Effective dandruff shampoos work by addressing the causes of the condition. Per the Mayo Clinic, the four most common causes of dandruff are seborrheic dermatitis, otherwise known as irritated, oily skin, straight up dirty hair or dry skin, or a lovely fungus called Malassezia. Not all dandruff shampoos are created equal, so it’s important to read the ingredients. The best dandruff shampoo strikes the right balance between attacking the problem while soothing and avoiding irritation. If your scalp shows any signs of redness or burning, stop washing your hair with the product in question. If you can’t find an over-the-counter shampoo that works, there are prescription options a dermatologist can describe.

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