How To Treat Dandruff

There are several ways in treating dandruff so it can be very difficult for many people to choose the best product. The different methods of treatments, the most popular products, and home remedies are listed below.

The most popular methods are commercial dandruff shampoos. The active ingredients that work in preventing or treating dandruff include zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and salicylic acid.

Zinc pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione is an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent that is used most often to fight the causes of dandruff, which can be caused, by yeast or fungus. This ingredient is found in Head & Shoulders Classic and Pert Plus dandruff control. The only problem with these products is that once you stop using the product the dandruff usually comes back and in many cases worse than before.

Ketoconazole 

Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal agent that works in the treatment of dandruff due to the fact that if fights against yeast and fungus just like zinc pyrithione. You can find this ingredient in Nizoral AntiDandruff shampoo. The problem with this product is the same as the one above. Dandruff usually comes back once you quit using the product.

Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is another anti-fungal agent that is used in the treatment of dandruff, which is caused, by yeast or fungus. Over the counter in such products as Selsun Blue and Head & Shoulders Intensive, you can expect 1% of selenium sulfide; however, you can speak with your doctor to receive a prescription with around 2.5%. In most cases, if you stop using the product your dandruff will return. 

Coal tar 

Coal tar is often used in the treatment of head lice and psoriasis. The product is made by the distillation of coal and is now on the list of probable cancer causing agents. You can find this ingredient in Ionil-T and Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic. These products are not recommended.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is of course an acid that is found in some shampoos that aid in allowing the scalp to shed skin easily and aids in keeping skin pores open. This ingredient can be found in Ionil. This product may or may not aid in treating dandruff.

Many people prefer to use home remedies instead of shampoos often with harsh chemicals. The list of home remedies for treating dandruff includes tea tree oil, coneflower & red clover extracts, oils, and vinegar rinses.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties, which is needed in the treatment of dandruff. This oil can be mixed in shampoos, lotions, and oils to help treat dandruff. The best way to use tea tree oil is by massage the mixture on the scalp and leaving it there for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Coneflower 

Coneflower and red clover extracts is known for its healing properties for the scalp. Scalp remedy by Aveda used both of these to aid in the treatment of dandruff. To use, you apply a few drops onto the scalp after you wash your hair. 

Moisturizing oils are great for dandruff. You can apply any time of oil such as baby oil or even skin lotion to your scalp. Wait for about an hour and then wash your hair normally. 
White and apple cider vinegar are acidy types products that many have used as a rinse to help with their dandruff. Before bathing or washing your hair, rinse with vinegar.


Leave a Reply