An anti-dandruff shampoo is a hair care product that helps improve the look of the scalp where white or yellowish flakes appear. Before you choose one, find out whether you have a rather dry or an oily scalp, because each needs a different approach. Take a look at our anti-dandruff shampoo in the 200 ml pack from the range of natural shampoos, or let our Advisor guide you, as it helps you choose care tailored to you.
Why does the scalp produce dandruff?
The scalp renews itself naturally: old cells flake off and are replaced by new ones, but you do not normally notice it, because the particles are tiny and invisible. When this process speeds up or is disturbed, the dead cells clump into larger clusters and become visible as white or yellowish flakes that fall onto your shoulders or stay in your hair. Several things contribute to the pace of renewal at once, for example dry air in winter, frequent colouring and heat styling, stress, or on the contrary an excess of sebum, which holds dead cells near the skin for longer than usual. The subject is also covered by studies on the causes of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis (source: the PubMed database), which confirm that it is an interplay of several factors rather than one single cause. The good news is that the scalp usually responds well to gentle and regular care.
How to tell whether you have dry or oily dandruff
Telling dry and oily dandruff apart is the basis of choosing the right shampoo, because the two need opposite approaches. Dry dandruff tends to be fine, white and easily shed from the hair, while the scalp feels tight and may itch slightly, much like facial skin in winter. Oily dandruff is larger, more yellowish and clings closer to the roots, and the hair gets greasy faster, as early as a day after washing. If you are not sure, simple observation over a week helps: how many days your hair keeps looking fresh and what the flakes look like when you gently rub them between your fingers. Sometimes the two types can overlap, for example when the scalp is oilier while the lengths of the hair feel drier; in that case it is worth paying attention mainly to the roots, where dandruff most often forms. The table below sums up the main differences so you can find your way at first glance.
| Sign | Dry dandruff | Oily dandruff |
|---|---|---|
| Look of the flakes | Fine, white, powdery | Larger, yellowish, sticky |
| Scalp | Tight, may itch slightly | Oily, sometimes slightly reddened |
| Hair | Drier ends, less shine | Gets greasy faster after washing |
| Suitable direction of care | Gentle cleansing and hydration | Regulating sebum |
How to choose an anti-dandruff shampoo for your scalp type
If you have a rather dry scalp with a tight feeling and fine white flakes, reach for the anti-dandruff shampoo whose composition is built on willow bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid, complemented by tea tree oil, rosemary extract and plant keratin from wheat. The honey conditioner in its formula helps hair feel softer and look shinier after washing. If your hair is rather oily and the dandruff clings closer to the roots, the shampoo for oily hair with copper and a sea algae complex will suit you better, helping to improve the look of the scalp between washes. If you prefer a solid form of cosmetics to a liquid one, also take a look at our range of solid shampoo bars, where you will find an alternative pack without a plastic bottle.
How to wash your hair properly when you have dandruff
The effect of any shampoo on the scalp depends on how you use it, not only on its composition. Try to follow a simple routine when washing your hair that gives the scalp enough attention without overdoing it. What matters most is a thorough massage of the scalp, not just of the lengths, because that is where dandruff forms and from where it is released. It is also true that more product does not mean a better result; a coin-sized amount rubbed in your palms before applying is usually enough. If you are alternating several products at once, give your scalp a few days to get used to them before judging whether the routine suits you.
- Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Apply the shampoo to your scalp, not just the lengths, and massage gently with your fingertips.
- Leave it on according to the instructions on the label, then rinse thoroughly.
- With regular use, alternate with an ordinary gentle shampoo so that you do not put unnecessary strain on your scalp.
- Let your hair air dry freely or use the hairdryer at a lower temperature.
What to avoid when you have dandruff
The first common mistake is water that is too hot when washing, which dries the scalp and so emphasises dry dandruff even more. The second is intense scratching with your nails, which irritates the skin and can cause tiny sores, even though the relief seems immediate. Also avoid borrowing combs, brushes or hats, as the scalp is as sensitive to contact with other people's objects as the rest of the skin on the body. There is no need to experiment with several new products at once either, so that you can tell what really helps and what rather burdens the scalp. If, along with dandruff, you also notice more pronounced itching of the scalp, the article on how to get rid of itchy skin may help too, as it offers a wider view of gentle care for sensitive skin.
- Do not use water that is too hot to wash your hair.
- Do not scratch your scalp with your nails, even if it itches.
- Do not borrow other people's combs, brushes or hats.
- Do not crowd your routine with several harsh products at once.
When to see a dermatologist
Home care with an anti-dandruff shampoo is usually enough in most ordinary cases, but there are situations when it is worth consulting a doctor. If the flakes are thick, distinctly yellowish and the skin under them is reddened or weeping, it may be a condition known in medical terms as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which only a dermatologist can assess. The same applies if the condition does not improve even after several weeks of regular care, or if marked hair loss or tenderness of the scalp joins the dandruff. A dermatologist has examinations and treatment options that you do not have at home, and only they can judge whether it is an ordinary cosmetic condition or something that needs professional care.
Did you know…
Did you know that willow bark is naturally regarded as a source of salicylic acid, which is also in the composition of our anti-dandruff shampoo?