The 10 best dandruff shampoos to treat flakes and itching, per experts
Dealing with dandruff isn’t only uncomfortable, but it leads to itching and scratching all day long if left untreated.There is nothing fun about flakes falling from your scalp — luckily an alleviating shampoo can help.First things first: what is dandruff? The condition arises “when there is inflammation mixed with yeast overgrowth on the scalp skin that results is an overgrowth and flaking off of the top layer of skin cells,” Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai department of dermatology, told Post Wanted.The best shampoo for dandruff depends on your preferences: consistency, scent and overall experience.Clean, gentle ingredients are important when choosing a dandruff shampoo or topical solution.
“Salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids are ideal for removing scalp buildup by acting as a solvent for dead skin cells, oil and clogged follicles,” Jay Small, certified trichologist, licensed hairstylist and co-founder of Arey Haircare, shared with Post Wanted.“Different from an abrasive scalp scrub, these are chemical exfoliants that can remove debris but not scratch or stress a sensitive scalp.
Pyrithione zinc and ketoconazole are excellent antimicrobial and anti-fungal ingredients that will address itching and irritation due to an abundance of Malassezia.”To help make your scalp as healthy as can be, Post Wanted rounded up the best dandruff shampoos to try ASAP and called upon experts to answer some of your most-asked questions on the topic.After testing more than 30 of the best shampoos this year — along with the best dry shampoos and personalized haircare brands — these formulas are some of our favorites.The OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is excellent for tackling scalp buildup due to its powerful combination of active ingredients.
It contains pyrithione zinc, a well-known ingredient that helps control dandruff by targeting the yeast that causes flakiness and irritat...