Bad Dandruff

I had the same problem and my derm recommended using Nizoral. It is OTC. It has worked well for me.

Good luck.

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Hi J., I am a beauty professional in the bay area and here's my recommendation:

Kenra dandruff shampoo - it has near perscription levels of zinc and has worked for A LOT of people I know, it has a slight smell but not anywhere near the level of T Gel.

Malibu scalp wellness and dandruff treatment - sulfate free and a Vitamin C treatment that will take care of the flakes and calm your scalp. This is also a great system, a little hard to find but worth it. My 5yo had cradle cap and get bouts of dandruff/eczema and this clears it right up.

Good luck!
L. S

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Try the solution for cradle cap -- oil your scalp well, with olive oil or another oil, leave it on for an hour, then wash well, scrubbing scalp with fingertips.

You may have some kind of build-up on your scalp.

If that doesn't work, might be time for a dermatologist, although the dermatologist I went to knew nothing the time I went to her for scalp problems many, many, many years ago. (She just sneered at me -- "you're a pretty girl, why are you fussing over your hair?" I'm still mad about that. Turns out the cradle cap solution worked for me. I hadn't been washing my hair well for years and had a thick build-up of sebum on my scalp. Stupid dermatologist.)

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There are a variety of causes of dandruff. I'd tried I don't know how many remedies and none work. I did some research about the causes and found that one of them is a yeast infection of your scalp. The product recommended for that was Nizirol (sp?). I have been using it twice a week and my dandruff has cleared up. I had a terrible itching problem, and my scalp looked scaly and peeling (like I'd gotton a bad sunburn). My hair stylist said that when she cuts my hair now she doesn't see anything.

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The nutragena T-Gel really does work and you can also use Seabreeze. This is a face cleanser but when used on your scalp gets rid of dandruff..

I've had the same issue and it turns out, my scalp was dry and irritated by sulfates in shampoos. I now use hydrating shampoos without sulfates. L'Oreal makes a sulfate-free shampoo that you can find at the pharmacy. I use a new shampoo by Ojon (forgot the name) that you can find at Sephora. Fekkai now also makes a sulfate-free shampoo.

Nutrogena T-gel does really work! Selsun Blue has a maximum strength, too, that is not available everywhere, but works. It's in a white bottle with green I think (It has been several years, though, and it might be a totally different package altogether!) If you don't find a solution, maybe it isn't just dandruff and you should have it evaluated... like maybe it is a fungus causing the flaking? That must be a frustrating problem! Good luck~

Hi J.,

I recommend the shampoo and conditioner that Arbonne International formualtes and manufactures. It's wonderfully moisturizing, has a pleasant and natural fragrance and won't make your hair extra oily. It's made of only pure, safe and beneficial ingredients. I'd be happy to send more information!

Have a wonderful day!
~M. Santsche

two things have really helped me. first, drink more water, we get so busy with our kids that we forget to hydrate. it helps with hair and skin, and health all around. second, try using california baby shampoo. it is very mild, helps with craddle cap, dandruf, skin irritations, it really is amazing! there are several formulas to choose from, including an ultra super sensitive that is wonderful as a face wash for sensitive skin. i can't say enough about how much i (and my baby) love these products!

Have you tried tea tree oil.

It is great ahd helped me. I know several salons offer it.

K.

I always had dandruff, and I used Selsun Blue for decades, and it always worked. Then, when I got diagnosed with diabetes, my scalp just went bonkers, and I had it all over me, including in my eyebrows, behind my ears, and in my ears, and Selsun Blue was useless. I went to the dermatologist, and the first prescription was worse than useless. Then I went online looking for OTC recommendations or home remedies. I tried olive oil scalp massages and cider vinegar soaks, and nothing helped. I went back to the dermatologist, and he prescribed this lotion called fluocinonide, which I have used twice, and ALL that mess is gone! See if you can get an RX for it. Good luck.

Head & Shoulders makes a severe dandruff shampoo. It is in a navy blue bottle and it seems to help me. It is ok to use on color treated hair. Good Luck.. This one has worked for me and I use it a couple times of week to maintain the dry skin on my scalp.

HI J.
I have had the same problems for years and tried everything from Selsun Blue to T-Gel. I have been using Arbonne Shampoo with Tea Tree Oil for about a year now and have changed my diet to eliminate some allergenic foods (that I didn't know were until I worked with a nutritionist). I drink more water now also to maintain hydration and now I rarely have too much of a problem with the flaking. The Arbonne products are pure and safe, not full of harsh chemical treatments like so many medicated products.
If you would like more information on Arbonne, or to try the products, you can contact me. You can also check out www.skincarehealth.myarbonne.com
Good Luck
C.

We bought a copper brush that was supposed to rid the scalp of the bacteria that causes dandruff. Can't say how effective, but you could research it for fun if you have the time. I wasn't consistent using it.
G.

My son goes through a period every year where he has a really itchy and has bad dandruff. I put olive oil on his scalp at night. It works really well.

See a dermatologist and get a prescription. There are several different causes of dandruff, and the treatment may be different in different situations. Sometimes, but certainly not always, a chronic health condition can lead to severe dandruff (mild dandruff is much more common). One of those conditions is autoimmune disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis, which I have. I tried multiple over-the-counter remedies -- tea tree oil, dandruff shampoo (Neutragena, Selsen Blue, Nizerol, Head and Shoulders, etc. -- and herbal products specially formulated for dandruff. I also tried several expensive scalp treatments. Nothing helped until I bit the bullet and went to the dermatologist. He prescribed me a shampoo that is both gentle on my hair and works. It started helping right away. The doc said to use it 3x per week for as long as I needed to (with regular shampoo at other times), which was about a year. It can definitely work faster than that in someone whose health is different than mine. Don't waste anymore time feeling embarrassed. See the dermatologist.

