Dandruff shampoo
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- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (ketoconazole 1%). Best for: A set course when other shampoos have not helped. See options on Amazon
- Head and Shoulders Classic Clean (pyrithione zinc 1%). Best for: Frequent washers. See options on Amazon
- Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide 1%). Best for: Rotating to a different active ingredient. See options on Amazon
Active ingredients compared
| Example | Active ingredient | Label directions |
|---|---|---|
| Nizoral Anti-Dandruff | Ketoconazole 1% | Use every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks, then as needed |
| Head and Shoulders Classic Clean | Pyrithione zinc 1% | Use at least twice a week; every time you shampoo for maximum control |
| Selsun Blue | Selenium sulfide 1% | Use at least twice a week for best results |
Label details are from the DailyMed drug facts for each product. The AAD also lists salicylic acid, sulfur and coal tar as dandruff shampoo ingredients.
How to use dandruff shampoo
- Focus on the scalp. The AAD says dandruff shampoos need to be applied to and lathered on your scalp.
- Give it time. Some dandruff shampoos need to sit on your scalp for up to 5-10 minutes before rinsing, the AAD says; check your label.
- Rotate if needed. If one shampoo does not work, the AAD suggests alternating between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients.
- Shake first if the label says so; the Head and Shoulders and Selsun Blue labels both say to shake before use.
How often, by hair type
The AAD gives different routines by hair type:
- Fine or straight hair, or an oily scalp: wash often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week.
- Coarse, curly or coily hair: wash when needed and use dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.
- Curly or coily hair: apply dandruff shampoo only to your scalp, because the ingredients that treat dandruff can dry your hair.
For thin or fine hair, see also our shampoo for thinning hair guide.
Label warnings to know
The drug facts labels share common cautions:
- For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, and rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
- Nizoral's label says do not use it on a scalp that is broken or inflamed, or if you are allergic to its ingredients, and to ask a doctor before use if pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Nizoral's label says children under 12 years should ask a doctor.
- Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or does not improve; Nizoral's label adds a rash, or no improvement in 2-4 weeks.
- Keep out of reach of children, and get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center if swallowed.
The AAD notes that some dandruff shampoos, such as those containing coal tar, can make your scalp more sensitive to the sun's UV rays.
What dandruff shampoo can do
The labels describe their uses in slightly different terms. Nizoral's label says it controls flaking, scaling and itching associated with dandruff. Head and Shoulders says it helps prevent recurrence of flaking and itching associated with dandruff, and Selsun Blue says it fights and helps prevent recurrence of flaking and itching due to dandruff.
Labels differ on ongoing use. Nizoral's directions move from a set course to using it only as needed to control dandruff, while the pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide labels suggest regular use at least twice a week.
When to see a dermatologist
The AAD says that for most people, dandruff does not require medical attention. If your dandruff does not go away after following these tips, or if it becomes severe, it advises partnering with a board-certified dermatologist, who may prescribe a stronger dandruff shampoo or medication.
Do not use a dandruff shampoo on a scalp that is broken or inflamed, as Nizoral's label warns; get it checked instead. For gentle scalp care between washes, see our electric scalp massager guide.
What to look for when you buy
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (ketoconazole 1%)
Best for: A set course when other shampoos have not helped
Its label lists ketoconazole 1% and directions to use every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks.
Watch out: Not for a broken or inflamed scalp; ask a doctor for children under 12.
See options on AmazonHead and Shoulders Classic Clean (pyrithione zinc 1%)
Best for: Frequent washers
Its label says to use at least twice a week, or every time you shampoo for maximum control.
Watch out: Avoid eye contact; rinse well if it gets in your eyes.
See options on AmazonSelsun Blue (selenium sulfide 1%)
Best for: Rotating to a different active ingredient
Its label lists selenium sulfide 1%, and the AAD suggests alternating active ingredients if one shampoo does not work.
Watch out: Shake well before use, as the label directs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best ingredient for dandruff?
- The AAD lists zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and coal tar; if one fails, try another.
- How long should I leave dandruff shampoo on?
- The AAD says some need to sit on the scalp for up to 5-10 minutes before rinsing; follow your label.
- How often should I use dandruff shampoo?
- About twice a week for fine or oily hair and about once a week for coarse, curly or coily hair, per the AAD.
- How long does Nizoral take to work?
- Its label says to use it every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks and to ask a doctor if there is no improvement in 2-4 weeks.
- When should I see a dermatologist for dandruff?
- If dandruff does not go away with these steps or becomes severe, the AAD says.
Sources
- How to treat dandruff (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Head and Shoulders Classic Clean (pyrithione zinc) shampoo label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) shampoo label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine