What Makes the Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Brands Special?

From supermarket options to clinical strength formulations, there’s more in the fight against dandruff than catchy slogans.

Dandruff is an embarrassing affliction, since shoulders and arms covered in white flakes often give the impression of poor personal hygiene. Basic products claiming to be the best anti-dandruff shampoo are easy to find in any neighborhood convenience store, but if you’re among the many people who battle resilient or chronic dandruff, then it’s likely that supermarket brands simply won’t cut it.

Fortunately, there are many places to look for extra strong solutions – even if you also have sensitive skin or psoriasis.

What Is Dandruff? The Science Behind the Ever-Present Chalky Flakes

Few of us need lessons on how to recognize the oily flakes that fall from the scalp and constitute dandruff. However, it would be simplistic to say that all cases of dandruff are the same or have the same root cause.

Most cases of dandruff are caused by a Malassezia overgrowth. This is a type of yeast-like fungus that grows on the scalp of most adults. When particularly abundant, or in extra-delicate skin, Malassezia can irritate the skin and cause redness, itchiness, and extra skin cell growth. This skin cells, which are created by the body to protect itself, are the immediate culprits for dandruff.

However, many cases of dandruff have little to do with Malassezia. Extra oily or yellowish flakes are often caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition. A pervasively dry scalp can also cause a different, whiter and thinner type of dandruff. If your dandruff is accompanied by redness and extreme itchiness in your scalp, then the ultimate culprit may be psoriasis or contact dermatitis.

While most common anti-dandruff products are designed for Malassezia infestations, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from one of the latter three options, then finding the best anti-dandruff shampoo for you may be harder.

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

The fight against severe dandruff may require, in some cases, a trip to the dermatologist to aid in the initial assessment. That being said, if you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, it’s likely your problems won’t be limited to your scalp – which should help you assess whether the trip to the doctor is necessary.

Whether the problem is excessively oily or dry scalp, or simply an extra powerful case of fungus, solutions are aplenty. Here are two of the best-ranked:

1. PhilipB Anti Flake Shampoo

A proprietary combination of herbal extracts and essential oils make this luxurious shampoo a great option for both resistant Malassezia and those with an oily scalp. Zinc and tea tree oil will directly attack the fungi. Meanwhile, tea tree, alongside juniper berries, and aloe, will also combat the excessive oiliness and soothe the scalp.

2. Surface Awaken Shampoo and Conditioner

If the cause of your dandruff is dry or overly sensitive scalp, then the best anti-dandruff shampoo for you will be one that keeps the irritating chemicals to a minimum – and still provides nourishment and strong moisturizing actions. Surface Awaken’s duo of shampoo and conditioner is a rare gem that combines both.

Completely sulfate free, they are based around the moisturizing and antibacterial power of coconut oil and babassu oil. They also contain a series of organic natural oils meant to revitalize and moisturize your hair, keeping any stress to the scalp to the minimum.

There are more ways to combat dandruff than what the supermarket has to show. Explore LaLa Daisy’s hair care section to find them.