Quick question: do you think your dandruff is caused by too much dryness in your scalp? What if we told you that it’s actually the other way around, that your dandruff is the result of too much sebum or oil? We’re not surprised if you’re amazed.
Most people misunderstand dandruff. It’s
- What’s Causing Your Dandruff?
- What To Look For In An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
- Top 4 Dermatologist’s Recommended Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Top 3 All-Natural Dandruff Shampoos That Really Work
- Top 3 Salon-Style, anti-dandruff Shampoos
Another quick question: did you think that dandruff was a stand-alone problem? That it will not lead to anything but those snowflakes on your shirt? Well, believe it or not, it is also one of the major causes of hair loss and thinning hair. So, if you thought you could ignore it, now is the time to stop and take steps to actively banish those flakes from your life.
This guide has been created to assist you in your quest. You see, we hate dandruff as much as you do. It causes
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Head & Shoulders |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| 47.4 ounces |
| Effective against dandruff and safe for color or chemically-treated hair |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
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| Sage, Special Formula |
| 4.0/5.0 |
| 8 ounces |
| Works well for all hair types and against dandruff, itchy, flaking scalp. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| K + S Salon Quality |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| 16 ounces |
| Can be used for all hair types and fit for daily use, parabens free |
| Check Amazon |
What’s Causing Your Dandruff?
The first step in eradicating this flaky menace is identifying what’s causing it in your particular case. Dandruff can be connected to different causes, after all. Here are a few common causes of dandruff:
- Irritated and oily skin: One of the most common causes of dandruff is a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. How do you know whether it is to blame for your dandruff or not? Well, your scalp will appear red and inflamed. You will also be able to notice white skin flakes around these patches of inflamed skin which tend to look like rashes.
This condition basically affects areas that have a lot of sebaceous glands. That’s why, if you are affected, you can also see a flaky build-up in places like sides of your nose, eyebrows, armpits etc. If you are suffering from this condition, a good anti-dandruff shampoo with the right ingredients can definitely help. - Fungal infection: Malasseziaglobosa, as it is known, is a harmless fungus that lives on the skin of most people. Why it causes dandruff in only some people is not understood. But we do know how it results in forming flaky skin. This fungus feeds on the natural oils on the scalp and leaves behind oleic acid. Half the people are sensitive to this residue. As a result, the scalp becomes red and inflamed.
The body tries to rid itself of this irritating residue and increases the skin turnover rate in the process. This constant and speedy shedding of the top layer of the skin is what we recognize as dandruff. An anti-dandruff shampoo can relieve your scalp from this hasty overreaction. - Other causes: Although the ones listed above are the most common causes, for some people, dandruff may be the result of something else entirely. For example, if you like to style your hair and also use a lot of product, it is possible that it is just a case of oil and dead skin build-up. To deal with this, you’ll probably just need a good cleansing shampoo rather than an anti-dandruff shampoo.
You may also pass on the anti-dandruff shampoo for a good moisturizing shampoo if the cause of your dandruff is just dry skin. This can happen if the season is particularly dry. A good way to test this is to see if you have dry skin on other parts of your body too.
What To Look For In an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
If you’re still reading, then you’ve probably identified that your dandruff problem can be solved if you use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Great! But how do you know which one is going to work? Well, there are some ingredients that have shown remarkable success in treating dandruff. Needless to say, shampoos with the right concentration of these ingredients work effectively to banish dandruff from your scalp. Here are some ingredients that you should be looking out for:
- Ketoconazole: This is an anti-fungal drug that works effectively against the two most common causes of dandruff i.e. seborrheic dermatitis and Malassezia. There are clinical trials proving its efficacy and the best part is that there are also studies pointing towards its role in reducing hair-loss and promoting hair growth. Most over-the-counter formulations contain 1% concentration of ketoconazole and here is our top pick: Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Pyrithione Zinc: Discovered in
1930s ,pyrithione zinc has since been used to treat many skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, vitiligo, athlete’s foot, and eczema. Pyrithione Zinc works like a miracle for dandruff as it stops sebaceous glands in the scalp from producing too much sebum.
