Sometimes an itchy, flaky scalp indicates merely dry skin. Other times, it may signal an underlying skin issue like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or a fungus called Malassezia. In each case, dermatologists often treat the problem with best medicated shampoos. But which type of medicated shampoo should you use for each type of scalp issue?
Continue reading to learn more about the best medicated shampoos on the market right now.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that effectively treats dandruff. This potent medicated shampoo kills the fungus that causes dandruff while also infusing your hair with natural proteins to keep it strong and healthy. It has a wheat protein and wheat germ oil blend that keeps your hair soft and shiny. Within a single hair wash, it relieves itchiness and flakiness on the scalp. This shampoo is only meant to be used twice a week.
Neutrogena’s tried-and-true T-Gel has over 1,000 five-star Amazon reviews and is frequently recommended by dermatologists. “This shampoo contains 1% coal tar and is formulated with conditioners to reduce scale and symptoms while keeping hair manageable,” Shah explains. It’s no surprise that people swear by it.
Sometimes the best way to reconnect with nature is to ensure that your products are chemical-free. Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo uses botanicals from nature to create a natural shampoo that is free of parabens, phthalates, and sulphates. Instead, this shampoo treats mild psoriasis and dermatitis with a combination of sulphur and salicylic acid, resulting in the removal of flakes and itchiness. Plant-based healers such as rosemary, olive, and jojoba oils are included to soothe and moisturise the scalp. If you use this shampoo at least three times per week, you should notice a significant reduction in flaking, scaling, and itching.
This soothing dandruff shampoo combines pyrithione zinc with cooling mint to relieve an irritated scalp while treating the problem at the source. The creamy formula lathers up generously for a deep cleanse, but a little bit goes a long way. “This is hands down the best dandruff shampoo I’ve ever used,” one reviewer wrote. “I get pretty bad dandruff, and it clears up with one shampoo of this. It’s the only shampoo I use anymore because my dandruff comes back if I don’t.”
Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Shampoo is more suitable for everyday use. It is a gentle shampoo & conditioner combo that cleanses the scalp, relieves dandruff, and leaves your hair soft and manageable in a single step.
2-in-1 Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo is a daily-use formula that fights dandruff while leaving hair soft, healthy, and detangled. It contains zinc pyrithione to relieve flaking and vitamin E to moisturise the hair and scalp. Wheat proteins hydrate and protect hair.
Contains 1% w/w Pyrithinone Zinc. Read the label at all times. Only use as directed. Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist.
“This shampoo was originally designed for babies and is extremely gentle,” Shaurya explains. He adds that because it contains only very mild ingredients, it’s a great choice to use when your scalp eczema is flaring. It’s so gentle and mild that it’s even approved by the National Eczema Association, and it’s also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. The weightless, mousse-like consistency is also appealing.
Cons
Dr. Robyn Gmyrek recommends using a shampoo that is free of fragrance, gluten, and sulphates, such as this one. Its zinc-infused formula is intended to alleviate itching and flakiness.
Pharmaceutical Specialties are a new company to me and they would remain new if I hadn’t been recommended the product by a dermatologist. This is both a shame and a surprise as the company was formed in 1974 to “start a company to make better products than were commercially available for people with sensitive skin.” In other words, they are our kind of company. In addition to this shampoo the company manufacture conditioners, sun-creams, moisturizers, shaving creams, cleansers and virtually any other type of personal hygiene product that prove problematic to those of us with sensitive skin.
The shampoo isn’t a dandruff shampoo at all but is “a non-medicated, mild shampoo for sensitive skin and scalp.” I have tagged this as a shampoo for dry scalp induced dandruff. However, anyone who suffers from dandruff needs to use a gentle shampoo in between their medicated washes. I myself only use a medicated shampoo once or twice a month as part of my dandruff control regime and the rest of the time I use as gentle a shampoo as possible. I’ve even tried no poo recently. But does is this shampoo gentle enough for us to recommend?
The bottle looks pretty clinical and if I were to offer advice to this company, I would improve their branding a touch. It looks like it’s been designed by dermatologists. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but there are world class teams out there who specialize in branding. Anyhow, the shampoo itself is totally clear, has no detectable smell and surprisingly washed my hair really well. I say surprisingly because quite often the gentlest shampoos perform poorly. Afterward, my hair felt really soft too. On closer inspection, the company have added Panthenol to the shampoo. Panthenol is fast becoming one of my favorite ingredients in shampoos such are the benefits with seemingly no drawbacks. But surely a high performing shampoo simply has to be full of contact irritants or allergens?
In a nutshell, no. Sodium Hydroxide is a known irritant in this shampoo. This ingredient is also known as Lye or Caustic Soda! This ingredient is also known as soap. Soap isn’t truly soap unless it contains Sodium Hydroxide. I would avoid it if you have a reaction to it or if it dries your scalp out. However, the vast majority of us should have no trouble with this.
The remaining ingredients are an innovative blend of cleansers, foaming agents, and preservatives created specifically for those of us with sensitive skin. And they work extremely well. I’m not sure why all shampoos aren’t designed with this level of care. I almost had a heart attack while using the shampoo because it is so gentle, performs so well, and is so much better than 99.9% of so-called gentle shampoos on the market.
If you’re going to use a gentle shampoo to control your dandruff, make it this one. Outstanding.
Of all the dandruff shampoos recommended by the dermatologists we tapped, Head & Shoulders was the most popular pick. While the brand makes dandruff shampoos in plenty of varieties, this simple, no-frills option is a great place to start. It contains pyrithione zinc, which has been found to help kill fungus and bacteria on the scalp, says Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. She recommends using the anti-dandruff shampoo daily at first to combat flakes, then gradually re-introducing your regular shampoo when symptoms subside.
This shampoo, which contains 2% pyrithione zinc to help control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, is a favourite of Mohid’s because it is both inexpensive and available over-the-counter. “It can also be used as a wash for people who have seborrheic dermatitis on their face or chest, and it also comes in a body wash option,” she says.
Scan for active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar can all work to reduce dandruff, says Dr. Zeichner, but you may need to experiment a bit to find the one your scalp reacts to the best.
Note your hair type: The ingredients listed above are effective at banishing dandruff, but can sometimes feel a bit stripping if your locks need extra moisture. Especially for those with dry, coarse, curly, kinky, or coiled hair types, look for ingredients that will also hydrate the scalp and strands, like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
Wash effectively: For best results, rub your dandruff shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, letting it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing, Dr. Zeichner says. Make sure you pick up an anti-dandruff conditioner, too. Once you rinse, some of the dandruff-fighting ingredients are left behind to continue working, so using a regular conditioner might actually buff those active ingredients away, he notes.
Mind your frequency: Start by washing at least twice a week, says Dr. Fusco. Take note of how your scalp and hair looks and feels. If you don’t see results, work up to three or four days if needed. You might even find that you get the best results by washing daily—it all depends on how your scalp reacts to the product.
If you’ve tried medicated shampoos and other home remedies and still haven’t found relief, see a doctor. You can try many prescription-strength shampoos with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Other treatments, such as antifungal medications, may help with more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
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