Look for specific actives.

Make sure your dandruff shampoo contains ingredients that will actually get rid of dandruff. Antifungals like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc are proven to destroy the excess yeast on your scalp that’s causing dandruff. But if your scalp is covered with dry patches, or it gets hella greasy quickly (and maybe even has some acne too), def try salicylic acid too, which helps dissolve oil and chemically exfoliate dead skin cells before they flake off.

Incorporate soothing ingredients.

No, ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera won’t get rid of dandruff on their own. But they will help minimize some of the inflammation on your scalp, which can in turn reduce some itching and irritation.

Also, if you’re dealing with a seriously itchy scalp, look for a formula spiked with coal tar. It’s not the best smelling, but it seriously helps reduce the shedding of your skin, leading to fewer flakes and irritation.

Consider your hair type.

If you have super-dry hair, you’ll want a dandruff shampoo spiked with rich moisturizers, like shea butter and coconut oil, and also doesn’t contain harsh, drying sulfates. On the other hand, oily scalps need those sulfates to cut through oil and product buildup that can lead to greasy flaking. So regardless of which formula you choose, smooth on a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair feeling healthy, even when you’re lathering up with a medicated shampoo.

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