As seborrheic dermatitis and Malassezia both are conditions associated with overactive sebaceous glands,pyrithione zinc turns out to be an extremely potent defense against dandruff. It has anti-inflammatory properties too that reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Out top picks for this ingredient are: Head & Shoulders, Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
Anti-Dandruff plus Sebum Control Shampoo by American Crew - Coal Tar: Coal tar has a somewhat ambiguous reputation even if it is one of the oldest known treatments for skin conditions and dandruff. First, let us just tell you straight away that it not only works but works very well. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties because of which it has had extraordinary success in treating dandruff.
The biggest hitch with relying on coal tar is that it may be linked to cancer, as per certain studies. Although there was another study debunking it (source), it did leave a lingering doubt in people’s minds. Even so, FDA considers a coal tar concentration of 0.5% – 5% in products as safe (source). The best way to deal with this uncertainty is to play safe and pick only the best and most effective: T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo by Neutrogena - Selenium Sulfide: Selenium Sulfide is an anti-fungal agent that has been widely used in the treatment of fungal or yeast related conditions of the scalp. One drawback of this compound is that it sometimes leaves color on the scalp if left for too long. However, you should note that it does go away if the use of the product is discontinued. Our top pick for this ingredient is: Dandruff Shampoo by Selsun Blue
- Tea Tree oil: This essential oil has long been recognized for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and calming properties. In recent times, this ingredient has been used in shampoos for effectively curing dry, itchy, scaly scalp, and dandruff. The best part about tea tree oil is that it achieves a clean and healthy scalp without being too harsh. Being a natural essential oil, it doesn’t strip your hair of its moisture and results in an overall great head of hair. Here are the shampoos we recommend if you want to go the natural way: Sage, Special Formula Shampoo By Maple Holistics
Tea Tree Supreme Shampoo By Honeydew
Invigorating Mint Shampoo by Proper Hair Products
Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Shampoo by Kick
K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo by Krieger + Söhne
10 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Mens Comparison Table
| Brand Name | Item Type | Volume | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Shampoo | 7 ounces | Check Price |
| Head & Shoulders, Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner | Shampoo and conditioner set | 47.4 ounces (23.7 ounces shampoo plus 23.7 ounces conditioner ) | Check Price |
| T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo By Neutrogena | Shampoo | 16 ounces | Check Price |
| Dandruff Shampoo By Selsun Blue | Shampoo | 11 ounces | Check Price |
| Sage, Special Formula Shampoo By Maple Holistics | Shampoo | 8 ounces | Check Price |
| Tea Tree Supreme Shampoo By Honeydew | Shampoo | 8 ounces | Check Price |
| Tea Tree Oil And Peppermint Shampoo By Kick | Shampoo | 17.75 ounces | Check Price |
| K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo by Krieger + Söhne | Shampoo | 16 ounces | Check Price |
| Anti-Dandruff Plus Sebum Control Shampoo By American Crew | Shampoo | 8.4 ounces | Check Price |
| Invigorating Mint Shampoo By Proper Hair Products | Shampoo | 8.5 ounces | Check Price |
Top 4 Dermatologist’s Recommended Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
This ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo is one of the most popular out there. There’s a reason for it too. It is extremely effective against eradicating dandruff from your scalp plus it works against itching and flaking. This is a non-prescription strength shampoo that contains 1% ketoconazole, which means you can get it without a prescription.
Even though this is quite a strong product, the manufacturer claims that it is gentle enough for color treated hair and the users seem to agree. Many
This shampoo is so effective that many users, after trying many other shampoos, say that only Nizoral helped them deal with their dandruff problem. Not just that, many users report relief from long-standing dandruff problem, after just a few washes. It’s also worth mentioning that this shampoo is very effective if you have inflamed and itchy scalp as well.
