Do you struggle with dandruff and feel confused about which shampoo to choose? Selecting the best shampoo for dandruff isn’t just about brand names—it’s about understanding your dandruff type and choosing ingredients that suit your condition and hair type. Read on to learn more about dandruff, its types and causes, and how to pick the most suitable shampoo.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin that may fall onto the hair or shoulders. While it’s neither serious nor contagious, it can be embarrassing and bothersome for those affected.
The Problem of Dandruff and Its Effect on the Scalp
In most cases, dandruff doesn’t lead to complications or hair loss and doesn’t require a doctor’s visit. It can usually be managed with simple home treatments. However, in some cases, dandruff might be a sign of a more serious health condition.
There also some signs that indicate the seriousness of dandruff, such as:
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You notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain.
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The dandruff doesn’t improve despite using medicated shampoo or home remedies.
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The dandruff is severe and affects your quality of life.
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff results from the shedding of the outer layer of the scalp and is characterized by white or yellow flakes, often accompanied by itchiness.
The exact cause of dandruff can be hard to pinpoint, but it may be triggered by several factors, including:
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Seborrheic Dermatitis: The main cause of dandruff. It leads to oily, irritated skin that easily flakes. It can affect the scalp, behind the ears, eyebrows, chest, and other areas.
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Fungi (like Malassezia): This yeast lives naturally on the scalp but can multiply excessively in some people, irritating the scalp and speeding up skin cell turnover, leading to dandruff.
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Infrequent Hair Washing: Causes a buildup of oils and dead skin.
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Overwashing Hair: Can strip the scalp of natural oils, causing dryness and flaking.
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Inappropriate Hair Products: Some shampoos, dyes, or styling products can trigger irritation or allergic reactions (contact dermatitis).
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Dry Skin: Causes finer, less oily flakes than seborrheic dermatitis.
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Other Skin Conditions: Such as eczema, psoriasis, or tinea capitis (a fungal infection distinct from Malassezia).
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Brushing Hair Too Much or Too Little: Excessive brushing or neglect can irritate the scalp or cause dead skin buildup.
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Weather Factors: Especially cold, dry air in winter.
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Pressure on the Scalp: From hats or other headwear.
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Dandruff
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Age: Dandruff usually begins in adolescence and continues through middle age but can affect people of all ages, including infants.
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Gender: More common in men, possibly due to hormonal factors.
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Health Conditions: Dandruff is more frequent among people with:
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Parkinson’s disease.
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Neurological disorders.
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HIV.
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Depression.
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Eating disorders.
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Acne or rosacea.
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Weakened immune systems.
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Obesity or recent recovery from a stroke or heart attack.
Dietary Impact on Dandruff
In some individuals, diet may play a role in dandruff development, especially in cases of deficiencies in:
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Zinc.
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B-complex vitamins.
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Gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6), found in evening primrose oil.
However, there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm the effectiveness of supplements or dietary changes in directly treating dandruff.
Causes and Types of Dandruff (Dry and Oily)
Dandruff is not a single condition, it has multiple types that vary in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Here are the main types of dandruff:
1. Infant Dandruff (Cradle Cap)
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It affects infants during the first two months of life and appears as yellow, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp.
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It often lasts for a few weeks or months and can be treated using a baby-appropriate shampoo.
2. Dry Scalp Dandruff
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Caused by moisture loss in the scalp, often triggered by cold weather, frequent hot water washing, or harsh products.
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Scales are small, white, and fall off easily, often accompanied by dryness in other body areas.
3. Oily Scalp Dandruff (Seborrheic)
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Results from excess oil production, which leads to scalp irritation and dandruff.
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Scales are large, greasy, and yellowish, often with itching and inflammation.
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Using anti-dandruff shampoos with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione helps manage the condition.
4. Fungal Dandruff (Malassezia-Related)
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Most dandruff types are fungal in nature. Malassezia exists naturally on the skin but may overgrow in some people, causing inflammation and dandruff.
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Recommended shampoos include antifungal agents like ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione, or those containing diluted tea tree oil.
5. Dandruff from Skin Conditions
Certain skin diseases can cause dandruff, such as:
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Seborrheic Dermatitis:
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Produces greasy, yellow flakes, itching, and redness. Considered an advanced form of oily dandruff.
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Treated with zinc pyrithione shampoo.
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
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Leads to rough, scaly patches with itching and sometimes a rash.
