If head & shoulders didn't work for you, what product have you found that does?
Posted by Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 248 comments
H&S does not help at all, whether I use it twice a week or daily, I will at some point have dandruff falling out and will be itching away.
I also wonder how often you wash your hair (especially if you no longer suffer from dandruff). Some people say not too often to allow your scalp to do its job but I'm 4 days without washing and dandruff is getting worse and its so itchy right now.
Rubberfootman@reddit
T/Gel, and twice a week.
aljama1991@reddit
I’ve been using H&S for nearly 20 years - it took the edge of my dandruff, but never sorted it.
Last year I did an online search, and found T gel. No dandruff whatsoever for a year. Love the stuff, I also think the smell is ace !
EuphoricDistance3322@reddit
Which T gel did you buy?
aljama1991@reddit
Neutrogena Amber
EuphoricDistance3322@reddit
Do you have a link off Amazon? Thank you!
aljama1991@reddit
And I still use it 3 years later!
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
Do you use the brown or yellow looking one?
Rubberfootman@reddit
The brown one which smells like shampoo from the 70s.
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
Thank you bro
Rubberfootman@reddit
Good luck in your hair journey.
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
Just to check this the one you use? And thank you I appreciate that definitely need luck
Rubberfootman@reddit
That’s the one. Still check your shoulders before anything important, but it should be soooo much better.
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
Found that one aswell, is there much difference
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
Mines doesn’t even make it to the shoulder just sits in my fringe 😂 will do tho appreciate the help!
Rubberfootman@reddit
Come back to me if it doesn’t work - there’s another product you could try.
Minimum-Perception72@reddit
Came here to say the same, Neutrogena T/Gel for the win. The amber looking one, not the transparent for me.
Longjumping-Post-763@reddit
What amber one? There’s a yellow looking one and a brown one?
sarah0815@reddit
Exactly this. Its the only one that works for seborrheic dermatitis, I've been using it for years and my hair is great! No itching, no flaking, no more greasy hair.
dropclangersnotbombs@reddit
"But you don't have seborrheic dermatitis."
soiledpantsforsale@reddit
I too am old and get this reference
TheStatMan2@reddit
To be fair, they've got a new set of adverts doing the round at the moment with the same punchline.
Sozle@reddit
Exactly
Next-Juice-3050@reddit
what conditioner did you use with it ?
Rubberfootman@reddit
I don’t.
Next-Juice-3050@reddit
are you a M or F ?
if you're a male, do you use any oil / aloe vera gel or anything before wash ?
Also thanks for replying an year old msg lol
Rubberfootman@reddit
No problem.
And no, I don’t use anything else, but I have very middle-of-the-road hair, and I keep it fairly short.
SwordTaster@reddit
Smelled horrible and made it worse for me.
PulpDood@reddit
Doesn't work for me either have used for about 5 days now
CalligrapherShort121@reddit
The key ingredient in T/Gel is the coal tar. I’m not aware of anything else easily available containing it. Brilliant stuff.
Tomb_Brader@reddit
Lush sell a coal tar shampoo bar that works wonders…. Only downside for me was it smells too strongly of bonfires I had to stop using it
Azlamington@reddit
I use the brown one once a week. I really rub it in, acting like I have a really itchy scalp all over, then I leave it in for 5 minutes, then I thoroughly rinse it out, also rubbing the scalp as i do so.
ryanstarman123@reddit
go on amazon and buy a silicone head scrubber...works wonders
tropicalcannuck@reddit
This worked well for me and after a treatment period my dandruff went away permanently!
Shpudem@reddit
I use Clear Men. It's the only thing that gives me relief.
AstroMooCow@reddit
Yeah, the brown T/gel. And if you have longer hair make sure to really dry it properly at the roots with hair dryer
jimmykicking@reddit
Yes this
CheesyChips@reddit
For anyone who has their hair fall out with this we use Capasal, very similar but also less smelly
ThesmoothGemminal94@reddit
I've just bought this, I'll be trying it on Saturday
Yaseuk@reddit
This! Apart from I use once a week and only wash my hair once aswel as well.
The-Go-Kid@reddit
Yeah twice a week is key. I was overdoing it for a while, then forgetting to touch it for a while.
There was a great LPT on how to use it the other day but the OP seems to have deleted it which is a shame. Main points to remember for me - Twice a week max, and put it in and leave it in while I shower, then rinse at the end to give it time to do its thing.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Do you still rinse thoroughly with water, light rinse, or avoid it on the days you're not washing it?
The-Go-Kid@reddit
I still rinse through on the other days with water but don't put shampoo in it.
Blubblubshutup@reddit
I fought with myself so hard because I hate going to the doctor. I have autism so going to the doctor is so anxiety inducing, I never go if I don't have to. Basically it has to he life threatening or I'm not going. I was scared to tears about thinking whether or not I was going to have to go. I tried everything under the sun.
Head and shoulders clinical strength advanced oil control made my itching 10x worse. It didn't reduce the flakes at all either. It also made my hairline extremely red especially where I rubbed the buildup off of.
I tried just showering in water for like a week and while the itching reduced, flakes were still building up but the redness was rapidly going away.
Eventually I tried alternating between Nizarol and Head and Shoulders dry scalp rescue and just a basic head and shoulders conditioner hoping that the three ingredients plus targeted moisture repair would somehow find it's way to the problem. I found that the nights I used Nizarol, my head would itch like crazy as it sat on my head in the shower. The next day my head would itch and flakes would be built up and falling like snow again.
