These Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Soothe My Dry, Itchy Scalp

Samantha Driscoll
·7 min read

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During my most recent haircut, I was embarrassed when my stylist pointed out an excessive amount of dandruff in my hair. In fact, the flakes were so bad that I could see them in my reflection from the mirror across from me (up until then, I could only see them when inspecting my scalp up close in the comfort of my own bathroom). Mortified, I quickly apologized, but he assured me that it was no trouble. When I was younger, I went through a few dandruff flare-ups that caused an itchy, dry scalp and a few flakes. I was able to treat the symptoms with detox shampoos and a few clarifying scalp treatments. However, I've recently noticed that my dandruff, which is usually easily remedied, had gotten significantly more severe. I blame it on the stress of COVID-19 and planning my wedding. On top of that, since I began working remotely and don't leave the apartment as often, I haven't been washing my hair as much. Having thick hair, I can go up to a week between wash days, but I do like to use dry shampoo between washes.

Despite frequent scalp treatments and detox shampoo use, I noticed that the flakes, and itchy scalp, were getting worse. When my stylist told me that my dandruff was actually pretty bad, I knew it was time to switch up my treatment plan, so I reached out to an expert to get the 411 on what causes dandruff and what I could be doing differently to treat it at home. According to board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, M.D., dandruff tends to occur in areas of high sebum production, like the scalp. "The natural presence of yeast on the scalp causes the sebum to break down into smaller oils. Some individuals are more likely to be sensitive to those oil byproducts, which can lead to an inflammatory reaction. This can show up as dryness, itching, or flaking of the scalp. In more severe cases, it can cause redness or bumps, which are a sign of a more severe condition called seborrheic dermatitis," Robinson says.

Two of the biggest triggers for dandruff flare-ups are stress and infrequency of hair washing. "Stress causes increased inflammation in the body, which can make dandruff symptoms worse. Plus, decreased frequency of hair washing can cause oil buildup on the scalp, which leads to yeast overgrowth and more dandruff symptoms," board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., says.

According to Murphy-Rose, an anti-dandruff shampoo is the most effective at-home treatment for dandruff. Most anti-dandruff shampoos are formulated with zinc pyrithione, an FDA-regulated ingredient that has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that decreases inflammation and can help treat dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis. An anti-dandruff shampoo can be paired with any regular conditioner, Murphy-Rose says. "Conditioners provide moisture to your hair, specifically the ends of your hair. Most people with dandruff don't need any extra oils or moisture on the scalp." Murphy-Rose recommends using an anti-dandruff shampoo each time you wash your hair when you are first beginning to treat dandruff. "Use it at least three times a week, but you'll get results even faster if you use it every day. For a lot of people, just washing your hair once with an anti-dandruff shampoo can significantly cut down on the itch and even the flaking. But, you should see significant results after a week," Murphy-Rose says.

When using an anti-dandruff shampoo, it's important to let the suds from the shampoo sit for a few minutes before you rinse it off, Robinson says. The extended time allows the active ingredients to have more contact with your scalp, effectively helping them to do their job better. "Once you're not symptomatic, meaning you aren't feeling any itch and you don't get flakes, you can start scaling back how often you wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo," Murphy-Rose says. If you have severe dandruff, you may have to continue to use an anti-dandruff a few times a week, but if you aren't noticing symptoms, you can scale back even further to just once a week or even just once a month. It all depends on how your scalp responds to normal shampoo and how often you wash your hair. "If you're washing your hair frequently with a normal shampoo, you may be keeping the grease—and therefore the yeast—levels down so that you don't need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo as frequently," Murphy-Rose says.

One word of warning: before you get your symptoms under control, it's best to keep your hands off of your head no matter how itchy your scalp can get. "Scratching an itchy scalp can make symptoms worse by causing friction and irritation at the skin barrier," warns Robinson. Because my scalp tends to get itchy almost daily when dealing with a dandruff flare-up, I like to use an anti-dandruff serum to help with itchiness and flaking in between washes. The First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Scalp Serum is a lifesaver; it helps relieve irritation and itching instantly without leaving behind any residue.

Dandruff is very common and is nothing to be embarrassed about, but I know first-hand how self-conscious it can make you. If you're like me and you suffer from dandruff, you might benefit from using an anti-dandruff shampoo to put an end to the itchiness and flakes. Shop four of my favorites below!

First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This shampoo, which has 1% zinc pyrithione, is a game-changer for irritated, itchy scalps. Not only does it help soothe irritation and help prevent flakes, but it also makes my hair feel smooth, thanks to added calendula and vitamin E. During the winter months, my dandruff gets a lot worse, but after just one use, my symptoms were barely noticeable!

Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

I love this shampoo, because in addition to removing flakes and controlling scalp irritation, it also clears excess buildup and controls excess sebum production. Squalane in the formula helps prevent hair breakage, while coconut oil and sugar kelp extract work together to moisturize and soothe the scalp. I love the lavender and mint aroma as well, and it feels like I'm getting a spa treatment in my shower.

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Dry Scalp Rescue

Head & Shoulders was the very first anti-dandruff product I ever used, so I was excited when they released a Clinical Strength version of their shampoo. Selenium sulfide in the formula not only treats severe dandruff but also treats seborrheic dermatitis. This prescription-strength shampoo protects against flakes and an itchy scalp. Manuka honey helps hydrate the scalp, providing much-needed relief for dryness. I was amazed at how quickly my flakes (and an incredibly itchy scalp) went away after shampooing!

Dove DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Scalp Dryness and Itch Relief Shampoo

This anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated with zinc pyrithione, which fights symptoms of dandruff, as well as coconut and shea butter that work together to nourish and hydrate dry, itchy scalps and alleviate irritation. It's gentle enough to be used every day, and it's also safe for even the most sensitive scalps. I like to use this in the winter months when I notice that my scalp seems extra dry.