Ever since I moved to San Francisco, the cold, damp air has wreaked havoc on my scalp. I can get some pretty bad dandruff [1] that's uncomfortable and annoying. To make matters worse, I'm a brunette, so flakes can be noticeable when I'm having a particularly bad day. Because of my issue, I have tried dozens and dozen of products intended to control or soothe dandruff. Luckily, I have narrowed it down to the very best formulas that give me relief.
Ahead, you'll find the most effective products I've tried, from shampoos to scrubs. I don't recommend using all of these items at once, of course. They have all worked for me at different times, but using too many products can make dandruff even worse, so be careful! Shop through them all and say bye to dandruff ASAP. My head has never been better.
Playa California Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
To exfoliate the flakes right off my head, I use this Playa California Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo [3] ($38) once a week. The tea tree oil in it is instantly cooling, so it feels amazing.
Aveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution
If you have more severe dandruff, this Aveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution [4] ($31) has a combination of ingredients meant to clarify and exfoliate your skin. It tend to use this when I'm staying in for the day since it's a leave-in product.
Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
When you really want products to penetrate your skin, massage them in with this Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush [5] ($8). I own one and have found it so useful.
L'Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulphate Free Shampoo
If you're looking for a more affordable option, I think this L'Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulphate Free Shampoo [6] ($7) works great. It keeps my colour treated hair from fading as well.
Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment
One of my favourite products is this Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment [7] ($32) — it has a Vitamin-B3-based microbiome complex that rebalances your scalp's natural ecosystem. I have found that this product gives me the most long-term results.
Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
When in doubt, I can always rely on Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo [8] ($7) and always have it in my shower. This version is very cooling, so it feels great when you lather it on. I always look less red and inflamed as soon as I use it.
Aesop Sage & Cedar Scalp Treatment
I like this Aesop Sage & Cedar Scalp Treatment [9] ($33) because it smells really nice, which can be tought to find in dandruff products. Just a few drops will sooth dry patches.
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo [10] ($46) is worth every penny, I promise. The formula keeps hair moisturised and it smells so lovely.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo
When I want to keep my scalp healthy without using a dandruff-sprecific formula, Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo [11] ($24) is my go-to pick. The mintiness is cooling and the ingredients keep my hair healthy.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
When you want something heavy duty, this Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo [12] ($15) uses ketoconazole that binds to your hair's natural protein to kill dandruff. I have to say, it smells very intense but it will significantly reduce dandruff in a few uses.
Links:
[1] https://www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/Best-Dandruff-Shampoo-46407718
[2] https://www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/loreal-paris-hair-elvive-total-repair-5-hair-mask-review-47190541
[3] https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=OHlcvPYhHQM&mid=2417&murl=https://www.sephora.com/product/california-salt-scalp-scrub-shampoo-P450087?icid2=products%2520grid:p450087:product&u1=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[4] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aveda-scalp-remedy-dandruff-solution/3411167/full?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort%26breadcrumb=Home%252FAll%2520Results%26colour=none&subId1=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
[5] https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Massager-Shampoo-Brush-MAXSOFT/dp/B074ZDXFL6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ARR9QD4VVN25&keywords=dandruff+treatment&qid=1581363760&sprefix=dandruff,aps,213&sr=8-4&tag=popsugarshopx-20&asc_source=none&asc_campaign=none&asc_refurl=www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/best-hair-products-for-dandruff-47205552/print&ascsubtag=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[6] https://www.amazon.com/Paris-EverFresh-Antidandruff-Shampoo-Sulphate/dp/B01M0OX4L7/ref=sr_1_24?crid=2ARR9QD4VVN25&keywords=dandruff+treatment&qid=1581363760&sprefix=dandruff,aps,213&sr=8-24&tag=popsugarshopx-20&asc_source=none&asc_campaign=none&asc_refurl=www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/best-hair-products-for-dandruff-47205552/print&ascsubtag=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[7] https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=OHlcvPYhHQM&mid=2417&murl=https://www.sephora.com/product/dry-scalp-treatment-P437657&u1=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[8] https://www.amazon.com/Selsun-Blue-Medicated-Strength-Dandruff/dp/B001UGL84U/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2ARR9QD4VVN25&keywords=dandruff+treatment&qid=1581363760&sprefix=dandruff,aps,213&sr=8-12&tag=popsugarshopx-20&asc_source=none&asc_campaign=none&asc_refurl=www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/best-hair-products-for-dandruff-47205552/print&ascsubtag=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[9] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aesop-sage-cedar-scalp-treatment/4364292/full?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort%26breadcrumb=Home%252FAll%2520Results%26colour=none&subId1=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
[10] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/oribe-serene-scalp-anti-dandruff-shampoo/4940669/full?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort%26breadcrumb=Home%252FAll%2520Results%26colour=none&subId1=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
[11] https://www.amazon.com/Aveda-Rosemary-Mint-Shampoo-8-50/dp/B00AWF9WVQ/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=aveda+shampoo+mint&qid=1581363723&sr=8-7&tag=popsugarshopx-20&asc_source=none&asc_campaign=none&asc_refurl=www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/best-hair-products-for-dandruff-47205552/print&ascsubtag=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
[12] https://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-Ketoconazole-Dandruff/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ARR9QD4VVN25&keywords=dandruff+treatment&qid=1581363760&sprefix=dandruff,aps,213&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR0czVjNVRzQ4S1dUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODMyMDQxMjlGRkdQMFNXQ0xBRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjg0NzU5S0FLUjdHUTdCMUQ4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==&tag=popsugarshopx-20&asc_source=none&asc_campaign=none&asc_refurl=www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/best-hair-products-for-dandruff-47205552/print&ascsubtag=___psv__p_47205552__t_w__d_d_
