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The Best Shampoos for Dandruff and Dry Scalp Are Relief in a Bottle

Say farewell to flakes with these options.

By and Christine Flammia
best dry scalp shampoo dandruff shampoo for men
Courtesy

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Do you suffer from dry scalp? Are you accumulating dandruff? If it’s abnormally excessive and your skin is stinging to a debilitating degree, you need to consult a doctor. But if it’s garden-variety, treatment starts by avoiding generic shampoos and conditioners. Yes, your go-to bottles could have volumizing formulas and smell divine, but they also could be contributing to the problem. All those flakes are a result of harmless yeast that lives atop your head, which, for some people, can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, itching, and peeling.

You’re going to need a speciality shampoo or hair scrub, one with ingredients that stop excess flakes from forming. These include pyrithione zinc, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. Just note that these complexes could affect the luster of your hair, so make sure aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil are also in the mix to help restore hydration. And to help you on your journey to getting a better head, we rounded up some of the best dandruff shampoos on the market today.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

$50 at Amazon$43 at Walmart

Neutrogena, a pharmacy favorite, has a great gel shampoo that contains one percent coal tar, an ingredient that prevents flakes by slowing down the growth of skin cells. 

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily-Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Classic Clean Daily-Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily-Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 24% Off

Head and Shoulders is classic for a reason. It's especially good if you know the flakes are coming from persistently dry skin. 

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo 13 OZ./384 mL

African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo 13 OZ./384 mL

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo 13 OZ./384 mL

From the antifungal tea tree oil to the purifying bamboo charcoal, this robust mix of ingredients in this high-porosity shampoo will help prevent dandruff from forming. 

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Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 47% Off

If you're just starting to notice some dryness, opt for something simple that you can use every other wash. Nizoral is considered a standby for a good reason. 

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Tea tree oil is an element known for its scalp-helping, dandruff-reducing properties. If you're a daily shampoo kind of guy, this is a good one for everyday use.

Malin+Goetz Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff Shampoo

Malin+Goetz Dandruff Shampoo

Malin+Goetz's shampoo uses pyrithione zinc, which helps manage seborrheic dermatitis—one of the most common root causes of dandruff. 

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Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Scalp Shampoo

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

This is a management and preventative treatment all in one. It uses piroctine olamine to help treat the cause and appearance of dandruff, and salicylic acid to help scalp stay clear. 

First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The one percent pyrithione zinc in this shampoo is great for those with sensitive skin, but will still go a long way in treating seborrheic dermatitis, which causes dandruff.  

Phillip B Anti-Flake Relief II Shampoo

Anti-Flake Relief II Shampoo

Phillip B Anti-Flake Relief II Shampoo

Now 30% Off

For dry and itchy scalp sufferers, this shampoo is for you. Leave it on your scalp for a few minutes to let it absorb, and it will get you back to a balanced standard. 

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IGK Low Key Scalp Scrub

Low Key Scalp Scrub

IGK Low Key Scalp Scrub

Now 23% Off

This is another cleansing scrub to help reduce any build-up. It's especially good for hair that could use some softening. 

Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

Product and oil build-up is another huge reason for dandruff. This shampoo helps address the flakes by really clearing and cleansing the scalp. 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Credit: Courtesy

Exfoliating scalp can help it to refresh. Use this shampoo once a week, making sure to massage fully into your scalp. 

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Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Oribe is in a world beyond standard shampoos. If you have any sort of scalp ailment—product build-up, dryness, flakiness, or itchiness—this very gentle formula helps clear and restore it. Plus, it's one of the best-smelling shampoos you'll ever try. 

Leonor Greyl Paris Bain Traitant à La Propolis Gentle Dandruff Treatment Shampoo

Bain Traitant à La Propolis Gentle Dandruff Treatment Shampoo

Leonor Greyl Paris Bain Traitant à La Propolis Gentle Dandruff Treatment Shampoo

With bee propolis, an antiseptic of sorts, as the signature ingredient, this shampoo will instantly relieve itchy scalps and prevents dandruff from forming.  

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