All of us are likely to encounter or deal with dandruff during our lives. While you might feel slightly embarrassed by visible flakes on your scalp or clothes, “it's very common and around half of all adults will experience it at some point,” says Dr. Amy Vowler, NHS GP and Hair Restoration Doctor at Hair GP.
And dandruff doesn’t just appear on its own as flakes or scales; you may also experience everything from an itchy or irritated scalp to tightness and redness. At the same time, “it's not a hygiene problem; it's your scalp overreacting to the yeast that lives on all of us.”
So, while it’s not necessarily anything to worry about in the long term, many of us will want to clear it up as quickly and effectively as we can, which is where the best anti-dandruff shampoo comes into play.
After testing out over 12 options over the past few months and selecting my top picks, I’ve also consulted with experts for tips on how to tackle the common scalp condition.
Best anti-dandruff shampoos at a glance
Best overall – Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo: £6.67, Amazon.co.uk
Best budget buy – E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo; £7.45, Amazon.co.uk
Best for sensitive scalps – VICHY Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: £12, Boots.com
Best for itchy scalps – Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: £32, Philipkingsley.com
Best for everyday use – Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Dandruff Control Shampoo: £8, Boots.com
How I tested
When testing each anti-dandruff shampoo, I noted how the formulation dealt with visible flakes, itching, irritation and any redness. I also made a point not to use any other in-shower hair products for the duration of around 14 days, to give each shampoo a fair test.
I also considered their value for money and how hydrating or drying they were, both on my scalp and my hair more generally. As with any anti-dandruff shampoo, you will need to get into the habit of leaving it on your scalp for around five minutes to allow it to get to work; otherwise, it won’t be as effective.
What is dandruff?
“In simple terms, dandruff presents as loose flakes of skin that shed from the scalp onto your shoulders,” says Eva Proudman, Leading Consultant Trichologist FIT IATF. “It can be caused by an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast that is naturally present on the scalp and can be exacerbated by using leave-in products that sit on the scalp, trapping oil and sweat on the scalp. It isn’t infectious and can be cleared with daily washing and a shampoo with active ingredients that effectively clean the scalp.”
Which ingredients should I be looking out for when shopping for an anti-dandruff shampoo?
“Ketoconazole 2 per cent is a great one (often seen as Nizoral) and is the antifungal with the best evidence,” Dr. Vowler admits. “However, you need to leave it on your wet scalp for 3 minutes before washing it off (most people wash it straight off and this will not work). It can also dry out the scalp, so you shouldn't use it too often. Piroctone Olamine is a modern anti-yeast ingredient that you'll see in most UK supermarket anti-dandruff shampoos. Another good anti-fungal option is Selenium Sulphide and Salicylic Acid, which lifts and loosens the visible scale (I often use this alongside an antifungal rather than instead of).”
Read more: Best shampoos for hair thinning, according to experts
How long can it take for an anti-dandruff shampoo to improve dandruff and show results?
“You should see results in 2-4 weeks of regular use,” Dr Vowler explains. So, don’t necessarily expect to see an immediate or overnight improvement. It’s also worth noting that “dandruff can only be controlled, not cured, so once it's settled, it's worth integrating it into a regular maintenance regime (using the special shampoos less often), or it tends to return. If there is no meaningful improvement after 4-6 weeks, then it's time to seek specialist advice.”
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo
★★★★★
Best: Overall anti-dandruff shampoo
What we love: Incredibly effective, relatively affordable
Take note: Can be quite drying if used too often, has a bit of an unpleasant scent to it
While technically a medicated shampoo, Nizoral is widely available and the one anti-dandruff shampoo that I continue to return to, time and time again, whenever my scalp starts to flare up.
Don’t be alarmed by the red tint to it, which quickly dissipates and lathers into a nice foam. As Dr Vowler outlined, ketoconazole, which is Nizoral’s main ingredient, works to fight the underlying cause of dandruff, in turn making it the most effective out of all the anti-dandruff shampoos that I tried.
Using it twice a week for around three weeks, before maintaining my scalp situation by then applying it once every one to two weeks, worked well to keep on top of things, and I noticed both a visible improvement in the amount of flakes and how calm and clean my scalp felt. The only slight negative is that it can be quite drying, which isn’t ideal if you already have a dry scalp. Because of this, I only used it twice a week, at a maximum, while swapping in more hydrating shampoos the rest of the week.
