Scratchy scalp getting you down?
Knowing how to treat dandruff is a bit of a minefield. With so many differing opinions on the internet, we spoke to some of the most in-the-know experts to determine the best course of treatment, and to reveal everything you need to know about the condition.
What is dandruff?
‘Dandruff is a pretty common skin condition that causes flakes of skin to appear on the scalp,’ explains Adam Reed, Hair Stylist and UK Editorial Ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel.
A common misconception about dandruff is that it produces dry flakes, when they are actually oily; an important factor when deciding how to treat dandruff. ‘Dandruff is almost always oily, and not dry,’ says Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. ‘Dandruff flakes can also be slightly sticky and yellow in colour, whereas a dry scalp will produce dry and white flakes.’
In addition, an itchy scalp can be a sign of dandruff, as well as a sign of dryness.
What causes dandruff?
Kingsley describes dandruff as both a long-term and a chronic issue, as well as a recurring one, that can crop up really at any time. It is however most common ‘when you are stressed, when hormone levels fluctuate, and when you eat certain foods such as full fat dairy products,’ she explains.
The condition is actually caused by an over production of a yeast naturally found on the scalp, which is called Malassezia furfur. ‘When levels rise (which is commonly due to stress and hormones), skin cells on the scalp divide too rapidly. Cells are replaced much faster than they can be shed, leading to a buildup of telltale flakes and itching,’ says Kingsley.
How to treat dandruff
If you don’t fancy going down the traditional route by trying anti-dandruff shampoos and specific targeted products, there are some home remedies you may want to try. These include single ingredients such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, or aloe vera.
If you believe your dandruff may be stress related, obviously the most effective form of treatment is to try and reduce stress levels — but this is often easier said than done.
For a more head-on approach (pardon the pun), we recommend opting for a targeted anti-dandruff routine. There are some amazing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments out there now that look so chic on the outside, no one will even suspect you are treating dandruff.
Kingsley recommends keeping styling product use to a minimum, so as not to aggravate a sensitive scalp, and applying an exfoliating scalp mask once a week in order to lift away flakes gently. As for a daily routine, she suggests the use of ‘a soothing, antimicrobial shampoo and a targeted post-shampoo scalp toner.’
Here are some of our favourite anti-dandruff products to try:
The best dandruff shampoo
Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £4.99, Boots
Head and Shoulders is undoubtedly the best known anti-dandruff brand, and while their everyday range is great for mild dandruff, their Clinically Proven Solutions formulas tackle stubborn, severe dandruff that normal shampoos struggle with. This one contains Selenium Sulfide, which powerfully takes on dandruff symptoms, while at the same time being safe enough to use everyday.
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The best dandruff conditioner:
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner, £45, Net-A-Porter
Expert haircare brand Oribe does everything brilliantly, so it comes as no surprise that their dandruff-fighting conditioner is one of the very best. Enriched with the brand’s signature complex, this is lovely to use after shampoo to soothe, nourish, and calm. It also comes in a seriously Instagrammable pale pink tube.
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The best scalp treatment for dandruff:
Living Proof Dry Scalp Treatment, £25, Space NK
This innovative product is a first from Living Proof, and promises to soothe dry, flaky, and irritated scalps. It features a hyaluronic acid based molecular patch, which floods the scalp with instant and sustained hydration, as well as a Vitamin B3-based Microbiome-Balancing complex that rebalances the scalp for long-lasting relief.
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Keep scrolling for the best dandruff-busting products we’ve ever come across.
Rose hair & scalp moisturising masque, £25, Selfridges
An irritated scalp is best treated with a nourishing, gentle treatment mask such as this one. Aesop's formulation contains Rose Petal, Beta-Carotene, and Lavender Stem, which, when combined, create a comforting floral aroma.
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, £36, Cult Beauty
Sometimes, the scalp benefits from a gentle scrub to slough away dead cells and allow the skin to start anew. This one by Briogeo uses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle.
JASON Normalizing Tea Tree Treatment Shampoo, £7.99, Look Fantastic
Jason's sulphate-free shampoo formula heavily features Australian tea tree oil, which has amazing anti-bacterial and calming properties that work wonders on struggling scalps.
KLORANE Peony Shampoo, £8, Look Fantastic
Sometimes the best course of treatment is a super gentle one, and picking a shampoo like Klorane's antioxidant-packed Peony formula can aid suffering scalps that crave calm and hydration.
Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo, £6.29, Boots
This hard hitting medicinal treatment shampoo works by targeting the underlying cause of dandruff for long-lasting efficacy.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, £20, Cult Beauty
The most chic anti-dandruff shampoo we've ever laid eyes on, this uses a winning combination of act of anti-fungal riroctone olamine and climbazole, along with rosemary oil, menthol, salicyclic acid and ginger extracts to gently exfoliate and nourish.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Anti-Dandruff Soothing Cleanser, £28.35, Look Fantastic
Formulated with Shiso Extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this will soothe sore, sensitive scalps with every wash.
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner, £10, Look Fantastic
Recommended by Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, this toner instantly soothes sore scalps. The ingredients list includes antimicrobial Piroctone Olamine and cooling Camphor.
