The Better Dandruff Shampoo: Selsun Blue Medicated Shampoo Versus Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Shampoo

No one ever wants to see it: a few white flakes of dandruff near the scalp. And no one ever wants to feel it: the itchy irritation of dandruff on your head. But it happens to lots of people. Whether it's the change of season or the long winter months that bring it on for you, choosing the best dandruff shampoo to quickly wash away dandruff is essential. Check out this helpful guide to two popular dandruff shampoos: Selsun Blue Medicated shampoo and Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment shampoo.

About the Shampoos

Selsun Blue Medicated is a strange opaque color of green. It's pretty thick as far as shampoo goes and has a strong, medicinal scent. Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo has a noticeable tingle when you use it (and for a few hours afterward). The strong scent of Selsun Blue Medicated shampoo also stays with you for a while (particularly while your hair is wet). The active ingredient in Selsun Blue is selenium sulfide, an anti-fungal treatment that can be sold over the counter as long as the amount contained doesn't exceed 1%. Selsun Blue contains 1%. Selsun Blue was originally made by Abbott Laboratories, but is now produced by Chattem.

In addition to Selsun Blue Medicated, there are several other dandruff shampoo formulas such as moisturizing, daily or 2-in-1. The company has also recently launched a daily line called Selsun Salon.

Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment is similar to Selsun Blue. It is also thick and contains 1% of selenium sulfide. However, it's not as medicinal smelling as Selsun Blue Medicated and it doesn't cause a lasting tingly sensation. Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment is made by Proctor and Gamble. It was introduced for sale in the United States in 1961.

Like Selsun Blue, Head and Shoulders is available in several other dandruff shampoo formulas such as Classic Clean, Dry Scalp Care and Extra Volume. There is also a whole line of Head and Shoulders 2-in-1s.

Personal Experiences

Selsun Blue Medicated is what my grandmother swore by whenever her scalp needed a little help. So, it's pretty natural that I have considered Selsun Blue Medicated to be my "go-to" dandruff shampoo. And to date, Selsun Blue Medicated hasn't let me down. Just a few uses greatly reduces visible dandruff. Within a week, Selsun Blue Medicated completely eliminates any traces of dandruff.

On the other hand, my husband is a big Head and Shoulders fan. He uses it whenever necessary to help curtail dandruff or dry scalp. I resisted trying Head and Shoulders for years. But recently I was completely out of my Selsun Blue and really needed something to offset my oncoming season-change dandruff. I gave Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment a fair try, using it for more than a week. Unfortunately, while the Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment reduced the dandruff, it didn't rid my head. I finally broke down and bought Selsun Blue Medicated.

On Cost

According to CVS.com, Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment sells for $5.79 for a 14.2 oz bottle. At Drugstore.com, Selsun Blue Medicated sells for $8.49 for an 11 fl oz bottle. (Unfortunately neither store carried both products.)

The Verdict?

When my scalp starts to itch or small flakes appear, I will still reach for the Selsun Blue Medicated. I have been using it for years and am pleased with its speedy results. I am sure that my husband will continue using Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment, but I just don't feel its results can compare at all to Selsun Blue Medicated.

If you have a bit of dandruff to deal with, pick Selsun Blue Medicated.