Day: June 28, 2024

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is by far the best formula on the market. 

Unlike its competitors that simply mask the fact that you haven’t washed your hair, PhD dry shampoo actively works to clean your scalp and strands from the moment it touches your head. It’s formulated with fast-absorbing powders, plus the brand’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule that keeps hair fresher longer by extracting powders, oil, and dirt.

For best results, the key is to let the spray sit for 30 seconds upon application before massaging it into the scalp with your fingers. This allows the formula to clean and deodorize the scalp and hair properly. 

The only caveat of Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Dry Shampoo is arguably its scent, which some reviewers feel is too strong. I personally find it pleasant, but if you’d prefer a subtler fragrance, give Living Proof’s new Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo a try.

Unlike traditional spray cans, Briogeo’s dry shampoo applies a cloud of white powder when you squeeze the bottle over your strands. It takes two minutes to set and another minute or two to style, but if you have that time to spare, I can’t recommend the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo enough. 

This powder formula dry shampoo is made to work on all hair textures — straight, wavy, curly, and coily — but it’s specifically designed for those with naturally oily hair (like mine). It’s a detoxifying blend formulated with binchotan charcoal to draw out impurities and any buildup that might clog the pores and nutrient-rich biotin, bamboo extracts, and witch hazel to regulate oil production.

Upon application, the white cast looks daunting, but it’s actually lightweight and blends in easily. Reviewers say it’s gentle on sensitive scalps, too. However, while Briogeo’s formula gets five stars from me, the applicator isn’t great. You have to give the bottle a good squeeze, and the powder can fly everywhere, but if you can get past this hiccup, it’s a great product.

What you get isn’t always what you pay for, especially in the beauty world. Sometimes, an expensive product falls flat; other times, an inexpensive product exceeds expectations. This was my experience with the Batiste Original Dry Shampoo.

A much more affordable option than our overall pick, the Batiste Dry Shampoo is available in over 15 fragrances, three color-based sprays, and one volumizing formula. However, I stuck with the original for this test, which won an Allure Best of Beauty award in 2020.

The waterless formula absorbs dirt and grease to revitalize hair and has been enhanced with keratin proteins to keep strands strong and protected from environmental stressors. This particular spray boasts a citrusy scent.

What’s nice about the Batiste Dry Shampoo is there’s no wait between when you apply the spray and when you should massage it into the scalp. My hair looked better as the day went on, but I didn’t have to waste any time; I styled my hair and headed out the door.

Some Amazon reviewers point out that the white cast is an issue on brunette hair, but this could be a matter of ensuring you properly massage the product with your fingers and follow up with a quick brush through.

I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to give the Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo a try, but now that I have, I’m ready to buy up bottles in bulk. (And you will be too.)

With over 1,100 reviews and just shy of a 5-star rating on Amazon alone, Eva NYC’s lightweight, waterless spray absorbs excess oil and enhances shine, but its true claim to fame is the level of volume it offers lifeless strands. It doesn’t just freshen up hair, it completely re-styles it. 

The magical formula contains argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, plus plant protein for added hydration. Reviewers note the spray smells “heavenly,” and that a few spritzes resulted in soft, bouncy hair. If you can’t (or don’t want to) spend almost $30 on the Living Proof dry shampoo, this will be your new holy grail.

Have hair that’s the opposite of oily? Then you’ll love Drybar’s Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo. 

Not only does this spray formula eliminate excess oils with its proprietary powder blend, but it also instills moisture into the scalp and strands with amla oil. What’s more, amla oil (derived from the Indian Gooseberry) gives hair a soft, visibly sheer finish, so dry tresses feel hydrated and clean, and look it too.

In addition to these rockstar ingredients, kiwi extract is also highlighted as a standout addition that lifts residue from hair. Regarding the scent, one reviewer said the fragrance is comparable to the brand’s Triple Sec Texturizing Finishing Spray and Sparkling Soda Shine Mist, with notes of coconut, amber, and vanilla.

I initially gravitated towards Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Powder for its pretty bottle. Still, its formula is what kept me reaching for the product again and again. 

