Effective dandruff shampoos

Keep your shoulders clear.

Keep your shoulders clear. (Alex Blăjan via Unsplash/)

Dandruff is a nuisance, from the snow-like flakes that dot your shoulders to an itchy, scaly scalp. If your hair is in need of some heavy duty TLC, dandruff shampoos can do the trick, offering long-lasting results with the help of active ingredients that target the root of the problem. Best of all, some formulas only need to be used a few times a week and they smell just as good as regular shampoos.

Here are some of our favorites.

Gets to the root of concerns.

Gets to the root of concerns. (Amazon/)

Formulated with coal tar extract, which controls itchiness and flakiness, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo can combat different scalp conditions. It tackles seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, the culprits behind irritated, scaly scalps, and fights off common dandruff. The gentle cleanser is safe to incorporate into your daily grooming routine and starts working after one use, slowing down the overproduction of skin cells that leads to flakes.

Made with menthol, for a cooling effect.

Made with menthol, for a cooling effect. (Amazon/)

This one-size-fits-all shampoo is designed to treat different hair textures and styles, including perms and color treated locks. It helps fight itchiness and flakes with a formula made from 1% Selenium Sulfide, a medication that targets dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. What’s more, the shampoo contains menthol, which offers a cooling sensation for the scalp and leaves behind a refreshing, minty scent.

Get rid of the itch. (Amazon/)

Tough on dandruff? Check. Smells like a heavenly combination of coconut and sweet lime? Check. Gives a hydration boost? Check. Dove DermaCare Shampoo puts in all the legwork of regular dandruff shampoos, thanks to its antifungal ingredient Pyrithione Zinc, while also promising to nourish dehydrated hair for softer, healthier strands.

You only need to apply twice a week. (Amazon/)

Nizoral has a tough, fast-acting formula. The secret? The 1 percent Ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient that fights off dandruff. Safe for chemically processed hair, Nizoral starts improving scalp health after one use and—unlike other dandruff shampoos—you only have to apply it twice a week.