Choosing the best dandruff shampoo can be overwhelming. Dandruff usually comes in the form of white skin flakes on your hair. It happens when dead skin cells are separated from your scalp. A minimal amount of flaking is quite normal. However, a huge amount of flakes can be unusual. Perhaps, it is a health condition or it can be an outcome from triggers. Usually, this is associated with some irritation and redness.
Dandruff is a usual scalp condition that is experienced by different people all over the world. Dandruff is most often experienced by teenagers and individuals who are in their twenties. Most likely, dandruff can be cured by specialized shampoos. People who are affected by dandruff may experience self-esteem problems.
We all know how frustrating dandruff can be…
Experts claimed that it is impossible to treat dandruff. But with the right shampoo, you can cure it effectively. Generally, you can fight dandruff by purchasing anti-dandruff shampoos. The most effective shampoos are those which contain zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. These active ingredients can effectively eliminate fungus which causes dandruff.
You can also go for natural dandruff shampoos which include tea tree oil or green tea. However, these ingredients only contain minimal antifungal properties. It is not as effective as shampoos that contain the above ingredients.
Dandruff Shampoo Reviews
We got to admit, our team has had quite some problems with dandruff before we choose to start treating it properly. The good news, we got it fixed. After using, testing and reviewing many anti-dandruff shampoos by the men on our team, here are our favorite picks and why.
1. AG Hair Style Control Anti-dandruff Shampoo
AG Hair Style Control Anti-dandruff Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
The AG Hair Style Control Anti-dandruff Shampoo is our top choice. Are you getting sick of continually scratching your head? This product is the best solution. It can remove dandruff and treats your dry scalp by providing the necessary moisture that your hair needs. Just spend three minutes in the shower and the fresh scent of this shampoo can keep your dandruff under control.
Control shampoo is the most effective shampoo for treating dandruff. It contains maximum active ingredients but does not have tar, unlike other dandruff shampoos. Aside from this, it is also rich in lather and sophisticated fresh scent. This shampoo can keep your hair healthy and moisturized while successfully treating your dry and itchy scalp.
Pros
Removes dandruff.Treats dry scalp.It has a sophisticated fresh scent.Keeps your hair healthy and moisturized.2. Denorex Dandruff Control Shampoo Plus Conditioner
Denorex Dandruff Control Shampoo Plus Conditioner – Get it via Amazon
Our second shampoo option is Denorex, which uses sulfur and salicylic acid in fighting dandruff. Salicylic acid is very effective in decreasing the number of fungi because it has antimicrobial properties. Sulfur can help in relieving dandruff symptoms. However, experts claim that it’s too harsh and quite drying and may damage the hair shaft. But most users find it very effective.
Denorex Dandruff Shampoo can treat dandruff symptoms. It contains a double-action formula of coal tar and menthol to give you the greatest relief of your scalp itchiness. It can also help in preventing the recurrence of itchiness, irritation, flaking, redness and other symptoms related to dandruff. This product is vitamin-enriched which also includes conditioner. It gives body and gloss to your hair.
Pros
It helps in relieving dandruff symptoms such as itchiness.Prevents the recurrence of dandruff symptoms.Includes conditioner to give body and gloss to your hair.Cons
It can be very dry due to the presence of Sulfur.This shampoo has a medicated smell.Some users also claim that they seldom find it in stores.3. Matrix Biolage Scalpsync Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Matrix Biolage Scalpsync Anti Dandruff Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
Biolage by Matrix Cooling Mint ScalpSync Conditioner is our third pick. Biolage Conditioner is a hydrating and soothing conditioner. It is made from Mint Leaf which contains antibacterial and calming properties. Biolage Conditioner can help in soothing and nourish your hair, giving you a healthy-looking scalp. While you lather up your hair, it’s nice to have a little hair spa treatment that you can get from Biolage Conditioner. It has a cool mint aroma which is perfect for your dandruff. At the same time, it can also let you relax while you are washing your problems away.
Pros
Soothe and nourish your hair.It has a cool mint aroma.4. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo – Price: $39.95 – Get it via Amazon
Our fourth choice is Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Previously offered as a prescription shampoo, at present Nizoral is now available over-the-counter. This product combats flaking, scaling, and itching. Take note that this shampoo incorporates one percent ketoconazole. Feedback from users is likewise positive, saying that Nizoral resolves dandruff with just a couple of applications.
Regardless, others find it high-priced and it comes with a medicated smell. It is recommended that you only need one or two applications per week. After your dandruff has been treated, you can only use Nizoral as needed. This shampoo can be drying. That is why it would be best to have a good conditioner to go with it. It is most effective when left on the scalp for five to ten minutes. That way you are giving time for the active ingredients to work.