On the nights I used head and shoulders, it doesn't itch at any point even when it's just sitting there in the shower and I swear the next day there is a huge reduction in dandruff. My hairline has next to no dandruff build up on it. I will beat myself up if this whole time it was dry scalp. I'm gonna try it for the rest of this month and see if anything changes.
I read that the flakes falling like snow meant sebhorric dermatitis but that didn't make sense to me. I've had scales before but I haven't had them for over 4 months now and the dandruff looks more like white shed dead skin. But idk. Is dry scalp as common of a cause as sebhorric dermatitis is?
knightsbridge-@reddit
Are you sure it's dandruff, or do you just have a dry scalp?
Dandruff will be yellowish and smell bad. If it's just dry white flakes/specs, it's likely your scalp is just dry.
In that case, rigorous H+S may be making it worse. Try using a gentle moisturising shampoo/conditioner one week and see if you get better results. Leave the conditioner on for a bit and massage it into your scalp.
I used to think I had dandruff for years. It was just a dry scalp. Cleared up as soon as I laid off the harsher shampoos and spent more time on moisturising conditioners.
Good luck!
Emotional-Zebra@reddit
Well dang, I thought I was only supposed to condition my hair and not my scalp, because it would make my roots greasy. I’ll try it your way bc my way is making me scratch my scalp off
tropicnights@reddit
Yep, same. 20 years of H&S and it turns out I just had a dry scalp. I now use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and a leave in conditioner around the hair line.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
This is coming through as a common theme. I will try a natural shampoo first and if that doesn't help, I will consult a dermatologist.
Thank you.
learnold94@reddit
I was told by a hairdresser that unless your scalp is smelling and the flakes are yellow-y, it's more likely that you've got a dry scalp rather than dandruff. As a result, head and shoulders and the like will dry out your scalp even further.
Try changing to a shampoo that focusses on moisturising. I changed to the Garnier hair foods moisturing shampoo (green bottle) and my "dandruff" has completely gone away. Might be worth a try!
AstronautFluffy8710@reddit
Yeah I found moisturising the solution - if I remember to do an oil mask at least once a week I don’t have any issues
mnbvcxz456@reddit
What kind of oil mask?
AstronautFluffy8710@reddit
For the most part I just use coconut oil
Emotional-Zebra@reddit
On you entire scalp or just on hair for moisture? Do you still use conditioner at all?
grvcelyyn@reddit
Hi! I know this was a year ago but are you still able to find the garnier hair foods shampoo? I can’t seem to find it, I’m in the US
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Very interesting. It looks red and dry so H&S is probably doing the damage. Usually tiny flakes, sometimes clumps. I will look into moisturising shampoos.
motherof_geckos@reddit
Red and dry sounds like eczema, is that something you suffer with elsewhere?
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
No, but my father has bad rosacea and I think I sometimes have it lightly on the side of my nose. I never considered it could be the same thing on my scalp as dandruff seems so common.
motherof_geckos@reddit
I thought I had dandruff for a long time, but i have eczema and it (as well as psoriasis) runs in my family - they can crop up seemingly randomly and at any age (joy!) - it might be worth seeing if you can see a GP if it’s causing you discomfort and upset.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
If I wash with shampoo it doesn't itch, but a black shirt will make it look like it's snowing. So not so uncomfortable I would need to see a GP. At least not until I've tried all the suggestions here.
ppklp@reddit
If it’s an eczema/psoriasis situation I really recommend using the Oregon shampoo/conditioner from a website called the skin shop. I suffered for years and it completely fixed things
Straw8@reddit
That sounds like psoriasis, try alphosyl
Violet351@reddit
I get eczema and I have to change brands every couple of bottles or I get an itchy scalp
Danarya27@reddit
I thought I was imagining it! H&S worked wonders at first to get rid of the dandruff, but then it stopped working and I started getting itchy. Now I’m the same with T gel and I’m starting to wonder if I’m just allergic to shampoo.
Violet351@reddit
I don’t even have to use itchy scalp shampoo anymore if I just switch shampoos
windol1@reddit
I find I have to do this with creams, the body seems to be like a spoilt child demanding something new every few days.
LadySpatula@reddit
I get that with antiperspirant. Great to know its stopped working when I get home and my shirts need a soak.
Protect_Wild_Bees@reddit
I wanted to add, I moved from another country to here, and the water here is HARD AS FCK. It made my hair so dull and greasy looking no matter how I was washing it.
It will make your hair flat and greasy unless you counter the limescale crap in the water. The only way I found I could do this was adding a gentle cleanser to my washes, as they will counter the minerals in the hard water.
I also find my hair stays cleaner longer when I actually soak the shampoo/conditioner out in a bath, and don't just hope the shower head sorts it.
Ever since I started doing a bath head soak once a week + gentle cleanser shampoo, my hair is much less flat,dulland greasy from day one onward. But that's just my experience as a woman with butt-length hair that I only really need to shampoo once a week now.
Rudahn@reddit
What sort of cleanser should I be looking for? Our water is ridiculously hard and makes my hair really awful within about a day of washing it so I could also do with some help lol
MavGore@reddit
This worked for me, spent years using anti dandruff stuff and it all went away when I switched to whatever was on offer, didn't even need anything specific
20namesandcounting@reddit
My mum found that- h&s was making it worse. She now swears by E45 shampoo
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
E5 - "Dry scalp occurs when your hair is stripped of its natural oils, whereas dandruff is the result of fungal or bacterial infections. Both have similar symptoms including itchy skin and white flakes, but our E45 shampoo provides gentle and effective cleansing for both"
If that's true it has to be good, right?
