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12 best dandruff shampoos for flakes, irritation, and itchiness – tried and tested
They’ll actually get rid of your flakes and itch, trust
My scalp and I have been through some trials and tribulations, from scalp eczema to oily skin and roots to scalp acne. So when I started dealing with flakes and itching – the hallmark sign of dandruff – I sighed, bought a few dandruff shampoos, and got to work on my treatment plan.
As a reminder, dandruff (aka seborrheic dermatitis) is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia, a fungus that’s naturally found on everyone’s skin, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick. And, thankfully, it’s also pretty easy to treat at home with a medicated, anti-fungal dandruff shampoo that uses a mix of moisturisers and anti-inflammatories to soothe itch and irritation.
Here’s a quick rundown of my faves (along with dermatologist-approved recs):
Best dandruff shampoos, tried and tested:
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Best exfoliating dandruff shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength Dandruff Control Shampoo
Read review - 5
Keep scrolling for even more dandruff shampoos for every hair type and dandruff symptom. Then, read more about what causes dandruff, what ingredients eradicate the dandruff on your scalp, and how to choose the best dandruff shampoo.
Pros
- It's a gentle, sulphate-free option that cleanses the scalp without stripping
- It's specifically designed to comfort and condition itchy, flaky scalps (hence the name)
Cons
- It's a little expensive for a shampoo
Designed by trichologists, the Philip Kingsley Flaky / Itchy Scalp is specifically formulated to relieve a sore and irritated scalp, as well as to prevent dandruff – hence the name. It also gently clarifies the scalp so a weekly wash with this will help remove product buildup, flakes and other impurities which may be causing itchiness.
We know it’s a little expensive, but you only need to use a small amount every few washes to see results. In fact, you should notice a happier scalp after just a few days.
Glowing Customer Review: “I suffer with scalp psoriasis and this is the best shampoo I’ve ever used for it. It’s not harsh, but clears the flaky scalp and completely stops the itching.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Lauryl betaine (to cleanse) and piroctone olamine (to relieve flaking and itching) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
L’Oréal Professionnel Shampoo Scalp Advanced Shampoo
Pros
- It contains piroctone olamine – an ingredient used to prevent dandruff
- It lathers well without causing dryness or irritation
- Hair feels soft and hydrated after use
Cons
- It's a little more expensive compared to others in this edit
This is another anti-dandruff shampoo that works wonders at tackling dandruff on the scalp just as much as other areas of the hair. The cream texture clarifies and removes dry and oily dandruff while calming the scalp.The appearance of visible flakes is reduced after just one use, which we love to see!
Glowing Customer Review: “When you need to just give your hair and scalp a break, use this. I use it once a week to support my scalp health and it is amazing.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredient: | Piroctone olamine |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
Pros
- It stimulates growth while also clarifying the scalp
- It's free from silicones, sulphates and preservatives
- It will leave your lengths feeling hydrated
Cons
- It doesn't lather as much compared to others in this edit
- Some may not like the herbal aroma
We love a multitasker at Cosmo. This Weleda shampoo not only helps to clarify the scalp and treat dandruff, but rosemary oil can also encourage healthy growth by creating the perfect environment for new bb hairs to grow – how cute! It’s also silicone and sulphate free making it an *even* better option if you have thin hair as your strands will remain smooth and hydrated.
Glowing Customer Review: “Love this shampoo! It’s made my dry/damaged hair feel great and it is thickening up my hair. It smells lovely and is great value for money.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Rosemary oil, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Sulphate-free? | Yes |
Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength Dandruff Control Shampoo
Pros
- It contains 3% (!!) salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate build up and dandruff
- It hydrates your scalp without stripping
Cons
- It's one of the more expensive bottles in this edit
- It has a very minimal lather
I spritz dry shampoo through my roots nearly every day, which means I’m always running the risk of getting flake-causing buildup.
So every other week, sometimes as a precaution, I’ll sud up with Briogeo’s dandruff shampoo, which uses a mix of 3% salicylic acid, low-dose lactic acid, and charcoal powder to gently exfoliate buildup, excess oils, and dead skin cells.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is my second bottle of this now. It's absolutely wonderful for my sensitive scalp. I dye my hair regularly and it's left my scalp a little compromised. I get redness and flakiness and this has been a game changer. It genuinely feels like it's tackling the issues.”
