The 19 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Women Reviews 2021

Sometimes we worry too much about how to solve a problem. We’re concerned about using certain products because they might make our hair dry, or limp, or damage the color. But the best dandruff shampoos for women clear up the flaking and itching without those undesirable side effects.

These shampoos get the job done so that you can stop worrying about flakes on your shoulders. Most modern formulas leave your hair soft and manageable, and some even smell delicious.

Top Dandruff Shampoos for Women

Take a look at the reviews below to find the right dandruff shampoo for your needs.

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Ketoconazole 1%

Nizoral’s A-D shampoo features a powerful anti-dandruff ingredient called ketoconazole. It kills the P. ovale fungus that causes scaling, itching, and flaking. Don’t be alarmed – you haven’t picked up some strange disease. This fungus naturally grows on human skin. Sometimes it gets out of control due to environmental conditions, diet, hormones, or stress.

Use the Nizoral shampoo twice a week to put a stop to dandruff. It won’t harm color-treated or gray hair. On the other days, feel free to use a different product.

Head and Shoulders Classic Clean

Head and Shoulders is another classic cure for dandruff. It provides a shortcut to your hair-washing routine because it’s both a shampoo and conditioner. Moreover, the company guarantees you will be 100% flake-free. And yes, you can use it on chemically-treated hair.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula

Neutrogena’s T/Gel contains coal tar extract which puts a dead stop to itching for hours after you rinse. It works for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and regular dandruff. Of course, it also clears up flakes.

To get these desirable results, use it just twice a week. But remember to let it sit on your hair and scalp for several minutes for maximum effect. If you really need relief, don’t be put off by the medicinal scent.

Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner

Neutrogena also makes a version of T/Gel with conditioner. It has a pleasant fragrance, plus it moisturizes both your scalp and hair. The active ingredient is pyrithione zinc, commonly used to treat dandruff. It reduces itching and stops flaking.

It’s safe for color-treated styles. Other active ingredients include wheat proteins and Vitamin E to nourish your tresses.

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, Scalp Build-Up Control

Neutrogena’s T/Sal has salicylic acid that literally exfoliates your scalp. It clears away dead skin and crusty buildup. Furthermore, even with this powerful ingredient, it’s mild enough to use every day. It has no alcohols, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. It does smell a bit medicinal, but the odor fades. Enjoy it twice a week to maintain a clear scalp.

BIOLAGE Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

BIOLAGE’s products appear in salons around the world. It’s no surprise that their Scalpsync is a popular shampoo. Mint in the formula makes it feel and smell refreshing. This same component soothes the skin and kills bacteria, too. Users recommend using the accompanying conditioner for soft and manageable strands.

Redken Dandruff Control Shampoo

Redken’s shampoo needs to sit on your scalp for five minutes. It uses pyrithione zinc and lavender to clear up flaky dandruff and calm irritation. It also has glycerin to hydrate your skin. Some customers prefer this one to other brands.

Seba Med Shampoo Anti-Dandruff

Users who trust Seba Med’s anti-dandruff shampoo recommend applying conditioner after you rinse. The pH-balance powerful formula clears up mycotic infections, bacteria, and dandruff. It also regulates sebum production to reduce oiliness.

Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief, Dandruff Shampoo plus Conditioner

Denorex’s product combines shampoo and conditioner in one bottle. They recommend it for treating seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis as it contains coal tar. The coal tar resolves itching and flaking in record time. Then the conditioning components help your hair to stay shiny and strong.

Denorex Extra Strength Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner

If you don’t want to put coal tar on your hair, use this Denorex shampoo/conditioner instead. It has salicylic acid, menthol, and Pro-vitamin B5. It resolves moderate dandruff and itching and keeps it from coming back if you use it twice a week. But if you’re prone to eczema, you might want to avoid this product. It has artificial dyes and a fragrance as well as propylene glycol.

Dove Dermacare Scalp – Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner – Invigorating Mint

Dove’s DermaCare Scalp shampoo features 1% pyrithione zinc to get rid of dandruff. It also has a nice minty aroma. Although this may not be the best choice for extreme cases, it should take care of mild to moderate flaking and itching.

On the downside, if you’re avoiding harsh ingredients, this one lists sodium laureth sulfate (a surfactant) and preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone.

L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Shampoo Sulfate-Free

Avoid the damage that drying sulfates can do to your scalp and tresses by using L’Oreal’s EverFresh antidandruff shampoo. It has 1% pyrithione zinc but lacks harsh surfactants that strip color and moisture from your hair. There are also botanical extracts in the formula that make it smell fabulous.