Psychological-End595@reddit
Body Shop there is good one who works. Ginger.
Lucky_Dare4231@reddit
B
BeyondTheBlinders@reddit
I use T-Gel SA and Nizoral. H&S is a scam.
boldstrategy@reddit
Nizoral, but it is over counter
schmerg-uk@reddit
Nizoral contains anti-fungal agents (where only some H&S contain anti-fungals and even then at much lower concentrations).
If your condition (flaky scalp, dandruff etc) is caused or made worse by a fungal infection, use of Nizoral will for a few weeks will often clear it up, and then using it once every few weeks will tend to keep it at bay and stop it returning / flaring up.
It generally works for me (think I bought it from Amazon - there's a 1% and a 2% formulation and I got the 2%).
But there are thought to be multiple causes of the symptoms that we call dandruff and what treats one cause may make very little difference to another.
I now also a little Nizoral about once a week to wash my feet and anecdotally my athletes foot, previously treated with specialist foot creams etc, hasn't returned although I don't know if this "off license use" is coincidental
corysilk@reddit
all H&S products contain anti-fungals, even the conditioners.
schmerg-uk@reddit
AFAIK (and I forget all the references) the issue is that the H&S anti-fungals, which as you say may be present in all of the modern day range, are present in much lower doses and so are much less effective.
The research I linked reports very much this - "The 1% Nizoral shampoo was consistently 10X better at killing yeast cells than the next closest rival shampoo. The 2% Nizoral shampoo was 10X better than the Nizoral 1% product and 100 times better than any of the other products assayed."
The results demonstrated that all six of the assayed hair shampoos have some antifungal effect on the test yeast. However, there was consider variation in potency of antifungal activity. Nizoral 1% and Nizoral 2% shampoo preparations were the most effective. The 1% Nizoral shampoo was consistently 10X better at killing yeast cells than the next closest rival shampoo. The 2% Nizoral shampoo was 10X better than the Nizoral 1% product and 100 times better than any of the other products assayed.
Anguskerfluffle@reddit
You can buy ketoconazole cream (nizoral active ingredient)
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
does it leave you completely dandruff free? And how long did it take to clear up using it?
UCMeInvest@reddit
It’s amazing! Took me 2 washes. Miracle stuff
boldstrategy@reddit
You don't use it every wash, like once or twice a week.
Don't use it with anti-dandruff shampoo as well, just something neutral (Treseme I use).
It worked after 2/3 weeks.
lowsunwest@reddit
Nizoral has worked for me to keep dandruff away longer. It comes in a really small expensive bottle so I use it as a treatment not a shampoo. Will wash my hair first with a normal shampoo then use a tiny bit of Nizoral as a treatment shampoo directly after. So the bottle lasts for ages. Nizoral won't wash your hair but I recommend it for the scalp.
anotherbozo@reddit
You are meant to use it as treatment. Even the bottle says to use it only once a week after an intial period of twice a week.
anotherbozo@reddit
+1 for Nizoral!
MelodicAd2213@reddit
Have bought off the shelf in Tesco and Superdrug before
Billiewillywoo@reddit
You can order nizoral on Amazon for £6/7! I used for fungal acne on my forehead but heard all good things for dandruff.
psycho-mouse@reddit
You can buy nizoral off the shelf. Doe they do a stronger one over the counter?
boldstrategy@reddit
In boots it is over the counter, so not sure
https://www.boots.com/nizoral-dandruff-shampoo-100-ml-10032960
psycho-mouse@reddit
Yeah this looks the same as the one you can buy off the shelf in supermarkets. Doesn’t work for me, nor does Tgel or H&S.
boldstrategy@reddit
Ah sorry mate, I just get it from there
mnbvcxz456@reddit
Update?
Rare_Alternative1659@reddit
I use body shop ginger shampoo and conditioner even though I have a short buzzed hair do as moisture is important after washing.
amitamola@reddit
And in my case, it was the cause of my dandruff continuing to be bad :/
Valuable-Hotel863@reddit
Glad to see this here. It's the only shampoo I've ever used that doesn't irritate my scalp. Now that I've stated this publicly, the fuckers will no doubt discontinue the product and I'll go back to being a flaky mess.
Rare_Alternative1659@reddit
If they do I'll be right there with you 🤣 it is so good 👍
pendle_witch@reddit
You can also get a scalp oil treatment in the same range which will help with combatting the initial dry flakiness!
Rare_Alternative1659@reddit
Yes I use that too from time to time very good range 👌
oddsock87@reddit
Came here to suggest this
QueenBrie88@reddit
I got recommended this by a woman I worked with years who and it worked wonders! I’m not a fan of The Body Shop in general but it sorted me out straight away, I’ve recommended it to other people and it worked for them too.
Opposite_Injury7473@reddit
Amazing stuff, worked on my dry scalp after the first wash!
steve7612@reddit
Only thing that worked for my dry scalp. Smells good too.
