Best Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re dealing with dandruff, your first step toward treating this condition should be to find an expertly formulated dandruff-fighting shampoo. The right shampoo will help you keep dandruff under control so that you can move through your day without those annoying and unsightly skin flakes getting in your way. Let’s talk a bit about dandruff, and then go over our recommendations for the best dandruff shampoos for men.
What Exactly Is Dandruff?
If you want to effectively treat and prevent dandruff, you should know what it is. Dandruff appears on the hair and scalp when dead skin cells are shed at a higher than usual rate. This leads to a buildup of skin flakes, and occasionally itchiness.
People with oily skin are typically more prone to dandruff. A type of yeast-like fungus called Malassezia feeds on that excess oil, which may then trigger the body to react by speeding up the cell renewal process – leading to skin flakes. Sensitivity to hair-care products that leads to contact dermatitis may also cause dandruff, as can hormones or skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Thankfully, dandruff is harmless, but it can certainly be annoying. If you’re looking to get your dandruff under control, a targeted shampoo can help.
What to Look For in a Dandruff Shampoo
Many people can treat and prevent dandruff by using a gentle daily shampoo that effectively removes excess oil to fight the buildup of dead skin cells while whisking away skin flakes. That said, a good daily anti-dandruff shampoo shouldn’t be overly harsh or drying. When a shampoo strips the scalp of its natural moisture, the skin may overcompensate by producing even more oil – which just brings you back to where you started. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to seek out sulfate-free formulas, as sulfates are known to cause irritation and dryness.
A daily shampoo that is suitable for dandruff may also contain ingredients that soothe the skin to cut down on irritation and itchiness, as well as those that hydrate without making the scalp and hair feel heavy or greasy. Some great ingredients to look out for include aloe, chamomile, green tea extract and jojoba oil.
For those who need a bit more of an aggressive approach, there are also over-the-counter medicated shampoos containing ingredients known to fight dandruff. These include selenium sulfide (an antifungal ingredient), pyrithione zinc (which has antibacterial and antifungal properties), salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant that sloughs away flakes), coal tar (an antifungal and antibiotic ingredient) and ketoconazole (an antifungal ingredient)
Some daily shampoos may also feature natural ingredients that can help minimize dandruff. Commonly used natural ingredients include tea tree oil (which has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties), apple cider vinegar (which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties) and bark extracts (which gently exfoliate).
Now lets take a look at the best dandruff shampoos for men.
1. Blu Atlas Shampoo
This shampoo from premium men’s personal-care company Blu Atlas contains a blend of potent, natural ingredients that are formulated to effectively cleanse the hair and scalp while preventing oil buildup and soothing and moisturizing the skin.
The vegan formula is free of sulfates and uses natural cleansers (including coconut-derived sodium methyl cocoyl taurate) to whisk away dead skin cells, excess sebum, bacteria and debris without causing irritation or dryness. It’s perfect for any man looking to strengthen and boost the overall health of his hair and scalp while keeping dandruff at bay.
This nutrient-dense Blu Atlas Shampoo features Aloe barbadensis leaf, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-packed natural ingredient. Aloe relieves itchiness and irritation while naturally moisturizing the scalp. It ensures any itching related to dandruff is quelled, and that the skin’s hydration levels stay balanced.
Jojoba oil, which has similar properties to our skin’s natural sebum, nourishes and moisturizes the skin with vitamins and fatty acids without leaving behind any residue. After using the paraben-free and phthalate-free shampoo, your hair and skin will be left feeling comfortable, refreshed and totally dandruff-free.
2. Phyto PHYTOSQUAM Intense Exfoliating Treatment Shampoo
The PHYTOSQUAM Intense Exfoliating Treatment Shampoo from hairdresser-founded Phyto is formulated with exfoliating and nourishing botanicals that target severe dandruff and scalp irritation. As dandruff is cleared and the skin is soothed, the exfoliating shampoo works to moisturize and rebalance the skin, ensuring it is refreshed and adequately hydrated.
This vegan and paraben-free shampoo contains a natural complex of black pepper and guyana wood extracts, which work to get rid of dandruff flakes while balancing and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Willow leaf extract also purifies and regulates the skin to keep oil production in check, while salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant) clears away dead skin cells and excess oil to prevent skin flakes. Simultaneously, antifungal and anti-inflammatory tea tree oil helps to soothe the skin and target dandruff-causing fungus.
3. Davroe Scalp Remedy Shampoo
Davroe’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo is one of the best dandruff shampoos for men looking to take a gentle and natural approach to keeping this condition in check. This calming, nutrient-rich shampoo is crafted with a blend of Australian plant extracts that relieve a variety of scalp issues, including dandruff, redness, itching and dryness. It’s even mild enough for eczema and psoriasis, and is safe to use on colored hair.