Pros
Clears up dandruff in just a few treatments.Cons
This shampoo has a medicinal scent.It is a bit costly.Nizoral is a bit drying, a conditioner is a must.5. Head And Shoulders Extra Volume Dandruff Shampoo
Head And Shoulders Extra Volume Dandruff Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
We chose Head & Shoulders Extra Volume Dandruff Shampoo for our fifth pick. If you want to have beautiful and voluminous hair then this is the product for you. It can help in lessening your split ends and hair breakage. This shampoo is created with the latest Fresh Scent Technology which features unique fragrance giving you the best in-shower scent experience ever. This volumizing shampoo is ideal for those who have fine hair and limp hair.
It gives body and liveliness to your hair. You can use it daily because it is only mild and has a balanced pH. Women and men who have chemically treated hair can also use it. Aside from having a clean and beautiful hair, it can also remove flakes. Great hair begins with volume. It can lock your scalp’s moisture, combats grease, and gunk, and revive the fullness of your thin-looking hair.
Pros
Lessens split ends and hair breakage.It provides body and bounces to your hair.Removes flakes.Restore the fullness of your hair.6. Head & Shoulders Advanced 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Head & Shoulders Advanced 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner – Get it via Amazon
The Head & Shoulders Advanced 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner is one of those least expensive shampoos which makes it our sixth choice. It has anti-fungal zinc pyrithione which fights organisms that cause dandruff. Users of this product claim that it has done well in eliminating dandruff and smells good too compared to other dandruff shampoos. Even though this shampoo is milder than other treatments, we recommend that you must maintain a separate conditioner to provide added moisture.
According to some users, Zinc pyrithione may not be as potent as ketoconazole. That is why, if you are having severe dandruff or you are experiencing intense scalp itching or burning then you must consult a doctor. This shampoo is great for daily use because it is gentle and pH balanced. It can even be used on chemically treated hair. It is formulated with HydraZinc for a healthy scalp giving you soft, manageable, completely flake-free hair. With its great benefits, you can live your life with confidence. This shampoo is clinically tested so you can guarantee that it can remove flakes. Try it with Classic Clean Conditioner to further lock in the dandruff-fighting power.
Pros
Combat dry scalp.Calms down the itchy scalp.It helps in alleviating irritation.Lessens redness.It has an excellent scent.Helps in controlling flakes on the scalp, giving you a great looking hair.Cons
Zinc pyrithione may not be as effective as ketoconazole.7. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
The Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is our seventh shampoo choice. If you can’t get rid of your dandruff after using anti-fungal shampoos such as Head and Shoulders and Nizoral then you must try Neutrogena. This shampoo is formulated with coal tar, which reduces skin cell creation, making it effective in fighting scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
These two scalp conditions can cause redness, scales, and itchy skin. According to its users, it can do an excellent job of combatting dandruff symptoms however it can be very drying. Experts agree that coal tar shampoos are very drying, that is why it should only be used when you need to control dandruff symptoms. It is recommended that you should use a conditioner to bring back the lost moisture to your hair. It can also help in covering up the medicinal smell. Coal tar shampoos can also result in sun sensitivity. It would be best to use it as a last resort.
Pros
Highly recommended by dermatologists.Controls itchiness, redness, and flakes of severe scalp conditions.Formulated with 0.5% Neutar, which is an effective scalp therapy.Cleanses and conditions your hair making it soft and more manageable.Cons
It can be very drying.This shampoo has a medicinal smell.It can cause sun sensitivity.8. Redken Dandruff Control Shampoo
Redken Dandruff Control Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
The Redken Dandruff Control Shampoo is our eighth choice. Are you feeling scared of itching your scalp due to fear of flaking? Well, there’s no need to worry since this shampoo is specially formulated to combat flake fallout and restores hydration into your dry scalp. Redken uses the interbond scalp system and hydro-zone system in providing lavender extract and glycerin to give you a soothing and hydrating scalp. It can relieve your scalp while making your hair is light and shiny.
Pros:
It helps in removing dandruff and its symptoms.Gently cleanses hair.9. Clear Deep Cleanse Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Clear Deep Cleanse Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Price: $39.73 – Get it via Amazon
We have chosen Clear Deep Cleanse Anti-Dandruff Shampoo as our ninth pick. Don’t let its price fool you! Users claim that this product gives you a bang for your money. It deeply cleanses hair and nourishes the scalp, leaving a cooling sensation.
Pros
It has a very nice and natural mint smell.This shampoo is safe to use whenever you want and it won’t over-dry your hair.It comes in a 480 ml easy pump bottle.10. Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo – Get it via Amazon
The Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo is our tenth shampoo choice. With its medicated formula, it can effectively relieve itchiness and dry scalp regardless of your hair type. Users complain that it has a medicated smell, however, it’s worth bearing since it can drastically lessen the flakes.