Unlike Briogeo’s powder formula, which tends to burst out of the bottle in a dense cloud, Bb’s dry shampoo shoots out like puffs of air and is comparable to baby powder in how it looks and feels. Highlighted ingredients include Polysilicone-22, an organic compound made of tiny crystals that absorbs oil and acts as a dry cleanser; a combination of corn starch, tapioca starch, and oat kernel flour to add texture and volume; and silica, a mineral that helps extract oil and impurities. 

The dry shampoo powder worked well on my naturally oily hair, but it’s suitable for all hair types, from normal to combination, and dry textures as well. It’s also safe on color-treated hair and is just as much a style extender and volumizer as a dry shampoo.

Arey’s dry shampoo powder absorbs oil and adds volume while nourishing the hair. The brand’s entire lineup is dedicated to protecting hair pigment and slowing the appearance of greys, and this product, formulated with Arey’s proprietary Dehydrated Mela-9 Complex, is no different. 

The formula is especially a dream for those with fine hair looking for a boost of volume and added texture. Aluminum starch quickly absorbs oil and adds grip, while silica helps to volumize. It features a light and refreshing cedar and sage scent, and the packaging is small enough to take on the go easily, but the product will last you for months.

If you want to combat hair thinning and cleanse and refresh your scalp between washes, this pick from Vegamour’s GRO line might be a game changer for your hair routine. Containing organically grown phytoactives that support hair density and increase active hair follicles, the brand claims you can expect to see fuller, thicker hair in as quickly as three months of use. This dry shampoo is also color-safe and available in a travel size.

Reviewers love how lightweight the formula is and how quickly it absorbs into the hair, but some also report that the scent is too overpowering.

This lightweight dry shampoo boasts a completely invisible formula, so there’s no blending time required — making it the perfect solution for dark hair. Finely milled volcanic ash absorbs seamlessly and helps to cleanse and purify, while ginger root and mango extracts soften the hair and boost shine.

“I love IGK products and the smell,” Christina Olivia, hairstylist and owner of Olivia Christensen Salon, tells Business Insider. “I feel like scent is a very big factor for me and what my clients are driven towards as well. This product works well by removing oils and build up and straightening hair follicles.”

It’s important to note that this dry shampoo contains one percent cleansing powders, offering a lightweight, gentle cleanse. In other words, it’s designed to be used on 1-2 day hair (or to revive styles throughout the day) and not on extremely oily hair that needs a major refresh. Check out IGK’s First Class Dry Shampoo for a more heavy-duty option.

Lightweight and rich in nourishing ingredients, R+Co’s Death Valley Dry Shampoo is a quick way to refresh your style while strengthening your strands. The formula’s vitamin E boosts luster and shine, which may be helpful for lighter tones that need a bit of brightening. Along with standard dry shampoo ingredients like silica, which absorbs oil, this one also contains a thickening agent, pro-vitamin B5, to build volume.

Reviewers note that this dry shampoo provides lots of touseled volume without leaving behind residue, and while some love the musky floral scent, others say it’s too strong for them.

Featuring plant-based ingredients like oat milk and corn and rice starches, Klorane’s Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is designed to be ultra-gentle and nourishing for both the hair and scalp. Reviewers note minimal residue, but for the most seamless application, the directions advise spraying the product onto the roots of the hair and waiting 2 minutes before rubbing in. It also features a more delicate scent, unlike others on this list with bold fragrances.

Because of its lightweight formula, this dry shampoo may not be effective on very oily hair. Rather, it’s best used to touch up styles throughout the day or refresh hair 1-3 days after washing.

Crown Affair’s dry shampoo is lauded for its weightless formula and chic, innovative packaging. The finely milled powder takes no time to absorb, partially due to the kabuki brush, which allows for targeted application. This product provides light volume and refreshes the hair and scalp. It’s lightweight enough to be applied to freshly washed hair to amp up volume or enhance certain styles, particularly for those with fine, thin hair.

The only downside to this product is the packaging. It isn’t easy to prevent the powder from spilling everywhere, especially because the brush is stored inside the container.

Ingredients:

Formulas with rice starch, tapioca starch, and kaolin clay are effective at absorbing oil without leaving behind residue, Mannah says. Many of our top picks, including Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo and Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, are formulated with rice starch, while Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo utilizes tapioca starch.

