Dandruff is a common scalp condition that can cause itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp. While it is not contagious or serious, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Many factors can cause dandruff, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia.
Many over-the-counter and prescription dandruff shampoos can help manage the condition. When choosing a dandruff shampoo, it’s important to consider the active ingredients, hair type, and any sensitivities. Here are 11 of the best dandruff shampoos for women, based on reviews and expert recommendations:
1. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
The Jupiter Balancing Shampoo is a top pick for dandruff control, praised for its effectiveness and user experience.
Pros:
- Testers appreciate its light, tropical scent.
- It effectively treats dandruff with antifungal ingredients.
- The formula is sulfate-free.
Cons:
- The essential oils in the formula may irritate sensitive skin.
This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc, an antifungal ingredient, and moisturizing ingredients like squalane and coconut oil. It also contains orange peel oil, lavender oil, and vanilla oil, which give it an aromatherapy-like scent. A reviewer noted that it is the best dandruff shampoo tried, leaving the scalp flake-free and hair soft with a pleasant coconut smell.
Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Sulfate-free? Yes
Scent: Herbal, fresh
Size: 9.5 oz
2. Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo combines effectiveness with a pleasant sensory experience.
Pros:
- Reviewers love the fresh, minty scent.
- It combines pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid to chemically buff away flakes.
- It has a strong lather.
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for very dry hair types due to the lack of moisturizers.
This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid to combat dandruff. Its minty, floral aroma provides a refreshing shower experience. A reviewer mentioned that it worked from day one and smells like any other Biolage shampoo, not like a chemical or medicine.
Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Sulfate-free? No
Scent: Fresh, minty, floral
Size: 13.5 oz
3. Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean Dandruff Shampoo
The Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean Dandruff Shampoo offers effective dandruff control with a minimalist formula.
Pros:
- It does not contain sulfates or silicones.
- Testers love the sweet, coconut scent.
- It comes in a recyclable bottle and cap.
Cons:
- It might not be moisturizing enough for some hair types.
This shampoo contains only nine ingredients, including pyrithione zinc. It is free of silicones and sulfates. A reviewer recommends it for truly cleaning the hair and scalp, leaving hair soft and healthy without dandruff or chemicals.
Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Sulfate-free? Yes
Scent: Light, sweet
Size: 13.5 oz
4. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a luxurious option that strengthens and repairs hair while fighting dandruff.
Pros:
- It is loaded with strengthening proteins.
- It uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the scalp.
- Hair feels soft after use.
Cons:
- Some reviewers found the floral scent a bit overpowering.
This shampoo contains proteins to strengthen and repair hair and salicylic acid to exfoliate the scalp. A reviewer noted instant results from the first use, improving the scalp’s feeling without leaving residue and giving hair bounce.
Active ingredient: Salicylic acid
Sulfate-free? Yes (but contains other strong surfactants)
Scent: Light, floral
Size: 8.5 oz
5. Alevai Products Stem Cell Anti Dandruff Shampoo
The Alevai Products Stem Cell Anti Dandruff Shampoo moisturizes hair while eliminating flakes and itch.
Pros:
- It moisturizes hair with argan and coconut oils.
- It helps get rid of dandruff flakes with antifungals.
Cons:
- Some testers reported the product leaked during shipping.
This shampoo contains argan oil, coconut oil, and biotin and 2 percent pyrithione zinc. A reviewer says it is the only anti-dandruff shampoo that doesn’t make the scalp dry, nourishing and getting rid of dandruff simultaneously.
Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Sulfate-free? Yes
Scent: Light, clean
Size: 8 oz
6. Dove Derma Care Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Dove Derma Care Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a widely available and gentle option for dandruff relief.
Pros:
- It is widely available at most drugstores.
- It helps treat flakes with pyrithione zinc.
- It has a soft, sweet coconut and shea scent.
Cons:
- It can be drying (contains sulfates).
This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc, shea butter, and coconut oil. It is gentle on the scalp while fighting dandruff and reducing flaking. A reviewer says it is the only shampoo that keeps flakes and dandruff away and eliminates an itchy scalp.
Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc
Sulfate-free? No
Scent: Soft and sweet
Size: 12 oz
7. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a cult favorite and dermatologist-recommended product for persistent dandruff.
Pros:
- It uses strong antifungals to help relieve itch and flakes.
- It is one of the most dermatologist-recommended products for dandruff.
- Made with the flake-fighting medicinal active ingredient ketaconazole.
- Fights dandruff-causing bacteria.
Cons:
- A moisturizing conditioner is needed to avoid dryness.
- May be drying on hair.
This shampoo contains 1 percent ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient. It helps kill dandruff-causing yeast to get rid of flaking, itching, and scaling. A reviewer with an extremely itchy scalp and flakes noticed a difference after just one use and reduced scratching after three uses.
Active ingredient: Ketoconazole
Sulfate-free? No
Scent: Herbal
Size: 7 oz
8. BosleyMD Scalp Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The BosleyMD Scalp Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo promotes healthy hair growth while fighting dandruff.
Pros:
- Contains ingredients to promote healthy hair growth.
- Fights dandruff with effective actives.
- Created with botanicals like rosemary extract to boost scalp circulation and panthenol (provitamin B5) to strengthen hair.
Cons:
- No cons were listed in the provided search results.
In addition to pyrithione zinc, this shampoo contains botanicals like rosemary extract to boost scalp circulation and panthenol (provitamin B5) to strengthen hair.
9. Re-Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Coconut & Soothe
The Re-Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Coconut & Soothe is a gentle, softening formula that nourishes hair.
Pros:
- Gentle, softening formula.
- Contains an effective anti-dandruff ingredient.
- Great scent.
Cons:
- None were found.
Based on flake-fighting salicylic acid plus softening ingredients like glycerin and coconut extract, this shampoo nourishes hair.
10. Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
The Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo provides speedy scalp relief.
Pros:
- Works quickly.
- Made with an effective anti-flaking ingredient.
Cons:
- No cons were listed in the provided search results.
This shampoo’s dandruff-busting ingredient is pyrithione zinc, which is anti-inflammatory and keeps seborrheic dermatitis from spreading. A reviewer noted it resolved their dandruff issue within two weeks and makes their hair look pretty and healthy.
Key Ingredients in Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Several active ingredients are commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos, each with a unique mechanism of action:
- Pyrithione Zinc: An antifungal and antibacterial agent that reduces the levels of Malassezia yeast on the scalp.
- Salicylic Acid: An exfoliating agent that helps to remove dead skin cells from the scalp, reducing flaking.
- Ketoconazole: A potent antifungal medication that targets Malassezia yeast.
- Selenium Sulfide: An antifungal agent that also helps to slow down the production of skin cells on the scalp.
- Tea Tree Oil: A natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent.
How to Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
To get the most out of your anti-dandruff shampoo, follow these steps:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo to your scalp and massage it in well.
- Leave the shampoo on your scalp for at least 5 minutes to allow the active ingredients to work.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly.
- Use a conditioner to moisturize your hair, as some anti-dandruff shampoos can be drying.
- Use the shampoo regularly, as directed by the product label or your doctor.
Tips for Preventing Dandruff
In addition to using anti-dandruff shampoo, there are several things you can do to prevent dandruff:
- Wash your hair regularly, especially if you have oily hair.
- Avoid using harsh hair products that can irritate your scalp.
- Eat a healthy diet and manage stress levels.
- Get some sun exposure, as sunlight can help to reduce the growth of Malassezia yeast.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