J.,

My husband had the same problem and Tea Tree oil Shampoo worked the best. We use Arbonne Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and it worked great for him (he tried all the stuff you listed and it did not help plus I agree the T-Gel smells). Of course after using this product plus their skin care line I started to also do Arbonne as a business (www.linabean.myarbonne.com). If you would like to try a sample of this product I would be more than happy to send one to you or you can contact another consultant (go to www.arbonne.com and they will give you some options for consultants that can help you out). If changing your shampoo, limiting wheat, and increasing your water intake does not change things you may want to see a dermatologist to figure out if there is another cause. Good luck! C.

I've used to have dandruff alot as you are describing. I, like you, tried all the over the counter remedies. What I found out was I wasn't giving any of them a chance to work. I'd try it for a week, get discouraged, and try something new. I finally stuck with Head & Shoulders (any kind) and it works for me. I don't have dandruff any more. Although I'm sure if I stop using it I'll return to having the "flakes that don't melt."

Hi J.,

Dandruff has a smell and comes out in thick layers.You most likely have dry scalp.The products that you are using are drying your hair even more.You need to get a good brushing and a good shampoo with tea tree oil.

I also recommend a shower head for your shower. Those chemicals in the water are very drying also.

I am a stylist and a wellness consultant.

If you want any more info let me know.

N. Marie

Hello J.: Please look up the word PSORIASIS on the internet. You have done a fine job of describing how I learned that I have it. Think about some of these things and seriously consider calling and just having it checked out by a doctor and not wasting any more time. Do you have dry thickskin on the heals of your feet? knees or elbows?? This is besides your scalp. Believe it or not mine was stress induced then I learned that others in our extended family had it and never told anyone because they were embarassed.
This is something I learned when I actually took a child to the dermatologist for a unrelated problem and just asked what could I do about my dandruff-- my life has gone from a horrible case to completely under control.
The reason the medicated shampoos you mentioned smell so bad is the tar solution in them. Try the head and shoulders for psoriasis with tar and you will find it works well and isn't as strong.
I don't mean to sound like an alarmast but when you described the showers of dandruff I remember the times I couldn't even rub my head against the back of the couch without shedding skin, or never wearing anything but white tops so it would not show. I wish you well and hope that you fine your solution. If you live in the Hayward/Union City Kaiser area I can give you the name of a great doctor that has helped us alot. Nana G

Try TeaTree Shampoo... Paul Mitchell used to make a great one but I'm sure you could find another brand if you look around. I think BodyShop makes one too!

Hve you tried changing your diet. Dandruff by dermatologist terms is sometimes different from dry scalp. Dry scalp from my experience can be changed by changing your diet. Vitamin E, which is an oil, as well as plenty of fresh fruit and especially vegetables. This change puts the moisture back into the skin when it is missing, from the inside out. Your scalp is no more than skin with elongated hair folicales. Another thing, too many of the "Dandruff" shampoos have a tendency to dry out the scalp making the problem more intensified. You might also want to try hot oil treatments once a week in addition to your diet change. The hot oil will help topically until your internal change kicks in with diet.

I have tried SOOO many shampoos and remedies- and the only thing that worked for me is a shampoo by AG called Control. I used to work in a hair salon and it was sold there- I think it's a Canadian brand, but I'm sure you can find it online or in salons around you. It smells good- and I just use it all the time and my years long problem with dandruff has disappeared. Good luck!!

Dandruff can be a B12 deficiency.(quite common deficiency) B12 needs b6 for uptake, so you must take them together, The best bet is to take B COMPLEX vitamin drops (walmart carries them) 2 times a day under tounge.

Zinc deficiency can cause psoriasis problems.

some bacterias in the gut, which cause autoimmune disease, can block uptake of b vitamins. eating sugar kills b vits, taking antacids,antibiotics, birth control, and many other oral medications block b vitamin uptake.

A lot of the shampoos or oils people were reccommending work because they are antibacterial or antifungal or some, like tea tree,or boric acid, do both. Another thing to try is boric acid, 2 Tbs in 2 quarts of warm water, rub in, and rinse.

I had itchy scalp and L'Occitane products worked for me. They are expensive but are the best product I've used on my hair ever. There is a L'Occitane outlet in Valley Fair Mall in San Jose.

Hi J.
My husband had the same dilema and used all those over the counter shampoos which in the short run help, but essentially dry out your hair/scalp (making matters worse) and they also have tar in them...
Finally , someone told me about Rosemary oil... He uses it all the time and rosemary shampoo by avalon organics, in addition, use the rosemary oil to treat specific ITCHY areas.. just dab a little on... gotta say, the stuff has worked for him and he's been using it now for a few years.. give it a try.

Lastly and believe it or not..I have read that too many oils (hydrogenated)from meat/dairy can block the small capillaries on your scalp and hence not let enough moisture get thru or hair growth for that matter. it's worth reading up on. Oh and drink lots of water (if you don't already) dehydration is also a key factor in dandruff..

good luck to you!

Hi J., I used to have very bad dandruff too, it has been much much better almost nothing now by using a rinse of apple vinegar with an aspirin crushed in it. I just wash my hair and then I use an old squeeze bottle to soak my scalp with the vinegar/aspirin solution, and massage it in.

Be very very careful not to get this in your eyes - it will sting like heck!

I then rinse with plain water, I do this in the shower and it works well just be careful not to get it in your eyes - have a towel handy.

Yes your hair will smell like vinegar for a day but it's worth doing this 2 or 3 times a year to be pretty free of dandruff the rest of the year.

I hope this helps - best of luck, I.