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"Dandruff is very common," says Stephen Pullan, trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in New York. "In its mildest form, it can be thought of simply as dead skin cells shedding off the top layer of the scalp, [which] happens all over the body. The process can speed up, however, creating visual dandruff, or even worse, [symptoms] such as a bothersome form of flakes that adhere to the hair shaft and can create hair loss."
There are countless ways you can both soothe an itchy scalp or actually treat visible dandruff — and it all starts with finding a product that your scalp responds to. Sometimes this takes some trial and error, not only with products, but also the frequency with which you use them. And a dry scalp isn't always the issue, which means that you can't just slap an oil on to make it go away.
"A lot of people think [having flakes] is a dry-scalp problem, but it's normally actually an oil problem," says David Kingsley, PhD, a trichologist in New York. "It's caused by a lipophilic yeast, which means that it eats oil." But don't stress, because "everybody has it on the scalp, but some people seem to be more affected," he says. No matter what the cause, the solution is finding a product that strikes a balance.
Finding balance can be as simple as opting for a spray to calm itchy skin, doing a monthly mask (which often pack both exfoliating AHAs or BHAs), or smoothing on a refreshing oil like tea tree or peppermint. To treat visible flakes, however, Pullan recommends bringing in the big guns: "selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, [coal] tar, or anti-fungal agents such as fluconazole or ketoconazole," he says.
Fortunately, hair-care brands are well aware of how important reinvention is in the market, and there are tons of new products that can help remedy an itchy scalp or treat full-blown flaking. Ahead, you'll find dandruff products you probably haven't considered, including masks and sprays, to help turn this annoying scalp issue into a distant memory.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
Even if you don't think your scalp is dry, flakes are still a possibility. According to dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, when your scalp overproduces oil, the additional sebum can harden and resemble dandruff. This clay-based formula will absorb and pull out any residue, flakes, and excess oil to give your scalp — and style — relief from greasy build-up.
L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo, $, available at Target
Aveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution
Using a leave-in hair product can help your hair soak up the product and give your hair and scalp the support it needs. This one from Aveda uses salicylic acid to exfoliate and give you a break from itching.
Aveda scalp remedyâ„¢ dandruff solution, $, available at Aveda
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
While it may come secondary to finding a product that works, there is another issue many think about: how their dandruff shampoos look in the shower. Not to worry, because chic packaging and medicated ingredients are not mutually exclusive. Take, for example, Swedish brand Sachajuan's Scalp Shampoo. It contains actives (piroctone olamine, climbazole, salicylic acid) and naturally stimulating fragrances (rosemary oil, menthol) in a pared-down bottle.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, $, available at Amazon
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo for Oily or Flaky Scalp
Looking for something with a natural active ingredient? French hairstylist Christophe Robin's formula is gentle enough to be used as your everyday wash, but also packs jujube bark extract, a natural anti-dandruff ingredient.
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo for Oily or Flaky Scalp, $, available at Sephora
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
This shampoo might look intimidating because of its dark brown color, but its long-lasting effect on keeping your scalp dandruff-free might impress you. It doesn't hurt that it comes from the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand, Neutrogena.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula, $, available at Amazon
Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
Trichologist Philip Kingsley, MD, famously created the brand's best-selling hair mask (still available today) for Audrey Hepburn to stop her ongoing hair breakage. The highly targeted range doesn't stop there. Its products, like this dandruff shampoo, are all doctor-approved and have a cult-like following. The formula's active ingredients will help to relieve flaking and itching (thanks to piroctone olamine) and gently cleanse the hair and scalp (courtesy of lauryl betaine).
Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo, $, available at DermStore
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum
Instead of a shampoo or scrub, this serum is intended to work on every hair texture to relieve your dry and itchy scalp with its unique blend of charcoal and tea tree oil.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum, $, available at Sephora
Earth's Nectar Jojoba & Tea Tree Scalp Oil
If you want a natural solution to dandruff or a flaky scalp, you're likely familiar with the benefits of tea tree oil. While the science is a bit thinner than with the actives mentioned earlier, there is preliminary evidence — and plenty of first-hand affirmation — to make it worth a try.
Earth's Nectar's spray claims to fight dandruff with bacteria-killing tea tree oil, soothe dry and irritated scalp with jojoba and almond oils, and even help to stop breakage with vitamin E. We love that it's gentle enough to use daily or as a deep conditioning treatment.
Earth's Nectar JOJOBA & TEA TREE SCALP OIL, $, available at Earth's Nectar
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
Christophe Robin's detoxifying shampoo is enriched with sea salt to rid the scalp of gunk and buildup. The salt crystals are thick, so expect a legit rubdown.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, $, available at Nordstrom
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo is made with ketoconazole, an anti-fungal agent, to leave your scalp flake-free whether your hair is color treated or not. Pair with a scalp massager and treat yourself to a calm, clean scalp — without compromising your wallet.
nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $, available at Amazon
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R29 Editors, Khareem Sudlow
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