Pros
Gives you a healthy-looking hair.Effectively controls itchiness and flakes even with severe dandruff.Softens hair making it more manageable.Prevents scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.Medicated menthol shampoo with maximum control for healthier hair and scalp.Doctor recommended.Cons
It has a medicated smell.How to Get Rid of Dandruff
It’s quite embarrassing to itch your scalp in front of your friends, only to discover that your hair is filled with flakes – yikes. Having an itchy and irritating scalp can put you in a bad mood all day. Fortunately, the best solution to getting rid of your dandruff starts in the shower with a good shampoo. There are a lot of reasons for dandruff, and often it is caused by not properly shampooing your hair. Another cause is the excessive amount of fungus that feeds the oil from hair follicles which can result in irritation. This can happen from using the wrong hair products; like gel or hair sprays. Dandruff often likely appears during cold weather or winter season.
When the skin is dry, it can result in a flaky and itchy scalp. Fortunately, there are enough ways that can help in reducing the itchiness and eventually the white flakes. If you are in an extreme situation then the best thing to do is to visit your dermatologist. However, if it is only a mild case then you can use one of our tested dandruff shampoos to help you in fighting the white flakes in order to save your scalp or use one of our anti-dandruff home remedies (or both) below.
Home Remedies to prevent Dandruff
Dandruff can be a nuisance and for those with severe cases, these white caky flakes that are itchy and when scratched-off can rain down from your head to your shoulder can be downright embarrassing. However, it’s easy to make those pesky flakes go away. Just follow the right grooming routine, specifically suited to your type of personality or state of health you can easily shake a dandruff free hair every time you want.
It is not only good hygiene practice that gives others their dandruff-free sparklingly healthy and clean hair but also knowing how to prevent or cure their hair and scalp issues. Dandruff is not always caused by bad hygiene but also by medical or health conditions. The following are the known home remedy practices that help resolve simple and severe dandruff issues.
1. Topical solutions to wash hair
There are topical solutions you can do and prepare at home and by yourself without endangering your health or well-being. These homemade topical dandruff solutions are made by just adding herb extracts or essential oils with natural anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties to shampoo.
Essential Oils – Herb Extracts you can add to shampoo
Tea tree oilLemongrass oil or extractAloe-vera juice or gelCoconut oilTea tree oil – Shampoo Moisturizing Anti-fungal Topical Solution
Just add the tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo brand and formulation then use it to wash your hair. you can soak your scalp for 5 minutes with the topical solution of tea tree oil and shampoo for a more effective scalp conditioning treatment. Dandruff is caused by the overgrowth of hair fungus. Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that are super effective in stopping the reproduction of fungal spores which cause the caky flaky white spots commonly referred to as dandruff to populate your scalp.
The right ratio for the tea tree oil and shampoo solution to effectively work is 5% of tea tree oil to shampoo. There is enough tea tree oil there to deliver an anti-fungal effect without harming your scalp. There are also commercial shampoos that already have tea tree oil extracts added, marketed as moisturizing shampoos.
Of course, you should buy the ones which say 5% concentration. Tea tree oil also has moisturizing properties which can make super dry scalp which is also one of the causes of dandruff moisturized. Your scalp becomes soft and hydrated, preventing flakes from forming.
Lemongrass oil or extract – Shampoo Topical Solution
This topical solution you can also make at home will be great in reducing or preventing dandruff. Some causes of dandruff are inflammation of the skin of the scalp. Lemongrass oil has anit0microbial properties that will be great in the prevention of bacterial infection which can result in the skin of your scalp to become inflamed.
The most effective ratio is 10% lemongrass to shampoo. This is a soothing lemongrass oil shampoo topical solution that is great for those with dry scalps that get easily irritated by the most common environmental irritants; like too much heat or too much humidity. Undiluted lemongrass oil can cause irritation or at the worse may burn your scalp, so you need it to be diluted to only 10% of lemongrass oil to shampoo.
Pure Aloe Vera Juice Gel Homemade Topical Treatment
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. The aloe vera plant has thick leaves and you can extract pure aloe vera juice from the leaves. Just cut the leaves and scrape the jelly-like substance out and you have pure aloe vera juice gel. When you have a generous amount (about 5 medium-sized leaves extracts) rub the aloe vera gel into your scalp. Massage the aloe vera gel for 10 – 15 minutes to infuse your scalp with its soothing relief. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo after. Then rinse thoroughly.