Volume_Correct@reddit
Conspiracy theory time: I believe Head and Shoulders plays on consumer confusion with regards to dry scalp vs actual fungal infection causing dandruff. If you have a dry scalp, this product will keep it dry, and will be exacerbated when paired with hot water. The conspiracy here is that they know this, for continuous "dandruff" = continuous purchases. I don't know if it works for people with actual dandruff, but hopefully. But if you have a dry scalp, common condition btw, buy some shampoo with oils that help moisturize the scalp, lots of info online. I've actually been taking cold showers and shampooing less frequently, and I've been seeing much better results. I will never buy a bottle again, CRYOTHERAPY is insane, so many health benefits, and more to come via research!
denjiiikun@reddit
Do you live in europe? Head and shoulders no longer have zinc in their shampoo (the only active anti dandruff ingredient).
computery_stuff@reddit
Something that might help if you have excess sebum from skin and it messes up scalp - supplemental zinc. About 1/3 of people are deficient. Don't take too much though that can be bad for you. Best to read up on it.
Suspicious_Junket910@reddit
Nizoral anti fungal shampoo
InvictusPretani@reddit
Head and shoulders actually used to make my dandruff far worse.
I use a shampoo called Nizoral now. It's quite a medical looking bottle but it's fantastic. Once a week, absolutely no dandruff anymore.
Asisvenia@reddit
Do I need to see dermatologist in order to start using Nizoral? Or can I just give it a try?
InvictusPretani@reddit
Just give it a go. You can find it in Boots or Superdrug. It looks like a pretty boring medical bottle honestly, but I've found it's fantastic.
What I will say however is to only use a small amount.
DWOL82@reddit
I had Dandruff most my life, I changed my diet 5 years ago and it went away very quickly and has never come back. I stopped snacking, cut out most processed/refined carbs ie bread, pasta and went high fat , moderate protein low carb. The blood sugar rollercoaster day in day out from things like bread with not eating the nutrient rich foods like butter , eggs, steaks was the root cause. You’ll find most things people have wrong with them now are due to diet.
CaersethVarax@reddit
I have psoriasis on my scalp. Most I can go is every other day. I used to use T Gel daily, but it got too expensive to keep up. I'll shower daily and shampoo/condition every other time
Zealousideal-Group87@reddit
Did T Gel help? I have been plagued for decades, with countless visits to my GP, nothing has helped. I have spent a fortune on different medications, to no avail :-(
CaersethVarax@reddit
Yeah, it did. Nowadays, I get more sun and less oily skin, which seems to have helped. Ita definitely worth trying!
Zealousideal-Group87@reddit
Thanks for the reply, I found it online as I now live in Denmark, it has been ordered, fingers crossed.
CaersethVarax@reddit
Godspeed to your courier, min ven! I wish only the best results.
Zealousideal-Group87@reddit
Thanks, I appreciate that, I hope you stay forever clear of it.
Lazy_Stranger_5747@reddit
A cheaper alternative to T/gel would be Johnson&Johnson baby shampoo. I’ve found. It works just as well
Ollive_Oyll@reddit
Depends on your skin issue and if you have long or short hair. Have you seen a GP?
Coal tar shampoo is excellent for all sorts of issues and you can buy it at the pharmacy. Alphosyl was my favourite but they've discontinued it. If you have any weepy sore bits you might need a steroid lotion from the GP, and possibly a referral to a dermatologist.
Apple cider vinegar rinses are also helpful.
I have long (23") very coarse, wavy and thick hair so I wash weekly. If your hair is short or greasy you'll need to wash much more than that. When I had short hair it was every 2-3 days because it was dry, but I'd expect someone with short and oily hair to wash daily.
InternalEmu1477@reddit
Yeah, vinegar (diluted) rinses seem to help a lot.
myrina27@reddit
Apple cider vinegar rinses! For the win
zephyrianking@reddit
Nizoral shampoo cured my dandruff immediately, I highly recommend it. You can get it on offer from Boots for the 60ml size
doesntevengohere12@reddit
Body Shop ginger shampoo
NefariousnessNext840@reddit
Dr organic range and more specifically the vitamin E shampoo and conditioner.
SnooHabits4466@reddit
T gel is very good, as is any tar oil shampoo. The trick is to leave the shampoo on as long as poss, 2mins +, after a good shampoo massage. Nizoral is also very good.
FlufferBean84@reddit
The aldi version of H&S is really good
Comprehensive_Gap693@reddit
Try a scalp scrub as well with salycilic acid. Really helped me quick. I use the inkey list scalp exfoliator.
Gnosys00110@reddit
Use a comb to scrape the dead skin from your scalp each time you shower.
It sounds odd but it works.
Least_Amoeba_3633@reddit
PURE COCONUT OIL as a scalp mask, this is excellent for a dry scalp. Massage into the scalp before you wash your hair, cover with a shower cap or cling film, leave it for an hour or two, over night is also good, when you come to rinse it off add shampoo first (this helps to remove the oil & may not lather) then rinse, re apply moisturing shampoo & wash as normal. Try this twice a week to start & see the results, going to once a week. Hope this helps 😉
Liquidest_Ocelot@reddit
Knees & Toes is the logical next step.
j3d321@reddit
Lard. Trust me
Putrid_Resist_1304@reddit
I have scalp eczema so I guess I don’t have dandruff in the sense that it’s not caused by dirt/grease so I have a special anti-dandruff shampoo from the gp
RegretEasy8846@reddit
Weird as it sounds I used to shave my head and use moisturiser on my scalp, actually very mild eczema cream (Diprobase) that wasn’t for me but it worked. I quite liked having a shaven head in my 20s so it was fine, obviously this way isn’t something most people would bother with.
