5 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men (2021) – Do They Work?

Nothing irritates a man like running his hands over his head only to have a shower of dust particles fall off and coat the surrounding.

This is not only irritating but also embarrassing.

The first thing that runs through your mind when this happens is that you don’t wash your hair properly.

It might be true, but there are numerous other reasons for dandruff (1).

No one likes dandruff!

If this might help, you’re not alone.

Millions of men around the world suffer from a similar situation.

What’s even worse is that many are yet to find solutions to their dandruff problems.

Luckily, dandruff is solvable with an effective dandruff shampoo. And that’s why we are here!

Today we look at the top 5 best dandruff shampoos for men in 2021.

By the end of the article, you should be all smiles with a plan formulated on how to get your dandruff menace done once and for all.

We’ve also included a buying guide on how to pick the right dandruff shampoo. Get to know the cause of your dandruff before deciding on what product to settle for. Read on!

The Definitive Guide to Best Dandruff Shampoos For Men Chart In 2021

2021’s Reviews of The Top 5 Best Dandruff Shampoos For Men

Enough of the small talk and now to our main topic: which are the best dandruff shampoos for men?

While the market has hundreds, if not thousands of products, only a few stand out.

Many companies nowadays are in a senseless motion to provide their customers with cheap products without considering the quality.

Finding a good dandruff shampoo can thus prove to be a hassle.

For this, we’ve gone a step further to provide you with some of the best products. Give us the benefit of the doubt when we tell you these are the best in the current market.

1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Best for Oily Hair/Skin

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While others would save the best for the last, we wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo leads our list the same way it does on the market.

What you’re settling for with this product is a clinically proven, effective shampoo designed to keep dandruff, oil, and fungi off your head and shoulders.

This shampoo is made using 1% Ketoconazole – an effective ingredient that binds the hair’s natural protein to kill dandruff.

Its concentration is so powerful that it allows you to use the shampoo only twice a week.

This isn’t, however, to imply that the results are slow. On the contrary, you should expect speedy results after a few weeks only.

What’s even better is that the shampoo helps control hair loss due to dandruff.

Talk about killing two birds with one stone. One thing with most shampoos is that they tend to cause discomfort when applied, something that irritates most men. This isn’t the case with this shampoo. It is gentle on the skin (even with delicate skin) but tough on dandruff.

As long as you don’t overuse it, you shouldn’t have any discomfort, inflammation, or irritation problems.

What of its scent?

Every time you open a shampoo, the first thing is to poke your nose at it- don’t lie.

For the lovers of strong and overwhelming scents, this one doesn’t come with any, unfortunately. Its scent is mild and unnoticeable.

Amidst all the great features, this shampoo is a little bit pricey for its 7-ounce package. Some people would hesitate to purchase it.

But there is never harm in spending more on quality.

Also, we wouldn’t recommend the shampoo for people with dry scalps.

Pros

• Gentle on the skin, and doesn’t cause discomfort.
• Has a neutral scent
• Its ingredients are clinically proven.
• Works after a few weeks only.

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• Not ideal for people with dry scalps

2. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo: Best for Dry Skin/Hair

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If you’re tired of switching between shampoos and want to remain loyal to one, we have found your product- Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo.

Just as the name suggests, this shampoo incorporates tea tree oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil as its ingredients.

Tea tree oil, being the main ingredient, eliminates skin dryness while simultaneously killing all present fungal infections.

The rest of the ingredients combine to soothe your scalp and moisten your hair and head.

Before we forget, this shampoo also includes keratin in its ingredients.

Its purpose is to strengthen and thicken your hair, leaving it healthier than ever.

So, what is in store for you with the product?

As already mentioned, the shampoo kills all present fungal infections, moistens and soothes your head as well as strengthening your hair.

What more could you possibly want from a shampoo?

It doesn’t end there. The shampoo’s formula ensures that no harm comes to your skin. You can use it confidently with the assurance that there are no negative side effects.

The only drawback present is that the shampoo isn’t suited for men with oily scalps. There are more than enough essential oils in its ingredients, and you don’t want to add that to your head.

To make up for this, the shampoo is gentle on the skin. No irritation, inflammation, discomfort, or other crap.

Moreover, it is ideal for everyday use as its ingredients aren’t harsh.

If you’re a guy who gets dandruff because you work outdoors in the winter, guess which is the product to go for?

