You’re diligent about taking care of your hair, but still struggling with a flaky scalp or finding dandruff on your shoulders. What gives? According to The Mayo Clinic, dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and symptoms may include an itchy scalp, flaky scalp, or crusty scalp in the case of infants with cradle cap. If you’re someone who’s experienced dandruff long-term, you might notice a pattern where symptoms are more severe during periods of stress or in cold, dry seasons. And while it’s definitely frustrating, the good news is that mild dandruff is relatively easy to treat and manage so you can enjoy a healthy, flake-free scalp.

Tips for a Healthier Scalp

Put your best scalp forward with these simple tips.

Try tea tree oil. The antifungal properties in tea tree oil may help rid your scalp of bacteria. You can apply it a few times a week before shampooing.
Massage your scalp. Not only does a scalp massage provide relaxation, but it may promote circulation to your hair follicles and lead to healthier hair growth.
Don’t over-wash. Product build-up can affect your scalp, so be mindful not to overwash, which can strip away your hair’s natural oils and proteins.

Top Scalp & Dandruff Brands

Step up your scalp care with Thrive Market’s best hair care brands and member-loved products.

Giovanni

Giovanni makes it easy to love your locks by offering effective salon-grade hair products, minus the chemicals. The brand is Leaping Bunny Certified and free of mineral oils, parabens, and propylene glycol.

50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

Quench dry locks with Giovanni’s balancing shampoo that infuses your hair with hydrating vitamins and minerals. It also helps smooth frizz with botanical extracts for shiny bounce.

Acure

ACURE infuses its creams, shampoos, oils, and cleansers with good-for-you ingredients like vitamins and minerals while keeping sulfates, phthalates, and harsh chemicals out.

Buildup Balancing Hemp and ACV Shampoo

Acure is here with your scalp SOS. This fragrance-free formula helps balance your hair with hemp seed oil and clarifying apple cider vinegar. Thrive Market member Nikki from Maine shares that “this stuff is awesome. My hair is getting clean, but it's also super silky and shiny. My scalp is ALSO happy, and that isn't easy to do.”

Seaweed Bath Co.

Seaweed Bath Co's motto is “sea-to-skin personal care.” They formulate their best-selling hair and body care products with calming ingredients (like seaweed) that won't irritate sensitive skin.

Balance Shampoo, Eucalyptus Peppermint

At the heart of this formula is sustainably harvested bladderwrack seaweed that helps boost your strands with more than 65 vitamins and minerals, plus coconut and avocado oils to clarify the scalp.

Thrive Market’s Best Hair Care Ideas

Don’t miss these blog posts for tips to have your best hair day ever.

How to Create a Sleek Blowout

Achieving a sleek blowout doesn’t have to be a mysterious process. Get our secrets, including the three key ingredients you need to create salon-worthy style at home.

DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Are you using heat to style your hair? Nourish it weekly with this DIY deep conditioning mask. The recipe couldn’t be simpler—it’s made with coconut oil and mashed avocado to provide a dose of moisture.

Essential Oil Tips for Hair

Essential oils can do more than provide aromatherapy. Ylang ylang oil has been used for centuries to both protect hair from salty ocean water and keep it long and strong.