Whether you sport a cool cropped look, luscious Samson-like locks, or something in between, there’s a chance you’ve experienced a bout of dandruff at least once in your life.
Not only is this undesirable build-up of dead skin cells uncomfortable, but it can also leave you feeling like you’re in a constant snowstorm that you can’t escape.
If you suffer badly from the dreaded dry scalp, we know how irritating it can be—not to mention it can severely knock your confidence. But fortunately, there is a way to get rid of dandruff.
The best dandruff shampoo for men contains effective antifungal agents while slowing down the rate of cell growth on your epidermis and soothing the scalp. It can help you beat the blizzard once and for all, keeping your head happy and healthy in the process.
But with so many products out there, how do you know which anti-dandruff shampoos to trust? And how do you know the ingredients of these products are safe for your scalp, let alone effective.
Yes, choosing the right product for your needs can feel like a minefield, but don’t stress. We’re going to give you a full rundown of the best dandruff shampoo for men available right now.
Depending on your hair type and how much dandruff you’re looking to tackle, different shampoos will offer different benefits. Take the time to browse every option on our list and pick a product that suits your needs down to the very last detail.
Without further ado, here’s our official rundown of the best anti-dandruff shampoo for men on the market.
Our Top Picks
As our best anti-dandruff shampoo for men overall, Avalon Organics’ medicated head therapy concoction is packed full of herbal and floral natural properties that complement the main active ingredient, salicylic acid. This natural yet medicated elixir lasts well, smells great, works wonders, and suits pretty much every hair or skin type.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Sizes: 14 oz | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral/botanical
- The irresistible natural botanical (yet manly) smell
- The fact that it lasts well and caters to almost every hair or skin type
- For super dry scalps, this may not quite be enough to fight the issue
Here’s one of the best dandruff shampoos that oozes with nose-tingling freshness. KICK Active’s natural concoction is perfect for fellas with voluminous or frizzy hair. This tea tree and aloe vera-infused elixir reduces itching, balances scalp moisture, and tackles the buildup of dandruff on a daily basis. It will make you smell nice and minty, too.
Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil | Sizes: 17.75 oz | Hair Type: Frizzy | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Refreshing mint
- The natural, cruelty-free ingredients
- The shampoo’s soothing, itch-reducing properties
- Mint and tea tree oil is kind of wonderful, but it’s not for everyone
Made with a specially-formulated mix of natural and medical ingredients, this punchy little offering from Nizoral is excellent for tackling swift buildups of dandruff with just two uses per week. The best dandruff shampoo for men (including this one) has powerful active ingredients that cleanse the scalp while slowing down excess cell growth. And the best part is that you can use it alongside your other favorite shampoos or conditioners.
Active Ingredients: Ketoconazole | Sizes: 7 oz | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Not clear | Scent: Subtle menthol
- The hard-hitting, fast-acting properties of the shampoo
- The fact that you can use it with other products
- The scent is subtle and fresh, but it contains a slightly medicated twang that might not suit every gent
Infused with a blend of aromatic natural ingredients and flake-reducing properties, this friendly and best dandruff shampoo from American Crew smells irresistible and is especially effective for oily or greasy hair. It’s a dandruff-fighting concoction that also helps replenish the scalp and repair damaged hair follicles.
Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil & zinc | Sizes: 3.3 oz | Hair Type: Oily | Cruelty Free: Not clear | Scent: Rosemary
- The fresh herbal scent that’s synonymous with American Crew
- The hair and follicle repairing ingredients
- Guys with particularly dry scalps or heavy-duty dandruff may need something a little stronger
Inspired by stem cell research (fancy) and contained in a generous eight-ounce bottle, this flake-busting elixir from Alevai is a salon-grade product with a vibrant scent and an affordable price tag. The shampoo’s active ingredients help prevent unwanted build-up while minimizing scalp irritation—it’s also paraben-free.
Active Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Sizes: 8 oz | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Mild fruit & coconut
- The refined salon-grade dandruff-fighting recipe
- The combination of excellent quality and affordable pricing
- If you’re looking for swift, immediate hard-hitting results, you may prefer a drugstore-grade shampoo
The next on our best dandruff shampoo for men list is this medically formulated yet largely natural offering from Biolage. This magic blend of ingredients acts fast to purify the scalp and fight the primary causes of dandruff while leaving behind a cooling sensation. Your head will feel as fresh as a summer breeze.
Active Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Sizes: 33.8 oz | Hair Type: All (good for color-treated hair) | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Cooling mint
- The natural yet effective blend of mainly natural ingredients
- The cooling mint cleanse the shampoo provides
- If your dandruff is mild, you might benefit from a slightly less hard-acting product at a lower price point
Infused with refreshing notes of citrus, this clinical-grade offering from Head & Shoulders is the best dandruff shampoo that removes visible flakes and leaves the scalp feeling healthier after a few washes. The balance of price and dandruff-fighting impact (plus the delicious scent) makes this an excellent option for taking care of your dome on a bit of a budget.
Active Ingredients: Selenium sulfide | Sizes: 13.5 oz each (twin pack) | Hair Type: All (good for color-treated hair) | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Refreshing citrus
- The overall quality and rock-solid price point
- The wonderful citrus-based scent
- If you have especially dry or oily hair (either of the extremes), you may want something a little more, specialist
If you suffer from fairly mild dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, this soothing little medley will help restore harmony to your scalp while fighting the appearance of those pesky cranium flakes. A natural blend of ingredients will reduce soreness and itching while making your head smell like a fresh botanical garden.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Sizes: 12 oz | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Subtle herbs & olive
- The healthy blend of organic, cruelty-free ingredients
- The subtle yet unique scent
- If you’re looking for something a little less specialist or general, other options in our list might suit you better
Now, if you’re looking for something that will not only restore harmony but also help give your thin (or thinning) hair a much-needed boost, this all-natural elixir from Botanic Hearth will do the trick. With regular use, the best dandruff shampoo will cleanse your scalp, add volume to your existing hair, and of course, fight off those pesky head flakes.