Pros

• Suitable for everyday use
• Gentle on the skin
• Doubles up to strengthen and thicken the hair

Cons

• Not ideal for oily scalps

3. Neutrogena T/GEL Shampoo and Anti-Dandruff Treatment: Best for Dandruff due to Poor Hygiene

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Does your work or home environment expose you to dandruff because of dirt and debris?

Have you used regular shampoo for a while without getting positive results?

Well, Neutrogena T/GEL Shampoo and Anti-Dandruff Treatment is here to save the day.

Its ingredients have been carefully formulated to come up with a powerful, effective, and nice-smelling dandruff shampoo.

So, what makes this product work where regular shampoos have failed?

Coal tar is the secret ingredient. Coal tar is known to remove excess skin cells and debris which block pores and cause dandruff. Moreover, it eliminates skin flaking and brings itching relief after only a few weeks.

As expected, tar is powerful, and so limits the usage of the shampoo to once a week.

Of course, consistent use of the shampoo ensures that you do not only get a dandruff-free skin but a moisturized one as well.

If you have a dry scalp, beat this situation with the T/GEL Shampoo.

We will, however, have to deduct a point from this shampoo when it comes to fighting fungal infections. It isn’t the best option. While most shampoos are versatile to fight dandruff and fungal infections at the same time, T/GEL only excels in dandruff but comes short when fighting fungal infections.

It, therefore, forces men using it to look for alternatives for their fungal problems.

Even with this shortcoming, we still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend T/GEL to any man having dandruff due to dirt and debris.

Pros

• Highly effective
• Comes at a reasonable price
• Ideal for people with dry scalps

Cons

• Doesn’t help with fungal infections

4. Krieger + Söhne Shampoo for Men’s Hair: Best for Malassezia

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If you’re new to the world of shampoos, getting the right product can be difficult. You don’t want to go for something too powerful or too abrasive either.

Well, the K+S Shampoo may be what you’re looking for. It incorporates tea tree oil in its ingredients, striking a perfect balance between medical brand and designer.

Krieger in German means ‘Warrior’, a reflection of the depths the shampoo will go to fight off dandruff.

This shampoo shows us what happens when expertise meets creativity – a labor of love. Being made in the USA proudly, you can expect nothing short of high quality from it.

People who used it fell in love with it from the word go. This was when they opened it, and a fresh, invigorating and vibrant scent hit them.

If you want to have nice-smelling hair, while at the same time combat dandruff, your answer lies with K+S Shampoo for Men.

People with dandruff due to Malassezia will benefit most from the shampoo.

Even though the product is advertised as being suitable for people with dry skin, that isn’t the actual case.

Testers revealed that the shampoo dried their hair like crazy even to the extent of losing hair. If you have a dry scalp, keep off.

Pros

• Proudly made in the USA.
• Has a fresh and vibrant scent

Cons

• Not ideal for people with dry scalps as advertised

5. KICK Men’s Shampoo: Best for Everyday Use

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Closing on our list is an incredible shampoo product from KICK.

With decades of experience in the men’s grooming industry, Kick knows its way around designing shampoos.

Before getting to the product, the shampoo’s packaging is one to applaud. Its black cover calibrated with the Kick’s logo is one to admire.

The manufacturers included peppermint in the ingredients for a tingling, refreshing, and satisfying scent. You just can’t get enough of the smell.

This shampoo is made using 11 natural ingredients, including Aloe Vera and tea tree oil. On top of having a soothing feel, the shampoo is gentle to be used daily.

Its ingredients aren’t harsh and will not have an irritating effect on your hair. You can even replace your regular shampoo with this for full benefits.

Who is this shampoo for?

Men with dry and sensitive scalps will find it most helpful. People who’ve used the shampoo found it to relieve dryness relatively fast.

In addition, it also increases and strengthens the hair.

The tea tree oil found in its ingredients will do an impeccable job of tackling your fungal infections.

Moreover, its 17.5-ounce bottle will provide you with enough shampoo to last you a few months, considering you’ll be using it daily.

Men with oily scalps won’t find this shampoo helpful, since it already contains lots of essential oils in its ingredients.

Pros

• Comes with a refreshing peppermint scent
• Hydrates the skin excellently
• Packed in fairly big bottles

Cons

• Not suited for men with oily hair

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How to Choose the Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men?

