Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Your scalp's itchy and inflamed, and no products seem to be helping. Here's the science behind what's really going on and how to fix it.

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0:00 Causes of itchy scalp
0:39 Microbes (important even if you don't have dandruff)
2:02 "Dry" scalp
3:29 Why it's so confusing
5:09 Common allergens
7:51 Active ingredients
10:26 Common mistakes
11:36 Moisture
12:11 Fixing "dry" scalp
13:02 Antioxidants
13:48 Water quality
14:20 Products that didn't work

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Article version with full references: coming soon

🙋🏻 I'm Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!

Website labmuffin.com
Instagram instagram.com/labmuffinbeautyscience
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🧴 PRODUCTS (affiliate links - some were also part of past sponsorships or were free samples)
NOTE: I tried to link to products with specific actives, but these get reformulated all the time and I can't control redirects - check the ingredients before buying!!
All recommended products linked here: shopmy.us/collections/1875065
DERCOS | Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair (Selenium Sulfide): go.shopmy.us/p-20486236
DERCOS | Anti-Dandruff Serum 10 (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486279
HEAD & SHOULDERS | Bare Soothing Hydration Shampoo (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486383
ESSANO | Scalp Refresh Balancing Shampoo (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486380
DOVE | Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486570
HEAD AND SHOULDERS | Classic Clean Shampoo (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486343
HEAD & SHOULDERS | Bare Anti Dandruff Shampoo (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486356
HEAD & SHOULDERS | Royal Oils Scalp Elixir (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486386
HEAD & SHOULDERS | Royal Oils Scalp Cream (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486440
NIOXIN | Scalp Recovery Soothing Serum (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486444
DERMAL THERAPY | Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486621
NIZORAL | Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Ketoconazole 1%: go.shopmy.us/p-20486487
SELSUN | Blue Anti Dandruff Shampoo (SS): go.shopmy.us/p-20486507
HEAD & SHOULDERS | Professional Leave-In Spray (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486522
THANKS TO NATURE | Anti Dandruff Shampoo (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486543
TREE TO TUB | Instant Calm Dry Scalp Solution (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486611
VANICREAM | Dandruff Shampoo (ZP): go.shopmy.us/p-20486641
CP-1 | Ginger Purifying Shampoo (PO): go.shopmy.us/p-20486664
PACIFICA | Scalp Brush: go.shopmy.us/p-20486729
Shop more of my favourite products here: shopmy.us/labmuffin
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🧴 SKINCARE GUIDE 🧴 Find out more: labmuffin.com/skin