Dandruff affects about half of adults at some point. It’s not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s very treatable. The key is using the right shampoo ingredient, the right way, consistently.
What causes dandruff
Most dandruff comes from a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. A yeast called Malassezia, which lives on everyone’s scalp, breaks down scalp oils. In some people this irritates the skin and speeds up how fast skin cells shed, causing white or yellowish flakes and itching. Dandruff is often worse in winter, with stress, and in people with oily skin.
Anti-dandruff ingredients compared
| Ingredient | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole 1% | Antifungal; reduces the yeast | One of the most effective; use 2 times a week |
| Zinc pyrithione | Antifungal and antibacterial | Gentle enough for frequent use |
| Selenium sulfide | Slows skin shedding and reduces yeast | Can discolour light or colour-treated hair; rinse well |
| Salicylic acid | Loosens and lifts flakes | Helps thick scale; can dry the scalp |
| Coal tar | Slows skin cell turnover | Strong smell; can stain light hair |
| Tea tree oil | Mild antifungal | One small trial showed benefit with 5% tea tree shampoo; a gentler option for mild flaking |
For mild dandruff, a gentle option such as Himalaya tea tree or cooling mint anti-dandruff shampoo may be enough. For stubborn flakes, ketoconazole usually works best.
How to use anti-dandruff shampoo properly
- Wet your hair and massage the shampoo into your scalp, not just your hair.
- Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. This is the step most people skip.
- Use it 2 to 3 times a week until flakes clear, usually 2 to 4 weeks.
- Then keep using it once a week to stop dandruff coming back.
- If one shampoo stops working, switch to a different active ingredient.
Other tips
- Wash your hair often enough to stop oil building up
- Avoid heavy oils and styling products on the scalp
- Don’t scratch, which irritates the skin further
- Manage stress and get enough sleep, which can reduce flare-ups
When to see a doctor
- No improvement after 4 to 6 weeks of regular medicated shampoo
- Red, swollen, oozing or very itchy patches
- Thick, silvery scale (possible psoriasis), or flaking on the face, eyebrows or chest
- Hair loss in patches
Frequently asked questions
Is dandruff caused by a dry scalp?
Usually not. Dry scalp flakes are small and white and improve with gentle shampoo and moisturising. Dandruff flakes are often larger, oilier and itchy, and need an anti-dandruff ingredient.
Does dandruff cause hair loss?
Not directly, but scratching can damage hair. Treating the itch helps. See our guide to hair loss treatment for men.
Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo every day?
Gentle ones such as zinc pyrithione can be used often. Stronger ones such as ketoconazole are usually used 2 to 3 times a week.
More in our Hair Loss guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