Mannah recommends steering clear of dry shampoos containing chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, as they can be drying, strip the hair of its natural oils, and lead to scalp irritation. Additionally, dry shampoos without silicone can help prevent product build up.

“Recent research also highlights the potential harm of benzene, emphasizing its association with cancer,” Mannah adds.

Color and finish:

For the best result, you’ll want to select a dry shampoo formula (both color and finish) according to your hair type. Dry shampoos typically come in powders or aerosol sprays and can be white or tinted before absorption. For darker hair colors, some of the white or tinted varieties can be more difficult to blend in and leave behind a visibly chalky residue. A clear or “invisible” option, such as the IGK Jet Lag Lightweight Invisible Dry Shampoo, is recommended in these cases.

Scent:

Unfortunately, most dry shampoos feature strong scents, so if you are sensitive to fragrance, you may have a harder time finding the right formula. However, options like Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk or Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo are delicately fragranced and less likely to irritate.

If you want to mask odors, you can’t beat the time-release fragrance of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, which offers a fresh citrus scent all day.

How does dry shampoo work?

Typically formulated as either an aerosol spray or powder, dry shampoo absorbs excess oil from the scalp and roots, helping to refresh hair between washes and boosting volume.

“They normally contain starches, clays, or other absorbent elements that effectively lift and eliminate oil, leaving the hair looking as though it’s been freshly washed,” notes Mannah.

Are dry shampoos good for your hair?

Mannah says that while dry shampoo is generally considered safe when used as directed, use should be limited.

“Excessive use or using without cleansing with shampoo after a few days may potentially lead to clogged hair follicles and scalp issues,” he explains. “Maintaining a balance by incorporating regular cleansing is crucial.”

How often can you use dry shampoo?

As mentioned above, using too much dry shampoo can result in build up or scalp issues. Mannah advises no more than “a few times a week,” while Olivia says she recommends “no more than once a week.”

How do you apply dry shampoo?

Dry shampoo is usually most effective when applied to the roots and left to absorb for a few minutes. Then, rub in the product with your fingers or brush through with a brush until the white cast or other residue is gone.

Before you can sign up for an Amazon Prime membership, you need a basic Amazon account. 

To sign up for an Amazon account and then an Amazon Prime membership, follow these steps:

1. Go to Amazon.

2. Hover over (or tap on mobile) where it says Hello, Sign in and Accounts & Lists in the top right corner of the screen.

3. On the drop-down menu, click Start Here under the “New Customer?” question.

4. Enter your name, your phone number or email, and a password in the fields provided, then click the yellow box to verify either your number or your email, and proceed to verify it with the one-time password Amazon sends. 

5. You will be automatically signed in, or you can sign in using the same Hello, Sign in link if you wish to proceed with Prime membership later.

To sign up for a Prime membership, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your basic Amazon account.

2. Click on your account icon on the top right (it should say “Hello, [Your Name]”).

3. Click Prime Membership from the drop-down menu.

4. On the next page, select Start your free trial, and make sure to opt for the six-month option if you’re verifiably a student.

5. Select the type of Prime membership you want, whether the $8.99 per month video-only option, the monthly payment plan for everything, or the annual fee for everything.

6. Enter your credit or debit card info when prompted, or select the card already on file (from your basic membership) that you want to be charged for membership.

7. Confirm your billing and shipping addresses.

8. Enjoy Amazon Prime — you can now browse, order, and receive items with your Prime membership. 

Amazon

The best route is the annual membership, which means a once-yearly cost of $139, or about $11.58 a month. You can also start out with a free month, and then opt for monthly billing if you’re still unsure.

The cost of a monthly Amazon Prime membership is $14.99, which is about $180 a year, a good deal more expensive than the annual rate.

Amazon Prime Student membership is $7.49 a month or $69 annually, with a six-month free trial period for new members.

Prime Video

If you want free, one- or two-day delivery on baby clothes, seltzer water, sleeping bags, cat litter, and a million other things, access to hundreds of TV shows and movies through Prime Video, and a massive catalog of songs, books, and other media, then Amazon Prime is absolutely worth it.

