Dandruff. It's one of those beauty ailments that no one really talks about, but it's one that almost all of us will experience at some point in our lives. And since we're no strangers to dishing on the ugly side of beauty (we've tackled ingrown toenails and gross ingredients in skin cream), we're going to get into the nitty-gritty (flaky-scaly?) of what causes dandruff and how TotalBeauty.com users address theirs with the 13 best dandruff shampoos.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff starts with sebum, a natural oil produced by the body that (when produced in normal qualities) makes the hair and skin supple and creates a protective barrier around your 'dermis. But, when overproduced, sebum can create issues like acne and, you guessed it, dandruff.

How to get rid of dandruff?

To combat the white flaky foes and soothe redness and irritation, you can follow an anti-dandruff routine. Besides avoiding too-hot water, heat styling tools and too much product, you can manage your flaky little secret by switching to these best anti-dandruff shampoos our readers and editors say really work.

Image via Imaxtree

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8*

Why it's great: This dandruff shampoo is easy on your scalp and your wallet — and it gets the job done. "I felt like this really clarified any gunk or buildup at the scalp," said one reader, also noting that it left her hair feeling "soft and shiny."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Dove Clean & Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo here.

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*At time of publication

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.0*

Why it's great: Readers say this product's medicated formula helps relieve "itchy and dry scalp" for any hair type.

"With this brutal winter, my head has been itchy like a case of the chicken pox," says one reader. "I picked up Selsun Blue to give it a try and I had immediate relief!"

Users say the product's heavy "medicated smell" is worth getting used to because the product drastically reduces flaking. "My hair is extremely high maintenance, but I use Selsun Blue and I have no dandruff problems," writes one reader. "This will clean your hair like nothing else."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo here.

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*At time of publication

TotalBeauty.com editors' pick

Why it's great: One thing's for sure: This is definitely the best dandruff shampoo in town when it comes to looks. Of course, it's more than just a pretty addition to your shower caddy, though — it gets the job done, all while smelling just as luxuriously fragrant as the rest of Oribe's offerings.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo here.

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*At time of publication

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7*

Why it's great: Readers describe this product as "happiness in a bottle." When compared to other dandruff shampoo options, one reviewer says this is the only one that doesn't make her smell like "a coal miner on break." Reviewers like that it removes not only dandruff, but also product buildup. One TotalBeauty.com reader finds that it clears up her scalp psoriasis, saying, "It works very well to clear up the red, itchy patches on my scalp and reduces flaking." Put simply, this shampoo works. As another reviewer states, "This is the only dandruff shampoo that does what it's supposed to do."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review of Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner here.

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*At time of publication