I don’t have to tell you how challenging it can be to manage the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. This common scalp condition can cause red, itchy patches and flaky scales, commongly known as dandruff. While medicated shampoos are often recommended as the primary treatment for seborrheic dermatitis (or dandruff), all these shampoos cause you to have dry, brittle hair.
Using the right conditioner, whether it’s medicated or not, can do double duty on alleviating the symptoms of seb derm and nourishing your locks. A good conditioner can help moisturize your scalp, reduce itching, and prevent the buildup of flakes.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the best conditioner for your specific needs. Let’s explore some of the best conditioners for seborrheic dermatitis to start you on your healthy hair journey:
- Factors to consider when choosing a conditioner
- Best conditioner for seb derm overall: Puriya Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
- Best anti-fungal conditioner for seb derm: Nioxin Scalp Recovery Conditioner
- Best seb derm conditioner for dry hair: Purador Biotin Conditioner
- Best seb derm conditioner for itchy scalp: Good & All Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
- Best seb derm conditioner for oily hair: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
- Best natural seb derm conditioner: Yes to Tea Tree Conditioner
Factors to consider when choosing a conditioner
When choosing a conditioner for seborrheic dermatitis, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the best product for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ingredients: Look for conditioners that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile. These ingredients can help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation. Avoid conditioners that contain oils that may aggravate seb derm, sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances as these can irritate the scalp and worsen seborrheic dermatitis.
- Moisturizing: Seborrheic dermatitis can cause dryness and flakiness of the scalp. Therefore, it’s important to choose a conditioner that is moisturizing and can help hydrate the scalp. Look for conditioners that contain ingredients such as shea butter or jojoba oil, which can help moisturize the scalp and hair.
- Anti-fungal properties: Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp. It would be great if your conditioner has anti-fungal properties but it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t. I assume you’re already using an anti-fungal shampoo and maybe even anti-fungal scalp serums.
- PH balance: The PH of the conditioner is important as it can affect your scalp micro-environment. Look for conditioners that have a PH balance of around 5.5, which is similar to the natural PH balance of the scalp.
With these criteria in mind, check out these conditioner recommendations:
Best conditioner for seb derm overall: Puriya Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
This sulfate-free conditioner contains tea tree oil, arnica, sage and rosemary which all reduces Malassezia growth. It also clarifies the scalp and gets rid of build-up from hair products which worsens itch and flaking.
The aloe vera extract, Vitamin B5, wheat protein and glycerin repairs your hair and leaves it stronger and fuller.
Best of all, it’s made from natural ingredients (none of which can worsen seb derm) and contain no harmful chemicals that can seep through your damaged skin barrier into your blood stream.
Don’t believe me? Check out the customer reviews.
Best anti-fungal conditioner for seb derm: Nioxin Scalp Recovery Conditioner
You don’t actually need an anti-fungal conditioner since it’s supposed to go on your hair and Malassezia lives on your scalp. However, if you’re going to war on your dandruff and want a medicated conditioner, this is your best bet.
The Nioxin Conditioner contains zinc pyrithione and green tea extracts that has proven antifungal properties. It’s part of a 3 step regimen with Nioxin Anti-dandruff Shampoo and Nioxin Scalp Recovery Serum but you can choose to use it with your hair products of choice.
It has a clean peppermint scent leaving your scalp fresh and your hair looking shiny and healthy. My only beef is that it’s a bit pricey.
Best seb derm conditioner for dry hair: Purador Biotin Conditioner
The thing I hate most about anti-dandruff shampoos is that they leave your hair so frizzy, brittle and dry. Then you’re sort of stuck. You can’t put hair oil on – that will make your scalp oily again. But if you leave it, your hair just looks so bad.
I’ve found a good conditioner really helps and Pura D’Or Biotin Conditioner is one of those I would recommend when you have damaged hair. The biotin, multiple fruit and flower extracts and Vitamin E will repair whatever damage your antidandruff shampoo has done.
If you look at the list of ingredients, this conditioner also contains a little argan oil. You’ll be applying the conditioner to your hair and not your scalp. Plus, you’ll wash it out within 10 minutes so that little bit of argan oil is unlikely to make your dandruff worse.
Best seb derm conditioner for itchy scalp: Good & All Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
I love natural products and this one is no exception. The Good & All Tea Tree Mint Conditioner is specially designed for soothing dry itchy scalps and reducing dandruff.
It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free and vegan, making it a great natural option for those with sensitive scalps.
The tea tree oil and mint extract in the conditioner provide a refreshing and invigorating sensation on the scalp while also providing moisture and nourishment to the hair.
Best seb derm conditioner for oily hair: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
Oily hair occurs when there is a build up of hair products and scalp oils. One way is to do the double washing technique but using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner can do wonders as well. Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural clarifying agent and antifungal agent but it smells horrible. Aveeno takes care of that for you.
The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Conditioner is infused with apple cider vinegar, which helps to clarify the scalp while adding healthy shine to oily and dull hair. More importantly, it has a fresh fragrance and contains lots of colloidal oatmeal extract to soothe the scalp.
Best natural seb derm conditioner: Yes to Tea Tree Conditioner
Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Conditioner hydrates and softens hair with long-lasting moisture while it helps to soothe your irritated scalp with minty, tingly relief.
The conditioner is formulated with tea tree oil, sage oil, and witch hazel to help balance and soothe the scalp. More importantly, it doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates, or silicones.
These are the top 6 best conditioners for seborrheic dermatitis. They are all formulated to relieve itching and flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis. More importantly, they are gentle enough for daily use and help to keep the scalp moisturized and healthy. Choose the one that works best for you and use it regularly to keep your scalp healthy and free from seborrheic dermatitis.
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