OnlyAnNpc@reddit
Knees & toes
Ruadhan2300@reddit
Vosene.
It seems to do the job on my chronic dandruff anyway.
GingerbreadMary@reddit
I get scalp psoriasis. People assumed it was dandruff.
Made matters worse by washing my hair every day.
GP prescribed a steroid lotion which has been game changer.
RedCloud82@reddit
Hair Clippers.
In all seriousness, as a child with fairly thick hair, it was a constant battle. Then I started cutting it far shorter and its never been a concern since.
Maybe a coincidence. Maybe it just makes it easier for the skin to escape when washing or during other parts of the day.
I-like-holidays@reddit
As a child/ teenager more likly to have been cradle cap, also when shampooing your hair actually rub your fingers across the scalp
I-like-holidays@reddit
Hairdresser here! Dandruff is yellow and smells and is thick
More than likly you have a dry scalp, try a balancing shampoo
Also good tip shampoo is for you scalp to remove dirt but also look after the skin
Conditioner is for the hair
Ohbc@reddit
The only thing that worked for me is blow-drying my hair. I used to go to bed with wet hair. I never made the connection until I saw some comment somewhere. I rarely have any dandruff now, before my scalp would start getting itchy 2 days after washing my hair.
gneiss01@reddit
Second this. During lockdown I was letting my hair dry naturally throughout the day and developed a bad case of dandruff as a result! Now I blow dry it most days.
Sygga@reddit
It doesn't necessarily have to be a problem with dry scalp. Dry scalp can cause dandruff, but so can a really oily scalp (because the skin cells get caught in the oil and clump).
Have you thought about Eczema? I have a type called Psoriasis, where my skin has cranked the cell regeneration up to 10. It grows quicker than it can flake off, leaving me with scaly patches. It only affects certain areas of my body.
aljama1991@reddit
I’ve been using H&S for nearly 20 years - it took the edge of my dandruff, but never sorted it.
Last year I did an online search, and found T gel. No dandruff whatsoever for a year. Love the stuff, I also think the smell is ace !
RemarkableEcho_@reddit
Redken Scalp Relief it’s a life saver 👍
jojo24792@reddit
If it’s a big issue for you that it’s interfering with the quality of your life, I’d recommend seeing a doctor, they may be able to recommend something. I did this in another country and the shampoo they recommended worked wonders, before then I had had a huge dandruff problem for the majority of my life. I still get an itchy head every now and then, but once I use the product the issue stops for a good while.
ryanstarman123@reddit
3 minute miracle moisture....works wonders
Successful_Ad6624@reddit
Coal tar shampoo a couple of times a week works really well. Don't be put off by the smell cos it doesn't linger
D-Angle@reddit
Same, I use Polytar a couple of times a week and it does wonders.
Successful_Ad6624@reddit
Pity he probably won't read these cos it might be a cheaper option that actually works on either problem he might have
CurrentlyHuman@reddit
Thought this was a cross post with those married Siamese.
DrachenDad@reddit
T/Gel or Vosene
wizzywoo22@reddit
I’ve used Oilatum Scalp Treatment Shampoo for about 10 years. I use it about once a week but make sure I spend a minute massaging it in and then leave it for a minute. Really recommend. Bottle is small but lasts for ages as you don’t need a lot. I really notice if I don’t use it!
Boomshrooom@reddit
As others have pointed out, there's a big difference between dandruff and dry scalp. Dandruff is generally characterised by large, oily flakes. Lack of these would suggest dry scalp instead. The real rub is that treatments for dandruff, like head and shoulders, make dry scalp worse.
HeronThat@reddit
Vinegar.
Apple cider.
Leave it wet hair and wash it off after 10 minutes.
Repeat until dandruff is gone.
TheFleabagDiary@reddit
Coicois ointment - I get psoriasis when stressed and it clears it for 6 months when used a few times
antibac2020@reddit
I developed seborrheic dermatitis during my first pregnancy and someone recommended ginger shampoo by The Body Shop. It is amazing, eradicated it pretty much straight away and leaves my scalp really comfortable and not feeling too stripped. It comes and goes since then, and I always have a bottle of that shampoo to nip it in the bud.
thedenv@reddit
Healpsorin, amazon 20 quid, big bottle. Used T-Gel before for years, but this is better.
Musichord@reddit
Well, I'll look through the comments and write down suggestions too, but... an antiallergic????
I've been having hay fever (for the first time in a few years). I've been taking antiallergic for about a week and a half. A few days ago, I noticed my scalp is much better....
doomdoggie@reddit
H&S is shit, it's full of irritants.
Your scalp is flaky because it's DRY.
You don't want to strip everything off it, you want to be very gentle and add moisture in.
Liz Earle shampoo is expensive, but very gentle. Only thing I can use.
Ok_Awareness-@reddit
My friend has seborrheic dermatitis, we found that XHC Therapeutic Shampoo (X-pel) helped more than the coal tar stuff she was using from boots (that cost more).
300ml is £2 in Savers and Home Bargains and has a green and white box. Has oat/soy … stuff in it. Also cheaper than T/Gel (also coal tar).
Must be like, the only thing that hasn’t increased in price in several years.
AffectionateAir2856@reddit
Nizoral! It genuinely has changed my life in a small but significant way. I used to have horrendous dandruff but now I don't get it at all. And you don't need to use it every week, just every couple of days for about 2 weeks then once every couple of weeks after that, you can use normal shampoo the rest of the time.
