When it comes to off-the-shelf products, the anti-dandruff segment makes up a billion-dollar industry. But rather than pick whatever is the most advertised, it’s better to know a bit about the condition as well as the common go-to ingredients that make up anti dandruff shampoos

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is the name given to scalp conditions where dead skin flakes off in clusters looking like parched paper bits, or sticks to the scalp in an oily greasy form. Sometimes dandruff is coupled with a feeling of itchiness and greasy scalp.

There is no specific reason you get dandruff as it’s a reactive situation to many issues ranging from like a skin allergy on the scalp to more serious skin disorders like psoriasis. The most common type of dandruff we see on most people is due to an overgrowth of fungi called Malassezia that in the yeast phase aggravates dandruff flaking. This fungus is present on all our scalps, but due to some reasons when our immune system overreacts to it, it produces extra unwanted skin cells and when these dead skin cells shed, they mixe with natural skin oils and form flakes that then fall on shoulders or neck and appear white in colour – this is commonly called dandruff.

BEST INGREDIENTS FOR DANDRUFF
While there may be more intensive medicated lotions required for severe dandruff (which have peeling and even bleeding patches, for regular mild dandruff that us regular folk get, there are 6 main types of products that can help

KETOCONAZOLE
Is a great antifungal ingredient that can be used for different kinds of fungal infections including dandruff. It is a great all rounder ingredient to treat most dandruff as it works well to remove all types of shedding. Since it’s a very active ingredient it’s available in 1% to 2% strength only. And is recommended to use – 1 to 2 times a week for at least 2 months

ZINC PYRITHIONE (ZPT)
One of the most popular ingredients in most OTC dandruff shampoos, ZPT is milder than Ketoconazole so can be used  more often It is more effective as a preventative and side remedy and not a main cure. It works mainly as a mild antifungal to slow down the fungus growth. Most medicated shampoos have both ZPT and Ketoconazole as a combination treatment.

SELENIUM SULFIDE 
This helps to reduce the sensation of an oily scalp by controlling the oil secretion given out by sebum glands making it a great choice for those with greasy scalps. While it has antifungal properties as well, care should be taken on colored or chemically treated hair as it can lighten hair colors applied.

SALICYLIC ACID / GLYCOLIC ACID
Is a skin exfoliant and is great to remove dead skin buildup and keep the scalp clean and oil free. It also helps with oily dandruff as it helps to loosen the sticky flakes more effectively. Salicylic acid works to soothe itchiness too.

COAL TAR
The go-to ingredient for more severe forms of dandruff, coal tar helps as an antifungal ingredient. It also helps control inflammation, redness, and irritation often seen with stronger forms of dandruff. Coal Tar is not a very popular ingredient as it makes the scalp skin photosensitive as well as is being claimed to be a carcinogenic (in high doses) so care must be taken while using it.  However, it can provide great results if prescribed for the right kind of dandruff

TEA-TREE OIL 
Being a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial, it has great results for acne prone as well as greasy skin. It’s a great option for not just dandruff but greasy scalps as well. However, since its essential oil based, an allergy test is recommended.

TIPS ON DANDRUFF MANAGEMENT
Check for the level of dandruff you have before starting the use of an anti-dandruff product, as using a highly intensive product for mild dandruff may actually aggravate the condition.

Give any selected product at least a full month of use to check if it has done its job effectively.

Use 2 formulations at regular intervals – for e.g. – ketoconazole and salicylic acid etc to effectively treat and eradicate existing dandruff

It could be cyclic, so prepare yourself to use an anti-dandruff solution once a month for regular maintenance even if you don’t have current dandruff.

Avoid dense oils and serums as they tend to clog up hair follicles and aggravate the scalp

Follow instructions carefully – as different ingredients need to be left on the scalp for varying durations of time
 

Our recommendations:

 

Arcolane 2% Scalp Solution

An anti-fungal medicine used to treat and prevent dandruff and dry greasy scaling of the scalp (seborrhoeic dermatitis). It is also used to treat pityriasis (tinea versicolor).

Price: ₹344
Where to buy: Click Here

 

Dermstrust Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Formulation enriched with Tea tree oil that strengthens your hair and prevents damage from frizz, dandruff, loose ends and split ends. It is an effective cure for dandruff and also helps recover damaged hair. Paraben Free. Perfume Free. Sulphate Free

Price: ₹640
Where to buy: Click Here

Sebamed Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a soap and harsh detergent free shampoo and has been formulated by Dermatologists to ensure gentle, deep-pore scalp cleansing to remove the excess sebum, which helps in the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria. Enriched with Piroctone Olamine (popular replacement of zinc pyrithione) for its anti-fungal properties to maintain scalp hair.

Price: ₹600
Where to buy: Click Here

FCL T-Shampoo

T-shampoo helps control recurrence of dandruff and psoriasis, is an antimicrobial, antiseptic shampoo designated for use on flaky scalp conditions, seborrheic dermatitis. Acombination Of Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate (Safe Alternate To Coal Tar), Salcylic Acid & Tea Tree Oil. Since Coal Tar Possesses Carcinogenic Properties It Has Been Banned In Europe. FCL Has replaced Coal Tar With (Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate) Which Has Superior Qualities As It Is Well Tolerated In Long Term Treatment.

Price: ₹1100
Where to buy: Click Here

Bioderma Node DS+ Anti-dandruff Intense Shampoo

This optimised shampoo acts on persistent dandruff by targeting its origins, limiting sebum secretion with powerful keratoregulatory ingredients and durably relieving itching of the scalp. The DSactiv® patented complex guarantees double effectiveness by limiting the proliferation of Malassezia yeast, which causes dandruff.

Price: ₹1575
Where to buy: Click Here

Sesderma Seskavel Glycolic Shampoo 

Specially formulated to protect oily hair or skin that has been subjected to chemical treatments. It is an extra soft peel effect shampoo. It is also ideal to soothe irritated scalp and complements treatments for peeling, seborrhea and alopecia. This shampoo treats flaking or hyper-seborrheic scalp (dandruff, oily). Calms and relieves scalp itching and irritation and protects hair due to the glycolic acid that accelerates natural flaking of the scalp and facilitates the elimination of the flakes. Sesderma Seskavel Glycolic Shampoo enhances penetration of hair tonic products as it diminishes the thickness of the corneous layer of the hair. As it contains oatmeal, the shampoo softens, hydrates, calms, and refreshes, while it simultaneously alleviates itching sensations and irritations.

Price: ₹2250
Where to buy: Click Here

Want to hear from a professional before you pick the perfect anti-dandruff shampoo for yourself? Click Here (https://www.agelessxpress.com/virtualConsultation.php) for a FREE online consultation & let our haircare experts guide you :)