Dandruff is a scaly, itchy scalp condition caused by clumps of skin cells in your hair generating visible flakes.
If you have mild to moderate dandruff, using over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos can help you avoid flakes, itching, and discomfort.
Continue reading to find out what to look for in dandruff shampoo and how different components react to different hair types.
We also recommend 15 things worth checking out and explain why. Both male and female should know how to choose best anti dandruff shampoo.
What exactly is anti-dandruff shampoo?
Dandruff shampoo contains antifungal and antibacterial compounds such as ciclopirox and zinc pyrithione to help reduce itching, flaking, buildup, and excess sebum production in the scalp.
What to look for in a shampoo for dandruff
Keep in mind that dandruff is commonly caused by a combination of the three symptoms stated below when shopping for dandruff shampoos:
- Malassezia yeasts found on the scalp
- your body’s immunological reaction to the presence of yeast sebaceous (oil gland) function and overproduction
As a result, most dandruff shampoos include chemicals that seek to eliminate yeast on the scalp or prevent sweat glands from creating excessive amounts of oil.
Other things to think about
When picking a dandruff shampoo, take into account the following factors in addition to the ingredients:
Hair that is frizzy and flyaway
You might want to try a ZPT-containing product if your hair is prone to flyaways.
Women with dandruff were asked to use either a 1% ZPT solution or a 2% ketoconazole shampoo in an older trial.
Researchers discovered that 75% of them preferred the ZPT-containing shampoo over the ketoconazole shampoo because it caused less frizz and flyaways.
Color of hair
Coal tar shampoos can cause your hair to darken or discolour. As a result, doctors normally advise against using it on light-colored hair.
Male and female reactions
Due to differences in their skin barrier, men are more likely than women to have dandruff. According to a short study conducted by Trusted Source, men’s dandruff responded better to a 1% ZPT shampoo than women’s dandruff.
The authors of the study also discovered that women’s dandruff responded better to non-dandruff shampoos than male dandruff, which they believe is due to shampoo’s detergent (cleaning) effects on women’s hair.
Hair that’s greasy
According to a 2010 articleTrusted Source, dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulphide can make oily hair seem more oilier. If you have greasy hair, you might wish to try dandruff shampoos that contain different substances.
How did we pick the finest anti-dandruff shampoos?
We tried to select dandruff shampoos at various price points while considering all hair types for this list. Several products were evaluated. We also looked at reviews, costs, and ingredients on the internet.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that selecting a shampoo may require some trial and error. You should also consider your hair colour and type.
Before opting to move on, use a medicated shampoo for at least 3 weeks. If you haven’t noticed a difference by then, try a different ingredient.
What about conditioners for your hair?
Hair conditioners can make hair smoother and more manageable in the long run. Some experts advise utilising dandruff conditioners. These conditioners frequently include ZPT to help penetrate the hair and scalp further.
How to get dandruff conditioners to work properly
- Apply the conditioner to your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Allow at least 3 minutes for the conditioner to absorb into your hair.
- When you use a dandruff shampoo, apply the dandruff-specific conditioner to your hair.
Hair products that are drying to the scalp should be avoided in addition to conditioners.
A dry scalp can lead to an excess of oil, which can exacerbate dandruff. Hair sprays and ordinary shampoos with a high alcohol concentration should be avoided.
How do you pick the best dandruff shampoo?
“A dandruff shampoo is vital in clearing your scalp better than your regular shampoo, which normally gives a more mild cleansing,” says HairClub Hair Health Expert and Trichologist Shab Reslan.
When should you see a doctor?
If your flakes continue after a month of using several dandruff shampoos, we recommend consulting a medical professional such as a dermatologist or a trichologist, a specialist who focuses on diseases or problems affecting the hair and scalp. If there is redness, soreness, crusting, or pus, we recommend seeing a doctor.