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Mild shampoos are recommended, and prescription topical treatments may be needed.
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Psoriasis:
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An autoimmune disease that causes rapid skin cell buildup, resulting in thick, silvery scales and raised patches.
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Treated with corticosteroids or shampoos containing salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo For Dandruff?
Choosing the right shampoo is essential in managing dandruff. There are many options, and the best one depends on your dandruff type and the active ingredients. Look for:
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Ketoconazole (1%): A powerful antifungal, especially effective if your dandruff is fungal. Available OTC at low strength, or stronger by prescription.
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Zinc Pyrithione: Combats fungi and bacteria; widely used.
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Selenium Sulfide: Reduces fungal growth and scalp irritation.
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Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces scale buildup.
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Coal Tar: Slows skin cell turnover but may discolor light hair or increase sun sensitivity.
Always read and follow shampoo instructions. Some need to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. If there's no improvement after a month, try a different formula or consult a dermatologist.
Prescription shampoos may be needed for severe cases and may contain stronger ingredients like fluocinolone (a corticosteroid) to reduce inflammation and itching.
Importance of Matching shampoo for dandruff Type
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Hair texture and scalp condition influence your shampoo choice.
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People with dry or curly hair may worsen dryness with strong shampoos—use once a week and follow with conditioner.
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Those with oily or straight hair may need to shampoo more frequently.
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If a shampoo loses effectiveness over time, alternate between two types to maintain results and avoid hair damage.
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Because scalp response varies, finding your ideal routine may take some trial and error. Consult a dermatologist if symptoms worsen or include severe itching, redness, or rash.
Best shampoo for dandruff
1. Etrivex Shampoo – 125 ml
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Etrivex Shampoo Contains Clobetasol Propionate (0.05% or 500 micrograms/g), a potent corticosteroid used to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
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It reduces itching, redness, and flaking, and helps soothe scalp inflammation.
2. Puroxine Shampoo by Medavita – 250 ml
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Puroxine Shampoo Contains Piroctone Olamine, an antibacterial and antifungal agent, with a pH of 5.5.
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Works immediately to eliminate dandruff, soothes the scalp, and promotes healthier hair.
3. BIOASM Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Dry Scalp
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BIOASM Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, neem oil, and ginseng, which help treat dandruff and care for the hair.
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Suitable for cases of skin or scalp inflammation and flaking.
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It restores the watery oily layer thanks to its unique ingredients, and also moisturizes the hair and scalp.
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Free from sulfates and parabens, and therefore does not harm the skin or scalp.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Use with caution and test first on a small skin area:
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Coconut Oil:
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Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, hydrates the scalp.
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Use cold-pressed virgin oil. Apply 3–5 teaspoons, massage, leave for 1 hour, then wash.
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Apple Cider Vinegar:
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Balances scalp pH and reduces fungal growth.
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Mix ¼ cup vinegar with ¼ cup water, apply for 15–60 mins, rinse. Repeat twice weekly.
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Baking Soda:
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Apply a small amount to a wet scalp, leave a few minutes, then rinse.
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Use sparingly—may disrupt scalp pH with overuse.
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Lemon Juice:
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Massage 2 teaspoons into the scalp, rinse. Then dilute 1 tsp with water and apply to the scalp.
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Aloe Vera Gel:
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Soothes inflammation. Apply gel, leave briefly, then shampoo.
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Olive Oil:
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Moisturizes dry scalp. Apply a few drops, cover overnight with a shower cap, and shampoo in the morning.
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Aspirin:
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Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin.
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Crush 2 tablets, mix with shampoo, massage scalp, leave for 2 mins, then rinse.
Controlling dandruff requires a combination of proper shampoo and consistent scalp care. Staying committed to the right treatment and healthy habits is the key to a flake-free scalp and healthy hair.
Extra Tips for Hair and Scalp Care
Besides shampoo, these habits can help reduce dandruff:
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Scalp Hygiene: Avoid scratching, even if itchy, to prevent irritation.
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Stress Management: Stress weakens immunity and promotes fungal growth.
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Fresh Air: Proper ventilation helps reduce oil buildup.
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Brushing Hair Twice Daily: Boosts blood circulation and distributes natural oils.
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Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield the scalp from UV rays. Moderate sun exposure (15 minutes/day) can help.
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Sleep & Nutrition: Ensure adequate sleep and consume a diet rich in zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
