The American Academy of Dermatology states that dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes the scalp to itch and dry skin to flake off from it. It doesn't require medical attention and the most effective way to treat it is to use anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments. AAD says there are a lot of anti-dandruff shampoos in the market and they all contain different ingredients. That means it important to follow the instructions on the bottle since some ingredients need to be on the scalp longer than others. Here are the best anti-dandruff shampoos. They are dermatologist-approved and recommended by the expert consultants of Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Refinery29.
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dermatologist Ellen Marmur tells Refinery29 that this drugstore dandruff shampoo contains selenium sulfide, zinc carbonate and zinc pyrithione that moisturizes the scalp while fighting dandruff and prevent further flaking.
Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo
For thorough cleansing of the scalp, Dr. Marmur recommends Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo which has .5 percent coal tar. While it relieves itchiness brought about by dandruff, the AAD advices that those with blonde or gray hair should be wary of coal tar as it can discolor light-colored hair. There are safer options on the list for you.
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Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Ketoconazole 1%
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rajani Katta tells Good Housekeeping that to make the most of active ingredients in dandruff shampoos, it's best to leave it on the scalp for five to ten minutes. She likes this Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo since it contains ketoconazole which helps fight the type of bacteria that causes dandruff. According to Good Housekeeping, it's also the best-selling dandruff shampoo on Amazon with 18,000 positive reviews.
Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner tells Prevention that he likes the Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo since it has pyrithione zinc to reduce yeast production on the scalp. Since most anti-dandruff shampoos are drying, he also appreciates the shea butter in this variant that provides extra moisture to hair.
L'Oréal Paris EverFresh Anti-Dandruff Sulfate Free Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos can cause hair color to fade quicker so those who love experimenting with different hair colors will like L'Oréal Paris EverFresh Anti-Dandruff Sulfate Free Shampoo that is formulated for color-treated hair. It also smells good and non-medicinal unlike other anti-dandruff shampoos.
African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
For those with untreated and natural hair, take advantage of this shampoo which uses bamboo charcoal, tea tree oil and salicylic acid to cleanse and calm itchy scalps. It also contains aloe, shea butter and jojoba and coconut oils to hydrate natural hair that's prone to dryness.
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
Prevention and Refinery29 both suggest Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo for those who dislike medicinal scents. This minty anti-dandruff shampoo fights flakes with pyrithione zinc while keeping hair soft and manageable with and glycerin and lavender oil. Pyrithione zinc is also the ideal dandruff-fighting active ingredient for color-treated hair.
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