L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

To achieve a healthy, flake-free scalp in as little time as possible, try the Micro-Exfoliating Scrub from L’Oreal. It pairs perfectly with the EverFresh shampoo. It contains tiny particles of apricot seeds that physically remove dead skin from your head. But it’s gentle to avoid causing irritation or stripping color. Another benefit is that it has no sulfates, parabens, or dyes. Use it just before you wash your hair.

PHYTHÉOL INTENSE Botanical Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo

The INTENSE shampoo from Phythéol has an interesting ingredient called Icthyol. As you can imagine by its name, it soothes your scalp by putting a stop to flaking. It kills bacteria, too. Overall, this product promises to soothe your scalp and balance its ecosystem. The company recommends using it 2 to 3 times a week for a month to get things under control.

Kenra Dandruff Shampoo

Kenra’s dandruff shampoo has the added benefit of adding shine and making your hair easier to detangle. It’s gentle enough to use every day as it won’t fade color or dry out your tresses. It also helps your scalp to feel less tight.

Puriya Sulfate-Free Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil

Puriya’s tea tree oil shampoo uses natural ingredients to clear up dandruff. Its primary weapons are Melaleuca, arnica, rosemary, and sage. These botanical extracts are antiseptic and anti-microbial. They increase blood circulation and also treat hair loss.

Since there are no parabens, salt, artificial fragrances, or sulfates, the pH-balanced formula is very mild. It’s safe for color-treated, curly, and damaged hair. It should leave your locks shiny and manageable. Try it for 180 days and get your money back if you’re not satisfied.

Mane N Tail Daily Control 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

Mane N Tail’s daily shampoo prevents dryness and flaking with herbs and olive oil. It leaves your hair shiny and soft and full of volume. But check the ingredients list if you’re trying to avoid sulfates and artificial preservatives.

Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

Many adults who had dandruff when they were children used Selsun Blue. It prevents and treats seborrheic dermatitis. And the fact that it has menthol in it makes it feels soothing and enjoyable to use. If you don’t love the classic formula, try the Naturals version with salicylic acid.

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo for Children

Some adults may find that this medicated shampoo for children works for them, too. It contains pyrithione zinc just like adult shampoos. But it’s free of artificial fragrances, dyes, alcohols, parabens, sulfates, and even BPA. It’s a mild but effective cure for “cradle cap,” or seborrheic dermatitis.

You’re likely to notice a positive difference after only one wash. But the manufacturer says it may take up to a week of daily shampooings to clear away thick build-up. Fortunately, it has licorice root that calms redness and Pro-vitamin B5 to keep hair and scalp healthy.

Don’t scratch your head – here’s everything you need to know about dandruff

Dandruff is triggered by a variety of things. It could be that you’re sensitive to your hair care products. Or it could be a change in the weather, your hormones, and so on. Luckily, it’s generally easy to treat.

Your first step to getting rid of the flakes and itching is to switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo. Plan on using it at least twice a week, and let it sit on your hair for a few minutes to get the full effect.

For mild cases, we recommend products like L’Oreal’s EverFresh or Redken’s shampoo. If your situation is more severe, try the T/Gel or T/Sal series from Neutrogena.

Which ingredients are best for fighting dandruff?

The classic weapon against dandruff is pyrithione zinc. It’s FDA-approved to fight fungal and bacterial infections on the scalp. It also won’t damage color-treated hair. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is a natural alternative.

Selenium sulfide, the primary ingredient in Selsun Blue, could alter the color of gray and blond hair. But it does treat and prevent seborrheic dermatitis.

Coal tar is a reliable solution to stop severe itching, although some shampoos with it may alter your hair color. And salicylic acid is a mild exfoliant that removes oily crusts and flakes.

Can you use a conditioner after an anti-dandruff shampoo?

Yes, you can condition your hair after washing it with a dandruff shampoo. It’s a great idea to replenish moisture. Hydration prevents dryness and itching. And conditioner is necessary if you wash with a shampoo containing salicylic acid.

How to know if it’s dandruff or just a dry scalp?

When you have oily, red skin and large, greasy flakes that are yellow or white, it’s dandruff. Otherwise, very dry skin produces small dry flakes. In either case, they both itch.

Conclusion

Don’t wait another day to get rid of the flakes and itching. The top dandruff shampoos for women are an inexpensive way to find relief fast. They will also help you maintain healthy hair and scalp without wrecking your color treatment or curls.

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Categories: Shampoo & Conditioner, Hair Care

About Marcus Francis

If you browse beauty magazines, chances are you’ve seen Marcus’s work on the cover. He’s created hairstyles for stars featured in Elle, Bazaar, and Marie Claire. His career keeps him up to speed on all points of personal wellness. But it was his personal experience with hair loss and acne that led him to join our team.