The Best Shampoo to Treat Your Type of Dandruff (and Tell the Flakes to Flake Off!)

What is dandruff?

Regardless of why it happens (and there are some surprising causes of dandruff), dandruff is a just another term for flaky skin on the scalp, explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers in New York, NY. “It could be a result of dry skin, but the most common cause is seborrheic dermatitis.” This is the medical name for inflammation of the scalp and oil glands, she says. The flaking also coincides with scalp itching and redness. Another cause of dandruff is the build-up of dead skin cells on your scalp. Think about how often you exfoliate the skin on your face and body? Your scalp doesn’t get nearly half as much love. The best dandruff shampoo for you depends on what’s causing your dandruff.