Choosing the right shampoo shouldn’t be a one-second affair; that is if you want to go home with an effective product.

Many buyers overlook a number of factors and end up with low-quality shampoos that turn out to be liabilities. We aim at eliminating this problem for you.

Here are important factors to consider when making your shampoo purchase.

1. Causes of Dandruff

What is the cause of your dandruff?

Ascertaining this will help you know what shampoo to go for.

Different ingredients used in the manufacture of shampoos aim at tackling different causes.

You might purchase a good shampoo designed for dandruff caused by dirt and debris, but since your dandruff is an effect of oily skin, no positive result will ensue.

Different causes of dandruff are utterly different from each other.

Here are the 5 primary causes of dandruff:

• Oily Skin

Oily and irritated skin is the most common cause of dandruff.

Oily skins are a result of genetics, or you simply overdid your shampoo and added extra oil in the process.

Whichever the case, dandruff caused by oily skin normally leave behind red and itchy scalps.

Kindly note that this type of dandruff isn’t caused by poor hygiene or allergy.

So no matter how many times you take a shower or scrub your skin, this dandruff just won’t go away.

What you need is a specially formulated shampoo to help with the problem.

Oily skins harbor fungal infections, dirt, and debris. Dirty skin, on the other hand, will lead to even more dandruff.

Luckily, there are anti-dandruff shampoos designed specifically for dealing with extra oil and fungal infections.

• Dry Skin

Just as oily skin can cause dandruff, the same also applies to dry skin. Dry skin accelerates the formation of dead skin cells, which appear and fall off easily. When this happens, the result is countless dusty, white particles falling off whenever you rustle your hair.

Dandruff caused by dry skin often appears during winter times. This is a great way of telling off this dandruff from other types. So, how do you deal with it? Use excellent hydrating shampoos to treat your skin. This dandruff is easy to treat, and may not even require specific anti-dandruff shampoos.

• Malassezia

This fungus is as scary as it sounds. It is a common cause of dandruff globally that actively feeds on proteins and oils from the scalp. (2)

With time, it grows and spreads, causing the skin cells to reproduce at a high rate. A high skin cell production means that you will have more dead skin cells on your head that the normal.

This dandruff will, thus, be a mixture of micro-organisms feeding on your scalp and dead skin cells.

This situation sounds complicated, right. The same is also true with fighting it off.

To get rid of dandruff caused by Malassezia, you’ll have two invest and use two different shampoos simultaneously.

Malassezia can adapt quickly to a single type of shampoo and render it useless. Mixing the formula will kill this property and break it apart.

However, you can still get through this dandruff with a single excellent anti-dandruff shampoo.

The ingredient to target, regardless of the method to use, is Zinc Pyrithione. It is known to kill fungal infections effectively, even in the presence of other ingredients.

• Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis in simple terms is an allergic reaction caused when you change your hair care routine.

For instance, when you begin to use a new conditioner, shampoo, or even when you change your hair gel product. It is normally indicated by a red, itchy rash. The rash isn’t life-threatening or contagious, but it can be super uncomfortable.

Contact dermatitis occurs suddenly, which makes identifying its cause easy.

What did you eliminate or add to your daily routine recently?

Yes, that’s it; that is the cause of your dandruff! Get rid of what you started using because this is what is causing your dandruff.

It’s pretty much simple; no special formulas, no OTC drugs, just sticking to your normal daily routine.

• Poor Hygiene

Lastly, we have poor hygiene. Failure to wash your hair daily will result in dirt and debris clogging on your scalp.

The situation escalates, especially when you work and spend loads of time outdoors.

Similar to dandruff caused by dry skin, this one is also easy to deal with. You don’t even require a special set of anti-dandruff shampoo.

Since the cause is poor hygiene, take the mandate to wash your hair (or preferably a shower) daily.

Acquire an excellent cleaning shampoo and apply it. Your dandruff should clear up real quick.  It might even disappear after the first time of thoroughly cleaning your scalp.

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2. Ingredients

What ingredients are used to manufacture the shampoo that you are about to buy?

Are you allergic to any of them?

Equip yourself with this knowledge, and you will settle for the right product.

Some key ingredients used to manufacture shampoos include:

• Zinc Pyrithione

Ingredients Zinc Pyrithione (3) helps to break up bacteria and fungus found on the skin. Zinc is less hazardous and super effective.

