7 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men with Itchy Flaky Scalps

It's time to put an end to that itch and those dreaded white flakes once and for all.

What we like about hair is that it’s pretty low maintenance. Just give it a wash once in a while, and you’re good to go. That’s where dandruff comes in to ruin things. From constant scratching, to leaving white flakes all over your dress shirt or friend’s couch, or even accidentally breaking skin and causing a bloody mess, dandruff isn’t an enemy to be underestimated. But thankfully your battle against dandruff could end simply by switching up your regular shampoo. We’ve done the research for you, and found the best dandruff shampoos for men to put that flaky scalp to rest.

What causes dandruff?

First rule of any battle? Know your enemy. Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes the skin on your scalp to flake up and cause that annoying itch. A telltale sign are tiny white dots throughout your hair, or left behind you wherever you get the urge to sneak a scratch. If it escalates too far, your scratching might do a number to your hair follicles, and cause hair fallout.

So what’s exactly happening here? Your skin cells are actually shedding themselves too quickly, resulting in an excess amount of dead skin cells that irritate your scalp and cause that itch. Contrary to what you might think, dandruff isn’t a symptom of simply a dry scalp or dry skin. It might actually be the opposite. There’s no definitive cause for dandruff, but it’s generally been found to be caused by a contribution of an oily scalp, malassezia yeast overgrowth, and genetics or allergies.

So how do I handle this dandruff problem?

If you have a serious case of dandruff, you’ll want to work with a doctor on an individual basis to figure out a treatment plan that works for you. However, there are some small steps you can take to help alleviate dandruff symptoms.

One first step you can take is simply shampooing your hair more often. We know how glorious those no-shower days feel, but your scalp actually needs a regular wash to be in tip top shape. Shampooing everyday will help get rid of excess grease on your scalp, and help keep your hair flake-free. Combined with anti-stress techniques to switching up your diet, home remedies can also go a long way in relieving that itch.

But not any shampoo is going to do. Your doctor may prescribe you a medicated shampoo to keep fungi levels down and help prevent your scalp skin cells from multiplying as rapidly. If you prefer to do the shopping on your own, look for anti-dandruff shampoos with natural ingredients that are specifically chosen to help balance your itchy scalp, without damaging your hair. There are certain harsh synthetic chemicals that might promise an intense cleanse, but can actually do more harm than good to the delicate balance of your scalp!

Best dandruff shampoos for men

We know how exhausting and stressful it is to deal with dandruff. So we’ve done some research for you on the most trustworthy dandruff shampoos that are guy-friendly (yes, even the scents and packaging!). We’ve found credible brands that are experienced with formulating clean and natural products. You can expect high quality ingredients and balanced formulas that are potent enough while still being gentle on your head (and hair!). Without further ado, here are the best dandruff shampoos for men who would love to finally put that itch to rest.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo from Avalon Organics
Cruelty-free, vegan
This anti-dandruff shampoo packs a one-two punch from potent active ingredients salicylic acid and tea tree. Salicylic acid works to clear pores and get rid of those extra flakes, while tea tree boasts both antibacterial and antifungal properties to help keep your scalp at a peaceful balance. Round it up with a blend of citrus oils and you’ll have freshly cleansed hair with a healthy shine.

Sweet Pea Dandruff Flake Removal Shampoo from Carina Organics
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Sure, we’d love to remove those pesky dandruff flakes, but without taking away the precious moisture and nutrients in our scalp. This dandruff works to soothe your scalp, while also restoring it with olive oil. Apple cider vinegar keeps the formula pH balanced, perfect for tackling delicate skin conditions on your scalp. This shampoo is highly commended for its gentle scent and effectiveness against dandruff.

The Dandruff Defeater from Siam Seas
Cruelty-free
Fighting dandruff is hardly a sexy business, but maybe this luxe natural shampoo will change your mind. It’s infused with kaffir lime that boasts dandruff-fighting properties, with a naturally antibacterial base to help keep your scalp soothed from irritation, inflammation, and infection. The calming citrus scent might also calm you down and stop you from literally tearing your hair out.

Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner from John Masters Organics
Cruelty-free
This botanical-based shampoo helps to purify your scalp, and leave it feeling soothed and fresh again. It works to exfoliate your skin, sweeping away dead skin cell buildup (the stuff that causes all that itchiness!) and also degreasing your scalp, helping to lower your chances of a nasty dandruff outbreak. It doubles as a conditioner too, so you can hop in the shower daily and skip a step!

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo from Maple Holistics
Cruelty-free
When dandruff and other annoying scalp conditions start coming up your alley, it may be time for a scalp detox. We’re talking about a cleanser that deeply clarifies your pores, while still being gentle on your precious hair. Tea tree helps balance your scalp by fighting bacterial overgrowth and keeping your pores in the clear. You’ll appreciate the argan oil and jojoba oil for their protective and conditioning properties on hair.

Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp from 100% Pure
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Dandruff is quite a problem, and every problem needs a dedicated problem-solver. Sometimes you might not be sure what the problem exactly is, which is why you’ll need a shampoo that has the sole goal to promote a healthier scalp. Burdock & neem are botanicals that work hand-in-hand to keep excess oil, bacteria, and skin out of your scalp. Yes, just having an itch-free day can be considered a huge victory!

Awakening Peppermint Soapberry Shampoo from Tree to Tub
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
For a balanced scalp, you’ll likely need a balanced shampoo. This shampoo harnesses the natural power of the soapberry to create a soothing lather that helps sweep embarrassing scalp conditions away. Essential oils cleanse, promote shine, and keep that itch away throughout the day. The peppermint version is especially beneficial for oily scalps, and promises a refreshing minty scent to calm your senses.

Get that dandruff under control

All of the shampoos listed above are gentle enough to use daily. In fact, we encourage many of you to get used to shampooing more regularly if you seriously want to gain the upper hand over this enemy. But if you don’t notice much change after a while, or see the situation taking a turn for a worse, please do seek advice from your doctor and take it from there.

But sometimes just simply switching up your shampoo can work wonders for your scalp health! And with the ones above, you can rest at ease knowing that they won’t be stripping your hair and scalp and causing even further problems. Now lather it up and start massaging that poor scalp with your new favorite shampoo. All of our dandruff battles deserve their own happy ending.