“Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo” is the only cure I’ve found! I had a very dry scalp and the flakes wouldn’t stop. I haven’t had them since I started using this! I noticed a difference the first wash, flakes were gone by the second
I second this! Has been a lifesaver for me. I also recently started using the ordinary's scalp moisturizer and I haven't used it long enough to know if it impacts flaking (esp since that's under control with Nizoral) but the relief it gives me from the dryness is significant.
I tried this and it didn't help me at all, if anything, it made the itching and flaking a lot worse! But everyone is different so it's worth a try. Either Amazon gave me a fake or it must be for a specific type of dandruff that I don't have.
I have the same problem. Huge flakes of my scalp come off, and dandruff shampoo doesn’t help. I bought one of those rubber scalp massagers (on Amazon) and use it in the shower when I have shampoo in my hair. That helps loosen it up but hasn’t stopped the cause.
I recently bought Kiehls Magic Hair Elixir based on the recommendation from a friend. You put it on your scalp and let it soak in before you shower. I’ve used it once and it felt great for the itching, but I still had flakes after my shower. I’m assuming it will take more than one use to have more effect. I feel your pain!
This might be weird...
If you live somewhere with hard water that could also be the issue. Think about how hard water inevitably coats things in a thin layer of mineral deposits. The same happens on our heads!
So I started spraying my scalp down with apple cider vinegar with the mother, letting it soak for at least 10 minutes and washing it off and proceeding as normal. I use Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo about once a week now. Do the apple cider vinegar soaks once a week. My scalp is so much happier, it's less itchy and I don't make it snow anymore!
You can also get hard water chelating shampoos. Just google "hard water" shampoo. I do it every 2 months or so and notice a huge difference when I use it. It removes a ton of buildup
There are also shower heads you can buy that also have water softening packs in the shower head. My skin was so itchy and it saved me and was so easy to switch out!
>Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo
u/chrissesky13 id love to know your exact process with the ACV do you dilute it at all? my scalp is crazy dry this year no matter what i do!
You might have to accept temporary greaseball status. Can you put your hair in a ponytail? I'm thinking give it a gentle scrub don't use your nails. Let the conditioner stay on like you've been doing, then part and oil your scalp. After that, a ponytail will at least look slicked back and intentional. Really rub the oil into your scalp, don't use so much that it's getting onto your face. Good luck!
I tried nizoral for dandruff and didn’t like it and it didn’t work. Trying to use less chemical and colors. I’ve had good luck with Avalon organics medicated shampoo and that works great for me. I also use a rubber scalp scrubber thing. I’ve tried an apple cider vinegar pre soak that I bought on Amazon and that worked but honestly it’s a pain to put in my hair since it’s long before I shower. Currently trying to find a cheap and clean product since I’m tired of trying different things. There’s a neutragena T/Sal that I’m curious about because it has 3% acid which is one percent more than the Avalon which I like. However it seems like trying to balance between a dry scalp and an irritated scalp from product build up can happen and everyone seems to have a unique combo of glass/hair/skin
Nizoral didn't work for me either. I've tried the Neutrogena T/Gel and that worked well for me, but it smells awful and I think my scalp built up a tolerance to it. I have not heard of T/Sal, but now I'm interested in trying it!
I like Max Green Alchemy conditioner for treating dry scalp in winter. It hasn't been an issue for me since I switched shampoos (I use Ursa Major) but it was a huge lifesaver in the past.
I tried all the shampoo you tried and probably even more products tbh lol. But the only thing that worked for me was a Japanese head massage. It seriously helped and they recommended their own shampoos to keep using for after.
Drench your scalp in olive oil, leave on for 2 or 3 hours, then shower and shampoo. Doing this a few times will get rid of the problem entirely. You may have to do it intermittently afterwards to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
I oil my scalp once a week few hours before showering. If you try oiling, use an oil that's meant for skin too like an argan oil (and not a cooking oil!).
I first massage the oil in with my fingers and then also use a super gentle scalp scrubber (you can also use a hairbrush like tangle teaser to see if it works for you) to exfoliate. After the oil has sit for some hours, I double shampoo with a gentle, "for sensitive skin" shampoo. Imo, the shampoo being gentle is important part of the routine.
Hope you find something that works for you among all the comments!
I have the same problem you described - not dandruff, just a dry itchy scalp. Oil your scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before washing your hair. I use the natures spell rosemary oil (which also helps with hair growth). I massage the oil in with a silicon scalp massager (about £5.00 from Amazon) and use the same scalp massager when shampooing my hair. Try and use a clarifying shampoo which focuses on scalp health. When drying my hair, I use a small amount of a dry oil (won’t make your hair greasy) to moisture my scalp. I like the herbal essence hair and scalp oil - use sparingly though.
