Although you might assume that the appearance of dandruff means your hair is unclean or unhygienic, the truth is that dandruff is simply inflammation of the scalp, often caused by a build-up of product. When this happens, the hair follicle becomes blocked, which can lead to inflammation – something that often manifests itself as flaking, itching and excess oiliness.
The good news is that although it can feel unsightly, dandruff is easily addressed by incorporating a targeted dandruff shampoo into your haircare routine. As well as clearing up flakiness, regular use ought to rebalance your scalp and promote glossier, healthier hair.
Below, we asked experts to share what causes dandruff, how to wash your scalp if you have dandruff, if conditioner is safe to use in tandem with these products, and whether it’s possible to prevent dandruff altogether. Read on for everything you need to know about dandruff, plus shop the best formulas.
The best shampoos for dandruff at a glance:
- Kérastase Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo,
£28.25£25.43 - Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair and Scalp Shampoo, £28
- OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £34
- Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo,
£23.90£21.51 - L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo,
£20.65£18.59 - Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £30
- STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Concentrated Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Shampoo, £20
- Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo,
£46.00£41.40 - La Roche-Posay Kerium Anti-Dandruff Gel Shampoo, £13
- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.59
- KMS Head Remedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo,
£21.00£14.70 - Bioderma Node Anti Dandruff Shampoo, £13
- Head & Shoulders DERMAXPRO Soothing Anti Dandruff Dry Itchy Scalp Shampoo, £6
In this article:
What is dandruff?
Most of us have probably experienced dandruff at some point, perhaps without really knowing what it is. “Dandruff is a condition which involves the natural process of shedding of dead skin on the scalp,” explains celebrity trichologist and Viviscal ambassador, Hannah Gaboardi. “This can be presented as white or yellow flakes but also can have symptoms of inflammation, redness and irritation. Dandruff can also lead to more serious conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis if left untreated.”
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff can be caused by lots of different factors, but common ones are stress and hormonal imbalances. “Stress can cause dandruff, as the body can become inflamed,” says Gaboardi. “Hormonal factors like the menopause [often mean] scalp flaking can get worse due to the lack of sebum production, changes of hormones and scalp sensitivity. Dandruff can also be caused by skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and fungus which can be caused by either dry skin or extremely oily skin, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria.” Gaboardi goes on to explain that even sensitivity to hair care products or irregular shampooing can lead to the accumulation of oil and dead skin, both of which can worsen dandruff.
Best for dry scalps: Kérastase Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Dandruff can often be accompanied by a scalp that feels tight and dry, so restoring balance and hydration to the scalp is just as important as addressing the inflammation. This formula not only reduces flakes, but increases hydration by up to 97 per cent.
- Size: 250ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: salicylic acid, piroctone olamine
Best for fine hair: Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair and Scalp Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While mild surfactants help cleanse hair efficiently, they also mean fine, limp hair isn’t weighed down. A host of botanical ingredients and actives meanwhile help to rebalance the scalp environment, ensuring that any dandruff-causing inflammation is nixed and order is restored.
- Size: 250ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: Aquaxyl, velvet flower, nettle leaf and honeysuckle extract
Best for calming itching: OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Itching, tightness and redness are unwelcome side effects of dandruff, so this spearmint-scented shampoo provides welcome relief. Salicylic acid also helps gently purify the scalp and calm inflammation, while vitamin E and glycerin restore the moisture balance.
- Size: 300ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: propanediol caprylate, salicylic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
Best for reducing flakiness: Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If unsightly flakes are becoming a problem, target them with this clever formula that can be applied to wet or dry hair and that contains active ingredients to eliminate dandruff flakes. The clarifying formula also helps soothe any itchiness and leaves hair soft and shiny.
- Size: 250ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: pyrithione zinc, lavender extract, glycerin
Best for reducing product build-up: L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Dermo-Clarifier Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This is a dermatologist-approved formula that helps remove the product build-up that accumulates on the scalp and causes dandruff and irritation. As well as being effective on flakes with regular use, the formula helps ease sensitivity and creates a more comfortable scalp environment.