Active Ingredients: Turmeric root extract & peppermint | Sizes: 16 oz | Hair Type: Thin | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Peppermint
- The shampoo’s hair-boosting properties
- The nose-tingling botanic ingredients
- Well, if you don’t like peppermint, you better give this one a miss
Okay, this might be mainly aimed at women, but fellas: if you want something lavish and indulgent that will bid goodbye to dandruff, you should give this a try. Not only is the retro-chic bottle lavish, but the shampoo itself boasts a robust feel. And it’s actually quite effective for moisturizing the hair and scalp while staving off unwanted flakes long-term.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Sizes: 8.5 oz | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh fruits & herbs
- The lavish look, feel and smell
- The tasteful scent and moisturizing properties
- Some guys might be looking for something a little more earthy and masculine
If your hair is especially weather-worn, dry, damaged, or frayed, this all-natural dandruff potion will hit the spot (the one on your head). Made in small batches to ensure the utmost quality, Luseta’s dandruff-fighting duo will revitalize the hair while cleaning up your scalp and significantly reducing unwanted flaky batches. The packaging looks great, too.
Active Ingredients: Tea tree & argan oil | Sizes: 16.9 oz x 2 | Hair Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh hints of tea tree & menthol
- The head-soothing, hair-restoring argan infusion
- The smell, feel, and color
- For extreme cases of dandruff, this may only make a limited impact long term
If your scalp and hair strands are as dry as the heart of the Arizona desert, this punchy little number is a welcome oasis for the cranium. Finished with a fresh coconut scent, this aloe vera-based dandruff shampoo boasts fast-acting hydration as well as natural scalp flake-fighting qualities. A solid choice for gents with a dry scalp and slightly milder dandruff.
Active Ingredients: Aloe vera | Sizes: 11 oz | Hair Type: Dry | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut
- The scalp hydrating aloe vera blend
- The fresh, natural scent and affordable price tag
- If you’re not a big fan of coconut, this isn’t the dandruff shampoo you’ve been looking for
What To Look For When Looking For The Best Dandruff Shampoos
Now that you know all about the best dandruff shampoo for men and you have a clear idea of which product (or products) might suit you best, we’re going to consider exactly what to look for when making that all-important final decision.
Hair Type
First of all, you should think about your hair type before choosing the best dandruff shampoo for you.
Some, for instance, are effective for neutralizing naturally greasy hair, while others are good at moisturizing dry strands. Before making your choice, ensure your potential product is suited to your hair type.
Active ingredients
The best dandruff shampoo for men contains a key active ingredient that helps tackle dandruff and soothes the epidermis.
Each active ingredient has slightly different properties, and some are more natural (or less synthetic) than others. So before signing off on your best dandruff shampoo choice, check the active ingredient (or ingredients) and do a little research to check whether you’re comfortable massaging them into your scalp.
Size
When it comes to the best dandruff shampoo, does size really matter? Well, this really boils down to how frequently you need to use your product as well as the thickness and length of your hair.
Some powerful men’s shampoos come in small packages, while others come in bulk bottles. That said, you should think about your specific usage needs and pick a size or quantity that aligns with your preferences and budget.
Scent
Some fellas like a fruity scent, others like something a little more earthy—and there are gents that like no scent at all.
Once you’ve got the best dandruff shampoo shortlist, check the scent of each product and pick a smell you feel most comfortable with or like best.
Results & Reviews
Once you’ve considered all the key factors mentioned above, you should take your shortlisted dandruff elixirs and conduct a little Google research. When it comes to the best dandruff shampoos, it’s always looking at customer testimonials and reviews to ensure your potential product is likely to deliver on its promises.
Naturally, you’ll have to take some reviews with a small pinch of salt (there’s a lot of fake news out there these days), but with enough research, you’ll come to a fair conclusion on whether the best dandruff shampoo you use is likely to achieve the man mane-boosting results you deserve.
FAQ
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Dandruff shampoo works in a number of ways to tackle the issue head-on (pardon the pun) while improving overall skin health.
Certain active medicinal ingredients work alongside skin-enhancing vitamins to effectively wash away existing dandruff while slowing down the rate of skin cell buildup on the epidermis and keeping excess sebum at bay.
This melting pot of functions helps keep the epidermis balanced and healthy and significantly reduces the chances of experiencing those irksome, unwanted head flakes.
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If your dandruff shampoo contains active ingredients that aren’t 100% natural (or, in other words, medicated substances), you should always read the instructions carefully to check how often you should apply it to your scalp. Typically, two to three times per week is the sweet spot.
When it comes to medicated dandruff shampoo, overapplication can cause scalp burning or irritation, so start with a smaller amount and increase with care if necessary.
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To use a dandruff shampoo effectively, there are four steps you should take:
- Wet your hair and massage the shampoo into your scalp for at least one minute
- Leave the shampoo on your scalp for between three and five minutes
- Rinse out thoroughly and use a little natural conditioner (check what’s compatible with your anti-dandruff product and hair type first)
- Gently pat your head dry with a clean towel
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While dedicated anti-dandruff shampoo is arguably the most effective way of tackling the issue, there are other home remedies you can try. These include:
- Neem and coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Tea tree oil and oatmeal
- Yogurt, lemon, and honey
- Aloe vera gel
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