The 15 Best Dandruff Shampoos to Combat Pesky Flakes, According to Dermatologists

Whether you’re dealing with an itchy scalp, dryness and/or white flakes, dandruff can be a total nuisance. Luckily, we’ve found a simple solution: dandruff shampoo, which just might relieve some of the irritation you’re experiencing, while exfoliating and deeply cleansing your scalp. Are you ready to finally get rid of buildup? We compiled a list of the best dandruff shampoos, from budget-friendly finds like Selsun Blue ($9; $7) and Neutrogena ($10; $7) to derm-approved treatments like Nizoral ($15) and Oribe ($52).  

• Dr. Jodi Logerfo is a doctor of nursing and a family nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group in New York. She has over a decade of experience and is certified in both family medicine and dermatology. She specializes in treating skin disorders and offers treatments such as injectables. She is also a member of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association and National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners. 
• Dr. James Kilgour is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Kilgour MD, a hair care company that focuses on scalp care and hair thinning. He was a resident physician at the University of Oxford, working in dermatology and bone marrow transplant research. By 2019, he relocated to a medicine research fellowship at Stanford University, working on groundbreaking research in skincare.
• Dr. Christina Han is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of dermatology at False Creek Dermatology in Vancouver, Canada. She specializes in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology and skin conditions including psoriasis, acne and skin cancer. Dr. Han is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and medical director at XYON Health.
• Philip B. is a scalp expert, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Philip B. Haircare. He has over 30 years of experience, having launched his first product in 1992. His previous clients include Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sandra Bullock.
• Mandy B is a certified trichologist and hair loss practitioner. She has over a decade of experience, starting out with cutting, styling and coloring hair, before specializing in scalp health. She offers virtual consultation and treatments through her own company, THairapy Wellness Center.

We tapped five dermatologists, trichologists and scalp experts to recommend their top picks for the best dandruff shampoos. From there, analyzed each product’s ingredients, scents and benefits. We also scanned through the reviews at tried-and-true retailers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora and Walmart to finalize this extensive list of the best dandruff shampoos. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff is caused by scaling, itching, flaking and redness of the scalp. As Dr. Logerfo explains, “It’s an extremely common condition thought to be caused by a common skin yeast called Malassezia. The yeast is thought to thrive in high fat environments, so the oil from the scalp is a perfect place to enhance its growth. This causes an inflammatory reaction, making the cells rapidly divide, white causes the scaling and white flakes.” According to our experts, dandruff can also be caused by hormone imbalance, harsh weather, infrequent hair washing, scalp microbiome imbalance, allergic reactions, stress and diet.

While having a dry scalp can cause dandruff, the experts say we should treat them as two separate scalp conditions. “A dry scalp is like dry skin, whereas dandruff is more like a rash. While a dry scalp may be mildly itchy and can flake, dandruff tends to be more inflammatory, and therefore the itch is worse and there’s much more flakiness and redness,” says Dr. Kilgour. 

All of our dermatologists agree that any anti-dandruff shampoo (over-the-counter or prescribed) is a great start. That said, it’s important to stay consistent when it comes to washing your hair with the product. As Dr. Logero notes, “Patients often think it is better to wash their hair less because of the visible flaking and scaling (which they attribute to dryness), but it’s actually important to wash your hair more when using an anti-dandruff shampoo.” 

• Search for active ingredients. Look for ingredients like zinc pyrithione, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, tea tree oil and ketoconazole. These key components aim to treat dandruff, break down excess oil and destroy any bacteria/fungus. 
• Consult a dermatologist. While an over-the-counter shampoo may be fine for some, Dr. Kilgour suggests consulting with a dermatologist if the irritation persists. “I often prescribe two percent ketoconazole shampoo to my patients. I prefer the prescription strength because it doesn’t contain fragrance, which can be irritating for some.”
• Consider your hair type and texture. Take a moment to analyze your hair. Ask yourself, is it straight or curly? Is it fine or thin? Maybe your locks are super dry or oily? You need to take into account all of your hair concerns, so you can find a dandruff shampoo that work best for you. 

After wetting your hair, massage a quarter-sized amount of shampoo into the scalp with your fingertips. The experts suggest letting it sit on your scalp for five minutes before rinsing and continuing with an anti-dandruff conditioner. 

When it comes to how often you should use dandruff shampoo, Philip B shares some valuable insight. “The frequency depends on the severity of the condition. In general, I’d recommend using it at least twice a week or as directed on the product label. Once symptoms improve, you can gradually reduce the frequency. If unsure, consult with a dermatologist, who can provide personalized guidance based on your scalp's needs,” he says.

In most cases, a dandruff shampoo should start working immediately after using it. However, Dr. Han shares it may take more time for some people, depending on the severity of the dandruff. “It can take several applications to see the benefits, particularly if you have a lot of flaking and inflammation to the scalp. You should start to see improvements within a few washes. I generally recommend patients try out a dandruff shampoo for at least two months to assess all the benefits,” she explains.