How To Get Rid of Dandruff (Start With Shampoo)

Fixing a dry, flaky scalp starts in the shower. It's your head's way of quite actually demanding extra attention, and you can help appease it by getting a gentle, dandruff-addressing shampoo. Dandruff can stem from many sources, so the earlier you explore why you have it—and what helps—the faster it'll subside. Here are some options to try. 

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you're just starting to notice some dryness, opt for something simple that you can use every other wash.

Head and Shoulders Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

Head and Shoulders is classic for a reason. It's especially good if you know the flakes are coming from persistently dry skin.  

Malin+Goetz Dandruff Shampoo

Malin+Goetz's take uses pyrithione zinc, which reportedly helps manage seborrheic dermatitis—one of the most common root causes of dandruff. 

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo  

This is a management and preventative treatment all in one. It uses piroctine olamine to help treat the cause and appearance of dandruff, and salicylic acid to help it stay clear. 

Kiehl's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo 

Tea tree oil is an element known for its scalp-helping, dandruff-reducing properties. If you're a daily shampoo kind of guy, this is a good everyday one to use.  

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Cleansing Oil-Crème Duo

Prevention helps keep dandruff at bay, too. Apply this cleansing oil-creme duo once a week to make sure any product or sweat gets cleared out. You can use it in place of or in addition to your regular shampoo, depending on how much love your head needs.  

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Oribe is in a world beyond standard shampoos. If you have any sort of scalp ailment—product build-up, dryness, flakiness, or itchiness—this very gentle formula helps clear and restore it. Plus, it's one of the best-smelling shampoos you'll ever try.

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.