Best Anti-dandruff Shampoo Brands for Women. Nobody will ever want to look in the mirror and see flakes on their scalp and shoulder, will you? Dandruff, also known as, Seborrheic dermatitis is not only uncomfortable, scratchy but also frustrating for many women.
When it comes to causes of dandruff, the list is quite long, but a good scalp-soothing anti-dandruff shampoo is one solution to get rid of flakiness and itchy scalp. No doubt, hair is an essential accessory of women’s beauty. Many women are facing this pesky problem of dandruff and sometimes get maddened. But fear not, dandruff is not any hard-to-treat hair problem.
Best Shampoo Brands for Fighting Dandruff
Whether you have just a few flakes or dry chronic itchy scalp, anti-dandruff shampoo can be your most effective solution that not only heals, soothes but also nourishes your scalp while keeping your flakes at bay. Women should choose such anti-dandruff shampoo that targets their scalp needs. You might be thinking there are so many shampoos out there. Which shampoo to choose? Well, we have sorted out the top anti-dandruff shampoos for women. If you want to know, then just scroll down!
Why Men & Women Have Different Anti Dandruff Shampoos?
Do you know that :
According to research, almost 50% of the total world population is experiencing dandruff. So, if you have dandruff, don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.’
It is likely that someone else in your house, specifically of the opposite sex is also suffering from dandruff. Have you ever tried using their anti-dandruff shampoo? Alas! It did not solve your problem.
Have you ever thought why is that so? This is due to differences in the scalp needs of men and women. Even though you both are experiencing dandruff and itchy scalp, any anti-dandruff shampoo that works best for men does not necessarily work for you.
When it comes to scalp health, women are lucky as compared to their counterparts. This is due to the following reasons:
- Men’s scalp has lower levels of ceramides than women’s scalp that make the scalp more prone to protein loss.
- Men’s scalp produces up to 60% of sebum than women. Higher sebum production may lead to a greasy scalp.
- Females tend to have dry scalp than men.
How Did We Decide?
We have selected top anti-dandruff shampoos for our readers suffering from this pesky problem and who wish to get rid of dandruff. We have selected these shampoos and ranked them from 1 to 12 based on their popularity on social media, positive customer reviews, and their rating on Amazon.
12- Free & Clear Hair Shampoo
11- Tea Tree Maple Holistic
10- Head & Shoulders Classic Clean
9- CLEAR Anti-dandruff Soft Care Shampoo
8- Biolage Scalpsync Anti-dandruff Shampoo
7- Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
6- Dove DermaCare Scalp
5- Selsun Blue
4- Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo
3- Redken Scalp Relief
2- Kerastase Bain Anti-pelliculaire Shampoo
1- L’Oreal Paris EverFresh
[wptb id=48888]↓ 12 – Free & Clear Hair Shampoo- Best for Sensitive Scalp
Prices: Buy it for just $9.99 on Amazon.
Do you have a sensitive scalp? Are you in need of anti-dandruff shampoo that is gentle on your scalp? Free & Clear shampoo is specially formulated for people who wish to reduce dandruff and avoid chemical irritants that are found in ordinary hair care products. This shampoo is free of sulphate, fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other preservatives. According to dermatologists, shampoos like this are good for the health of your scalp. Free & Clear shampoo is infused with zinc that relieves you from the itchy and flaky scalp. Its cleansing agents will gently remove dirt, excess oil, and debris from your hair to create a healthy and clean appearance.
Moreover, this shampoo helps control oil on your scalp as well as removes build-up from hair sprays, conditioners, and other hair products. With its just one use, your hair will become non-flaky, clean and manageable. Free & Clear shampoo is appropriate for all hair types, as well as color treated hair. This anti-dandruff shampoo is best for sensitive skin. So, if you have any skin condition such as dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, or dry skin, try this gentle formula that will solve your issues without aggravating sensitive skin care problems.