- Size: 300ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: piroctone olamine
Best for a purifying cleanse: Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A daily use shampoo that eliminates dandruff and inflammation and leaves hair feeling refreshed, soft and manageable. The anti-microbial active ingredient helps to purify and cleanse the scalp ,while eliminating dryness.
- Size: 250ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: piroctone olamine
Best for improving scalp health: STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Concentrated Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you want to reset the scalp imbalance that’s causing dandruff, you need look after the delicate microbiome. To do that, a dose of probiotics is essential. This gentle daily formula contains a host of probiotics to feed the good bacteria on your scalp and keep things on an even keel.
- Size: 350ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: probiotics, vitamin B5, hydrolysed wheat protein
Best for everyday washing: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Regular washing with a targeted anti-dandruff shampoo is a good idea if you suffer frequently with flakiness. Containing salicylic acid to exfoliate and reduce product build-up, this pampering formula also uses caffeine to stimulate the follicles and hydrating ingredients to prevent dryness.
- Size: 250ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: salicylic acid, caffeine
Best for an oily scalp: La Roche-Posay Kerium Anti-Dandruff Gel Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Excess flaking doesn’t necessarily mean you have a dry scalp. If your dandruff comes with an oily, irritated scalp, then this targeted shampoo might help. The purifying gel formula is specially designed to rebalance oil production that causes irritation. while eliminating dandruff and preventing it from returning.
- Size: 200ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: zinc, LHA
Best for seborrheic dermatitis: Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Seborrheic dermatitis is a severe type of dandruff which can be triggered by various factors. including hormonal changes and immune disorders. Taking a powerful approach to irritated scalps, this powerful formula uses ketoconazole, an anti-fungal ingredient that reduces inflammation and gradually stops flakiness, redness and itching occurring.
- Size: 60ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: ketoconazole
Best for sensitive scalps: KMS Head Remedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: although an exfoliating ingredient is an important component of most anti-dandruff shampoos, it’s crucial that you don’t over-exfoliate your scalp and exacerbate any irritation. This daily formula uses lactic and malic acids, two gentle but effective AHAs that help to restore balance. Zinc pyrithione is an anti-dandruff active that reduces flaking and supports stronger, more resilient strands.
- Size: 300ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: Zinc pyrithione, lactic acid, malic acid
Best for intense itchiness: Bioderma Node Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Unbearable itching is an unwelcome side effect of an imbalanced, irritated scalp. Using a patented complex, this French pharmacy shampoo aims to control sebum production and restore hydration, so things feel less angry. Excess oil is reduced and everyday dirt and grime is eliminated, leaving you with soft, smooth strands.
- Size: 125ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: DSactive Complex
Best for affordability: Head & Shoulders DERMAXPRO Soothing Anti Dandruff Dry Itchy Scalp Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A dry, flaky scalp is one that’s lacking in ceramides, the natural fatty lipids found in the skin. Infused with aloe vera extract and a ceramide complex, this budget-friendly option works on the scalp surface to restore ceramide levels and reverse moisture levels in the scalp. As a result, hair is left shiny, comfortable and flake-free.
- Size: 300ml
- Ingredients to watch out for: aloe vera, ceramide complex
FAQs
What is the most effective shampoo for someone with dandruff?
“The most effective shampoo with someone with dandruff is a fragrance-free shampoo which has key anti-fungal ingredients that slow down cell turn over,” says Gaboardi. “This helps conditions like dermatitis and dandruff to slow down and eventually reduce.”
How should I choose a dandruff shampoo?
As Gaboardi explains, it’s important to determine the underlying cause before you choose a dandruff shampoo for you, as there are products which may irritate and only exacerbate the problem. “If your scalp is oily [look for a] cleansing shampoo. If your scalp is dry, however, it’s important to have a nourishing shampoo,” she adds.
How should I use a dandruff shampoo?
“Wash your hair three times a week using the dandruff shampoo,” advises Gaboardi. “Maintaining clean hair when having dandruff and dermatitis is extremely important as an oily environment creates more inflammation and leads to more flakes. It is important to lather the product well and allow the scalp to absorb the shampoo for three to five minutes.”
