How to Select the Best Shampoos for Dandruff and Dry Scalp: Tips and Tricks?

Introduction 

Finding the best shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp is difficult. Luckily, dry scalp and dandruff are easily curable with hair treatments and OTC shampoos. There are many options for treatment of dandruff, so it’s hard to understand which treatment is proper for you. In this article, we have discussed how to choose the best shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp. So, please consider these points:

Does the Shampoo Treat Both Dandruff and Dry Scalp?

A lot of people utilize dandruff and dry scalp interchangeably. These two situations have similar symptoms, including itchiness, dry scalp, irritation, and peeling from a scalp. Though they are different conditions caused by multiple factors. The dry scalp is due to skin losing its moisture that causes the flakiness and irritation.

Contrary to this dandruff is cussed by fungus melassezia furfur. It is also addressed as seborrhoea or seborrheic dermatitis as it makes the scalp greasy. For some, dandruff can appear at times when hormones change, notably during puberty when you begin producing more oils than usual. Though dandruff and dry skin can feel alike, they are different situations. Treating one can worsen others.

Which are the Ingredients of Shampoos?

Some ingredients are dominantly found in shampoos for treating dry scalp and dandruff. Your Dermatologist or Trichologist can assist you in determining if the products are valuable. General ingredients of shampoos which fight against dandruff include selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, coal tar, and salicylic acid.

Pyrithione zinc, commonly known as Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) , is antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, meaning it can kill fungus, bacteria, and microorganisms that can contribute to an itchy, flaky scalp thus controlling dandruff.

Selenium sulfide reduces itching, flaking, irritation, and redness of the scalp. As a shampoo, selenium sulfide usually is used twice a week for the first 2 weeks and then once a week for 2, 3, or 4 weeks, depending on your dermatologist advice. It is believed that selenium sulfide controls dandruff via its anti Malassezia effect and has anti-seborrheic properties.

Coal tar is widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and found to be very effective in dandruff as well. Tar products disperse scales, which may reduce Malassezia colonization. Combination of tar and ZPT are very safe and effective in controlling dandruff and associated symptoms.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxyl acid, keratinolytic agent that is useful in removing scaly hyperkeratotic skin. It decreases cell-to-cell adhesion between corneocytes. This agent is widely used in the Anti dandruff preparations.

In shampoos which treat dry scalp, ingredients like glycolic acid are widespread. However, one must be cautious while purchasing an anti-dandruff shampoo, as most working ingredients are incredibly harsh. They could strip hair of dampness and worsen your condition, mainly if what is supposed was the dry scalp or dandruff. So always use the ingredients suggested by the doctor for your scalp type.

If you wish to avoid severe chemicals, or unsure of what to use, many natural ingredients are there that are efficient in fighting against a flaky and irritated scalp. Tea tree oil, apple vinegar, or coconut oil are descriptive substances that protect hair and don’t strip strands of dampness the way some dandruff pharmacy shampoos may and would help balance the oil content on the scalp without drying it.

Is it Safer for all types of Hair?

The majority of over-the-counter shampoos, which are anti-dandruff, are expressed for only particular hair types. However, the labels wouldn’t show you it! The severe and moisture-stripping belongings of the shampoos affect specific kinds of hair.

If you have natural hair or curly hair texture, these shampoos might deprive your hair of the natural oils and moisture required to preserve its texture, letting you with limp and curly tresses.

Always look for shampoo containing antifungal ingredient based on the severity of the dandruff, having natural elements and moisturizers. The hair requires moisture, so make sure to provide it with what it wants.

Conclusion

If you are coloring your hair, search for a shampoo which is safer for colored hair. Any shampoo depending on natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, would be milder on hair and tough on dandruff. Most clarifying products and anti-dandruff shampoo don’t differentiate between oily buildup and color particles while stripping the hair, which might result in hair losing its color. Ensure you don’t buy shampoo which is too severe and will make your scalp unbalanced or dry.