Most dandruff is normally a result of fungal overgrowth or bacterial infections on your skin. It interferes with the skin replacement rate and prevents your hair from becoming clean.

Fungus makes your hair drier than usual. This also leads to dandruff. Well, the hard-to-pronounce zinc pyrithione takes control of the situation. It breaks up the micro-organisms without damaging the surrounding tissues. 

Results vary according to brands, but this ingredient is ideal for men with healthy and sensitive scalps. It isn’t harsh on the skin, and you’ll hardly experience any irritation or inflammation.

• Coal Tar

Next in line is coal tar (4). It might sound weird to you, but small amounts of tar slow down the skin cell reproduction rate. Doing so eliminates the presence of excess dead skin cells.

Having lots of dead skin is normally a result of excessive cell production rate.

If your dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, then coal tar will definitely help.

Also, both oily and dry skins that flake easily will work perfectly with tar. The FDA recommends coal tar concentration to be between 0.5 and 5% for safety.

• Ketoconazole

Let not the hard name of this ingredient fool you. Ketoconazole (5) is a soft, nice antifungal ingredient used to kill microscopic fungi.

If you have ever suffered from athlete’s foot or jock itch, then you are probably familiar with the name. It effectively breaks up Malassezia (a fungus causing dandruff).

Ketoconazole, on top of treating Malassezia, also increases the volume and thickness of hair.

So, if you’re suffering from hair loss due to dandruff, this ingredient is your answer call.

Similar to zinc pyrithione, Ketoconazole is also gentle on the skin and thus ideal for men with sensitive scalps.

It is worthwhile to note that Ketoconazole can be used with skin-drying ingredients.

This is normally on purpose so as to dry out over-oily or moist skin. Doing so makes the environment unbearable and unfavorable for the growth of dandruff.

If you have a dry scalp or hair, you might want to look for shampoos without this ingredient.

• Selenium Sulfide

Almost all dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide in their ingredients. (6)

Why, because it is powerful and effective in tearing up micro-organisms. Its concentration is normally limited to just 1%- proof of how powerful it is. Any concentration above this will cause irritation and health issues to your skin.

Even so, if you use a shampoo with selenium sulfide and become inflamed or irritated, you should stop its use immediately and look for something soothing.

Our list contains lots of products, and you can always pick one from there.

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3. Frequency of Use

How frequently can you use your shampoo?

Different shampoos have different frequency of use, depending on how harsh their ingredients are.

Using extremely harsh shampoos daily can lead to over oily hair and irritated skin.

Most of the anti-dandruff are meant to be used twice or thrice per week.

However, confirm with the manufacturer’s guide on how frequently you can use the shampoo.

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4. Type of Hair

Last but not least is the type of hair. What type of hair do you have? Is it oily, dry, thin, or thick?

These are questions that should cross your mind when making your purchase.

Your type of hair plays a significant role in the shampoo bottle that you’ll carry home.

Some shampoos are harsh since they are designed to eliminate oil. They can dry out your hair and even cause harm to your scalp. Such shampoos aren’t ideal for people with dry hair.

Similarly, other shampoos feature essential oils. Adding more oil to your oily hair might not be the best idea.

Knowing your type of hair is a step forward to landing the right shampoo.

Here is a video showing you how you can easily get rid of your dandruff using Homemade Natural Treatment:

Final Thoughts

We have, unfortunately, come to the end of our article. But let us look at the bright side; you now have all the information you need about dandruff.

You no longer have to struggle with your dandruff problem when there are hundreds of effective shampoos out there. Our five products are examples of the best.

The products mentioned in our list deal with all types of dandruff: those caused by oily skin, dry skin, poor hygiene, and debris. There is something for everyone.

If you didn’t have time to go through the entire article, there is no worry.

Our best overall product is the Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Its effectiveness is unmatched.

With its 1% ketoconazole, you’re only allowed to use it twice a week maximum.

If you prefer a shampoo for daily use, then turn to the KICK Men’s Shampoo. You’ll especially love its refreshing peppermint scent.

We couldn’t emphasize the importance of knowing the cause of your dandruff before making your purchase. You’ll escape the hassle of going back and forth exchanging products.

Which shampoo from our list won your heart? Let us know in the comment section.