Your Dandruff Doesn't Stand a Chance Against These Shampoos

Chances are, you’ve had a run-in with dandruff once before. Maybe you were wearing your favorite all-black ensemble and looked down to find your shoulders covered in flakes. If you’ve noticed a bit of scalp irritation, hairstylist Michelle Cleveland recommends you first determine the severity of the situation. Ask yourself: Is it seasonal? Could this be product buildup or diet-related? Or, is this a side effect of a more serious condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis? (In that last case, it would best to seek advice from a medical professional.)

So, what should you look for once you've identified the source? Cleveland recommends examining the product ingredients carefully and doing your research. Search for personal testimonials and reviews so you can target your exact problem and see results.

The two main ingredients Cleveland advises to look out for are apple cider vinegar (ideal for occasional dandruff) and tar (a more aggressive approach for severe cases of dandruff caused by psoriasis or dermatitis). Both ingredients are great natural alternatives. If fighting dandruff all-natural isn’t a must, you can also look for ingredients like zinc and salicylic acid that are commonly used to fight inflammation and skin irritation. Cleveland also says to read the directions carefully and only use products with apple cider vinegar and other chemicals twice a week if you have a sensitive scalp. Here are 11 dandruff shampoos that can help you fight the flake in no time.