At about $40, it may seem a little expensive for an
Who’s it for: If you have severe dandruff, a long-standing dandruff problem, or have tried everything else and it’s not worked, go for this one. This shampoo will redeem your faith in anti-dandruff shampoos.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 7 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Ketoconazole (1%) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Amazing success rate |
| Works against severe dandruff |
| Does not have to be used every day |
| Can be used for all hair types |
| Safe for color treated, chemically treated, and grey hair |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Pricey |
| May leave hair dry for some users. |
| Has to be supplemented with a conditioner |
| Contains |
2. Head &Shoulders, Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Head & Shoulders is a favorite with an almost cult following. We believe where there’s smoke there’s fire. So, we don’t really have to mention that this product works very well against flaking and itchy scalp. For that reason, this is our top pick in the
There’s not much to say about this product except that it does what it’s supposed to do and then some. Users report complete relief from flaking, clean hair, and the amazing, manly smell of Old Spice after wash. Many users report softer hair as this shampoo is a 2-in-1. So, there is no need to follow it up with a conditioner.
What else is great about this shampoo is that it works on all hair types, is safe for color-treated hair, and is pH balanced which means that it is safe for everyday use. If you need a more compelling reason to go for this one, the company is offering 2 bottles i.e. 47.4 ounces of this product at a dirt cheap price of about $16.
Who’s it for: If you’re a guy looking for an everyday-use shampoo that eradicates flaking, cleans your hair, and leaves your hair smelling manly, this shampoo is for you. And, you won’t even have to break the bank for it!
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 47.4 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc (1%) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Effective against dandruff |
| Cleans the hair well |
| |
| Smells great |
| Safe for color or chemically-treated hair |
| Affordable |
| The Cons |
|---|
| May |
| Contains |
3. T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo by Neutrogena
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
This product contains coal tar (0.5%) and it works against dandruff by removing dead cells and then slowing down the skin turnover rate. Despite its supposedly aggressive mode of action, if you must use a coal tar shampoo, let it be by Neutrogena, a company known for its gentle formulations.
Needless to say that it works effectively against dandruff, but let’s talk about the other reasons why it made it to our list. The first is that this product is gentle enough to be used on very sensitive scalps. In fact, many users with psoriasis or eczema have reported using it to combat their dandruff, itching, and other scalp problems successfully. That being said, it is potent enough for very severe dandruff cases as well.
The formula is clinically proven to give results and is gentle enough for daily use as well. Although the company warns that it may cause discoloration of grey hair or colored hair in some cases, almost none of the users reported any such problem. In fact, many users with color-treated hair report minimal to no stripping away of color. The smell of this product, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired.
No matter, what the reputation of coal tar maybe, all in all, this is a solid product that is working effectively for a lot of people. The company is offering it at a very competitive price too. You can get a
Who’s it for: If you have a sensitive scalp or suffer from psoriasis or eczema, but are looking for a truly potent solution to your dandruff problem, this would be a good buy for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 16 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Coal tar (0.5%) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well for dandruff |
| Works really well for sensitive and dry scalps |
| Great for psoriasis and eczema |
| Reasonably priced |
| Safe for color treated and chemically treated hair |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not the best smelling product on the market |
| May leave hair dry |
| Contains |
4. Dandruff Shampoo By Selsun Blue
Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5
The thing to know about anti-dandruff shampoos is that one person’s miracle may turn out to be another person’s miscue. This doesn’t mean that the product is bad. It just means that it just doesn’t work for you. The important thing to remember is to pick the best formulation of a particular active ingredient. So, Selsun Blue is on our list for the best shampoo that contains selenium sulfide as the active agent.
The product does what it promises. It not only works great for dandruff, dry, and itchy scalp but also successfully keeps at bay the flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This particular formula contains aloe vera so as to keep your hair soft after wash. In fact, many users corroborate this in their reports of softer and more manageable hair after just a few washes.
