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Anti-dandruff shampoos

Patient Education

Last reviewed January 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)

The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.