Key specifications
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, lactic, acid, charcoal (exfoliators) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
Wella Professionals Scalp Balance Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- A great option for dry scalps – it balances moisture while also removing flakes
- Helps to soothe an itchy scalp
Cons
- It's not sulphate free
Sensitive girlies? This one’s for you. The Wella Professionals Scalp Balance Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains the perfect balance of ingredients to keep your scalp hydrated, as well as to remove dry skin and product buildup – without making your skin feel stripped or irritated. The piroctone olamine (an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoo) delivers nourishment while citric acid works to get rid of those pesky bits of dandruff.
Glowing Customer Review: “I bought this as I have dermatitis and it effects my scalp pretty bad. It calmed my scalp itching down and helped clear up some of the scaly parts of my scalp. A little goes along way with this shampoo, and it smells divine.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Piroctone olamine (to hydrate) and citric acid (to remove flakes) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
Pros
- It has a fresh, uplifting aroma of ginger, basil, and spearmint
- Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp and prevents dandruff
Cons
- It costs more compared to others in this edit
Dandruff and excess oil go hand in hand, which means scalp breakouts and bumps do too. Fun for us! So whenever my scalp acne is the main character, I just suds up with this 2% salicylic acid shampoo breaks down excess oil and exfoliates pore-clogging cells and flakes.
After a month of once-weekly use, I had fewer bumps on my scalp, and I felt like I didn’t need to wash my hair as frequently (a dream for anyone with greasy scalps).
Glowing Customer Review: “Incredible shampoo. The difference it's made to my scalp already and the smell is beautiful. I'm yet to find fault with any products from this brand.”
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic acid (exfoliates) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- It offers long-lasting relief for dry, irritated and dandruff-prone scalps
- An anti-fungal ingredient prevents dandruff
- It's affordable
Cons
- It's only suitable for fungal-related dandruff
The iconic, cult-favourite Nizoral is pretty close to what you’d get from a derm’s office, which is why it’s so beloved for persistent dandruff.
It’s spiked with 1% ketoconazole, an anti-fungal ingredient that helps kill dandruff-causing yeast, to get rid of flaking, itching, and scaling, says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick. She recommends lathering it through your roots twice a week, following up with a moisturising conditioner and leave-in to keep your ends soft.
Glowing Customer Review: “Really good shampoo as it helps with my condition. It helps with symptoms like dry flaky skin, itchiness and redness.”
Key specifications
| Key ingredients | Ketoconazole (anti-fungal) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
Neutrogena T Gel Anti-Dandruff Scalp Relief Shampoo
Pros
- Clinically proven to reduce flaking and itchiness
- It's affordable
Cons
- May cause dryness, especially on fine, curly or colour-treated hair
Dry, flaky scalps will find instant relief with the T Gel Anti-Dandruff Scalp Relief Shampoo (I mean, clue’s in the name). Sulphate-free and formulated with salicylic acid, it clarifies and reduces buildup that sits on the scalp – we’re talking residue from dry shampoos etc. – without causing dryness or sensitivity.
Piroctone olamine (an anti-fungal ingredient often found in anti-dandruff shampoo) then helps to minimise any tight or dry sensations so your scalp feels comfortable. It may not have the ‘wow’ factor in terms of smell or packaging, but it surely does a good job at keeping your scalp calm.
Glowing Customer Review: “Tried this as I experience dandruff when the season changes – it worked so well to remove dry skin from my scalp. Highly recommend if you have built up dry skin on your scalp.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | 3% salicylic acid |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate-Free Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- It hydrates the scalp and minimises dandruff without it feeling stripped
- It contains coconut oil and apple cider vinegar to condition and hydrate
Cons
- It's not potent enough to prevent and reduce persistent dandruff
Dandruff shampoos kind of have a bad rap for being drying, especially for curly hair types. But Head and Shoulders created this one specifically for curly hair, by pairing antifungal pyrithione zinc with rich coconut oil to seal in moisture.
You’ll be left with a soothed scalp without major stripping (especially if you combine it with a deep conditioner).
Glowing Customer Review: “Used shampoo & conditioner on my really dry scalp. I could feel the effect after the first wash. My scalp felt clean and my hair was smooth.”
Key specifications
| Key ingredients | Pyrithione zinc (anti-fungal) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
Kérastase Scalp Renewal Exfoliating Antidandruff Scalp Scrub
Pros
- Salicylic acid and plant-based beads gently slough away dandruff without stripping
- It's gentle enough for those with sensitive skin to use
- The scent is fresh and floral
Cons
- It won't be potent enough to improve more severe dandruff
When my scalp feels gunked-the-heck-up with product and flakes, I reach for this salt-based scalp scrub. It chemically dissolves flakes and dead skin with salicylic acid and also physically buffs them all away with salt.
