Dandruff, a condition that causes an itchy, flaky scalp, is most common in individuals with oily hair and is mainly caused by a fungus called malassezia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dandruff is rarely a serious condition, but the itchiness can drive you to scratch to hard or too often, irritating your skin and making it more prone to infection. If over-the-counter shampoos don't help after using them regularly for three to four weeks, you should consult a dermatologist to obtain a prescription for dandruff shampoos that are more potent. The malassezia fungus is not contagious.
Head and Shoulders
Head and Shoulders is one of the oldest leading brands of dandruff shampoos. It contains a constituent called zinc pyrithione, which acts as an antifungal agent that kills the malassezia yeast fungus. It is also antibacterial and will protect your scalp against future infection.
According to the Head and Shoulders website, you should lather this shampoo for two minutes, and it is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. It recommends not using conditioner unless it is also Head and Shoulders so as to avoid the zinc pyrithione washing away with other conditioner use.
Nizoral
Nizoral is a dandruff shampoo that contains the antifungal agent ketoconazole. Shampoos that contain higher dosages of ketoconazole are available by prescription.
Selsun Blue
The dandruff shampoo Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide, which is known to reduce dandruff and also decreases the amount of skin cells that will die due to the effects of the fungus. Selsun Blue shampoo can discolor gray and blond hair and must be rinsed off entirely to avoid any discoloration. According to the Selsun Blue website, this shampoo is pH-balanced and is gluten-free.
Neutrogena T/Gel
Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo is an example of a tar-based dandruff shampoo. Tar coats your scalp and diminishes the number of skin cells that die due to the presence of malassezia.
The Neutrogena T/Gel website claims that the tar present in this shampoo continues to work on healing your scalp long after you have rinsed your hair.
Ionil T
Ionil T is a dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which works as an exfoliating agent for the scalp. You should follow its application with a moisturizing conditioner, because, although it will help eliminate the malassezia fungus over time, it may also dry out your skin and may cause the scalp to flake even more.