This Davroe shampoo is infused with anti-inflammatory aloe vera, which adds moisture to the hair and scalp while mitigating irritation and itchiness. Vitamin C-rich kakadu plum works to revitalize and nourish the scalp while defending it from damaging free radicals, while proteins derived from rice and quinoa replenish moisture and protect the hair and skin. The hair and scalp are left feeling healthy, refreshed and totally calm.
4. Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
You can’t go wrong with this classic option from drugstore brand Head & Shoulders, which offers formulas specifically created to support a healthy, dandruff-free scalp. The Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is crafted to provide long-lasting protection from visible flakes and itchiness when used regularly. It also has a light scent that will leave your hair feeling and smelling refreshed after showering.
The powerhouse ingredient in this paraben-free Head & Shoulders shampoo is pyrithione zinc. This is one of the most popular ingredients in hair-care products that fight dandruff, as it has been proven to inhibit the growth of yeast (one of the main causes of dandruff). It effectively kills bacteria and fungus that can cause itchiness and flakiness, helping to promote a clearer and healthier scalp.
5. Baebody Tea Tree Shampoo
The Tea Tree Shampoo from Baebody has a formula that works to deeply cleanse and remove buildup while soothing and healing the scalp. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and made without sulfates, parabens or phthalates. Though powerful, the shampoo is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The main ingredient in this shampoo is, of course, tea tree oil. This anti-inflammatory natural ingredient calms irritation while clearing out blocked pores and fighting dandruff-causing fungus. While tea tree oil has the strongest anti-dandruff power, a blend of other potent ingredients restores and promotes overall hair and skin health. Peppermint oil refreshes, while jojoba seed and avocado oils moisturize and nourish the hair and skin.
6. First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With 1% Pyrithione Zinc
This shampoo from personal-care brand First Aid Beauty is another option that relies on the power of pyrithione zinc to stop dandruff in its tracks. In a consumer study, 85% of participants reported that this formula helped eliminate the appearance of dandruff flakes.
While antifungal and antibacterial pyrithione zinc targets the root causes of dandruff, a variety of other ingredients nourish and calm the hair and scalp. The formula features silk peptides, which strengthen and smooth the hair, as well as vitamin E, which conditions. Calendula also works to calm the skin and diminish signs of distress in the hair and scalp. The First Aid Beauty shampoo is cruelty-free, and made without sulfates, parabens, silicones or artificial fragrances.
7. Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Biolage’s Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with a blend of ingredients that thoroughly cleanse the hair and balance the scalp while getting rid of visible flakes and relieving scalp irritation. The professional-grade formula is powered in part by pyrithione zinc, which works to stop dandruff in its tracks in order to maintain a flake-free scalp.
This anti-dandruff shampoo also contains peppermint leaf extract, a cooling and calming ingredient that has powerful antibacterial properties. Salicylic acid works alongside these ingredients to gently exfoliate, getting rid of dead skin cells, excess oil and buildup on the skin. The Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is vegan, and is suitable for all hair types.
8. Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo Extra Strength
The award-winning Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo is specifically created for those dealing with moderate to severe itching and flaking. It combines botanicals with scientifically backed active ingredients that work to balance and soothe the scalp while getting rid of flakes.
This Philip B shampoo features a 1.25% concentration of zinc omadine (another name for pyrithione zinc), as well as a 0.7% concentration of coal tar. The potent antibacterial and antifungal ingredients normalize the scalp by targeting the root cause of flakes and keep future dandruff symptoms at bay. At the same time, a mixture of active plant concentrates – including aloe vera, tea tree oil, chamomile and juniper berry – further calm the skin and relieve itchiness while fighting dandruff.
9. The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo
The Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo from The Body Shop was created based on the idea that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. This vegan shampoo is crafted to gently wash away flakes and excess debris while calming and lightly moisturizing the skin and hair.
As you may have guessed, this shampoo features ginger essential oil, which is sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka. This oil purifies and calms the skin while leaving the hair smelling zingy and fresh. The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo also contains anti-inflammatory birch bark extract, which soothes scalp irritation, as well as vegan silk protein, which strengthens the hair.
10. Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
Redken’s Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo is formulated to keep dandruff in check while gently cleansing and leaving the hair feeling smooth and refreshed. This is another shampoo powered by a 1% concentration of pyrithione zinc, which effectively gets rid of dandruff while soothing the scalp.
In addition to the pyrithione zinc, this dermatologist-tested shampoo features wheat amino acids, which strengthen the hair, as well as hydrolyzed soy protein, which improves the hair’s elasticity and resilience. Finally, glycerin works to ensure the hair and skin stay adequately moisturized.
11. Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Wash
The Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Wash features a blend of natural, nourishing ingredients that clarify and cleanse while supporting hair and scalp health. This men’s shampoo is made without sulfates, phthalates, silicones or parabens, and has a fresh scent profile with notes of bergamot, eucalyptus and cedarwood.
The Hydrating Hair Wash features white willow bark extract, which gently exfoliates the scalp, getting rid of dead skin cells, excess oil and product buildup. Antioxidant-rich horsetail extract improves scalp circulation (which can boost hair growth) while targeting dandruff. As these ingredients get to work, kale protein, aloe and other botanicals strengthen and moisturize the hair and skin.
12. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for a no-fluff shampoo that has been clinically proven to treat dandruff, you’ll want to check out Nizoral’s A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This shampoo keeps symptoms of dandruff at bay while targeting the root problem for healthier and more comfortable hair and skin. It contains a 1% concentration of ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient that treats flaking and itchiness by keeping dandruff-causing fungus in control.
This medicated shampoo is intended to be used twice a week – you should use a daily shampoo in between washes. It is safe for use on color-treated, gray or chemically processed hair.
13. Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Itch & Flake Shampoo
The Anti-Dandruff Itch & Flake Shampoo from Avalon Organics pairs salicylic acid with a variety of natural ingredients to target scalp discomfort and flaking while deeply nourishing and conditioning the hair. It is made without sulfates, phthalates, GMOs, or synthetic colors or fragrances, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
A 2% concentration of salicylic acid works to chemically exfoliate the scalp, helping to get rid of dead skin cells and buildup for flake-free hair. This pH-balanced shampoo also contains tea tree and peppermint oils, which soothe irritation, refresh, and fight fungus to prevent further dandruff-related symptoms. Chamomile flower extract calms troubled and irritated skin, while aloe vera lightly moisturizes the scalp and hair.
14. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
The Jupiter Balancing Shampoo effectively removes skin flakes, clears buildup, controls excess sebum and calms the scalp for healthier hair. As an added bonus, this medicated formula has also been proven to reduce hair breakage by 30%. It has a fresh, mood-boosting scent, with invigorating notes of mint, sage and lavender.
This shampoo, which is made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates or dyes, contains a 1% concentration of pyrithione zinc. As this ingredient powerfully targets dandruff, a blend of other natural ingredients improves overall hair and scalp health. Squalane and coconut oil work to minimize hair breakage, soften the hair and moisturize the scalp, while antibacterial sugar kelp extract further hydrates the skin.
15. Selsun Blue Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Another highly effective yet simple medicated shampoo to check out is this option from Selsun Blue, a company dedicated to offering expertly crafted scalp-care formulas. This super-affordable dandruff shampoo treats and prevents dandruff symptoms to promote a comfortable, clear scalp.
The Selsun Blue Maximum Strength Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains a 1% concentration of selenium sulfide, which has antifungal properties. This ingredient fights fungus on the scalp while removing dead skin cells and relieving flakiness and itching. The formula also contains menthol, which creates an invigorating and cooling sensation that refreshes and soothes the scalp.
16. Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is another excellent option for any man looking to target dandruff without breaking the bank. With regular use, this shampoo works to eliminate flakes, minimize redness and soothe itchiness while hydrating and nourishing the scalp and smoothing the hair.
This pH-balanced formula contains a 1% concentration of pyrithione zinc, which works to combat symptoms of dandruff. As the pyrithione zinc gets to work, a variety of other ingredients deeply hydrate and soothe. Shea butter moisturizes the scalp while creating a barrier on the hair to lock in moisture and increase softness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps create a calmer and more comfortable scalp. Coconut and sunflower seed oils also work together to further soften the hair and moisturize the skin.
17. Brickell Men’s Products Daily Strengthening Shampoo
Any man looking for a nature-powered formula that fights dandruff while also strengthening, volumizing and deeply nourishing the hair should check out this shampoo from Brickell. The Daily Strengthening Shampoo contains 97% natural ingredients, and is made without sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances and dyes. While it works for all hair types, it’s ideal for hair that is dry, thinning and damaged.
This daily shampoo contains peppermint and tea tree oils, which provide anti-dandruff benefits and offer a refreshing and invigorating scent. These oils work together to minimize flakes and soothe scalp irritation and itchiness. As mild surfactants clean the hair and scalp, other natural ingredients thicken, nourish and strengthen the hair while supporting the skin. The blend of high-performance botanicals includes jojoba oil, rosehip fruit oil, aloe leaf juice, a silk protein amino acid blend and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
18. DHS Zinc Shampoo
While many options on this list feature pyrithione zinc, the DHS Zinc Shampoo takes this ingredient to the next level. This shampoo contains a 2% concentration of pyrithione zinc – the highest amount you’ll find in over-the-counter products.
