Dandruff Shampoos

Lulit Price, MD, Neelam Vashi, MD, and Nkanyezi Ferguson, MD

What do I use dandruff shampoos for?

• Flaking
• Itching

How and when do I use these shampoos?

• Wash hair at least once weekly
• Rub shampoo gently into scalp (rub into scalp only as shampoos can be drying to the hair)
• Select sulfate-free antidandruff shampoos whenever possible
• Leave on for at least five minutes before rinsing
• Using two shampoos with different active elements may work best. Switch shampoos each week.
• You can use your regular shampoo to the rest of your hair and moisturizing conditioner after using dandruff shampoos if desired

What shampoos can I buy?
Below is a list of active elements that help with itching, redness, and flaking. Please note that some of these may be drying on the scalp.

• Pyrithione Zinc
• Ketoconazole
• Selenium Sulfide
• Salicylic Acid
• Tar (Note: tar may turn white/gray hair yellow if used often)

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