Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Dandruff is itchy, unsightly and uncomfortable. Dandruff is often caused by a common condition called seborrheic dermatitis. There are many remedies for dandruff, both natural and medical. Here are 6 methods to treat dandruff.
1. Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole is a popular shampoo that can help fix dandruff and itchy scalp. Ketoconazole shampoo helps to treat a yeast, Malassezia furfur, that can make dandruff and itchy scalp worse. It’s sold over the counter. A prescription version of ketoconazole is often prescribed by dermatologists.
2. Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc pyrithione is the featured ingredient in many popular dandruff treatments. The Royal Oils line by Head and Shoulders, which was formulated for those with kinky curly type 4 hair and designed to be less drying for type 4 hair, features zinc pyrithione, which is antifungal and antibacterial. The Royal Oils line features not only shampoo and conditioner, but also an Instant Scalp Elixir, which has cooling and calming menthol and peppermint oil to soothe an irritated and itchy scalp.
3. Tea Rinses
Tea rinses are wonderful for soothing the scalp and calming the inflammation from dandruff. Tea rinses have also been shown to help with hair growth. Herbal tea ingredients like calendula and peppermint soothe inflammation and calm a dandruff prone scalp. Peppermint also naturally contains menthol, which has an amazing cooling sensation on the scalp.
4. Selenium Sulfide Shampoo
Selenium sulfide shampoos offer flake protection and dandruff relief. They reduce buildup on your scalp and help reduce the yeast, Malassezia, that can trigger some forms of scalp itch and dandruff. A popular brand is the no-nonsense Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Relief Shampoo.
5. Bentonite Clay Mask
Doing regular bentonite clay masks on your scalp and hair is an all-natural way to help soothe irritation and reduce dandruff. Bentonite clay binds toxins, reduces irritation and helps with healing and repair of an irritated scalp. It also helps naturally cleanse the hair and define natural curls. Read: How to do a bentonite clay mask.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, and many people claim that ACV rinses help soothe their itchy scalp and improve dandruff. ACV rinses also help to close the hair cuticle at the end of a wash session, to help decrease moisture loss and calm frizziness. This is really useful for high porosity hair types. Check out: ACV rinse recipe.
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