The 5 Best Dandruff Shampoos, According to Dermatologists

Dandruff can be downright embarrassing! It can also be even more frustrating to get under control. We’re here to help with the 5 best dandruff shampoos for you to try. 

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is generally considered a harmless scalp condition, but there's nothing harmless about finding never-ending flakes throughout your hair or to feel that uncontrollable itching in public. Dandruff is simply dead skin cells that your scalp is shedding. These dead skin cells become clumped together by oil that your scalp produces and get caught in your hair strands or even scatter themselves on your shoulders. Sometimes, your itchy scalp sheds skin cells faster than normal, hence visible dandruff, and this can be caused by a few different factors. Dry skin, sensitivity to a new hair product, stress, too much oil on the scalp (a surprising one), and other factors can all cause or contribute to dandruff. Sometimes, in a few circumstances, there might not even be an obvious reason why.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff

Getting dandruff under control can be as simple as finding the right hair care products starting with the best anti-dandruff shampoo. These targeted shampoos will help you treat the underlying issue while also soothing irritation and inflammation, because there's nothing more mortifying than constantly scratching at your poor, itchy scalp. However, the market is saturated with poor quality anti-dandruff shampoos that can strip your hair of vital nutrients and worsen the problem. We've compiled a list of the six best shampoos for dandruff, as recommended by dermatologists because don't just listen to us, trust the professionals when it comes to something as important as your hair and scalp health. No more itching, flaking, or frustration; these five fantastic products are the real deal and can help you get to hair happiness sooner rather than later. It’s time to say goodbye to dandruff and start confidently wearing dark t-shirts again!

1. Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

Redken has created a neat wet and dry formula that provides serious scalp relief. The Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo deep cleans the scalp to wash away buildup and residue, while a unique Hydra-Zone System uses lavender extract and glycerin to seriously soothe irritation on the scalp. Pyrithione zinc is added to help control flaking and peeling so that you can stop worrying about embarrassing dandruff. This dandruff control shampoo is particularly helpful because you can apply it to dry or wet hair, depending on your needs. You can use it daily on wet hair for consistent protection, or use it as needed on dry hair as a treatment, especially during colder months when the scalp tends to dry out. Leave it on for five minutes to give the formula time to work, and then rinse thoroughly with a little finger tip scrubbing action to help rid your scalp of flakes.
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2. BondiBoost Dandruff Repair Shampoo

Here’s a brand that understands that scalps can get irritated. For a gentle formula that treats the root of the problem, the BondiBoost Dandruff Repair Shampoo is a salon strength yet all natural and safe way to beat dandruff, and prevent dandruff from even forming at all. It harnesses botanical actives including tea tree and rosemary extracts to refresh and stimulate the scalp whilst the soothing formula cleanses and removes those dry dead skin cells. Hair looks and feels refreshed with a superior flake-free finish. And for even more satisfying results, also use the BondiBoost Scalp Therapy Brush to help whisk dandruff away.
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3. Klorane Anti-dandruff Rebalancing Shampoo with Galangal & AHA

This natural and incredibly pure shampoo contains only the good stuff with 87% natural origin ingredients to send dandruff packing. Developed to truly multitask, this Klorane Anti-dandruff Rebalancing Shampoo with Galangal & AHA purifies and rebalances the scalp to its natural pH whilst providing exfoliation benefits to remove up to 100% of visible dandruff from first wash… impressive! Although this shampoo is serious about shifting dandruff, it is very gentle and mild, soothing the scalp as you shampoo and it leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable which is a must. This is a great clean hair care choice if you want to keep your products nice and natural. And for bonus points, it’s super affordable too.
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4. Matrix Biolage ScalpSync Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Matrix is a salon professional haircare brand, and sometimes you need to bring in the big guns to treat stubborn conditions like dandruff. The Matrix Biolage ScalpSync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo delivers serious results by using the latest technology and botanicals to correct the cause over time; it aggressively targets dandruff and reduces the appearance of dry, flaky scalps while the cooling mint and soothing pyrithione zinc are added to deep clean hair, which also makes it a great option for very oily hair. Use the Matrix Biolage ScalpSync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo when needed for instant relief of dry, irritated scalps as a substitute for your regular shampoo, or use it daily for a healthier scalp that improves over time.
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5. KMS Head Remedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

For the best dandruff shampoo that also removes excessive build-up, the KMS Head Remedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use but extra effective at clarifying the hair as needed. Perfect for clearing away residue from hard water, styling products (sometimes it's next to impossible to get out heavy styling creams!), minerals, and pollutants, this wonder KMS shampoo engages lactic and malic acids to rid the scalp of flakes. Furthermore, the Zinc Pyrithione soothes the scalp to prevent itching. Simply use this twice per week, alternating with your regular shampoo for healthy, dandruff-free hair (and shoulders!).
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Frequent washing will help rid your scalp of the buildup and flakes that are visible to the eye. Most people are afraid to over wash their hair when they suffer from dandruff and dry scalps, but it actually significantly helps and resets your hair for a clean start. Clear away impurities, residue, and dead skin cells with the best dandruff shampoo you can find. Treating the condition once and for all is a smart investment that you'll never regret, especially if you suffer from itching or visible flakes. Each of the above products is helpful, doctor-recommended options with different formulas to help with your particular needs. From dry scalp to excessive flaking, there's a solution for you that's ready and waiting to help.

Don't let dandruff hold you back anymore! Hiding under hats or wearing hair in a ponytail doesn't have to be your hair reality. Let your best hair and healthiest scalp shine through with the help of a dandruff shampoo that is both effective and soothing because your hair confidence is worth every drop.