Another great thing about this product is that a lot of users report a considerable reduction in sunspots (tinea versicolor), which is a fungal condition of the skin. Some users, however, may find this shampoo’s smell too strong but that is a matter of opinion.
All things considered, this is a great product if you want to give your dandruff a dose of some selenium sulfide. The company is offering it at a reasonable price of about $7 for an
Who’s it
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 11 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Selenium sulfide (1%) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well against dandruff |
| Leaves hair feeling soft |
| Works well for all hair types |
| Works well for sun spots |
| Affordable |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Everybody does not like the strong smell |
| Contains |
| May not work for some people |
Top 3 All-Natural Dandruff Shampoos That Really Work
5. Sage, Special Formula Shampoo by Maple Holistics
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
This amazing, all natural, “special formula” shampoo by Maple Holistics contains sage and tea tree oil as the active ingredients. This product promises to gently clean your hair while working powerfully against removing dead cells from your scalp. The anti-fungal properties of sage and tea tree oil control dandruff, while the essential oils in the formula keep your hair soft.
This shampoo also claims to unclog hair follicles. Thus, it reduces hair fall and improves hair texture by reducing frizz and split ends. This is a truly well-rounded product that keeps all its promises. Users report a visible reduction in flaking and softer and more manageable hair after just one or two washes.
It works especially great for sensitive or oily scalp and is also safe for color treated or chemically treated hair. You can get it at a decent price of $10.5 for an
Who’s it
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Tea tree oil, jojoba oil, keratin, sage oil, peach kernel oil, spikenard oil, rosemary oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well against dandruff, itchy, flaking scalp |
| Works well for all hair types |
| |
| Can be used by kids |
| |
| Smells good |
| The Cons |
|---|
| May leave dry scalp for some users |
6. Tea Tree Supreme Shampoo By Honeydew
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
This is another powerful blend with tea tree oil as an active ingredient that fights dandruff, controls flaking, and soothes itchy and irritated scalps. This “tea tree supreme” formula also claims to improve circulation to the hair follicles which, in turn, boost hair growth while leaving you with cleaner and well-nourished hair.
The users say that it works as claimed by the company for itchiness and dryness of scalp and even leaves their hair feeling soft and shiny after wash. It works amazingly for oily scalps, has a fresh, pleasing smell, and starts working after just a couple of washes. It’s gentle for everyday use, safe for all hair types, and even colored or chemically treated hair.
A common complaint with this shampoo is that it does not work well for psoriasis. Even though the two scalp conditions i.e.seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis may appear to be similar, they are actually quite different. Psoriasis is much more severe and usually extends outside of the hairline. So, be sure as to what you’re buying it for. You can get this product for around $12 for an
Who’s it for: If you want a natural anti-dandruff shampoo that is just as effective as its chemical counterparts, go for this one. It does what it’s supposed to do without leaving your hair dry or stripped.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Tea tree oil, rosemary essential oil, and jojoba |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well for itchy scalp |
| Leaves hair feeling fresh |
| Smells good |
| Works well for all hair types |
| Sulfates and parabens free |
| Safe for colored and chemically treated hair |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Does not work well for psoriasis |
7. Tea Tree Oil And Peppermint Shampoo by Kick
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
This is a great all-natural shampoo with tea tree oil and peppermint as its active agents. This shampoo is more than just an anti-dandruff shampoo. It promises hair-regrowth and hair thickening along with its anti-dandruff function.
Whether it works as a hair thickening shampoo or a hair regrowth product or not, is something still to be decided. However, one thing that is sure is that it is excellent when it comes to relieving dry, itchy scalp, and dandruff. Additionally, it also leaves hair feeling really clean and soft. It lathers well and guys love the tingling sensation followed by a fresh minty smell in the hair.
