’s ways around that too. “Despite how tough it is, though, it does lather nicely, spreading easily throughout your entire head. And if you are worried about it drying out your hair too much, try only applying the product only to your problem areas,” InStyle writes.

2. Neutrogena T/Gel

This extra strength product contains one percent coal tar, which makes it effective for itch relief no matter the cause. “Dandruff is primarily depicted as white flakes or scales around the scalp, but this condition can also be very itchy. For cases of dandruff accompanied by itchiness, as well as conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, dermatologists recommend therapeutic shampoos formulated with coal tar,” Health writes.

Since it acts as more of a therapy, dermatologists recommend pairing it with a shampoo product that thoroughly cleans.

“This shampoo should be used more like a scalp treatment in conjunction with a mild dandruff shampoo and conditioner,” Dr. Zeichner says to Prevention Magazine.

3. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense

Head and Shoulders has been trusted by many for years, and for good reason. “When it comes to fighting dandruff, there’s nothing more recognizable than the Head & Shoulders brand. This clinical-strength formulation contains one percent selenium sulfide to help fight off flakes with regular use,” InStyle writes.

It’s recommended for cases of severe dandruff, and thus is formulated to work on an array of hair types. “Marketed for severe dandruff symptoms, the shampoos are labeled as safe for color-treated, curly, and textured hair types,” Healthline writes.

4. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

This shampoo stands out among the crowd due to its moisturizing, yet deep cleansing properties. “The star ingredient in Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo is one percent pyrithione zinc, which means this shampoo is especially great for sensitive scalps. In order to keep the skin on your crown free of flaking and irritation, this shampoo is also infused with coconut oil and squalane, two ingredients that are known for their moisture-retaining abilities,” Allure writes.

It’s vegan, carefully-made formula is also a strength.

“It’s safe for color- and chemically-treated hair because it’s sulfate-, paraben-, phthalate-, cruelty-, and dye-free, which all tend to be too harsh for delicate strands,” InStyle writes.

5. Selsun Blue

This product is powerful enough to keep yeast from overpopulating and causing problems, while also allowing your hair to still hold moisture.

“Dandruff and dryness tend to go hand-in-hand. Since dandruff shampoos often contain strong ingredients, some may make dryness worse. Dermatologists recommend Selsun Blue for dandruff since it treats itchiness and flakiness while increasing hair and scalp moisture,” Health writes.

It leaves your hair feeling refreshed and soothed after each use as well, thanks to its special formulation.

“Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green points out that it also has the added benefits of containing menthol to soothe irritation and make it feel extra refreshing,” Byrdie writes.

Sources consulted to form this list

• Byrdie
• Health
• InStyle
• Allure
• Healthline
• Prevention Magazine
• NY Post
• Good Housekeeping
• Refinery 29
• Oprah Daily

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.