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Anti-dandruff shampoos

Patient Education
Published Jan. 6, 2020
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider
on Jan. 1, 2020

Why should I use anti-dandruff shampoos?

  • Flaking
  • Itching

How do I use anti-dandruff shampoos?

Wash your hair at least 1 time a week (you may wash your hair more often if your hair type allows).

  • Rub the shampoo gently into your scalp only. It can be drying to your hair.
  • Leave the shampoo on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing.
    • You can also apply shampoo to your dry scalp for 30 minutes before rinsing off.
    • If you have very dry hair you can use coconut oil to coat damp hair shafts at least 30 minutes before shampooing with anti-dandruff shampoos.
  • Use your normal shampoo on the rest of your hair. 
  • Use a moisturizing conditioner after using anti-dandruff shampoos.

Anti-dandruff cream can be used daily to the scalp in between washing.

Pyrithione zinc 0.1%
Head & Shoulders® Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream with Coconut Oil

What dandruff shampoos can I buy?

Buy name brand or non-brand shampoos with active ingredients that help with itching, redness, and flaking:

  • Pyrithione Zinc (Sulfate-free shampoos are less drying to the hair)
    • Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo® (2% pyrithione zinc) 
    • L'Oreal Paris Ever Fresh Sulfate-Free Antidandruff Shampoo® (1% pyrithione zinc) 
    • Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing Co-Wash with Coconut Oil® (1% pyrithione zinc)