DarknessDesires@reddit
My husband loves body shop’s ginger dandruff shampoo
I_HAVE_FRIENDS_AMA@reddit
Vosene the green bottle. It worked for me and every time I get dandruff I switch back to it. It works quickly and it’s cheap. I’m sure there’s probably something bad in there but I get complimented on my hair a lot and I’m a man. However, what has worked for me since then and kept the flakes at bay, is shampooing as little as possible. I want to say I shampoo once a week but sometimes it’s less 😬 I’m lucky that I can get away with that and my hair doesn’t look too greasy.
optimisticRamblings@reddit
Strangely, shorter hair did it for me.
brutalistcheese@reddit
Have eczema.
It's worth going to your GP before using a lot of money to experiment as it could be something else like the need for steroids.
Personally, I use E45 shampoo and I barely wash my hair - once every two months or something. In the past, the most I would wash it would be once a week. If my hair is particularly dry, I use a bit of moisturiser (aqueous based or something like hydromol but your hair does get super greasy).
Good luck! Sometimes it's more than just a certain shampoo but sometimes it's just patience.
shanypoos@reddit
Listerine for sure. No jokes
littlekel7@reddit
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Massager-Silicone-Scrubber-Exfoliator-Dandruff/dp/B08DKJYP5Q/ref=asc_df_B08DKJYP5Q/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=499275064722&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16635139588256337190&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007034&hvtargid=pla-1001419986910&psc=1
Actual-Key2059@reddit
Male with shortish hair - weened myself of shampoo during pandemic and now just rinse it when I shower and people are shocked when they find out I don’t use it. Let your natural oils do their thing
smell_my__cheese@reddit
I've tried literally everything, T-Gel, Nizoral, Head and Shoulders but found they all out me into a cycle of dependency where if I didn't use the product for a couple of days the itching came back. A lot of these products actually strip out the natural oils and make things worse. Then I found As I Am Cowash for Itchy Scalps. No itching anymore at all and it doesn't come back. Amazing stuff.
https://www.myhairandbeauty.co.uk/as-i-am/cleansing-shampoo/as-i-am-dry-and-itchy-scalp-care-olive-and-tea-tree-oil-co-wash?id_product_attribute=18726&SubmitCurrency=1&id_currency=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3a2iBhCFARIsAD4jQB2lPgn95B4MyrDwK6ohXBrl2CS_T2ZPm90X-FSNcD6P3bVQRal9On4aAu6nEALw_wcB
Embarrassed_Park2212@reddit
I had dandruff and extremely itchy scalp, almost like I had nits, I had tried h&s, tgel, nizoral and tea tree shampoos even the medicated stuff, vosene I think. They made no difference and some made it worse. So I tried SLS free shampoo and the difference is amazing. No dandruff and no itching at all and I only have to wash my hair once a week. That's partly because I'm a lazy bitch. But going SLS free got rid of my issues.
usernamethatcounts@reddit
Bondi Boost dandruff repair. https://www.bondiboost.co.uk/products/dandruff-shampoo-conditioner?currency=GBP&variant=32322882502700&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImv-72K7N_gIVVwCLCh2nKAfKEAQYASABEgIjgfD_BwE
sybil-vimes@reddit
I use selsun. T-gel worked but I couldn't stand the smell. I use it a couple of times a week and it's been night and day for my scalp. It costs about £7 on Amazon.
CrazyPlantLady01@reddit
Used to have to use T Gel chronically. Got diagnosed with coeliac disease and when I healed from that, so did my flaky itchy scalp. Just worth considering any other causes
artjay1@reddit
Alberto balsam tea tree shampoo
pendle_witch@reddit
I found that a scalp scrubber helped with really exfoliating my scalp, washing properly and stimulating the blood flow
nderflow@reddit
Consider that it could be other skin conditions. For example, H&S did little for me, T-Gel was better, but the problem turned out actually to be psoriasis. I didn't discover that for over 10 years.
Tiny-Pop-155@reddit
I didn’t know you had daaaaandruff
Volo_Kin@reddit
Knees and toes worked fine for me.
Z_odyssey@reddit
Do you potentially have eczema or psoriasis if it's itchy?
I get dandruff but I don't have an itchy scalp.
I use the clay based L'Oréal anti dandruff. It hasn't solved it completely but it's so much better.
Commercial_Dinner989@reddit
La Roche Posay, works a treat!
SpacerCat@reddit
If you want to go a little more high end, try Rene Furterer Neopur 3x a week. It’s the only thing that I’ve found does not dry out my hair or scalp and keeps things in check. I also use a shampoo brush/hair massager when I shampoo to make sure my scalp is being fully cleaned (I have thick hair).
https://amzn.eu/d/0Gu7UiI
Amberbythesea93@reddit
Aliver sea salt shampoo has fixed all my scalp issues! It’s amazing. You can buy it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shampoo-Anti-Dandruff-Itchy-Treatment-Dandruff/dp/B0894Z4QP2
obtaingoat@reddit
I tried a lot including the Nizoral and T Gel but they didn't do the job. I found Vichy Dercos recently in Boots and it's not cheap but brilliant results.
For conditioner I use Avalon Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Conditioner that Holland & Barrett sell.
Beanieboru@reddit
Nizoral.
Just because one thing works for one person doesnt mean it will work for you. Dandruff is caused by different funghi (i think) so head and shoulders will work for some and not others.
