Dandruff is most common between young adulthood and middle age, but it can affect anybody. Infants can develop a condition called cradle cap that’s similar to adult dandruff, and some individuals might struggle with dandruff throughout their lives. It’s seen more often in men than women, and in individuals with oilier skin. And worst of all, it’s not always as straightforward to treat as using a generic dandruff shampoo. In this article, you’ll learn how to understand what type of dandruff product to use and how the individual ingredients work, so you can be done with dandruff for good.

One of the first things you should ask yourself before treating dandruff is: Is it really dandruff, or could it be another scalp condition entirely? If it’s dandruff, you’ll typically see white, oily flakes that get worse in the fall and winter when indoor heating dries out your skin and scalp. See a doctor if you have any questions – most of the time it’ll only take a quick look at your scalp for the doctor to decipher what scalp condition you have.

• Shampoo often. In many cases, the best remedy for your scalp is cleansing daily with a gentle shampoo. Shampooing not only removes oil and debris from your scalp, but the gentle lathering action sloughs off dead skin cells. If you’re not washing often enough, these cells will build up and shed onto your neck and shoulders. The good news is that this type of dandruff usually clears easily with daily cleansing. But, make sure not to use a cleanser that strips the skin’s natural oils or is too abrasive, as this will lead to an irritated scalp and possibly more dandruff.

• Product pick: Phyto Phytopanama Mild Shampoo for Frequently Washed Hair balances sebum production and cleanses an oily scalp without over-drying.

• Deal with a dry scalp. Sometimes dandruff is caused by severely dry skin. The flakes will be dry rather than oily, according to Mayo Clinic. If this is the case, washing too frequently or using an intensive dandruff treatment could exacerbate the condition. A gentle, nourishing shampoo and conditioner is a good place to start.

• Product pick: Klorane Gentle Shampoo with Oat Milk is nourishing and protective, so you can use it daily without worrying about over-cleansing.

• Rule out product sensitivities. A condition called contact dermatitis can leave the scalp flaky and irritated. If ingredients in your cleansing or styling products are harsh or irritating, they might be responsible for your dandruff. To combat, give your regular products a break and try hypoallergenic, gentle formulas without added dyes or fragrances. If your dandruff improves, then products were the culprit. If you need help knowing which products to keep and which to toss, bring in anything you’ve used recently and ask a doctor.

• Product pick: Phyto Phytolactum Gentle Nourishing Shampoo for Frequent Use is a good choice for soothing scalp irritations and helping your scalp repair itself.

• Treat fungal conditions. If your dandruff is caused by a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, the flakes will be oily and can look yellowish, and your skin will look red and greasy. Dandruff caused by oily skin rather than dry skin will benefit from an over-the-counter antifungal treatment, like one listed below.

• Try an over-the-counter scalp product. If you’ve ruled out product sensitivities and your dandruff persists even after frequent shampooing, it’s time to try a medicated treatment. Over-the-counter shampoos, conditioners and treatment products contain a wide range of active ingredients, so if one doesn’t work, swap it for a different product type. You can also rotate between two or more active ingredients. And, always let the shampoo or conditioner sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, Mayo Clinic suggests.

Here are the active ingredients you’ll find in dandruff products:

• Zinc pyrithione. Zinc is both antifungal and antibacterial, making it great for clearing many types of dandruff.

• Product pick:Selsun Salon Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo, 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner hydrates while cleansing.

• Tar. This ingredient is actually a byproduct created when manufacturing coal. If your dandruff is caused by dead skin that builds up and flakes off too quickly, coal tar will slow down this process.

• Product pick: Tarsum Shampoo/Gel From Summers comes in a convenient applicator that allows you to apply product directly to the source.

• Salicylic acid. Most commonly found in acne products, salicylic acid works on dandruff by helping slough off those dead skin cells and scales. This ingredient can be drying, so if your scalp is dry to begin with, be sure to follow up with a conditioner to replenish lost moisture.

• Product pick:Selsun Blue Naturals Dandruff Shampoo, Arctic Energy contains menthol to relieve stubborn itching.
• Selenium sulfide. Similar to coal tar, selenium sulfide slows the process of skin cell death and build up. Be careful if you have light-colored or color-treated hair, though; this ingredient might alter the color.

• Product pick: Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo, Medicated Treatment is a classic product for the treatment of dandruff.

• Ketoconazole. If your dandruff is caused by yeast, this antifungal ingredient is probably a good choice. You can also find prescription-strength Ketoconazole shampoos and treatments.

Make sure to pay attention to a particularly stubborn case of dandruff, and watch for symptoms like severe redness and irritation – you may have a completely different scalp condition. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis or a yeast overgrowth can all cause itchiness and irritation similar to dandruff. A doctor or dermatologist can help you determine the root cause for your irritated scalp. 

See also:

Scalp Folliculitis: Frequently Asked Questions

Scalp Folliculitis: Emergency Products and Daily Maintenance

Scalp Folliculitis: The Basics

Understanding Eczema: Causes and Treatment