Dandruff Shampoos to Soothe a Flaky, Irritated Scalp

Whether it’s feeling that you can never wear any top that isn’t white ever again, because you don’t want the flakes to show, or being driven to distraction by the itchiness of your scalp, dandruff can have a real impact on everyday life. That’s where treatment shampoos can help. It’s thought that dandruff is caused by a naturally occurring fungus, Malassezia globosa, that is sustained by the oils on our skin and hair. It produces a compound that irritates the skin and can cause the rapid turnover of skin cells, which we see as flakes. Treatment shampoos contain a variety of active ingredients that help tackle the problem at the root.

One of the most common active ingredients found in dandruff shampoos is zinc pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione works by targeting the malassezia fungus. Although it’s most commonly found in anti-dandruff products, you might also find it applied topically to soothe psoriasis and eczema.

Even if you don’t remember coal tar soaps, your grandmother might. Used for years as an antiseptic, it’s a valuable anti-dandruff ingredient because it helps to get rid of the flakiness on the scalp, and slows down the rate at which skin cells grow, which makes it harder for the fungus to get a hold. If you have blonde or gray hair, it’s worth being a little wary as some coal tar shampoos can discolor light strands.

Ketoconazole wards off fungus by destroying the malassezia microbe. It comes in various concentrations with stronger forms only available by prescription from a medical professional. However, over the counter formulations—with still effective levels of the drug—are readily available.