The aloe-vera juice has anti-microbial properties and it is a highly effective moisturizer. The aloe juice gel can also be used as first aid treatment for superficial burns like sunburn and first degree burns. As you will be using pure aloe vera juice, which some people have an adverse reaction to. You have to do a skin test first before using a substantial amount. To do the test, dab a small amount of aloe vera juice on your wrist and leave for at least 30 minutes, a little more time compared to the time you’re going to massage the gel into your scalp. Ideally about 24 hours before you’re going to see some reaction. But 30 minutes is the soonest that you’ll notice some.
Coconut Oil Anti Dandruff Topical Solution
There is no proven research as to the efficacy of coconut oil as a dandruff treatment. But Asians with their beautiful flowing black hair have been using coconut oil in their hair and scalp conditioning treatment. From restoring the natural strength, the luscious black color, and the life of their hair to moisturizing the irritated and inflamed itchy scalp coconut oil infusion is one of their most-used solutions.
To do the coconut oil infusion you can rub about 2 – 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to your hair. Then massage it into your scalp. And leave for about 10 – 15 minutes. Before washing your hair with shampoo and rinsing thoroughly.
You can also warm about 1/4 cup of coconut oil in an oil diffuser, make sure the heat is low and it will not make the oil boil, only to have it slightly heated. then take off the warm oil from the heat. With a cotton ball rub the slightly heated coconut oil into your scalp massaging it into the roots of your hair as you go. Then put a shower cap over it and leave overnight. This is good for those who have bad cases of flaking.
Though research with coconut oil as a dandruff treatment was never conducted. Coconut oil was found however to be very effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis which is also caused by the same bacteria and fungus as dandruff. You can buy pure coconut oil or virgin coconut oil in some health food and grocery stores. There are also shampoos with coconut oil added that are for sale.
2. Kitchen and cooking ingredients wash
Baking Soda Wash
Home remedies used to treat dandruff also include kitchen and cooking ingredients that are used as a hair wash. One fine cooking ingredient that is super effective as a first-aid beauty treatment solution is the baking soda. Baking soda is super effective in scrubbing away dried and dead skin layers. So it is also effective as a dandruff flakes scrub. Baking soda also has anti-fungal properties and will effectively help fight the fungus that causes dandruff.
To wash your hair and scalp with baking soda, you just have to make a paste using 3⁄4 cup (180 mL) of water and 4 tablespoons (58 g) of baking soda. Then used the produced mixture as a scrub by massaging into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for 1-3 minutes before rinsing it out. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added for extra dandruff-fighting benefits and also make the mixture slightly oily to make massaging easier.
Avoid using baking soda on your hair too often. It can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp. Use this treatment as often as once a week only, and stop immediately using it if you experience irritation or notice your hair is becoming dull and dry. You can use moisturizing conditioner with coconut oil or argan oil after your baking soda wash to offset some of the harsh effects of baking soda.
3. Lifestyle and dietary changes
What’s ailing you outside is a reflection of your entire biological health and well being. Maybe some of your skin and scalp conditions are just manifestations of the issues your whole anatomical make up is facing. Sometimes dry, flaky and easy to get irritated skin is a symptom of biological disorders. Some people who experience these are showing early symptoms of diabetes, kidney, and liver decease. You can resolve these early symptoms by making dietary and lifestyle changes.
You can easily do this at home. And with better results too as proven by many who have already achieved healing and resolve health issues by just making changes to how they eat, sleep, work and do their relaxations. You can start by incorporating healthy foods into your diet in addition to having healthy sleeping habits, excellent hygiene practices and having the right kind and amount of R&R.
Also incorporating healthy fatty acids like Omega 3 supplements into your nutritional intake have many benefits in helping resolve unhealthy skin and scalp. You can also take 1 teaspoon of pure Virgin Coconut Oil early morning before you eat breakfast to help resolve fungal and parasitic infiltration of your digestive system. Some times parasites and fungus in the digestive system interfere with nutrients absorption thus resulting in healthy nutrients and minerals deficiency.
It is your body and you will be the one who will know best your health issues and social inadequacy. You decide which is the best help you would prefer in resolving your hair and scalp problems especially dandruff, that you haven’t resolved even with the help of the best shampoos you can find. We only want to share what we know and have used in resolving ours.
Choosing the best Anti-Dandruff Remedy
Which dandruff shampoo do you think is best for your hair? Gain more confidence by eliminating your dandruff. Enjoy having a bouncing and shiny hair without worrying about the flakes. Now, you can avoid dandruff even on a winter season and while wearing your favorite pomade or hair wax. With a dandruff-free hair, you can have the best hairstyle that you’ve ever wanted.
Once you’ve battled your dandruff, it’s always good to switch-up your dandruff shampoo for a regular men’s shampoo so that your hair and scalp do not get used to the ingredients. If you want the traditional way of getting rid of your dandruff then you can always use one of our dandruff home remedies outlined above. What has been your best remedy against dandruff? Please help our communities and let us know in the comments below!