The 7 Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos for Men in 2025, According to Dermatologists

Dermatologist Dr. Charles Puza, MD, says that although dandruff has no definitive cure, it can be effectively managed so that flakes are minimal or barely noticeable. The American Crew Anti-Dandruff and Dry Scalp Shampoo is formulated to do just that. Its primary active ingredient, zinc pyrithione, is a clinically proven antifungal agent that helps control flaking and relieve itch associated with dandruff. To complement this, the shampoo blends refreshing botanicals—rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and menthol—that work together to purify, invigorate, and soothe the scalp.

This combination not only targets visible dandruff but also provides comfort and hydration for those prone to dryness or irritation. Even if dandruff isn’t a concern, the shampoo helps calm itchiness, refresh the scalp with a cooling sensation, and promote an overall sense of scalp balance. With its mix of therapeutic actives and natural extracts, it functions as both a dandruff solution and a daily scalp-care regimen.

Testing Notes: I love using this shampoo because it smells just like a regular cleanser and doesn’t come with the harsh, medicinal scent that so many anti-dandruff formulas have. That might seem like a small detail, but it makes the experience far more pleasant, especially when I’m washing my hair daily to keep dandruff under control. Even better, I noticed it started cutting down visible flakes within just a few washes, which made it easy to stick with the routine.

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Hydration and regular scalp stimulation are essential for keeping dandruff at bay and promoting overall scalp health. The Royal Oils collection was designed specifically for natural hair, offering solutions that work with curly and coily textures. The line’s Moisture Boost Shampoo relies on lightweight coconut oil to calm the scalp and lock in nourishing moisture.

According to dermatologist Dr. Rolanda J. Wilkerson, MD, the first step in managing dandruff effectively is making sure the scalp is properly cleansed of product residue, oil, and buildup. By starting with a thorough cleanse, this shampoo allows hydration to absorb more deeply and helps restore balance to the scalp, making it easier to prevent dryness and flakes over time.

Testing Notes: Our testers with curly and textured hair often struggled to find an anti-dandruff shampoo that didn’t leave their strands dry or their curls frizzy—until they tried this one. Because it’s sulfate-free and enriched with apple cider vinegar, the shampoo effectively cleanses their scalps and helps manage dandruff (thanks to pyrithione zinc) while the infusion of coconut oil keeps curls soft, defined, and moisturized. That said, it may be a bit too rich for thinner hair types. I have fine hair, and while this is effective at axing dandruff, it tends to weigh my strands down.

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Unlike most non-prescription formulas, Nizoral contains one percent ketoconazole, a powerful antifungal agent typically reserved for prescription-strength treatments. This ingredient directly targets the yeast responsible for dandruff, making the shampoo highly effective at reducing flakes and soothing scalp irritation.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, keeping dandruff under control requires a consistent approach: regularly moisturizing and conditioning the scalp, steering clear of hair products that may trigger sensitivity, and using shampoos that contain proven actives such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc. By incorporating one of these ingredients into your routine, you can address dandruff at the source while maintaining overall scalp health.

Testing Notes: When I first used this shampoo years ago, I found the formula incredibly strong, but also highly effective. Now, I’m just careful with how often I use it: every three days for about two to four weeks, then just once every week or two once my scalp cleared up. Any more, and it starts drying up my scalp, which in turn causes more dandruff. It also has a slight chemical smell to it, but it’s far from overpowering and usually dissipates within an hour after showering.

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Dermatologist Dr. Ricardo Mejia, MD, likes that this formula combines piroctone olamine—a powerful ingredient that works much like zinc pyrithione—to calm inflammation and fight the yeast that fuels dandruff. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory botanicals that help soothe irritation and restore balance to the scalp. On top of that, salicylic acid goes to work dissolving buildup and breaking down thick, stubborn scaling, making it easier to exfoliate and keep the scalp clear.

Testing Notes: Because my scalp is dry and easily irritated, I’ve gotten very familiar with salicylic acid. The ingredient calms red, angry skin and clears stubborn buildup, but too much can strip the barrier and trigger the same dryness and irritation it’s meant to fix. Luseta nails the balance by pairing the right concentration of salicylic acid with soothing ingredients like argan, tea tree, and coconut oil—so I get all the benefits of its hero ingredient without the backlash.