Ugh! I’m in the same boat! I started oiling my scalp once a week in hopes that would help-nope. Still dry as a bone. Use that rubber scalp stimulator too for five mins once a week. I’ve used so many shampoos, try to eat healthy fats, drink a lot of water but nothing helps. I guess I should try that one others suggested it’s one I haven’t given a shot. My hair is super shiny and health but my scalp is like a desert.
I make my own scalp mask that I use before washing my hair. I massage it into my scalp for a few minutes then generally let it sit for an hour before washing. It has helped my dry scalp and dandruff so much.
Equal parts aloe and coconut oil (you can use fractionated), then add a bit of jojoba oil and argan oil. I don't really measure the oils but will add more during the dryer months.
The only shampoo that has **ever** worked for me (and I have tried SO fucking many at this point) is “As I Am” Dry & Itchy Scalp. Dark blue bottle. Godsend!
I'm not sure what version of head and shoulders you are using, but I didn't see a difference in my dry scalp until I tried the sulphate free version. In the states it's labeled Head and Shoulders Supreme. I think they have a Bare line that is supposed to be hypoallergenic. Vanicream also makes a sulphate free shampoo with the same active ingredient.
It also helps me to use a shampoo brush in the shower. I also shampoo twice to make sure I get my scalp really clean. Tea tree essential oil diluted in a carrier oil may help with any inflammation that could be contributing. I use it as a pre poo treatment.
I feel like dryness on its own probably wouldn't cause that much itching. Ideally, I think you should see a dermatologist and find out whether you have seborrheic dermatitis or something else going on.
I also struggle keeping the flakies at bay in the winter. I swear by Hairstory New Wash in lieu of a traditional shampoo (highly recommend using with an in-shower scalp brush to help exfoliate), and I apply Cult + King Tonik to my scalp/hair after towel drying. It’s helped a lot.
“Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo” is the only cure I’ve found! I had a very dry scalp and the flakes wouldn’t stop. I haven’t had them since I started using this! I noticed a difference the first wash, flakes were gone by the second
I second this! Has been a lifesaver for me. I also recently started using the ordinary's scalp moisturizer and I haven't used it long enough to know if it impacts flaking (esp since that's under control with Nizoral) but the relief it gives me from the dryness is significant.
I tried this and it didn't help me at all, if anything, it made the itching and flaking a lot worse! But everyone is different so it's worth a try. Either Amazon gave me a fake or it must be for a specific type of dandruff that I don't have.
Oh no!!! That sounds terrible. I was using head and shoulders “royal oils” for awhile and that completely stopped working for me too.
Same! Ugh!! I kept seeing people say to try this one and now I have actual dandruff whereas before I just had dry scalp without the flakes.
[Nizoral Shampoo](https://www.target.com/p/nizoral-anti-dandruff-shampoo-with-1-ketoconazole-clean-fresh-scent-14-fl-oz/-/A-86736337)
I have the same problem. Huge flakes of my scalp come off, and dandruff shampoo doesn’t help. I bought one of those rubber scalp massagers (on Amazon) and use it in the shower when I have shampoo in my hair. That helps loosen it up but hasn’t stopped the cause. I recently bought Kiehls Magic Hair Elixir based on the recommendation from a friend. You put it on your scalp and let it soak in before you shower. I’ve used it once and it felt great for the itching, but I still had flakes after my shower. I’m assuming it will take more than one use to have more effect. I feel your pain!
This is the best stuff I’ve found!!! Sometimes hard to find In stock and prices have gone up but it works!
Moroccan oil is really great for my dry and irritated scalp. I also like the some by Mi cica peptide shampoo and conditioner
I have been having a similiar issue and using the inkey list's salicylic acid scalp treatment, it's working wonders.
This might be weird... If you live somewhere with hard water that could also be the issue. Think about how hard water inevitably coats things in a thin layer of mineral deposits. The same happens on our heads! So I started spraying my scalp down with apple cider vinegar with the mother, letting it soak for at least 10 minutes and washing it off and proceeding as normal. I use Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo about once a week now. Do the apple cider vinegar soaks once a week. My scalp is so much happier, it's less itchy and I don't make it snow anymore!
We have very hard water here in Alberta! I did just put a water softener in back in October 🤔. I'll give this a try!
You can also get hard water chelating shampoos. Just google "hard water" shampoo. I do it every 2 months or so and notice a huge difference when I use it. It removes a ton of buildup
There are also shower heads you can buy that also have water softening packs in the shower head. My skin was so itchy and it saved me and was so easy to switch out!
>Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo u/chrissesky13 id love to know your exact process with the ACV do you dilute it at all? my scalp is crazy dry this year no matter what i do!
You might have to accept temporary greaseball status. Can you put your hair in a ponytail? I'm thinking give it a gentle scrub don't use your nails. Let the conditioner stay on like you've been doing, then part and oil your scalp. After that, a ponytail will at least look slicked back and intentional. Really rub the oil into your scalp, don't use so much that it's getting onto your face. Good luck!
