Dandruff happens when dead skin on the scalp sticks together due to oils, causing itching and possibly acne and hair loss. Some anti dandruff shampoo can make the scalp dry and itchy. To prevent this, moisturise your scalp after shampooing. For long term dandruff prevention, use medicated anti dandruff shampoo every three days for four weeks, then switch to once a week for maintenance. Leave the shampoo on your scalp for three minutes before rinsing for best results. Using a hydrating hair mask once a week can prevent dryness.
DOES ANTI DANDRUFF SHAMPOOS WORK?
Yes, they do work. Effective anti dandruff ingredients to look for include Ketoconazole, Zinc Pyrithione, Selenium Sulphide, and Salicylic acid, which are found in many anti dandruff shampoos. Using a shampoo with these ingredients can effectively target dandruff issues and promote a healthier scalp.
In this post, I will focus solely on dermatologist recommended medicated anti dandruff shampoos that I have used over the past 17 years. Here we go.
WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF?
Dandruff can have various causes, including excess sebum production, stress, dry skin due to environmental changes, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, allergies to hair products, frequent shampooing, and yeast/fungal scalp infections. It is difficult but, pinpointing the cause can guide effective dandruff management strategies.
CAN YOU USE ANTI DANDRUFF SHAMPOO EVERYDAY?
You cannot use an anti dandruff shampoo everyday since it would dry out your scalp and cause itching and much more. Always use the product as recommended by the brand. Nothing More, Nothing Less.
KENOZOLE 2% ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO
PRICE – 220rs | Read Full Review HERE
This dermatologist recommended anti dandruff shampoo relieves itchiness, effectively eliminates dandruff, lasts long, has a pleasant fragrance, and suits sensitive skin. It is easily available online and in stores, reasonably priced, and offers great value for an effective dandruff solution.
NIZORAL ANTI-DANDRUFF SOLUTION
PRICE – 162rs
Nizoral is an exceptional anti dandruff shampoo that effectively combats itching, flakes, and dandruff, and it is safe for coloured or permed hair. It provides relief from these concerns and leaves hair clean and soft. This product is easily available in most medical stores and has been a true relief for me over the years.
CIPLA 8X SHAMPOO
PRICE – 350/- for 100 ML | Read Full Review HERE
My dermatologist prescribed Cipla 8x shampoo for my dandruff and painful pimples/boils on the scalp. He also gave me medicated drops to apply on the boils and specifically told me not to use any oils on my scalp. Cipla 8x shampoo is really good at treating fungal and yeast infections on the scalp. It also helps with itching. Just make sure to use Cipla 8x shampoo correctly as instructed by your dermatologist to completely get rid of dandruff and maintain a dandruff free scalp.
When I used it together with the medicated drops, this medicated anti dandruff shampoo dried out the painful pimples and cleared my scalp. It took a few weeks, around 3 weeks if I remember correctly, of using it consistently to get rid of all the symptoms. So, it is not a magical product that works instantly. You need to give it time to work, but it will eventually.
ABBOT SELSUN SHAMPOO
PRICE – 173rs | Read full review HERE
I have personally used Selsun Shampoo, a specialized anti dandruff shampoo containing Selenium sulphide 2.5%. This medicated anti dandruff shampoo effectively reduces scalp greasiness and slows down the growth of the skin cells responsible for dandruff formation.
Follow the recommended usage as a short term treatment, using it twice a week for 2-3 weeks. After that initial period, I reduced the frequency to once a month for maintenance. On the days when I do not use the Selsun shampoo, I switch to a mild and hydrating regular shampoo to avoid harsh ingredients in my hair care routine. Consistency has been key in maintaining a healthy scalp and preventing the recurrence of dandruff.
SCALPE+ ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO
PRICE – 260rs | Read My Full Review HERE
In my teens, I had problems like a flaky scalp, itching, hair loss from my head and eyebrows, and small rashes on my forehead. It was tough. But using the dermatologist prescribed Scalpe Plus shampoo provided relief from itching after just one use. It did not completely solve the issue, but it reduced itching by around 90%, which was a big improvement for me.
The constant itching was my main issue, and it was embarrassing to always be scratching my head in school. The scratching also caused inflammation and more hair loss. With Scalpe Plus, I have seen that it completely gets rid of dandruff within a month of regular use. After that, I continue to use the shampoo for maintenance, as I mentioned earlier.
SEBAMED ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO
PRICE – 625rs for 200ml
The shampoo was gentle on my scalp, never causing any rebound increase in dandruff, possibly due to its skin-friendly pH of 5.5. his shampoo does not lather much due to its soap and alkali free formula. It has a very mild fragrance, which is another advantage for me. I highly recommend trying this shampoo for an effective remedy against dandruff and an itchy scalp.
RE’ EQUIL DANDRUFF CONTROL SHAMPOO
PRICE – 250ML FOR 450rs
This shampoo has a gel based consistency and a mild fragrance, which I found quite pleasant. This shampoo did not make my hair frizzy and did not dry out my scalp.
My scalp felt less itchy which was such a relief. These results were quite satisfying. I am genuinely impressed with this shampoo. While it may not have completely eliminated my dandruff, it provided relief from itchiness and noticeably reduced the dandruff over time. The fact that it is gentle, free from sulphates and parabens, and did not dry out my scalp makes it a top choice for me.