You’ll also get access to exclusive deals during Amazon Prime Day, one of the biggest sale events of the year with prices rivaling those of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Without a membership, you can’t access any Prime Day deals. 

For more information, read our complete guides for whether Amazon Prime is worth it, what is Prime Day, and all the best Prime benefits you get with the service. 

The active ingredient in this shampoo is coal tar — which medical professionals have used for years to help treat forms of dermatitis, as it helps slow skin cell growth and minimizes dryness. The formulation also comprises citric acid, which is thought to aid dandruff thanks to its pH-friendly and antioxidant properties.

While coal tar may not emanate the most nose-pleasing scents, it means business: This shampoo has garnered nearly 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s strong stuff, meaning it’s one of the best dandruff shampoos that gets to work quickly and doesn’t need to be used daily — so a bottle lasts a good while. Note that coal tar shampoos should be avoided if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

We all love getting more bang for our buck, and this delivers a 2-in-1 formula. Dandruff shampoos may put some off due to their medicinal-like scents, but users rave about how nice this one smells. And, even better, they love the fact that it leaves hair feeling smoother and softer. 

Along with an active ingredient of zinc pyrithione, the formulation also contains anti-inflammatory aloe vera and sunflower seed to help calm the skin, cucumber to aid scalp health, and peppermint to moisturize.

This shampoo comes as another recommendation from Dr. Therianou, this time thanks to the salicylic acid content — an ingredient she advises for calming dandruff. It’s been proven in studies to break down the clumps of dead skin cells that often accumulate on the scalp with this condition. As a bonus, the formula also contains selenium sulfide — an antifungal to tackle yeast overgrowth.

Users report seeing results fast and note that a little goes a long way. Furthermore, they state the shampoo has an appealingly fresh scent and doesn’t leave hair feeling or looking dry.

Curly, coily, and kinky hair types are no strangers to clarifying shampoos — especially if it’s wash day and your scalp has been itching for days. With all the styling products that these hair types use to keep curls moisturized and defined, a good balancing shampoo is a must. This co-wash from Head and Shoulders offers the power of a dandruff shampoo for curly hair, without stripping hair of the natural oils it needs to stay nourished. 

Zinc pyrithione is used to combat dandruff, flakiness, and fungal activity on the scalp that may be causing you to scratch incessantly at your head. This co-wash relieves scalp dryness, while coconut oil adds moisture without clogging hair follicles.

Korean beauty practices are well-observed in the US, specifically regarding the dewy skin goals of the K-beauty trends. However, Korean haircare isn’t given the same attention even though it is just as effective and beneficial to overall beauty routines. This deep cleansing shampoo from the Korean brand Ryo is the perfect introduction to the category for a daily dandruff wash that reduces excessive sebum (oil) while gently soothing the scalp. 

Fermented mint keeps greasy scalps at bay, while the added peppermint and pine needle extract offer mattifying and cooling sensations. This liquid formula quickly lathers into a gentle foam that easily covers the entire scalp with only a quarter-sized amount.

Philip B. has been synonymous with scalp assistance since the brand launched its first product (the rejuvenating oil treatment) in 1992. After 32 years, the brand has extended to include a full line of luxury hair care products that still put scalp health first. This is proven by their extra-strength anti-flake relief shampoo, which is one of the best dandruff shampoos for a reason. 

The powerful formulation of two leading dandruff ingredients (coal tar and zinc pyrithione) combined with invigorating tea tree oil and soothing aloe vera makes for the ultimate dandruff cleansing experience. After your first use, you’ll notice reduced oil and irritation with a lingering scent of sage and juniper berries that adds to the luxe experience.

This brand is best known for its hair-thickening products, but if you have dandruff, then the Scalp Recovery range is worth looking at. As part of a wider flake-fighting range (including a conditioner, exfoliator, and serum), this shampoo contains zinc pyrithione to fight Malassezia yeast overgrowth. However, green tea extract and peppermint oil also help soothe the scalp, along with nourishing vitamins such as biotin.

Users like that it lathers well and thoroughly cleanses the hair and scalp. Plus, many reviewers comment on how effective it is at preventing itching and the appearance of flakes.

