After 4 Years of Flakes, These Are the Only Ones That Actually Helped.
I started noticing dandruff in my late 20s — just the usual white dust on black t-shirts. But it got worse. Eventually, I saw flakes in my beard and eyebrows, and none of the drugstore stuff I tried made a lasting difference.
I finally saw a New York-based dermatologist who explained that dandruff affects about half of men and is usually caused by a yeast called Malassezia. He told me what to look for in an effective shampoo — and more importantly, what to avoid.
Over the next few years, I tested just about everything: pharmacy brands, luxury shampoos, clean formulas, clinical ones. Most didn’t stick. These five did.
1. Flakes Shampoo & Conditioner
After trying dozens of products, Flakes worked the best for me. It combines Pyrithione Zinc (what my derm recommended for fighting dandruff) with MCT oil, which helped keep my scalp balanced. Unlike some stronger treatments I’ve used, this didn’t dry out my scalp or leave a chemical smell.
What I noticed: flakes cleared up after about 2–3 weeks, my hair looked fuller, and the itch was gone. It also doesn’t use sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances — which I’ve found make some shampoos harsher.
Bonus: it comes with a scalp brush, free shipping, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. I’ve stuck with it since.
EDIT: They're offering readers 20% OFF and a FREE scalp brush if they subscribe
2. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This one definitely works — it uses salicylic acid and high-end botanical ingredients. My scalp felt better, and flakes reduced. That said, it’s expensive. It smells great, but the price made it tough to justify long-term for me.
3. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This is a classic drugstore option that uses ketoconazole. It’s one of the more effective antifungal actives out there, and it helped with flaking. But after a few washes, my hair felt a bit dry. I now use it occasionally, but not daily.
4. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo
Easy to find, affordable, and it works — especially for moderate dandruff. It uses selenium sulfide, which helped, but I found the formula left my hair feeling coated and had a stronger scent than I prefer.
5. Dove Men+Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Gentle and solid for everyday use. It includes Pyrithione Zinc and some moisturizing ingredients. It didn’t completely clear up my flakes, but it’s a nice option if you’re looking for something milder and accessible.
Bottom Line: What Actually Works?:
Every scalp is different. But for me, Flakes was the only shampoo that consistently worked without trade-offs. It has strong active ingredients, no filler stuff, and actually made my hair and scalp look and feel healthier.
If you’ve tried everything else and still haven’t found something that sticks — I’d start here.
Shop Flakes – 20% Off Your First Order
Please note, my tests were not scientific, and your results may vary.