This super-simple formula uses the power of pyrithione zinc to soothe irritation on the scalp while getting rid of skin flakes and killing dandruff-causing fungus. The medicated shampoo also helps to wash away impurities and excess debris for refreshed and healthy hair.
19. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Briogeo’s award-winning Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo has become a cult-favorite product for those looking to tackle an itchy and flaky scalp. The vegan and cruelty-free formula contains 95% naturally derived ingredients, and has been clinically proven to reduce up to 82% of scalp flakiness. It is formulated to boost overall scalp health by detoxifying, soothing, balancing and exfoliating.
This sulfate-free scrubbing shampoo contains vegetable-derived exfoliators that thoroughly yet gently remove buildup and dead skin cells on the scalp. Binchotan charcoal draws out impurities in the skin, helping to deeply detoxify and refresh. The scrub also contains coconut oil, which moisturizes, as well as a blend of peppermint, spearmint and tea tree oils. These potent oils create a cooling and soothing effect on the scalp, and help minimize irritation, itching and flakiness.
20. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
For many men, Neutrogena is the go-to brand for effective skin- and hair-care products, and this dandruff-fighting shampoo does not disappoint. The T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo has a gentle formula that works to control an itchy and flaky scalp suffering from dandruff, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
The key ingredient in this affordable Neutrogena shampoo is coal tar. The 0.5% concentration works by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells, while slowing down the growth of new skin cells to decrease flakiness. Coal tar also fights itchiness for a more comfortable scalp.
21. Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
If you want to take a more natural approach to fighting dandruff, try the Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse and nourish the hair while calming the scalp and getting rid of flakes. It is made without sulfates, parabens or phthalates, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
This dandruff shampoo contains antimicrobial sulfur and exfoliating salicylic acid, which work together to kill dandruff-causing fungus, clear excess oil and buildup, and eliminate flakes. These ingredients both treat and prevent dandruff symptoms for long-term relief. It also contains jojoba and olive oils, which soften and strengthen the hair, as well as rosemary oil, which conditions and calms the scalp.
22. Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo from Adwoa Beauty is a particularly great choice for Black men dealing with dandruff, as the formula is specifically created for textured hair. The sulfate-free Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo contains ingredients that work to minimize flakes and scalp irritation while giving dry hair the deep moisture that it needs.
Adwoa Beauty’s shampoo features highly effective essential oils that promote scalp and hair health. They include peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen oils, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Together, these oils target fungus that can cause dandruff while relieving itchy and dry skin. Lavender and rosemary leaf oils further calm the scalp, while baobab oil, Jamaican black castor oil and other natural ingredients soften and boost elasticity in the hair.
23. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo works to deeply cleanse and refresh an oily scalp while minimizing dandruff symptoms. The vegan formula features the company’s Tingle Complex, which is a blend of tea tree, peppermint and lavender oils. These oils create a cooling sensation on the scalp, while clarifying and nourishing.
Tea tree oil removes excess oil and buildup on the scalp while helping to soothe irritation and itchiness, while lavender oil (which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties) further calms the skin. Refreshing peppermint oil increases circulation while refreshing the hair and scalp. Aloe leaf extract, panthenol, rosemary leaf extract and other ingredients help strengthen, nourish, and soothe the skin and hair.
24. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Cleanser
The Nioxin Scalp Recovery Cleanser is another high-performance medicated shampoo that prevents and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It contains a 1% concentration of the powerful dandruff-fighter pyrithione zinc, which provides complete elimination of visible flakes when used regularly (at least two times per week). The formula also works to minimize itching, and helps reduce the risk of hair breakage.
In addition to the pyrithione zinc, this Nioxin shampoo contains green tea polyphenols. This ingredient helps calm irritation and itchiness in the scalp, while keeping skin hydration levels balanced for optimal scalp and hair health.
25. Denorex Extra-Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Our final recommendation for the best dandruff shampoos for men is this affordable medicated product from Denorex. It’s a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that eliminates and prevents dandruff while nourishing and softening the hair.
The main active ingredient in the Denorex Extra-Strength Dandruff Shampoo is salicylic acid. A 3% concentration of this chemical exfoliant whisks away dead skin cells and clears excess oil. The formula also features pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol. Panthenol works to strengthen and improve the hair’s ability to retain moisture, which helps with softness and manageability. Menthol also provides a cooling sensation that immediately calms irritation and itchiness.