If the five-star reviews are anything to go by, this dandruff-buster really is out-of-this-world. Formulated and developed alongside dermatologists, it comprises an array of ingredients to fight flakes: zinc pyrithione, moisturizing squalane, antibacterial green tea, aloe vera, and antifungal jujube, to name a few.

Some dandruff shampoos can leave hair feeling — and looking — a bit dry and lackluster, but this is designed to ensure locks keep their shine and feel smooth. Plus, it’s vegan and okay for those with colored and chemically treated hair. Want even more? The range includes conditioner, serum, elixir, and a mask for a full-on attack against dandruff.

This product combines nature’s best ingredients to help tackle flakes, itching, and dryness. As the name reveals, the primary ingredient is ginger, which offers antimicrobial and antifungal properties and a subtle warming scent when you lather up. It also contains birch bark extract, thought to have antimicrobial properties, and honey to moisturize dry scalps.

The formulation is suitable for all hair types (including colored-treated hair), and there’s a matching conditioner available for a full-on scalp cleanse. Plus, as an extra feel-good boost, the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.

Designed for all hair types, this cleansing scalp wash is particularly popular with naturally curly hair and braided protective styles. Contributing writer Alexis Gaskin has been using this scalp cleanser for three months and is amazed at the non-lather formulation that eliminates buildup and leaves behind a tingly sensation that isn’t irritating.

If you’re dealing with a lot of product buildup and a scratchy scalp that won’t go away, consider using this wash twice a week to rebalance the scalp and keep irritation away. The formulation of tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and witch hazel gently reduces oil without stripping hair of oil or dehydrating the scalp and makes it one of the best dandruff shampoos we’ve tried.

The last thing that dry hair dealing with dandruff needs is a shampoo that strips hair of oil and causes more dehydration in its wake. Instead of regularly using one of the potent dandruff shampoos mentioned here, opt for this hair-restoring shampoo formulated without the usual dandruff shampoo ingredients. Charcoal and kaolin clay are the hero ingredients of this shampoo for its ability to draw out excessive oil without leaving the scalp feeling tight or dry. 

This vegan, color-safe, and leaping bunny-approved shampoo works hard to reduce buildup without removing the hair’s needed oils. Start by using this shampoo once a week if you’re currently dealing with dandruff, and follow up with the matching conditioner (It’s A 10 Scalp Restore Miracle Tingling Conditioner) to add back any moisture you may have lost.

Dr. Therianou notes that the main active ingredient in this product — selenium sulfide — is one to look out for. Why? Its antifungal properties mean it’s proven to help slow the growth of dandruff-inducing yeast on the scalp. Furthermore, it also contains citric acid, a potential flake reliever.

Although some users comment on the strong scent, they state it’s worth it; especially as they saw results quickly. They also state that only a small amount is required to create a good lather — meaning you won’t rush through a bottle — and the inclusion of menthol creates a fresh, tingly feeling for the scalp.

Perhaps the most well-known brand on our list, Head & Shoulders, has been fighting flakes for 60 years. It’s another shampoo with zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient — key in tackling dandruff-causing Malassezia — and offers a handy 2-in-1 action with a built-in conditioner, too. 

The fact that it’s effective but doesn’t cost the earth is a bonus, along with its fresh scent. Plus, it’s not only formulated to get rid of flaky skin, but also relieve symptoms of itching and dryness, and is designed for everyday use (should you wish).

Australian brand Davroe keeps nature at its heart, an ethos reflected in the formulation of this shampoo. There’s an array of scalp- and hair-friendly plant-based ingredients, including aloe vera, antioxidant-rich Vitis vinifera, and peppermint oil. Plus, rice and quinoa extracts are on hand to help moisturize. 

Everything in this shampoo is vegan, and a conditioner is available if you’d like to provide your hair with some extra love. Furthermore, it’s gentle and safe to use on colored hair — important to be aware of as some dandruff ingredients (such as coal tar) may cause temporary discoloration.

A key element to this product’s clinically proven formulation is ketoconazole — an ingredient that Dr. Therianou highlights as being particularly beneficial thanks to its antifungal properties. One study indicated it is 10 times more effective at fighting Malassezia growth than other dandruff-targeting ingredients.