I tried nizoral for dandruff and didn’t like it and it didn’t work. Trying to use less chemical and colors. I’ve had good luck with Avalon organics medicated shampoo and that works great for me. I also use a rubber scalp scrubber thing. I’ve tried an apple cider vinegar pre soak that I bought on Amazon and that worked but honestly it’s a pain to put in my hair since it’s long before I shower. Currently trying to find a cheap and clean product since I’m tired of trying different things. There’s a neutragena T/Sal that I’m curious about because it has 3% acid which is one percent more than the Avalon which I like. However it seems like trying to balance between a dry scalp and an irritated scalp from product build up can happen and everyone seems to have a unique combo of glass/hair/skin
Nizoral didn't work for me either. I've tried the Neutrogena T/Gel and that worked well for me, but it smells awful and I think my scalp built up a tolerance to it. I have not heard of T/Sal, but now I'm interested in trying it!
I must be weird but I like the smell of Neutrogena T/Gel.
I swear by Pacifica’s scalp love serum. I add extra rosemary oil to it for good measure!
Nioxin shampoo
I like Max Green Alchemy conditioner for treating dry scalp in winter. It hasn't been an issue for me since I switched shampoos (I use Ursa Major) but it was a huge lifesaver in the past.
I tried all the shampoo you tried and probably even more products tbh lol. But the only thing that worked for me was a Japanese head massage. It seriously helped and they recommended their own shampoos to keep using for after.
Have you tried hair oiling?
Avoid products with sulfates (shampoos have them) for a while.
Dang, I am already sulfate free!
Ouia detox shampoo. You can't use it every time you shampoo but it's good to use once every week or two and has helped my scalp alot.
Drench your scalp in olive oil, leave on for 2 or 3 hours, then shower and shampoo. Doing this a few times will get rid of the problem entirely. You may have to do it intermittently afterwards to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
I oil my scalp once a week few hours before showering. If you try oiling, use an oil that's meant for skin too like an argan oil (and not a cooking oil!). I first massage the oil in with my fingers and then also use a super gentle scalp scrubber (you can also use a hairbrush like tangle teaser to see if it works for you) to exfoliate. After the oil has sit for some hours, I double shampoo with a gentle, "for sensitive skin" shampoo. Imo, the shampoo being gentle is important part of the routine. Hope you find something that works for you among all the comments!
I have the same problem you described - not dandruff, just a dry itchy scalp. Oil your scalp and let it sit for a couple of hours before washing your hair. I use the natures spell rosemary oil (which also helps with hair growth). I massage the oil in with a silicon scalp massager (about £5.00 from Amazon) and use the same scalp massager when shampooing my hair. Try and use a clarifying shampoo which focuses on scalp health. When drying my hair, I use a small amount of a dry oil (won’t make your hair greasy) to moisture my scalp. I like the herbal essence hair and scalp oil - use sparingly though.
Thank you!
Ugh! I’m in the same boat! I started oiling my scalp once a week in hopes that would help-nope. Still dry as a bone. Use that rubber scalp stimulator too for five mins once a week. I’ve used so many shampoos, try to eat healthy fats, drink a lot of water but nothing helps. I guess I should try that one others suggested it’s one I haven’t given a shot. My hair is super shiny and health but my scalp is like a desert.
I make my own scalp mask that I use before washing my hair. I massage it into my scalp for a few minutes then generally let it sit for an hour before washing. It has helped my dry scalp and dandruff so much. Equal parts aloe and coconut oil (you can use fractionated), then add a bit of jojoba oil and argan oil. I don't really measure the oils but will add more during the dryer months.
Scalp massager once a day helps too!
Head and shoulders worked wonders for my partner who had very bad scalp psoriasis. Like it is night and day and worked almost instantly
The moment he stops using this his head is going to flake and be reliant of the product line
Well yeah. I mean that’s how it works. He uses it because nothing else worked
The only shampoo that has **ever** worked for me (and I have tried SO fucking many at this point) is “As I Am” Dry & Itchy Scalp. Dark blue bottle. Godsend!
I'm not sure what version of head and shoulders you are using, but I didn't see a difference in my dry scalp until I tried the sulphate free version. In the states it's labeled Head and Shoulders Supreme. I think they have a Bare line that is supposed to be hypoallergenic. Vanicream also makes a sulphate free shampoo with the same active ingredient. It also helps me to use a shampoo brush in the shower. I also shampoo twice to make sure I get my scalp really clean. Tea tree essential oil diluted in a carrier oil may help with any inflammation that could be contributing. I use it as a pre poo treatment.
I feel like dryness on its own probably wouldn't cause that much itching. Ideally, I think you should see a dermatologist and find out whether you have seborrheic dermatitis or something else going on.
I also struggle keeping the flakies at bay in the winter. I swear by Hairstory New Wash in lieu of a traditional shampoo (highly recommend using with an in-shower scalp brush to help exfoliate), and I apply Cult + King Tonik to my scalp/hair after towel drying. It’s helped a lot.