Pros
- Controls oily scalp
- Removes flakes from the scalp
- Cleanses hair
- Eliminates itchiness
Cons
- No bubbly leather
- Bit drying
↓ 11 – Tea Tree Maple Holistic- Best for Itchy and Flaky Scalp
Price: Buy it for $9.95 on Amazon.
Has dandruff taken away volume from your hair? Do you need to cleanse your hair? This Tea Tree anti-dandruff shampoo, formulated with natural powers of tea tree will save your day. This shampoo contains a unique combination of Aloe Vera, tea tree essential oil, lavender oil, Moroccan Argan oil that jointly works to remove dandruff, cleanse and hydrate your hair.
Tea tree shampoo removes dandruff and keeps your scalp moisturized and hydrated. With just one wash, this shampoo washes away the visible dandruff flakes and cleanses the hair follicles to promote the growth of healthy hair. If you have an itchy scalp, you must use this shampoo as it soothes irritation and itchiness of the scalp. This anti-dandruff shampoo can be used by all, including women, men, and children. It also helps in eliminating hair loss and thinning of hair. Its formula will surely leave your hair feeling refresh, rejuvenated, and voluminous.
Pros
- Hair looks healthy
- Removes visible flakes
- Eliminate itchiness
- Soothes dry scalp
Cons
- Bit Drying
↓ 10 – Head & Shoulders Classic Clean-Best for Itchy Scalp
Price: Buy a pack of 2 for $12.98 on Amazon.
Another go-to anti-dandruff shampoo is ‘Head & Shoulder’ and for a good reason. Formulated by scalp care experts, Head and Shoulders is a tried-and-true formula to treat and control dandruff. This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc that keeps dryness, flakes, and itchiness at bay. This active ingredient works as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatment to eliminate yeast Malassezia that causes dandruff.
Its proven protection against dandruff and flakes with regular use will ensure that your scalp is at its best. Not only it fights dandruff but also moisturizes your hair, giving them a fresh feeling and energetic look that you will love. This shampoo can be used for all hair types including think, thick, curly and textured hair types.
Head and shoulder shampoo is paraben-free and comes with a balanced pH. So you can easily count on this anti-dandruff shampoo to control and treat seborrheic dermatitis, and other irritable scalp conditions associated with dandruff.
Pros
- Reduces visible flakes
- Protects against itching and dryness
- Moisturizes hair
- Adds volume to hair
Cons
- Bit drying
- Oily
- Not for color-treated hair
↓ 9 – CLEAR Anti-dandruff Soft Care Shampoo-Best for Itchy and Flaky Scalp
If environmental pollutants have damaged your scalp and hair that have resulted in dandruff, you must try this Clear anti-dandruff shampoo. It has been specifically developed for women to reduce dandruff, keeping in mind the special needs of women’s scalp. This best anti-dandruff shampoo is infused with essential amino acids that remove flaky dandruff from your scalp. It not addresses dandruff but also deeply nourishes scalp giving it a healthy-looking hair.
Formulated with Triple Anti-Dandruff Technology, this shampoo activates your scalp not only to remove but also resist dandruff. This anti-dandruff shampoo for women is best for preventing recurring dandruff that gives you confidence.
Pros
- Removes visible flakes with regular use
- Helps restore the function of scalp
- Works at the epidermal level
Cons
- It might not suit women with sensitive scalps due to its chemical composition.
↓ 8 – Biolage Scalpsync Antidandruff Shampoo- Best for Healthy Looking Scalp
Price: Its price is $19.00 on Amazon.
If you are struggling to find an effective anti-dandruff shampoo that really fights against stubborn dandruff, you should go for Biolage. This anti-dandruff shampoo is created by salon professionals to treat flaky and itchy scalp. Inspired by calming and anti-bacterial properties of mint, Biolage Scalpsync contains extracts of mint leaves that relieve you from scalp irritation.
It also contains anti-inflammatory pyrithione zinc which is ultimate care of your scalp. It targets sources of dandruff and controls the appearance of embarrassing visible flakes on your scalp. With its continuous use, your dandruff will be eliminated completely. This best anti-dandruff shampoo not only fights against dandruff but also deep cleanses your scalp giving your hair a healthy look. Once you start using this, you won’t stop raving about this shampoo.