Buy now £6.67, Amazon.co.uk
E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo
★★★★★
Best: Budget anti-dandruff shampoo
What we love: Fragrance-free, affordable, gentle, somewhat soothing on the scalp
Take note: Slightly drying
E45 is a brand that you will likely know thanks to their medicated body care. It takes the same fragrance-free, budget-friendly approach to your scalp.
I was pleasantly surprised by the results. For less than £5, I didn’t necessarily expect it to feel as soothing on the scalp. And with consistent use, I noticed fewer flakes, and a slightly red and itchy area at the nape of my neck cleared up within around a week. It was a little bit drying, despite its hydrating claims, but nowhere near as much as some of the medicated options.
So, it falls somewhere in the middle, in terms of not being the most nourishing but not being the most drying, either. And at that price, I couldn’t really complain.
Buy now £7.00, Amazon.co.uk
Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
★★★★☆
Best: Anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalps
What we love: Designed specifically for sensitive scalps, pleasant fragrance, notable results, available in different formulations for different scalp types
Take note: Slightly expensive, runnier consistency
Designed specifically for sensitive scalps, you might be familiar with Vichy’s skin and bodycare offerings, and their Dercos haircare line is just as impressive. Despite its runny consistency – which can lead to a bit too much coming out if you’re not careful – it lathers up nicely with a pleasant floral scent.
After consistent use three times a week for two weeks straight, I noticed a significant reduction in the amount of visible flakes when running my hands through my hair. My scalp also felt less itchy and aggravated, with a particularly red and tender spot near my hairline completely resolving itself and disappearing after just two uses. As someone with a drier scalp, I opted for the Dry Hair bottle, but it also comes in a formulation for normal to oily sensitive scalps, if that is a better fit.
Buy now £12.37, Boots.com
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
★★★★★
Best: For itchy scalps
What we love: Pleasant smell, part of a wider range, well-designed nozzle/applicator on 250ml bottle, gentle enough to be used daily
Take note: Expensive
If itchiness is your main concern, Philip Kingsley’s brilliant Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has got to be on your radar. After just a few washes, my scalp looked and felt a lot calmer – I almost forgot just how itchy and irritated it had been just a few weeks prior.
This shampoo was gentle and hydrating enough to utilise on a daily basis, with a pleasant yet inoffensive fragrance. It’s part of the wider Flaky/Itchy Scalp range, which includes a brilliant scalp toner, scalp barrier serum and mask – each of which I would also recommend.
The range made me care for both my scalp and hair, instead of rushing through my usual steps. I also appreciated the cleverly designed nozzle on the 250ml bottle, which allows you to dispense the product directly onto your scalp – particularly handy around my hairline and crown.
Buy now £32.00, Philipkingsley.co.uk
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Dandruff Control Shampoo
★★★★☆
Best: Everyday anti-dandruff shampoo
What we love: Gentle enough to use daily, works on all hair types, routinely on offer
Take note: Left my hair a bit frizzier than usual
Dove’s haircare range is well worth a try. The Scalp + Hair Therapy Dandruff Control Shampoo is gentle and moisturising enough to use on a daily basis. The creamy gelly texture doesn’t feel stripping and lathers well, yet the inclusion of ingredients such as salicylic acid and piroctone olamine helps to effectively lift flakes and any product build-up to leave your scalp calm and refreshed. My only slight issue, as someone with hair prone to frizzing, was that this shampoo left my hair looking frizzier than some of the others once it had dried.
The pump applicator makes it quick and easy to dispense. Though the large 400ml bottle already comes in at a budget-friendly £8, when full price, it routinely goes on sale or offer, making it even more affordable.
Buy now £8.00, Boots.com
Kérastase Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo
★★★★★
Best: Anti-dandruff shampoo for dry scalps
What we love: One of the more hydrating options; leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
Take note: Expensive
As someone with dry/dehydrated skin all over my body, it’s probably not too surprising that I have a dry scalp. And if you’re in a similar position, Kérastase Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo’s was easily the most moisturising and nourishing of the bunch, while still keeping flakes, itching and irritation at bay. It lathers up well and has a lovely yet inoffensive fragrance to it. Plus, I even felt like I could use it every other wash; it was that effective. So, you don’t necessarily need to use it every time that you wash your hair, if you don’t want to.