If t/Gel works for you great but if not definitely try Nizoral (you can get it from Boots)
SlowCoffeeSunday@reddit
Body shop ginger and zinc shampoo
PangolinPops@reddit
The cheapest shower gel from Aldi. Head and shoulders made my dandruff worse. Since I started wearing my hair with shower gel instead I haven't had dandruff at all.
I find it helps to wash every day, or at least every other day. I tried going months without washing it one time to see if it would start cleaning itself. It didn't. Ended up shaving my head.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Oh wow, so the actual shower gel worked for you and not shampoo?
I wonder if that is related to another user's recommendation for going for something that moisturises.
catsnbears@reddit
I use Aussie Miracle moist shampoo and conditioner now and it was nearly instant success. Ive also got one of their hair mask tubs that I use a bit of once every couple of weeks. For me it was definitely dry scalp. My husband however DOES have real dandruff and he scrubs his head with coal tar soap once a week and uses mane and tail shampoo and conditioner in between ( he has to wash it daily because he has a dirty job)
PangolinPops@reddit
I don't think it's moisturising. It's blue and doesn't have any creaminess to the texture, nor does it make any claims to moisturise the skin. I think I actually needed something to cut through grease and dry the scalp out a bit.
Now_Villager@reddit
Cheap products tend to have fewer added ingredients so there's less in there to irritated.
Femfresh works well too as it's slightly alkaline and gentler but cleanses well. Better than baby shampoo, anyway, which is similar.
Either-Blackberry-46@reddit
Second this also has to be aldi’s
Lidls doesn’t work. Sainsbury’s certain flavours do. B and m certain flavours. All the bottles are the same shape and size if you know you know.
Bummbawaff@reddit
If found that if I drink plenty of water mines better, I generally put a little wax in my hair and wash with water no poo I guess.
Pretty sure that H&S used everyday, has stripped every natural oil from my scalp!
Cold_Table8497@reddit
Selsun. Used it years ago and it always worked.
TheSmallestPlap@reddit
Head and shoulders actually gave me dandruff. So I started using Vosene. Its very harsh for a shampoo though so I'd only use it once or twice a week.
SwordTaster@reddit
If you can afford slightly more expensive stuff, bodyshop ginger scented shampoo was really good for my dry, sensitive scalp. If you're OK with shampoo bars I'd recommend trying honestly eco, they're an online shop that sells natural ingredient based hair and skincare products which I have found absolutely fantastic. Again, not cheap cheap but worth the price
llkkeeeekkll@reddit
Shaving my head.
becca413g@reddit
I find I need to swap between several shampoos to manage my eczema. If I use the same one all the time it sort of stops working. Usually I switch between head and shoulders and t-gel. Hope you find something that works for you.
buttersismantequilla@reddit
Have you tried Child Farm shampoo? My 18 year old son has terribly dry scalp with massive chunks of skin coming off. Child Farm shampoo is gentle enough to wash his hair and not dry out his scalp and he is flake free.
jvlomax@reddit
The Grüm anti-dandruf bar has been great for me
monsieurmistral@reddit
Nizoral, twice a week for about 3 weeks and then approximately 2 month gap and then start again.
Artistic_Affect_5241@reddit
Had what I thought was dandruff for years and tried everything then a friend suggested washing my hair with olive oil soap bars. I will never go back to shampoo, no flakey scalp and lovely soft hair
Equivalent_Cup547@reddit
Body shop ginger shampoo is amazing. It's not cheap, but goes a long way and completely got rid of my dandruff when H&S stopped being effective. Been using for a few years now.
AnabolicCheesecake@reddit
I used to use a ginger shampoo from Body Shop
Pristine-Sherbert560@reddit
My scalp got burned a few months ago causing similar symptoms and I resolved it by smearing cheap moisturiser into my hair and rubbing it all over my scalp before going to sleep.
Head and shoulders made it significantly worse and t-gel just made it smell like a petrol station.
jambo_1983@reddit
Surprised this hasn’t been mentioned: Alpecin Dandruff Killer Shampoo.
It is amazing. Dandruff has gone, and I finally don’t itch my head all day, every day.
Flexo24@reddit
Controversial I know but the results speak for themselves, but try r/nopoo
I did just pure water for the first six weeks or so, now I use chickpea floor and water and then some essential oils at the end. I have a dry scalp (and just dry skin in general) and my hair and scalp has never been better.
PangolinPops@reddit
I did this for a couple of months and ended up shaving it all off as it became such a slimy mess. Didn't work at all. I have greasy hair and skin though.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Mildly concerned when I saw no poo. Nice name for the sub. I will try a natural shampoo first, but I've been 4 days with just water and my head is going insane.
Flexo24@reddit
Ah yeah - just gotta push past that part, your hair has probably never been in that situation so over compensates. But it settles down and gets used to it ☺️
isdnpro@reddit
100% this. But I've got short (shaved) hair so maybe doesn't work for everyone.
Had dandruff or something for years before doing this. Still use T/Gel and body shop ginger conditioner maybe every couple of months (if I get a flare up or if my head gets particularly dirty somehow). But otherwise just rinse it when I shower each day, no more dandruff and not greasy at all
MonkeyHamlet@reddit
It’s worth getting a referral to a dermatologist, you might have a fungal infection of the scalp.
helluva2020@reddit
Nizoral weekly and the Nizoral daily every day. Picking some prescription stuff up soon as the Nizoral doesn't seem to be as effective anymore
Decent_Bend2519@reddit
I've suffered with the same issue, instead of swapping and testing between various shampoos use a small dollop of hair moisturiser once your hair has dried. You can buy these for about a fiver in any dedicated weave/wig store that you find in most city centres these days. Good luck!