Dr. Basile loves this zinc-based formula, which combines ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to soothe the scalp, relieve itch, and clear buildup. CeraVe, known for value and non-irritating formulas, applies the same strengths to its anti-dandruff shampoo. At just $10, it stands as one of the most affordable options, and because it contains no sulfates, dyes, parabens, or fragrances, it avoids aggravating sensitive scalps.

Testing Notes: As someone with sensitive skin and a budget, this anti-dandruff shampoo is a mainstay in my rotation. It doesn’t leave my hair looking frizzy or feeling dried out, like many other 2 percent pyrithione zinc formulas. I also dig that it’s truly unscented, avoiding clashing fragrances, or worse, that all-too-common chemical smell from a lot of dandruff shampoos. More importantly, this shampoo never irritates my scalp, and I see results after one wash nearly every time.

Dermatologist Dr. Brian Toy, MD, likes the tea tree oil in this formula, noting its anti-fungal properties, but says it isn’t as strong as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. For this reason, he mostly recommends it as a potential alternative for someone looking for a botanical or more natural option.

Hair transplant surgeon Dr. Ross Kopelman confirms that its natural ingredients are best for those looking for a cleaner formula; however, he says that botanical shampoos work best as maintenance, not as the main treatment.

Testing Notes: This shampoo is rarely my first choice when dealing with a sudden or severe case of dandruff because the formula is simply not strong enough. That being said, in between flare-ups, there is nothing better.

When it comes to anti-dandruff solutions, it’s the closest I’ve gotten to the effect of a traditional shampoo, leaving my hair feeling fresher, stronger, and more manageable. Plus, the natural formula, led by jojoba oil, zizyphus joazeiro bark extract, and aloe vera, helps extend the time between flare-ups without drying my scalp or leaving a chemical smell.

This 2-in-1 anti-dandruff shampoo packs 2 percent pyrithione zinc to fight flakes and calm irritation. It skips parabens, sulfates, and dyes to minimize sensitivity, and adds a light aloe scent. At just $8 a bottle, it delivers serious value. Dr. Kopelman praises the pyrithione zinc and the convenience, but he warns that 2-in-1 formulas don’t leave active ingredients on the scalp as long as standalone treatments. This can lead to them being less effective.

Testing Notes: Most 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners cut corners on one side of the deal, but this one doesn’t. It cleanses and hydrates the scalp while leaving hair soft and manageable. After just a couple of washes, it also eliminates flakes—making it more of a 3-in-1. The 14-oz bottles last, too. Using it only during flare-ups, I stretched one three-pack for close to a year.

What Causes Dandruff?

Dermatologist Dr. Nicole Rogers, MD, explains that dandruff is a chronic skin condition triggered by yeast that builds up around the hair follicles. This yeast feeds on the skin’s natural oils, or sebum, and in the process releases byproducts that irritate the scalp. According to Dr. Wilkerson, irritation leads to the hallmark symptoms: persistent dryness, itching, flaking, and overall discomfort that many people associate with dandruff.

Can Dandruff Be Cured?

No, dandruff can’t be completely cured—but it can absolutely be managed. The key is consistency. Make room in your shower for a dedicated anti-dandruff shampoo and use it regularly, not just when flakes appear (once or twice a week after symptoms clear is enough). Look for formulas that contain proven ingredients, like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. Both work by targeting the yeast linked to dandruff while also slowing down the rapid turnover of skin cells that leads to buildup. With steady use, these shampoos can reduce itching, flaking, and irritation, keeping your scalp clear and under control.

How Long Does It Take for Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to Work?

Dr. Rogers notes that consistency and patience are key when treating dandruff. If you use an anti-dandruff shampoo every day and let it sit on your scalp for at least five minutes before rinsing, you can expect to see a significant reduction in flakes within about a month. Once flare-ups are under control, dermatologist Dr. Marie Jhin, MD, recommends gradually returning to your regular shampoo. The catch: you still need to rotate your dandruff-fighting formula into your routine at least once or twice a week. That ongoing maintenance helps prevent the yeast and flaking from rebounding, keeping your scalp clearer long-term.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Amy Basile, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Dermatologist Partners.
• Dr. Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
• Dr. Marie Jhin, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology.
• Dr. Charles Puza, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
• ‘Dr. Rolanda J. Wilkerson, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
• Dr. Nicole Rogers, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Tulane University.
• Dr. Ross Kopelman, board-certified hair surgeon and hair restoration specialist
• Dr. Brian Toy, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Providence Mission Hospital in Orange County, CA.
• Dr. Ricardo Mejia, MD, board-certified dermatologist.