10 Effective Hair Products To Combat Flakes, Itch, & Dryness

Having flakes all over the shoulders of your new black sweater can leave one feeling rather inadequate, uncomfortable and irritated – especially when suffering from a dry or itchy scalp, or what feels like, dandruff. Much of the time we mistake scalp flakes for dandruff, but it could be a plethora of issues including skin conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis which is a kind of eczema, alternatively if you find that you get dandruff at particular times in the year, it could just be a dry scalp.

No matter what the condition of your flaky scalp – fear not – because there is a solution for it all and we’ve rounded up 10 of the best shampoos to combat flakes, itchiness and dryness…

By Amrita Singh

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Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral is the over-the-counter medicated shampoo that your dermatologist will insist that you use before moving on to anything stronger if need be, and rightfully so. Its odorless and equipped with a small dose of ketoconazole and almost always works.

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Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Vanicream's Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo comes highly recommended by scalp and hair experts as it contains the maximum, over-the-counter dose of zinc pyrithione (2 percent) to fight dandruff, flakes, and dryness. It’s also free of sulfates, dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde, and is the most fuss free shampoo that guarantees an itch free head.

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Harry's Extra-Strength Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner

Harry's Extra-Strength Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner is a favorite in the beauty community. This shampoo soothes the scalp and is formulated with 2 percent zinc pyrithione, a concentration is "usually gentle enough for patients with eczema." This sulfate-free shampoo relieves itching and flaking and only costs $7.

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Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo

If you color your hair, Redken’s Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo is what you’re looking for. The shampoo is formulated with pyrithione zinc, which treats your dandruff without stripping your hair color. You can even apply the shampoo to your dry scalp and let it marinate before heading into the shower or just use it as you would any other shampoo. Your choice.

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Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

When you have a sensitive and dry scalp and fragile hair, you want a shampoo that can aid both issues. Philip Kingsley’s shampoo is so gentle you can use it daily as the anti-microbial piroctone olamine relieves the scalp of flaking, itching, and buildup, while the aloe vera soothes and repairs the skin without drying your hair in the process.

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Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Shampoo

Another highly affordable and effective shampoo is Selsun Blue's 2-in-1 Shampoo, which contains 1 percent selenium sulfide. This ingredient helps lower levels of yeast on the scalp to reduce inflammation and flaking and also conditions hair as it cleanses.

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Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo

If you are suffering from dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, you’ll be pleased to know that Neutrogena's T/Sal Shampoo fights all three with coal tar. Coal tar breaks down the dandruff crust and helps eliminate flakes rather quickly. Moreover, the formula also reduces inflammation, sebum secretion, redness, and itchiness, and packs quite the punch for a problematic scalp. This one also contains 3 percent salicylic acid which is a peeling agent that helps increase cell turnover.

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BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

At $42, its not the cheapest but hear us out; This exfoliating shampoo soothes the scalp with naturally derived oils such as tingly peppermint oil, moisturizing castor and coconut oils, and charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle. It also leaves an invigorating eucalyptus scent just to remind you that your scalp is truly clean.

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Dandruff-Pill

Ok – we lied – this isn’t a shampoo. We get it, you might have tried every shampoo under the sun and it hasn’t done away with any of your scalps issues – which is why it might be worth trying to combat those problems from the inside. If you’re sick of trying and testing every shampoo on the market, then you can give Lomalux’s pills a go. The capsule is infused with natural active ingredients to treat dandruff internally, for a healthier and less dry scalp. It can be added to your morning routine just like any vitamin.

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Head Kandy Stay Salty Shampoo

Is it a scalp scrub or is it a shampoo? Its both. Head Kandy’s sea-salt shampoo detoxes the hair and scalp by using sea-salt crystals to gently exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells, leaving your hair silky and shiny while removing excessive buildup.