Multiple users praise how quickly it gets to work and like that it doesn’t have to be used daily: Once or twice a week alongside your ‘regular’ shampoo is sufficient. It’s suitable for all hair types — including color-treated hair — and has a fresh scent you’ll be happy to lather your locks in.

Ingredients:

After scrolling through the best dandruff shampoos, you probably noticed a few repeating key ingredients among formulations. That’s because the best dandruff shampoos are made with the same shampoo ingredients for dandruff that minimize flakiness, sebum production (oil), and irritation that leads to this scalp concern. 

Non-irritating shampoos like TPH by Taraji Master Cleanse Scalp Wash and It’s a 10 Scalp Restore Miracle Charcoal Shampoo are formulated with naturally derived ingredients like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and kaolin clay. Trichologist Shab Caspara recommends using ingredients like these to reduce oil without harshly stripping the scalp. “Since dandruff is caused by scalp buildup from the over-production of sebum and product residue, a mineral clay like kaolin clay can help unclog the scalp and follicle openings and help clarify dandruff.” 

Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos like the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Nioxin Scalp Recovery Cleanser are made with coal tar, zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole, which offer antifungal properties to reduce dandruff on the scalp and hair. These ingredients give the thick texture and (sometimes unpleasant) scent synonymous with anti-dandruff shampoos. 

Ultimately, the formulation you choose should be based on your scalp sensitivity, hair type, and dandruff needs. Check the ingredient list of the anti-dandruff shampoo you’re buying to ensure it includes one (or many) of the previously mentioned ingredients. And be mindful of formulations with rich oils that may over-moisturize and clog follicles. “Hydrating shampoos, which are typically very gentle cleansers, formulated with rich oils and [hair] butters like avocado oil and shea butter should be avoided by those prone to dandruff,” shares Caspara.  

Hair type: 

“Dandruff shampoos should be applied and focused on the roots as they are formulated to work on the scalp and not the hair strands, regardless of your hair type,” confirms Caspara. When picking a dandruff shampoo, it’s important to be mindful of your hair type, but you should mainly focus on how oily or dry your scalp is. While some hair types are more prone to oiliness than others (aka straight and wavy hair), you should check out your scalp’s oil level (regardless of hair type) to decide which anti-dandruff shampoo works for you.

How often should you use dandruff shampoo?

If you’re currently dealing with dandruff, you should incorporate a dandruff shampoo into your routine until your scalp is thoroughly cleansed, Caspara recommends. “It can also be said [that] a dandruff shampoo should be used on an as-needed basis whenever you feel like your scalp is showing signs of flaking, excess oiliness, or itchiness.”  

For those trying to tackle dandruff before it arrives (especially if you’re in a dry or cold climate), add a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo like the Head and Shoulders Moisturizing Hair & Scalp Co-Wash — perfect for curly and coily hair — or the Ryo Scalp Deep Cleansing & Cooling Shampoo — made for all hair types.

How long does dandruff shampoo take to work?

The best dandruff shampoos will eliminate buildup after the first use while continuously soothing the scalp over time. Caspara shares, “While there are various degrees of dandruff and results can take a few wash days to really take effect, some can notice a difference after their first use.” The effectiveness of your dandruff shampoo can also depend on how bad your scalp is. If you’ve been dealing with dandruff for months, consider speaking with an expert to figure out your scalp health, and give your shampoo or dandruff treatment a few uses to re-balance your head.

Is it dandruff or dry scalp buildup?

Dry scalp, dandruff, flakiness, and product buildup are often used interchangeably to describe an imbalanced scalp. However, there are differences between dandruff and a dry scalp, especially when to consider, especially when it comes to determining which of the best dandruff shampoos to invest in. “A dry scalp can feel tight and itchy and is technically a scalp stripped of its natural oils by harsh cleansing products or even dry weather or indoor heat,” Caspara confirms. 

She continues, “Dandruff is caused by build-up that can create flaking, soreness, and inflammation by blocking the hair follicle opening.” Many of the best dandruff shampoos will address buildup, flakiness, and a dry scalp — however, make sure that’s the case when picking out a shampoo. If you’re dealing with it all, reach for our best overall pick, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo.