The Best Shampoos For Treating Dandruff
Few things are worse than a scalp agitated by flaking, itching and irritation, all of which can be caused by dandruff. What may be even more frustrating is finding a solution that works, and one that eliminates dandruff for good.
Whether you're dealing with an oily or dry scalp, inflammation, environmental causes (heat and pollution) or something going on internally, (vitamin deficiency, stress or hormonal changes) there are many shampoos and hair products on the market that make banishing dandruff a breeze.
Here, we let you in on the best ones for the job and how to permanently get rid of dandruff:
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What Causes Dandruff?
As STRAAND’s resident trichologist, Chelcey Salinger explains, 'Dandruff is a common condition that results in flaking of the scalp and often itchiness. It is linked to a particular yeast on the scalp called Malassezia globosa,' says Salinger. 'This particular yeast is oil-dependent, so people with oily scalps or those who are not washing their hair and removing excess oil frequently are more likely to experience this problem.'
As consultant trichologist Victoria Elliott explains, dandruff also has a close connection to other skin conditions. 'Dandruff can often look like psoriasis or dermatitis despite the fact that they are different. Dandruff is a result of a scalp malfunction, which could be described as a chronic non-inflammatory scaling of the scalp.'
Shampoos for treating dandruff: ELLE's top five
Best for all hair types: OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £34
Best for dry scalps: Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £27
Best for oily scalps: STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Concentrated Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Shampoo, £20
Best for curls, coils and kinks: OLAPLEX No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, £28
Best for hair loss: Dr. Victor's Anti-Loss Foaming Shampoo, £13
How Often Should I Wash My Hair If I Have Dandruff?
'When dealing with a problem like dandruff (which often relates to oil on our scalps) it is important to wash the hair as frequently as possible. Daily would be ideal, or certainly every second day,' says Salinger.
'In the initial treatment phase, it is often recommended to use an anti-dandruff shampoo every two days. The most important thing is shampooing frequently and always washing your hair after a sweaty workout session.'
How To Permanently Get Rid Of Dandruff
Unsure of how to actually apply treatment shampoos to get rid of dandruff? The experts break down how to eliminate dandruff for good.
'The best way to treat dandruff and keep it at bay is to apply the shampoo to the scalp and to leave it in place for five minutes before rinsing and to repeat if necessary. Focus on massaging your scalp and not your hair! Simply let the shampoo rinse out through the hair (do not rub) and do not be overzealous. Waiting for five minutes with the product on your scalp is key as the active ingredients need time to work. Many medical practitioners opt for products containing ketoconazole another potent yeast killing ingredient,' says Elliot.
Elliott also warns that you shouldn't use an anti-dandruff shampoo unless you really need one. 'I advise my patients to only use the anti-dandruff shampoos when they see scale on their scalps because people make the mistake of constantly using these shampoos. Anti-dandruff shampoos don't work when you overuse them; the more you use them the more they become ineffective.'
Salinger also advises tackling the oil, head on. 'Dandruff occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast (called Malassezia globosa). This particular yeast is oil-dependent and also thrives in moist humid conditions. So, the strategy needs to be oil reduction, to avoid creating humid environments (like going to bed with wet hair) and ensuring you wash hair after exposure to humid conditions such as getting hot and sweaty during exercise or in the summer, and actively controlling the yeast with anti-fungal ingredients in shampoos,' she explains.
'I find using products with prebiotics is a more sustainable way of treating dandruff as it aids the rebalancing of the scalp microbiome by feeding the "good" microorganisms on our scalp, it makes it more difficult for the 'bad' yeast and bacteria to overgrow,' says Salinger.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff For Textured Hair?
Like any other hair type, those with curls and coarse hair can follow a typical treatment plan to get rid of dandruff. However, as individuals with these hair types are more likely to wear protective hairstyles, dandruff can manifest in a different way.
It is recommended that protective hairstyles are kept in for no longer than six weeks, as prolonged installs of wigs, weaves, braids and cornrows can lead to a build up of dandruff, especially if you aren't still washing your with your protective hairstyle still in place.
The best anti-dandruff treatment products
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