Dandruffs are dead skin cells falling from your scalp in excessive amounts. Dandruff can be a mild scalp condition in its own right or a symptom of a larger problem
such as a fungal infection, a form of dermatitis, or even an infestation of head lice. Here the top active ingredients that your shampoo should contain to help you get rid of dandruff. Make sure you read the labels when shopping for a particular ingredient since the same brand often produces similar products with different ingredients. Always follow the instructions on the labels.
1. Zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders classic, Pert Plus dandruff control)
is an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent that is most commonly used to fight the dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. Once you begin using this treatment, stopping will often cause dandruff to return worse than before treatment began.
2. Ketoconazole (Nizoral AntiDandruff shampoo) is an anti-fungal drug used to treat dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. Dandruff usually returns after treatment is stopped.
3. Selenium sulfide(Selsun blue, Head & Shoulders Intensive) is an anti-fungal agent used to treat dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. In the US, 1% solutions can be purchased over-the-counter and 2.5% solutions are available by prescription. Dandruff often returns when treatment is stopped.
4. Coal tar(Ionil-T, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic) is a liquid by-product of the distillation of coal. It is used in shampoos meant to treat head lice and psoriasis. Be warned, coal tar is on the NIOSH carcinogen list as a potential cancer-causing agent.
5. Salicylic acid(Ionil) based shampoos are used to help the scalp shed excess skin more easily, which in turn helps to keep skin pores from getting clogged.
Home remedies:
1. Tea tree oil has an anti-fungal quality and can be mixed into lotions, oils and shampoos. Massage the mixture into the scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes prior to rinsing clean.
2. Coneflower and red clover extracts
Aveda has a product named "Scalp Remedy" that is growing in popularity. It contains both coneflower and red clover extracts, comes with a dropper and is applied directly to the scalp after you shower.
3. Oil soaks
Scalp massages with moisturizing oils an hour or so before bathing are said to rejuvenate a dry scalp. Skin lotions will likely work as well.
4. Vinegar rinses
Some people have reported success after rinsing their hair with white or apple cider vinegar prior to bathing. It may have something to do with correcting your hair's PH balance.
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