Mrslinkydragon@reddit
Panteen colour protect. I don't dye my hair but I like the way it smells and it makes my hair nice and soft
wringtonpete@reddit
Oilatum is great but very expensive, so I tend to just use it once a month.
Head & Shoulders always made my dandruff worse, so I avoid it.
Odd_Discussion1212@reddit
The body shop ginger shampoo and conditioner
teacupisbigger@reddit
My low-key conspiracy is that H&S gives you dandruff. Never had it worse than when I bought a bottle of that flaky nonsense.
Hevnoraak101@reddit
Knees & Toes
BrowsingOnMaBreak@reddit
My dad swears by Tesco own brand anti-dandruff shampoo, and while I don’t have dandruff myself, that stuff really ‘moisturises’ the scalp. (Dunno if that’s what it does on a technical level but that’s what it feels like)
Usevasaline@reddit
Try using coconut oil
TheCarrot007@reddit
Head and shoulders < Head and shoulders clinically proven < Whatever coal tar extract shampoo you can find the cheapest of (grr rthat stuff is not cheap right now!).
ThesmoothGemminal94@reddit
Ive just had to buy T/gel I haven't tried it yet but H&S doesn't work for me either. My head literally the day after or the day I wash it is extremely itchy always heaps of dandruff comes off after and it really makes me self conscious
willem_79@reddit
Selsun is amazing for me, without it I eventually turn into a red angry flaky mess. Biz oral is ok but not as good.
PontiacBandit2020@reddit
T-gel, however it can really dry your hair. The bonus is that it can also help to clear skin. Superdrug have a trichology cleansing shampoo which is quite nice.
The1983@reddit
The body shop ginger shampoo and conditioner is excellent! And you can also get a ginger scalp serum. I swear by it and it smells gorgeous
NorthernStar2184@reddit
Sulfur8 - it can be bought in Afro hair shops
LordGeni@reddit
Polytar is pretty reliable. Not an everyday shampoo but a couple of times a week for a couple of weeks does wonders.
Mammoth_Notice_6585@reddit
First ways of the week with baby shampoo then t gel . Thays what helps me as when I use the same product for too long my scalp just goes back go being flakey. I also use cider vinegar one times a week
d-i-n-o-s-a-u-r@reddit
I thought I had dandruff, H&S made it significantly worse. Turns out I'm sensitive to SLS, a common shampoo ingredient. There are loads of brands that do SLS-free though now luckily. I like Faith in Nature. There are also cheap SLS-free shampoos for like £1-2 in Savers which aren't bad, I can't remember the name but they're in square bottles, I really like the ginger one. XTC or something like that?
Also causes me issues with toothpaste, but weirdly shower gel etc is fine on the rest of my body. Just scalp and mouth that seem to react!
spicyp0op@reddit
Knees & Toes
Opposite_Ad_9682@reddit
Nothing worked for except to shave my head.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Wife says no
GreenDigitReaper@reddit
Next time she goes to shave her pubes say “No”
Opposite_Ad_9682@reddit
Sorry , yes, should of added it's easier if you're a bloke. Mine was awful, couldn't wear dark colours. Tried all sorts of shampoos & lotions, both prescription and over the counter. Head & Shoulders gave me a nasty rash on my hands years ago.
ianbattlesrobots@reddit
Nizoral is the best.
Lonecyclist2023@reddit
I found vosene works for me
Far_Asparagus1654@reddit
Sounds more like psoriasis than dandruff. See a Dr.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Looking at images of that, I'm thankful I don't think it is that. Looks a lot more like seborrheic dermatitis, but I'm hopeful it is just a horribly dry scalp in need of moisturising.
Far_Asparagus1654@reddit
Best of luck
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Thank you
inkieisie@reddit
E45 shampoo is great. Really gentle & stopped the itching & dry scalp for my daughter.
corf3l@reddit
I use Aldis knock off and it works fine.
Then again I only had a problem because I used Aldi cheap shampoo in the first place.
Papa__Lazarou@reddit
TGel works where others fail
CodeDue34@reddit
I went to see a dermatologist about my itchy and scaly scalp, she told me I had seborrheic dermatitis and advised me to use a special shampoo for it. https://www.escentual.com/bioderma/bioderma064/?source=aw&awc=2991_1682694682_a01ca6537bf8dafebbe3f4ad7c62a2b8
It's a bit expensive but it's the only thing that helps.
You can also try Nizoral.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the recommendation. If the others don't help I will see a dermatologist to see if this is the cause.
zshah99@reddit
Nizoral worked really well for me when I got it some years ago
Biscuit_Tim@reddit
honestly I found it gave me dandruff, Ive never had a problem with it before, but anytime I go to somebodies house and they have it Im like a winter scene. Tresemme is what I use and have zero complaints.
Kiwis_Taking_Over@reddit (OP)
Interesting. I have used my wifes in the past and it works for a short period at a time. But she bought a massive bottle of H&S. I've been trying to use it, but like you say, I'm sure it's doing more damage than good.
destria@reddit
I used alphosyl 2-in-1 medicated shampoo, seemed to work better for me than h&s or t-gel. Unfortunately it's been discontinued!
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