Before we start, it's critical to understand an important point, a dandruff shampoo does not permanently cure your dandruff problems but only controls it because dandruff is a chronic condition and might reappear occasionally.
One of the most common complaints from users is that dandruff shampoos do not work effectively in helping them to stop their dandruff problems. There are many reasons why the shampoos might not work for you like
- The shampoo is not suitable for your scalp condition
- You are not applying it properly
- The treatment duration is too short
- Suffering from a different scalp condition
- Your scalp is sensitive towards other hair products
Whatever the reasons are, most dandruff problems and scalp conditions like
Scalp Psoriasis and
Seborrheic Dermatitis can be controlled if you use a right dandruff shampoo.
Before you buy, it's important to know about the active ingredients that makes the shampoos work and which one is suitable for your condition.
Effective Active Ingredients For Treating Dandruff
There are mainly 5 types of active ingredients with different methods in controlling dandruff. These active ingredients are
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium Sulfide
- Coal Tar
- Salicylic Acid
- Zinc Pyrithione
There are also other herbal remedies like Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary that are also effective with dandruff. We will discuss that in the home remedies section but now let us review the top dandruff shampoos that contain these active ingredients.
I recommend that you should only try proven brands as they have high success rates in overcoming hair loss. Other shampoos that do not use these active ingredients might not help you with your dandruff problems.
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Ketoconazole 2%
Nizoral contains an invaluable active ingredient known as Ketoconazole. This active ingredient has anti-bacterial properties that can eliminate fungal concentrations on your scalp. As one of the perceived causes of dandruff is related to a fungus known as Pityrosporum ovale, Ketoconazole does a great job in controlling the population of this fungus.
Besides that, Ketoconazole also contains anti-androgenic properties that can help reduce DHT build ups on the scalp. It's also a good choice for those suffering from Male Pattern Baldness. Nizoral 2% is available in most countries and is definitely worth the try.
Great For:
- Mild to Moderate Dandruff Problems
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Skin and Scalp Fungal Infections
- SeboPsoriasis
Selsun Blue
Active Ingredient: Selenium Sulfide 1%, Zinc Pyrithione
Another noteworthy antifungal ingredient is Selenium Sulfide 1%. This formula is great for treating most dandruff problems related to fungal infections and also helps with clearing of excessive oil build ups. Over usage of Selenium Sulfide might cause hair color discoloration especially if you dye your hair.
Zinc Pyrithione is also another potent antibacterial agent that is effective against many forms of fungal infections like psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot and Tinea Capitis.
Selsun Blue is available over-the-counter in the 1% formula. You may need a prescription from your doctor for the more potent 2.5% version. Selenium Sulfide is a strong chemical so if you have cracked, dry or scarring scalp, you might need a medical opinion before using this shampoo. This product is not recommended for pregnant women as it might have some health effects on unborn babies. So if you are pregnant, choose another shampoo instead.
Great For:
- Mild Dandruff
- Fungal Infection
- SeboPsoriasis
Neutrogena T/Gel
Active Ingredient: Coal Tar 0.5%
Neutrogena T/Gel is another very popular anti-dandruff shampoo. The main reason of its effectiveness is due to a by-product of carbonized coal known as Coal Tar.
Coal Tar is used to slow down cell turnover preventing dandruff and symptoms of psoriasis. It works also by reducing inflammation and prevent scaling. Although it's a great product, coal products can absorb moisture and can dry your hair and scalp. Consider getting a moisturizing shampoo when using this product.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation and the FDA, coal tar is one of the most common and effective treatment for Psoriasis and other scalp conditions. The recommended concentrations that you should buy are within 0.5% to 5% which is designated safe. It's also recommended to buy Coal Tar products from popular brands like Neutrogena T/Gel because unknown brand might have undefined concentrations of this active ingredient which can be hazardous for health.
Great For:
- Moderate Dandruff
- Psoriasis
- SeboPsoriasis
- Other scalp conditions
Ionil-T/Plus
Active Ingredient: Coal Tar 1%/2%, Salicylic Acid
Combining both Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid together, Ionil-T is really one serious anti-dandruff shampoo that works wonders for dandruff and scalp problems. The shampoo comes in 2 version, the normal Ionil-T and the Ionil-T plus which contains 2% Coal Tar for more tougher cases.
Salicylic Acid is a kind of beta hydroxyl acid and a key ingredient in many skin care products for treating skin conditions like acne. It works by loosening the dead skin cells and allow room for new cells to grow. It's one of the widely used treatments for treating scalp conditions like Psoriasis.
Great For:
- Moderate to Excessive Dandruff
- SeboPsoriasis
- Scalp Psoriasis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Scalp Acne
How to Choose A Dandruff Shampoo?
There aren't any specific guidelines for choosing a good dandruff shampoo. What you can do is to find that has an active ingredient that works with your symptoms and scalp condition. For just normal dandruff, you might just want to try Nizoral first.
Sometimes it takes more than 1 dandruff shampoo to provide excellent results. That does not mean that it's not working as it might just show that the active ingredient is not suitable for you. Don't worry, try another different type of active ingredient and you bound to hit the jackpot.
How to Use Your Dandruff Shampoo Effectively
Another common reason why your dandruff shampoo might not work for you is that you are using it the wrong way. Always remember that dandruff shampoos are meant for treating your scalp and not your hair so you have to apply it correctly. Follow some simple steps below to increase the efficiency of your dandruff shampoo. As most shampoos have their own guidelines, these are the general ones you should follow.
- Rinse your hair well with warm or cool water.
- Now, part your hair with your hands to expose the area of the affected scalp. The point is to apply at the affected area and not the hair.
- Apply the recommended amount directly to your scalp.
- Gently, in circular motions, massage your scalp for around 1 to 2 minutes.
- Leave the shampoo on for another 4-5 minutes to allow the active ingredients to work.
- Rinse the shampoo off with cool or warm water.
- The first application will usually clear some flakes and oils while a second application is usually more effective in penetrating the scalp. You can apply the shampoo twice but use fewer amounts for the first application.
- Leave it on for another few minutes and then wash it off.
- Towel dry your hair. If possible, avoid blowing and using excessive hair products.
- Overusing will not improve the recovery rate and might cause more dandruff problems.
Now all you have to do is to be patient. Sometimes it takes 3-4 weeks to get rid of your dandruff problems. You should notice visible improvements after 3-4 washes. If the condition does not improve after that period, you might want to try another active ingredient. If the condition worsens after 1-2 months, you will need to see your doctor or a dermatologist.
Cut Back When It's Gone
Dandruff Shampoos contain active ingredients that are harsher on your scalp and hair than most shampoos. I consider dandruff shampoos as a form of medication to treat a scalp condition therefore you should cut back on usage after you have controlled your dandruff problems.
Try reducing use to two or three times a week after significant improvements. You can cycle between your regular shampoo for daily washing as per usual. If your dandruff problems are gone, then stop using it altogether. Get an Organic Shampoo instead as it's less harsh on your scalp and hair.
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