Pros
- Reduces dandruff
- Controls the appearance of flakes
- Relieves itchy scalp
- Cleanse scalp
- Removes scalp debris
- Gives cooling effect
Cons
- Expensive
↓ 7 – Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Best for Itchy Scalp
Price: Its price is $14 for 7 fl.oz
Nizoral is one of the bestselling anti-dandruff shampoos that boast many positive customer reviews. This shampoo not just temporarily removes dandruff but addresses its root cause. It contains active anti-fungal ingredient ‘ketoconazole’ which kills fungus on the scalp that is a primary cause of dandruff. Ketoconazole binds with the natural protein of your hair to kill dandruff.
It is a clinically proven ingredient that fights against dandruff while reducing the growth of Malassezia-yeast that lives on the scalp. This yeast might trigger inflammation with flakiness and redness on the skin. Using this anti-dandruff shampoo, your scalp will become flake-free and shiny. Nizoral works on all hair types as well as grey hair..
Pros
- Controls flaking, itching and scaling
- Gentle on color-treated hair
- Controls hair loss
- Softens hair
Cons
- Bit drying
- Mild irritation
↓ 6 – Dove DermaCare Scalp- Most-Budget-Friendly
Price: it is just $4.68 on Amazon.
Are you fed up of those little flakes on your shoulders? If dandruff has made you feel self-conscious and you are looking for anti-dandruff hair care products, try Dove DermaCare Scalp shampoo. This anti-dandruff shampoo is specifically designed to fight dandruff and nourish your dry scalp. Moreover, it also relieves your scalp from itchiness.
Its mild formula cares for your dry scalp while its ingredients like Shea butter and coconut scent gives your hair a pleasant feel. This shampoo also contains active ingredient ‘Pyrithione Zinc’ to eliminate dandruff and itchiness associated with the dandruff-prone scalp. This ingredient is most effective in reducing the inflammation-causing yeast on your dry scalp, which is one of the driving forces behind flakes.
This antimicrobial ingredient will also eliminate the amount of fungus on your scalp over time. Its pH-balanced formula is gentle on your hair and will leave your hair flake-free. Its mild formula not only targets flakes but also makes your hair smooth, less frizzy, and hydrated.
Pros
- Less frizzy hair
- Flake-free hair
- Shiny and healthy hair
- Soothes itchy scalp
- Reduces scalp redness
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Weighs hair down
- Contains sulphate
↓ 5 – Selsun Blue-Best for Visible Flakes
Price: Its price on Amazon is $6.98, quite reasonable, right?
This medicated anti-dandruff shampoo is best to fight dandruff, dry and itchy scalp. It not only ditches dandruff but also moisturizes and hydrates your hair. Selsun Blue is specifically formulated to control flaking, scaling, and itching linked with dandruff, and skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis. This anti-dandruff shampoo will leave your hair shiny, healthy while making your scalp non-itchy so that you can look at your best.
Simply washing away dandruff flakes is not enough; rather you need to treat its source that irritates your scalp. Selsun Blue directly targets your scalp to eliminate the flakes. Many doctors also recommend this shampoo to treat dandruff as it helps prevent the recurrence of dandruff, flakiness, and itchiness. Selsun Blue anti-dandruff shampoo contains strong dandruff fighters as well as hydrating moisturizers to stop itching. This shampoo has balanced pH and therefore, can be used for thin, dry, thick, and even color-treated hairstyles, and blowouts.
Pros
- No flakes and scalp itching
- Moisturizes scalp
- Removes scaly patches
- Hydrating
Cons
- Little bit drying
- Skin irritation
- Temporary hair loss
↓ 4 – Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo- Best for Itchy Scalp
Price: its price is $6.99 on Amazon.