And though yes, it does contain drying sulphates, I actually like to use it once a month to “reset” my scalp and strip away any lingering product buildup, like waxes, silicones, and oils, that traditional shampoos can’t always dissolve.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is a staple product in my hair care. I have dandruff and a sensitive scalp, but this exfoliating product makes wonders for it. Prior shampooing, I gently massage this product into my wet scalp. My hair is flakes free and it smells lovely due to this product.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid (exfoliating) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | No |
Avalon Organics Shampoo - Anti Dandruff
Pros
- Salicylic acid clarifies the scalp while aloe vera prevents irritation
Cons
- Some may not like the potent tea tree aroma
I’m normally a lil ~skeptical~ of natural dandruff shampoos. But this formula actually contains 2% salicylic acid to chemically buff away flakes and dead skin.
It also incorporates a mix of plant extracts, like soothing aloe vera and chamomile, along with anti-inflammatory tea tree oil to help relieve some of the irritation that comes with dandruff.
Glowing Customer Review: “I love this anti dandruff shampoo. It has the scent of chamomile, it will give you a refreshing feeling on your hair and scalp. I felt like its making my hair feel cleaner every time I use this.”
Key specifications
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid (exfoliating) |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
Pros
- Rosemary and chamomile calm irritation caused by dandruff
- It contains exfoliating acids to reduce flaking and dandruff
- The aroma is heavenly
Cons
- It can make your hair feel dry so follow up with a deep conditioner
If you're on the hunt for a shampoo that helps to control dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp, but also want it to smell incredible, then you need to add KMS' Head Remedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo to your shopping list ASAP.
It's formulated with the likes of rosemary and chamomile for soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and the scent combines citrus, cedarwood and flowers for a fresh and woody aroma.
Glowing Customer Review: “I’ve been using this shampoo for months now. I suffer with Seborrhoeic dermatitis and this is a absolute godsend!! Defo worth a try.”
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Octopirox, lactic acid, rosemary and chamomile |
|---|---|
| Sulphate free? | Yes |
How we test anti-dandruff shampoos:
After a few weeks of using my anti-dandruff shampoos (I like to alternate between a “stronger” formula and a gentle, more moisturising formula), I noticed a reduction in my flakes, inflammation, oil, and itch.
I’ve now successfully won the fight against dandruff multiple times, which means I’ve also tested and reviewed a ton of formulas (pls, read above) to find the ones that actually work. I’ve considered everything from hair type to price point, so your journey to living a dandruff-free life can begin today! No thanks needed.
What kills dandruff on scalp?
To “kill” dandruff-causing yeast on your scalp, you’ll need antifungal ingredients, like ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or selenium sulfide, says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick. But dandruff shampoos will also sometimes contain salicylic acid to break down dead skin and help reduce flakes, along with coal tar, which helps slow skin shed to eliminate some flaking too.
How often should you wash your hair with dandruff?
How often you wash your hair with dandruff depends on your hair type, but “you can wash your hair with dandruff shampoos just two to three times per week to have an effect,” says Dr Garshick. “Some may prefer to use a dandruff shampoo every day or with every wash, which is fine as long as you don’t experience irritation, dryness, or sensitivity.”
How to choose the best dandruff shampoo:
Look for dandruff-killing actives
Make sure your dandruff shampoo contains ingredients that will actually get rid of dandruff. Antifungals like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc actually destroy the excess fungi on your scalp that’s causing dandruff.
But if your scalp is covered with dry patches, or it gets hella greasy quickly (and maybe even has some acne too), try salicylic acid, which helps dissolve oil and chemically exfoliate dead skin cells before they flake off.
Incorporate soothing ingredients
No, ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera won’t get rid of dandruff on their own. But they will help with some of the inflammation on your scalp, which can in turn reduce some itching and irritation. Also, if you’re dealing with a seriously itchy scalp, look for a formula spiked with coal tar. It’s not the best smelling, but it seriously helps reduce the shedding of your skin, leading to fewer flakes and irritation.
Consider your hair type
If you have super-dry hair, you’ll want a dandruff shampoo spiked with rich moisturisers, like shea butter and coconut oil, and also doesn’t contain harsh, drying sulphates.
On the other hand, oily scalps need those sulphates to cut through oil and product buildup that can lead to greasy flaking. So regardless of which formula you choose, smooth on a moisturising conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair feeling healthy, even when you’re lathering up with a medicated shampoo.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, is a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology in New York, NY. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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