Don't Let Dandruff Dictate Your Wardrobe!

Got dandruff? Afraid of wearing black? Well, here's a guide to help you get those flakes under control! I have created a list of active ingredients currently available. I suggest you start at the first active ingredient and try a shampoo with that ingredient for 2 consecutive weeks. If your dandruff is still a problem after these 2 weeks, move to the next suggested active ingredient and start over.

Before I begin listing shampoos, however, let's talk about a few things that will make every shampoo here work better. First, read the label. The active ingredients in all these shampoos are considered drugs by the FDA. Understand the warnings and side effects of each shampoo before you decide to use it. If you have any in-depth questions, ask a qualified medical professional. Second, let the shampoo set on your scalp for 2-5 minutes each time you shampoo. Because dandruff shampoos use topical drugs, it is imperative that the active ingredient is allowed to work before rinsing it off. You can use this time to massage the shampoo into your scalp if you like. Last, if you use conditioner, avoid applying it directly to your scalp, as this can aggravate dandruff and negate the effects of the active ingredient.

Now that the tips are out of the way, try a shampoo with 1% pyrithione zinc (or jump to ketoconazole if you don't wash your hair daily or want to keep using your current shampoo). Here are a few examples of current shampoos on the market that contain 1% pyrithione zinc:

Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (also available in a shampoo + conditioner formula)
L'Oreal Vive Pro for Men Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (also available in a shampoo + conditioner formula)
Pantene True Confidence Anti-Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner
and of course, just about anything from Head & Shoulders

If the pyrithione zinc seems to have partially worked but you're not getting the results you want after 2 weeks, you can try 1.5% or 2% pyrithione zinc shampoos, such as:

1.5% -- KMS Head Remedy Dandruff Shampoo
2% -- Head & Shoulders Intensive Solutions

1% Ketoconazole is the next step if pyrithione zinc doesn't work, or the first step if you can't wash your hair frequently or if you want to continue using your regular shampoo. Nizoral A-D is the only shampoo I am aware of that uses this ingredient. With this shampoo, you only need to wash your hair twice a week! So, if you just love your regular shampoo and can't live without it, or if you have really fragile hair (i.e. relaxed, overly colored, or African-American hair), this may be your only real option. 2% Ketoconazole is also available by prescription only if you're not getting the results you want from the 1%, although, I do not feel it is worth the time and expense to get the prescription unless you simply cannot or will not wash your hair daily.

1% Selenium Sulfide should be your next 2-week step in finding the right dandruff treatment. Selsun Blue's Dandruff Shampoo is the main option for this category. I liked the way this helped my dandruff, but disliked how my hair felt after using it. If your hair is shorter and you cut it frequently, this may be an option for you.

Finally, the last choice is 0.5% Coal Tar. Coal Tar can have a lot of potential side effects, such as sensitivity to sun, rash, irritation, swelling, and redness. Also, Coal Tar may be a carcinogen. If you've tried everything but Coal Tar, I suggest at this point you see a dermatologist. You may not actually have dandruff but another condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Also, if you've endured all these shampoo trials up to this point with little to no success, it may feel comforting to know that someone else is helping you find a solution that's right for you.

Well, what are you waiting for?! Print out this guide and take control of your dandruff! Hopefully I'll see you wearing black soon.