Gentle Everyday Care for a Flaky, Itchy Scalp
Tired of shampoos leaving your scalp tight, itchy or flaking again a day later?
What a scalp prone to seborrheic dermatitis needs day to day is a shampoo that cleans away oil and flakes gently, without stripping it or setting off more itching.
That's why we made Bragan Snail Mucin Shampoo: fragrance-free, made with snail mucin from our own farm in County Monaghan, and gentle enough for every wash. Many of our customers with an itchy, flaky scalp now use it as their everyday shampoo, like Nicola below.
Snail Mucin Shampoo: fragrance-free, helps soothe itching and flaking.
200ml €29.99 · 400ml €49.99 · Free delivery on Irish and UK orders over €69 · Order before 12pm for delivery in 24–48 hours across Ireland and Northern Ireland
Shop Snail Mucin ShampooWatch: Nicola's experience with an itchy, flaky scalp
Nicola came to Bragan after struggling with an itchy, flaky and uncomfortable scalp. Here she shares, in her own words, how the Bragan sensitive scalp routine became part of her week.
"I wanted to share my experience because I know how frustrating scalp problems can be. If my story helps even one other person find some relief, it'll have been worth it." Nicola, Bragan Skincare customer.
Nicola recorded her video herself. We do not use actors, models or studios for our customer stories.
In this guide
- Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos compared
- A simple weekly scalp routine
- The Bragan scalp routine
- What to avoid in a shampoo
- How often to wash
- Common mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos compared
For a full guide to symptoms, triggers and treatment, visit our Seborrheic Dermatitis Hub. Most shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis fall into one of these groups. The right one depends on how active your symptoms are.
| Shampoo type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
Gentle, fragrance-free shampoo Bragan Snail Mucin Shampoo |
Cleans gently, helps soothe itching and dryness, and supports the scalp barrier. | Every wash, between flare-ups, and scalps that sting with harsh or fragranced products. |
| Ketoconazole | Antifungal. Targets the yeast linked to seborrheic dermatitis. | Active flare-ups, usually a few times a week. Available from pharmacies. |
| Selenium sulphide | Slows flaking and helps control yeast. | Heavy flaking during a flare. |
| Zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine or climbazole | Anti-dandruff actives found in many supermarket shampoos. | Milder flaking. |
| Salicylic acid or coal tar | Loosens thick scale and build-up. | Stubborn, scaly patches. |
Medicated shampoos can be drying when used for every wash, and many people find their scalp feels tight or stripped. That is why a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo for everyday washing makes such a difference.
Not sure it is seborrheic dermatitis? Our guides to dandruff vs seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis vs seborrheic dermatitis explain the differences.
A simple weekly scalp routine
- Every wash: use Snail Mucin Shampoo so your scalp stays clean without extra irritation. Massage it in gently, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Between washes: apply Scalp Soothe directly to dry or itchy patches. It is a leave-in, so there is nothing to rinse out.
- If you have been given a medicated shampoo: use it as its pack directs, and wash with Snail Mucin Shampoo on the other days.
The Bragan scalp routine: Shampoo and Scalp Soothe
- Snail Mucin Shampoo cleans gently on wash days.
- Scalp Soothe gives targeted, leave-in comfort to itchy or dry patches between washes.
Together they cover the whole week, not just wash day. Both are fragrance-free and made with snail mucin from our County Monaghan farm.
Scalp Combo: €59.99
Get the Scalp ComboWant gentle conditioning too? Add our Snail Mucin Conditioner.
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, recurring skin condition that causes flaking, itching and redness, most often on the scalp. It is linked to skin oils and a yeast that lives naturally on the skin. It is not caused by poor hygiene.
Common symptoms include:
- White or yellowish flakes.
- Persistent itching.
- Redness and irritation.
- Dry or greasy-looking patches.
- A tender or sensitive scalp.
It can also appear on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, beard area and chest. If it affects your beard, see our guide to seborrheic dermatitis in the beard. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help you stay ahead of them.
What to avoid in a shampoo
- Fragrance. One of the most common reasons a sensitive scalp stings or itches after washing.
- Harsh cleansing. If your scalp feels tight or "squeaky" afterwards, the shampoo is too strong for daily use.
- Essential oils. Natural does not mean gentle. Tea tree, peppermint and others can irritate an inflamed scalp.
- Your known triggers. If you have reacted to an ingredient before, check the label.
How often should you wash your hair?
Often enough to stop oil and flakes building up, but gently enough that your scalp does not feel stripped. For many people with seborrheic dermatitis that means every day or every other day with a gentle shampoo. Washing less often can let flakes and oil build up, which may make symptoms worse.
Common mistakes that make seborrheic dermatitis worse
- Scratching or picking at flakes.
- Using a medicated shampoo for every wash and drying the scalp out.
- Switching between several shampoos in a few weeks.
- Choosing products for their scent.
- Washing with very hot water.
- Stopping all scalp care as soon as it clears up.
From our family snail farm in County Monaghan
Bragan Skincare is a family business based on our own snail farm in County Monaghan. We collect the snail mucin ourselves, without harming the snails, and use it in a fragrance-free range made for dry, itchy and sensitive skin and scalps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?
A gentle, fragrance-free shampoo you can use for every wash is the best place to start, such as Bragan Snail Mucin Shampoo, made with snail mucin from our own farm in County Monaghan. During flare-ups, it works alongside any medicated shampoo your pharmacist or GP recommends.
Can I use Bragan Snail Mucin Shampoo if I have seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes. It is designed for dry, itchy, flaky and sensitive scalps, and many customers with seborrheic dermatitis use it for their regular washing. It is fragrance-free and gentle enough for every wash, and you can use it alongside any treatment you have been given.
Can shampoo cure seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to come and go, so no shampoo can promise a cure. What helps most is a consistent routine: a gentle shampoo that keeps your scalp clean and comfortable, with extra care when it flares.
How often should I wash my hair with seborrheic dermatitis?
Many people wash every day or every other day with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo. Find the routine your scalp is comfortable with and stick with it.
Should I avoid fragranced shampoos?
If your scalp is sensitive, yes. Fragrance is a common cause of stinging and itching, so a fragrance-free shampoo is usually the safer choice.
Is seborrheic dermatitis the same as dandruff?
They are closely related, but seborrheic dermatitis usually involves more redness and irritation and can affect areas beyond the scalp. Dandruff is generally milder flaking without much inflammation.
Can stress make seborrheic dermatitis worse?
Many people notice flare-ups during stressful periods. Stress is not the only cause, but it is a common trigger.
Can I use conditioner if I have seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes, if your scalp tolerates it. A fragrance-free conditioner applied to the lengths rather than the scalp is usually the most comfortable option.
Final thoughts
The best everyday shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis is a gentle, fragrance-free one your scalp is comfortable with at every wash. Keep your routine simple and consistent so you can see what works.
Start with Snail Mucin Shampoo, or get the Scalp Combo with Scalp Soothe for comfort between washes. For symptoms, triggers and treatment options, visit our Seborrheic Dermatitis Hub.
Good to know: our products contain snail mucin. If you have a snail, mollusc or shellfish allergy, check with a healthcare professional before use, and always patch test first. See a pharmacist or GP if your symptoms are severe, painful, spreading or not improving. Customer experiences are personal and individual results vary.
Last updated: 22 October 2026