As well as helping with my dry scalp, I also observed that the lengths of my hair looked and felt considerably softer, glossier and more manageable, too. The only slight negative for me is that it is quite a pricey option. I did manage to find it for under £25, but at its full RRP it comes in at over £30, which might not work for everyone.
Buy now £30.00, Lookfantastic.com
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
★★★★☆
Best for: pre-shampoo treatment/clarifying
What we love: Interesting dry/wet formula, clarifying
Take note: Slightly costly
Redken is one of the dedicated clarifying shampoos that also helps with dandruff and flakes. I was even more intrigued by what the brand calls a dry/wet formula. Essentially, you can apply it without having lathered it up, in what is a bit of a pre-shampoo treatment. This way, you apply it to your dry hair before hopping into the shower, and leave it on the scalp for around five to ten minutes before rinsing it off. This worked, and it helped me apply it consistently across my scalp – sometimes tricky to do when you’re standing in the shower.
Lathering it up normally, as you would with the others or a typical shampoo, it left me with a clean yet soothed scalp. I also didn’t find it to be drying, which was a plus, and the lengths of my hair looked healthy and clean, too.
Buy now £23.50, Lookfantastic.com
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
★★★★☆
Best: Exfoliating anti-dandruff shampoo
What we love: Provides a great clean to the scalp, a nice addition to any haircare routine more generally
Take note: Can get a bit messy; one of the more expensive options
Now, technically this isn’t classed as an anti-dandruff shampoo, but I simply had to include it because of how great an exfoliant it is. Utilising vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators to manually buff away and lift dead skin cells, dandruff flakes and product build-up, the charcoal simultaneously draws impurities away from the scalp. And the end result is a much happier and healthier scalp. Not only does it effectively deal with flakes and any inflammation, but my hair also always sits a lot better and looks much cleaner overall whenever I use this shampoo.
I personally use it almost like a targeted treatment every few weeks to keep on top of any buildup, whether that be leftover hair products or dandruff flakes. The only thing that you do need to be aware of is that it can be a bit messier to use than a traditional shampoo, which comes in a tube or bottle. It only took me a few uses to get used to scooping out the right amount of product with my fingers, yet it is something to keep in mind.
Buy now £12.00, Spacenk.com
Polytar Scalp Shampoo
★★★★☆
Best: For existing scalp conditions
What we love: Calming properties, works on a variety of scalp conditions
Take note: Tar can potentially cause skin irritation, may stain the skin, hair or fabrics, not my favourite smell
If you happen to have psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, or eczema, and want to rely on a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo, Polytar’s Scalp Shampoo could be another great option – depending on your hair colour and type. With coal tar as its main ingredient, this shampoo benefits from anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itch properties, helping to reduce general flaking, scaling and itchiness for me. Overall, my scalp felt significantly calmer.
Much like Nizoral’s offering, it shouldn’t be used more than twice a week, and it had a slight lather to it, which I took care to apply directly to my scalp and roots, trying my best to avoid my lengths where I could feel it starting to dry out the hair a bit. It’s also worth mentioning that the coal tar can potentially stain the skin, as well as lighter hair colours and fabrics. Though it didn’t cause any issues on my scalp, tar can cause some irritation – I’d suggest a small patch test before applying it all over.
The shampoo also doesn’t have the most pleasant aroma – it reminded me of petrol mixed with rubber tyres. Thankfully, it doesn’t linger on the hair.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
What are the best anti-dandruff shampoos?
Choosing the best anti-dandruff shampoo for you and your scalp will likely depend on your scalp type – from oily or sensitive to dry – as well as whether you have any ongoing scalp conditions.
Taking all of this into consideration, the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo was my top overall pick. Its medicated formulation resulted in the best – and quickest – results out of all of the options that I put to the test.
Why trust me?
With over six years of experience putting all manner of products to the test, from the best mascaras and perfumes to scalp scrubs and chemical peels, I test hundreds of skincare, haircare, makeup and fragrance products each year. You might also have seen my beauty reviews for titles such as IndyBest, Expert Reviews, Prima, Tyla and more.
Read more: Best hair straighteners for smooth, sleek hair, according to stylists
