Dandruff, perhaps, is the most common, yet the most difficult problem to tackle when it comes to scalp and hair health. Those white flakes that shed from your scalp can be a real concern, especially when they appear on your hair, clothes, and in extreme cases, on eyebrows and skin. While managing dandruff can be tricky, proper awareness, right medication and the use of specially formulated anti-dandruff shampoos can take you a long way in tackling the condition.
Easy to use at home, these shampoos are formulated with active ingredients that combat dandruff and also delay the recurrence of this irksome condition.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition that leads to the buildup of dry and flaky skin on the scalp. It is caused due to excess oil production and can also be triggered because of an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp.
Severe cases of dandruff can cause itching, irritation and redness if left untreated for long. So, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist if your condition is unmanageable.
Dandruff or dry scalp?
Dandruff is often confused with dry scalp, another condition that occurs when your scalp cannot hold enough moisture. While dandruff flakes are generally large, oily and appear yellowish, a dry scalp condition is characterised by smaller and white flakes on the scalp, according to Healthline.
How do anti-dandruff shampoos work?
Anti-dandruff shampoos have fine cleansing properties. They clean the scalp by removing the build-up of flakes as well as providing ample moisturisation to the scalp, delaying the recurrence of flakes.
Anti-dandruff shampoos should be applied on the scalp and massaged well using the fingertips. It is best to leave the product on the scalp for two to three minutes before washing it off, as the active ingredients can take a few minutes to release and interact with the scalp.
Formulated with ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione, these shampoos aid in killing the fungus present on the scalp.
Here are the best anti-dandruff shampoos that work wonders
Jump To / Table of Contents
- Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
- SebaMed Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Bioderma Node DS+ Shampoo
- Fixderma Cosmetic laboratories T-Shampoo
- Selsun Suspension Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Dermo-Clarifier Shampoo
- Biolage Scalppure Professional Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- The Body Shop Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo
INR 1479
This anti-dandruff shampoo from Neutrogena comes with a gentle yet effective formula that eliminates itching. It also leaves your hair shiny and manageable.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 575
This clinically–tested shampoo from SebaMed comes with piroctone olamine that helps relieve irritation caused due to dandruff. It also helps maintain a pH of 5.5 that is essential for healthy hair and scalp. The formula is soap-free and alkali–free.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 1318
The active ingredient in this shampoo specifically aids in controlling flaking, scaling and itching. Along with killing the fungus that causes dandruff, it also cleans the scalp thoroughly.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 825
The Neutriderm anti-dandruff shampoo helps remove excess sebum from the scalp along with removing dandruff flakes. It also soothes itchy scalps. This fast-acting formula is lightweight, non-greasy and safe for coloured and chemically treated hair. The product is vegan, paraben–free, sulphate–free and cruelty–free.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 1607
The Bioderma Node DS+ Shampoo is designed to cleanse the scalp effectively and helps delay the recurrence of flakes. This formula also has a creamy texture and light fragrance.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 1249
This shampoo is ideal if you are affected by an itchy scalp and sensitive skin. It contains sodium shale oil sulfonate that helps alleviate itchiness and inflammation, along with reducing flaking and greasiness of the scalp. While salicylic acid in the shampoo helps remove excess oil, clears pores and reduces acne, tea tree oil prevents the chance of any infection and reduces inflammation and severity of acne.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 344
This shampoo from Selsun is ideal for treating and controlling dandruff. It helps clear flakes, relieves itching and delays the recurrence of dandruff.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 895
Free from silicones and alcohol, the L’Oréal Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Dermo-Clarifier Shampoo guarantees removing visible dandruff to 100 per cent and offers 72-hour dandruff protection. It is powered by dermatological actives like piroctane olamine that helps clarify the scalp.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 360
Packed with the goodness of bergamot and piroctone olamine compounds, this shampoo also acts as a deep scalp treatment. It washes away dandruff and cleanses the scalp efficiently. The formula is also paraben–free.
Image: Courtesy Amazon
INR 895
A vegan shampoo, the Body Shop Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo harnesses the goodness of ginger essential oil, birch bark and white willow bark extracts. This formula helps clear flakes and moisturises dry and itchy scalp.
Image: Courtesy Nykaa
(Prices of the products mentioned in the story are subject to change.)
(Hero & Featured Image: Courtesy Erick Larregui/Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which shampoo is best for treating dandruff?
Shampoos containing active ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithlone are ideal for tackling dandruff.
– How do you treat dandruff?
Mild cases of dandruff can be treated using specially formulated shampoos. If your condition is not manageable at home, you will need to consult a physician.
– Do standard hair shampoos remove dandruff?
Anti-dandruff shampoos can help eliminate dandruff better than standard shampoos.
– Is coconut oil good for dandruff?
Coconut oil can help moisturise the scalp well and keep your hair strands nourished. However, you should wash it off using a mild shampoo and follow it up with a conditioner. Excess oil on your scalp can cause dirt to accumulate and cause irritation.
– What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is primarily caused due to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on your scalp.
A journalist with a penchant for lifestyle stories, Amrutha particularly loves writing about fashion, beauty, and wellness. She has worked as a Digital Content Producer with Onmanorama, Malayala Manorama, and as a Content Writer with Tata Consultancy Services. A Geminian, Amrutha loves juggling a variety of passions. A trained Carnatic singer, she loves dwelling in the world of music. When not working, she loves painting, cooking, travel, and cinema. A diehard pluviophile, Amrutha loves everything about the monsoon.
Most Popular