Have you heard of salicylic acid and its acne-fighting properties? Did you know your scalp can also benefit from this ingredient? Well, yes, you heard it right! Formulated with 3% salicylic acid, Neutrogena T/Sal shampoo can fight against dandruff. This active ingredient acts as an exfoliator for scalp and breaks down the flaky scalp build-up associated with itching. Salicylic acid helps in removing excess oil from your scalp and thereby dandruff flakes.
Neutrogena T/Sal anti-dandruff shampoo is also recommended by many dermatologists due to its clinically proven active ingredients. This shampoo is free of any preservatives, added colors, and medicated odor. If you have stubborn dandruff, this therapeutic shampoo is best to control dandruff. Besides, it ensures maximum relief of flaky and itchy scalp. You will see the difference with just one use. Moreover, this shampoo is gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
- Clears visible flakes
- Reduces itchiness
- Removes excess oil
- Treats scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
Cons
- Harsh and drying for some people
- Not suitable for color-treated hair
↓ 3 – Redken Scalp Relief -Best for Color-treated Hair
Price: its price is $20.50.
Redken’s Scalp Relief anti-dandruff shampoo is dermatologically tested. This shampoo fights against dandruff and itchy scalp and leaves your hair smooth and silky. Formulated with pyrithione zinc, this shampoo combats dandruff, itching, and cleanses hair and leaves your hair airy, light, and shiny.
Moreover, if you cannot stand the smell of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos, then you must try Redken shampoo. Its mild minty scent gives you a pleasant experience. Besides, its active ingredients like lavender oil and glycerin will moisturize your dry and frizzy hair, leaving them soft and shiny strands. One should note that it not only combats dandruff but also reduces its symptoms. You will feel your scalp relieved and refreshed after each use.
Pros
- Soothes scalp
- Controls dandruff
- Reduce flakiness and itching
Cons
- A bit drying
- Expensive
↓ 2 – Kerastase Bain Anti-pelliculaire Shampoo- Best for oily and dry scalp
Price: Its price is $31.00 for 250 ml
Another highly boasted anti-dandruff shampoo for women is Kerastase Bain Anti-pelliculaire. It acts on 2 types of dandruff including oily and dry flakes. Its cleansing action can quickly remove impurities from your scalp. This shampoo is also best for itchy scalp leaving your hair clean and silky. Unlike other anti-dandruff shampoos, it does not dry your hair. Women can also use this shampoo in the winter season. Since this shampoo is super concentrated, its bottle will last long.
It goes without saying that this Kerastase shampoo provides the best value for money as it addresses the root cause of your itchy and flaky scalp. You will feel the visible difference after its 1st use. What’s more interesting about this shampoo is that it minimizes the risk of hair loss while soothing and normalizing your scalp.
Pros
- Reduces flakes
- Reduces itchiness
- Reduces hair fall
Cons
- Expensive
↓ 1 – L’Oreal Paris EverFresh-Best for Color-Treated Hair
Price: Its price on Amazon is $6.53.
It is no secret that anti-dandruff shampoos can be harsh on your color-treated hair. Do you have dyed hair and at the same time, are you experiencing dandruff? Well, fret not! You don’t need to sacrifice your much-loved hair color to treat your dandruff. L’Oreal Paris EverFresh is free from harsh sulphate and will solve your hair problem without dulling its color. Surely, it is a safe bet!
This anti-dandruff shampoo contains 1% pyrithione zinc that helps reduce itching and flaking from your scalp. Moreover, it helps stop irritation that is associated with dandruff and becomes quite embarrassing too. What’s more interesting, this shampoo will keep your hair dye intact while nourishing your hair too. L’Oreal Paris EverFresh is a clinically tested formula that controls dandruff. This shampoo is appropriate for all hair types, specifically chemically treated hair. You will experience a sensorial lush and pleasant fragrance in your hair with its use.
Pros
- Eliminates dandruff
- Gentle on color-treated hair
- Cleanses scalp
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- A bit drying
Final Thoughts
Now that we have seen a range of best anti-dandruff shampoos for women with multiple benefits, you can choose any of these shampoos that better suit your hair. All of these shampoos in the list are the ones that are either dermatologists-approved or customer-recommended.