Dandruff can occur because of a dry scalp or from not washing an oily scalp often enough. Often, however, dandruff is a chronic condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Mild dandruff typically can be resolved by washing hair daily with a gentle shampoo, but stubborn cases require something stronger. The Mayo Clinic explains that active ingredients work differently for each individual. You may need to try a few products to discover what works best for you, and you may also need to change shampoos from time to time.
Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide shampoos, such as Selsun Blue and Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment, slow skin cells from dying. They also are effective against a yeast fungus known as Malassezia that can cause dandruff and other problems, such as ringworm. These shampoos can discolor blond or gray hair, as well as chemically colored hair. Follow the directions properly to prevent this from happening, and rinse your hair well after shampooing.
Zinc Pyrithione
Shampoos such as Head and Shoulders (regular) and Selsun Salon contain zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and anti-fungal substance. Like selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione is effective at treating Malassezia. Prescription-strength products are available from your doctor if over-the-counter strength does not work.
Coal Tar
Some effective dandruff shampoos contain coal tar, a byproduct of coal manufacturing. They include Denorex and Neutrogena T/Gel. Coal tar slows cells from dying and flaking away, and is helpful as a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
Salicylic Acid and Sulfur
Some shampoos that work well for dandruff contain salicylic acid, sulfur or both. These have keratolytic effects, meaning they help the skin shed its top layer, thus eliminating the flaky dead skin of dandruff. These shampoos may be drying to your scalp and hair. Brands include Sulfur 8 Medicated Shampoo and Scalacort DK.
Resorcin
Try a shampoo containing resorcin or resorcinol, as recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). This substance is effective at controlling fungal infections and also removes dandruff scales from the scalp. Like selenium sulfide, resorcin can discolor gray hair.
Tea Tree Oil
Shampoos containing tea tree oil may reduce dandruff if used daily, according to the Mayo Clinic. This oil is produced from the leaves of the Australian tea tree and has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. You can find these shampoos in stores selling natural foods and other natural products.
Ketoconazole
If other products have not worked, try a shampoo containing the broad-spectrum anti-fungal substance ketoconazole, such as Nizoral shampoo. The Mayo Clinic notes that these shampoos can be effective at treating dandruff when other products are not. Ketoconazole shampoos are available over the counter as well as by prescription in higher-strength concentrations.
Corticosteroids
If you have a severe case of dandruff, such as dandruff caused by scalp psoriasis, you may need a shampoo containing a corticosteroid. Clobex, for example, includes clobetasol propionate as the active ingredient. Use this type of shampoo for only four consecutive weeks or less.
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