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If your scalp has been flaking on you (literally), don’t stress: The best dandruff shampoos to help kick it to the curb and bring balance back to your roots. Dandruff usually happens when yeast on the scalp gets out of control, leading to inflammation, itchiness, and flaking. Whether your scalp is oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, these dermatologist-approved scalp treatments are packed with ingredients like selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and pyrithione zinc to address the root causes of dandruff, often including yeast overgrowth and inflammation.

While you may need your doctor's advice to develop a dandruff treatment plan, a hardworking, over-the-counter shampoo—many of which you can find at the drugstore—is a great place to start in your hair-care routine. Better yet, many of the newest formulas on the shelves now pair these results-driven active ingredients with formulas that care for hair, leaving it softer and shinier. Read on for recommendations from Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists, and brush up on what dandruff is and how to find your perfect OTC shampoo solution.

Nizoral

Why it's worth it: Everyone loves this stuff—especially dermatologists who've seen it work wonders in their own patients. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC at Idriss Dermatology, vouches for Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, as does Joel Lamm, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. This over-the-counter medicated shampoo contains 1% ketoconazole, which is an "active ingredient found in prescription shampoos that reduces inflammation and fungal growth—the root cause of dandruff," NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD, explains. This shampoo also contains sulfates for a thorough cleanse and satisfying lather.