Formulated especially for active men, this shampoo is
Who’s it for: If you’re a guy on the move and looking for an overall good shampoo that will also take care of your dandruff, just pick this one.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 17.75 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Tea tree leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, aloe vera |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well against dandruff |
| Smells great |
| Works for all hair types |
| Cleans the hair really well |
| Sulfate free |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Slightly pricey |
Top 3 Salon-Style, anti-dandruff Shampoos
8. K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo by Krieger + Söhne
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
There is something about a good salon style shampoo that a regular shampoo just can’t compete with. It’s the way it feels on the scalp, the way it smells after wash, and it’s the way it leaves your hair so perfect for styling. If you’re into that experience, you will absolutely love this product. This premium tea tree shampoo by Krieger + Söhne is the best in its class.
Don’t let all that salon-talk distract you from the main point, though. This shampoo is on our list because it is a very powerful anti-dandruff product. Another reason why we love it is because of its natural active ingredient i.e. tea tree oil and the fact that its paraben free.
Guys who’ve used this product report a gentle tingle on
This product is available for a price of around $16.14 for a 16-ounce bottle. While we agree it’s not really on the budget-friendly side, it’s important to note that the company does offer a “100% satisfaction or your money back” guarantee.
Who’s it
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 16 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Tea tree oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works great for dandruff |
| Fit for daily use |
| Can be used for all hair types |
| Smells great |
| Parabens free |
| |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains |
| Works best with a conditioner |
9. Anti-Dandruff Plus SebumControl Shampoo by American Crew
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
Since no talk of salon quality is complete without a mention of the iconic brand American Crew, here’s one anti-dandruff shampoo from the trend-setters. It contains zinc pyrithione (1%) as its active agent against dandruff and checks all the right boxes in all the other categories too.
Not only is this product powerful enough to keep flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis and eczema at bay, but it is also gentle enough for sensitive scalp and minor dandruff issues. Users report that it leaves the hair feeling very soft and manageable and does not even dry out the scalp. This shampoo works especially well for oily hair type.
One thing to note is that a few of the users have not appreciated this product’s smell because of its distinctively medicinal quality. However, even though its fragrance may not be the best amongst other American Crew products, if you compare it to other shampoos in the anti-dandruff category, you’ll find it to be one of the best smelling products.
So, it’s just a matter of perspective, but we still felt the need to clarify that for you. You can have this product for a price of around $13.73 for an
Who’s it for: If you’re a guy who likes to take care of himself if you think dandruff should not mean the end of styling your hair, and if you’re a fan of this all-American men’s brand, try this product.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8.4 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Zinc pyrithione (1%) |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works great for dandruff |
| Excellent for oily scalp |
| Leaves hair feeling soft |
| Does not have to be followed by a conditioner |
| Safe for color treated and chemically treated hair |
| |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not the best smelling American Crew product |
| Slightly pricey |
| Contains |
10. Invigorating Mint Shampoo by Proper Hair Products
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
Here’s another great anti-dandruff shampoo if you’re a guy who likes to style his hair. This invigorating mint shampoo by Proper Hair Products is made especially to suit men who don’t want to give up style for functionality. This particular product performs various functions at the same time.
The tea tree and peppermint blend work effectively against dandruff and dry or itchy scalp while leaving hair soft and manageable. It works for all hair types and is even safe for color or chemically treated hair. Also, staying true to the category we picked it for, it smells really good. Users report feeling an invigorating tingle while application followed by refreshed and clean hair.
Another quality worth mentioning about this product is that it effectively removes any product build up in the hair. Also, it contains a UV protectant that effectively shields your hair against the damaging sun’s rays. We really love this product for the fact that it uses natural ingredients as is active agents.
You can get this shampoo for around $18.23 for an
Who’s it for: If you want
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8.5 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Tea tree oil and peppermint |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works well for dandruff and dry, itchy scalp |
| Smells great |
| Works for all hair types |
| Safe for color treated hair |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| pricey |
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