TOP 10 BEST DANDRUFF TREATMENTS
When you think of haircare, it’s easy to picture gloss-giving creams, volume-boosting mists and the essentials for a bouncy blow-dry. But behind those sleek, styled looks, there’s something many of us are really searching for… the best dandruff treatments.
Dandruff can leave your scalp feeling itchy, dry and uncomfortable. It’s often caused by an imbalanced scalp microbiome, typically triggered by an overgrowth of malassezia yeast. The result? Those tell-tale flakes we’d all rather avoid. In simple terms, dandruff happens when your skin cells divide too quickly, creating excess buildup.
So, how do you get rid of it? And what are the most effective solutions? Well, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve rounded up the best dandruff treatments to help calm, comfort and rebalance your scalp— so you can get back to swishing your strands with confidence (and without the flakes).
In This Article:
- Philip KingsleyFlaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner
- JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil
- Briogeo MegaStrength Dandruff Control Shampoo
- Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Renew
- Hair by Sam McKnight Pure Genius 98% Natural Scalp Restoring Oil
- Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager
- VIRTUE Scalp Remedy Shampoo
- OUAI Scalp Serum
- Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
- Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum
- Dandruff Treatment FAQs
THE TOP 10 BEST DANDRUFF TREATMENTS
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner
£25.00
Water-based and fragrance-free, Philip Kingsley’s Flake/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner delivers both instant and long-lasting relief for flaky, irritated scalps. Powered by a smart blend of piroctone olamine (an antimicrobial that helps reduce itching and flaking), cooling camphor to soothe discomfort and benzalkonium chloride for extended itch relief, this targeted treatment works fast to rebalance the scalp and reduce dead skin cell build-up—leaving your hair feeling refreshed and looking healthier. Did we mention there’s no need to rinse it out too?
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil
£28.00
Want your hair to look healthier, stronger and longer? Meet JVN’s Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil. Expertly designed to balance your scalp’s pH and moisture levels, this nourishing treatment soothes irritation while encouraging hair growth. Infused with strengthening rosemary extract, calming turmeric and neem seed oils plus the brand’s patented sugarcane-derived squalane to boost overall hair health, it’s one of the best dandruff treatments for a flake-free scalp—without ever stripping it.
Briogeo MegaStrength Dandruff Control Shampoo
£36.00
Suitable for all hair types (yes, even coils, kinks and curls), Briogeo’s MegaStrength Dandruff Control Shampoo is a must-have in any scalp-saving routine. Formulated with 3% salicylic acid, hydrating lactic acid and purifying binchotan charcoal, this powerhouse gently exfoliates away dead skin cells while removing dryness, excess oils, product build-up and impurities. At the same time, it helps keep hair follicles clear to support a healthy scalp environment. The result? Hair that feels fresh, looks healthy and stays flake-free.
Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Renew
£46.00
Specifically formulated to get to the root cause of itchiness, Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Scalp Renew is a multitasking treatment that goes beyond basic exfoliation. Powered by a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids, it gently lifts away flakes, oil and product build-up while rebalancing your scalp’s pH. Nourishing oils and antioxidant-rich botanicals help soothe irritation, strengthen the scalp barrier and create the perfect environment for healthier hair growth.
Hair by Sam McKnight Pure Genius 98% Natural Scalp Restoring Oil
£36.00
Powered by omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E and crinipan, Hair by Sam McKnight’s Pure Genius 98% Natural Scalp Restoring Oil is one of the best dandruff treatments to use before you step into the shower. Promoting a more balanced scalp, this supercharged solution soothes, hydrates and locks in moisture while reducing sebum, product build-up and impurities. Infused with a botanical fragrance inspired by the founder's garden, it leaves locks suitably scented and restored.
Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager
£27.00
No round-up of the best dandruff treatments would be complete without Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager. Designed with thin, flexible bristles that reach the scalp—even through wet hair—this sensorial shower essential uses bi-level filaments to gently exfoliate and lift away impurities. By stimulating micro-circulation, it boosts blood flow for a healthier scalp and adds a dose of relaxation to your wash routine. The result? A tool that delivers both impact and zen every time you lather up.
VIRTUE Scalp Remedy Shampoo
£42.00
Marrying the brand’s skincare-inspired Alpha Keratin 60kU protein into a cleanser, VIRTUE’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo nurtures your lengths from root to tip. Infused with bio-identical protein plus ziziphus Juazeiro bark and aniseed myrtle extract, this gentle shampoo soothes flake-prone scalps while buffing away dead skin cells and reducing excess sebum. With its blend of hydrating heroes, it ensures strands are flake-free, sleek and defended against visibly dry ends too.
OUAI Scalp Serum
£48.00
Bring fuller-looking locks back with OUAI’s Scalp Serum. Understanding that cultivating a healthy environment for your hair starts at the scalp, this lightweight serum is powered by artic root, Siberian ginseng and chaga mushrooms to promote long-lasting hydration and a healthier skin barrier. With red clove in the formulation, this strand-saver helps reduce scalp discomfort while nourishing and thickening your locks.
Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment
£70.00
Looking to comfort irritation and clear blocked hair follicles? Enter: Augustinus Bader’s The Scalp Treatment. Enriched with the brand’s innovative, amino-acid rich TFC8 Complex and a powerful Multi-Mineral Active Complex (infused with a carefully formulated cocktail of magnesium, zinc and copper), this supercharged serum helps renew and repair hair follicles, reenergise and refresh your scalp and bring it back to is natural pH levels.
Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum
£54.00
In need of growth promotion and scalp care? Living Proof’s Scalp Care Density Serum may be the one for you. Packed with pea sprout extract to protect your scalp, amaranth to encourage thicker-looking locks, and the brand’s Anti-Grey Complex (powered by potent amino acids and antioxidants) to help reduce the appearance of grey hairs, this super serum promotes hair length and stimulates growth. Plus, its non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula makes it an ideal addition to your everyday hair care routine.
DANDRUFF TREATMENT FAQs
Does keratin treatment cause dandruff?
Keratin doesn’t directly cause dandruff, but it can sometimes trigger dandruff-like symptoms if you have a sensitive scalp. Many keratin products are rich and coating and may leave build-up if you don’t cleanse correctly. In-salon keratin treatments may contain formaldehyde, which can strip your scalp of natural oils and cause dryness, flaking or irritation. If you notice these signs, use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo or one of the best dandruff treatments we’ve outlined above to help exfoliate and rebalance your scalp.
Can I use anti dandruff shampoo after keratin treatment?
Yes, you can a dandruff specific shampoo after a keratin treatment. But there are a few considerations first. If you’re having an in-salon keratin treatment, we would recommend waiting 3-5 days after your treatment to allow your hair to set before you use a shampoo. We would also suggest a hair oil and leave-in conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends to maintain the smoothness and shine of your hair.
Do hot oil treatments help with dandruff?
Yes, hot oil treatments can help with dandruff, but it depends on the cause. If your dandruff is yeast-related, hot oil alone won’t be enough without incorporating some of the best dandruff treatments into your routine. However, if your dandruff is caused by a dry scalp or irritation, a hot oil treatment can soothe and comfort your scalp. For a total anti-dandruff hair care routine, explore our ultimate guide here.
Now you’re equipped with the best dandruff treatments to add to your hair care routine. From soothing scalp exfoliators to gentle anti-dandruff shampoos and multitasking oils, these essentials restore balance, comfort and health to your scalp—so you can swish, sway and style your hair with confidence.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
