The best shampoos for eliminating dandruff

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Watching dandruff slowly fall from your scalp and onto your favorite top can spur strong emotions. For many, dandruff is a small but persistent common hair and skin care concern . Thankfully, experts say it’s easily treatable with certain shampoos.

I spoke to dermatologists about what causes dandruff and how to shop for a shampoo that can help. I also gathered expert-recommended shampoos and highly rated options that align with our experts’ guidance.

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The best dandruff shampoos

Keep in mind, if an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo is not showing any improvement, you should consult your dermatologist for a prescription option.

Best overall

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you’re looking for a shampoo that can relieve the flaking and itching associated with dandruff and is suitable for all hair types and textures, consider this one, which comes recommended by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Isabela Jones and Dr. Julie Jackson . This is the only over-the-counter option that has ketoconazole in it, which dermatologists say is the best anti-yeast medication, says Jones. (Yeast, specifically Malassezia yeast, is linked to dandruff, so controlling this is important to prevent and target this skin and hair care issue, according to our experts.)

Best for sensitive scalps

Vanicream Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you have a sensitive scalp, consider this mild option from Vanicream . It targets itchiness, redness and flaking, and it hydrates the scalp with ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, according to the brand. It's also free of common irritants, including dyes, parabens and sulfates.

Best multipurpose

Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo

This shampoo not only helps tame psoriasis , but it also helps combat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (a condition that can create itchy, flaking scales and rashes that develop on the scalp and other areas of the face, according to the American Academy of Dermatology ). The neutral-smelling shampoo has a high percentage of salicylic acid (3%), which is great for removing dandruff flakes and oils that cause the yeast to grow, says Jones.

Best 2-in-1

Cerave 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

After a recent brush with mild dandruff, this option cleared it away fast after just a few uses. Plus, it didn’t leave my hair feeling like dry hay. Although Cerave has a dandruff shampoo and conditioner , I love the convenience of this 2-in-1 version. It’s the best and most gentle dandruff product I have tried, and I cannot recommend it enough.

NBC Selected commerce editor Cory Fernandez also recommends this shampoo because it has a pleasant smell and is easy to lather. “It really made a difference in reducing dandruff and overall dryness,” he says.

Best for curly and coily hair

As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo

This dandruff shampoo is formulated specifically for wavy, curly and coily 4C hair . Not only does it target dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis , but it’s also safe for those with dry and sensitive scalps, according to the brand. Reviewers say their scalp felt a sense of relief without any irritation and suggest using an additional moisturizing agent (like a conditioner or hair mask ) if you worry about it drying out your hair.

Best for color-treated hair

Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

This color-safe shampoo helps with mild to moderate dandruff, dry scalp and itchiness, according to the brand. It also has ingredients like coconut oil to soften and hydrate hair, squalane to prevent hair breakage and sugar kelp extract for its hydrating and anti-bacterial properties, according to Jupiter.

Best for flaking

Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

This shampoo is an expert-recommended option because it lathers well, smells good and has zinc, a gentle ingredient that helps control the yeast that can contribute to dandruff, according to Jones. It will clean your hair and combat dryness, relieve irritation and itchiness, reduce visible flakes and redness, and control oil levels, according to the brand.

Best cooling

Selsun Blue Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo

Selsun Blue’s shampoo has selenium sulfide and menthol, the latter of which is a cooling ingredient that helps relieve mild itching, says Jones. The shampoo will also help combat and prevent flaking when used regularly (at least twice a week for approximately two minutes, according to the brand).

Best for build-up

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo-Scalp Build-Up Control

This scalp shampoo’s gentle formula helps reduce itchiness and flaking and treats severe scalp conditions, including dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis. Reviewers say it helps maintain their scalp health and prevent future symptoms and buildup (including dead skin cells), but most importantly, it helps provide relief quickly. The shampoo, which has the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition , also helps reduce inflammation and thick plaque buildup, according to the brand.

Best for mild to severe dandruff

Vichy Laboratoires Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

I use this option as a weekly preventative treatment during winter because it soothes my scalp and prevents noticeable white flakes on my dark brown hair. It also boosts overall hair health by adding shine, reducing breakage, improving smoothness and preventing dryness, according to the brand.

Best splurge

Ouai Anti Dandruff Shampoo

This sulfate-free dandruff treatment reduces the appearance of flaking and redness while also soothing the scalp and relieving irritation and itchiness, according to the brand. The shampoo, which is suitable for all hair types and textures, uses ingredients like salicylic acid and propanediol caprylate to reduce the amount of bacteria that causes dandruff, according to Ouai. Reviewers say that after using this scalp shampoo twice a week, their hair and scalp feel as though it had a deep clean and that it’s effective at combatting dandruff and its accompanying symptoms.

Best scrub

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

If you’re looking for an extra exfoliating option, Briogeo’s scrub shampoo soothes dry, flaky scalps. The brand recommends massaging the exfoliant into your scalp a few times a week in place of your regular shampoo. It has charcoal, coconut oil and tea tree oil, which helps detox and moisturize your scalp, according to the brand.

Best shampoo bar

Dermaharmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo Bar

Shampoo bars are a great alternative to liquid bottled shampoos because they can save space and reduce plastic. This one’s main active ingredient is zinc pyrithione, which helps treat both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, according to the brand.

How I picked the best dandruff shampoos

If you’re looking to eliminate dandruff and its associated effects like itchiness and flakiness , dermatologists recommend keeping the following factors in mind when you shop: