Is it snowing outside? If you’re currently dealing with flakes, you’re not alone. From a medical perspective, dandruff is a relatively harmless — and all too common — condition that causes the skin on the scalp to itch and flake. Dandruff can have several causes, including oily or irritated skin, dry skin, fungal buildup, and other skin conditions (like psoriasis or eczema—these will necessitate a trip to the dermatologist). Those whose dandruff is caused by a dry scalp may find the condition exacerbated during cold weather. While dandruff is typically nothing to worry about, it can be annoying. And embarrassing.
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Fortunately, most instances of dandruff can be tackled by the right shampoo. The best anti-dandruff shampoos are packed with anti-fungal ingredients (think zinc pyrithione, tea tree oil, and selenium sulphate) which work to fill fungi and minimise the signs of dandruff. Newer formulas also address scalp health through gentle chemical exfoliation with ingredients such as salicylic acid, which eliminates those flaky dead skin cells, and soothing ingredients like rosemary oil and green tea extract.
Looking to start shampooing smarter? These are the best anti-dandruff shampoos to stay flake-free.
The best anti-dandruff shampoos in Australia in 2024
1. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
Taking a multi-factorial approach to dandruff treatment, the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo uses salicylic acid to exfoliate, while rosemary, menthol, and ginger extracts soothe and invigorate the scalp in equal measure. Crucially, the inclusion of potent anti-fungal ingredients piroctone olamine and climbazole tackle fungal yeast growth, preventing the recurrence of dandruff.
Price: $49AUD
2. Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Designed to relieve dandruff while soothing and balancing the scalp, the Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo uses salicylic acid to gently slough off dead skin cells and caffeine to stimulate the scalp.. Meanwhile, the Oribe signature complex of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower promotes hair health by protecting against oxidative stress and preventing colour fade.
Price: $82AUD
3. Klorane Anti-Dandruff Rebalancing Shampoo
French haircare brand Klorane uses galangal, a root spice with purifying and soothing properties, to tackle dandruff and reduce scalp irritation. The addition of lactic acid provides chemical exfoliation, eliminating dead skin cells. Suitable for even the most sensitive scalps, this botanically powered formula works without drying out the skin, leaving the scalp feeling hydrated and comfortable.
Price: $24.99AUD
4. American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo
Zinc pyrithione and tea tree oil fight fungal growth while addressing the itchiness often associated with dandruff, while rosemary extract and sage leaf sooth the scalp and work to regulate sebum (oil) production.
Price: $26.95AUD
5. Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and relieves dandruff without drying out the skin or hair. Anti-fungal powerhouse piroctone olamine works to kill fungal growth while lactic acid removes skin cell build-up. Best of all? It’s suitable for both dark and colour-treated hair, effectively eliminating dandruff without stripping it of its colour.
Price: $55AUD
6. Head & Shoulders Supreme Moisture & Smooth Hair Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
A classic. Head & Shoulders is the first port of call for many struggling with dandruff. And for good reason: it’s cheap and effective. However, some of the brand’s formulas can be drying, which is why we’re fans of the Head & Shoulders Supreme Moisture & Smooth Hair Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, an effective yet moisturising formula. Infused with argan oil, it nourishes strands while zinc pyrithione eliminates dandruff-causing fungus.
Price: $6AUD
7. Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo
Simple yet effective. Formulated with coal tar extract (don’t worry, it doesn’t smell or look like it!), Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo controls scalp itching and flaking caused by psoriasis, eczema, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Ideal for those with dry, sensitive scalps.
Price: $12.99AUD
8. Selsun Gold Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Treatment
Look, she’s not pretty but she gets the job done. Formulated with anti-fungal selenium sulfide, Selsun Gold Anti Dandruff Shampoo Treatment tackles both dandruff (naturally) as well as seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor, the latter of which can cause skin discolouration. The formula works to shed dead skin cells and soften the skin underneath, treating dandruff while addressing the underlying cause to prevent it from returning.
Price: $17.99AUD
9. Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
Made with natural ingredients, the Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo combines exfoliating salicylic acid with ginseng and turmeric, both of which boast anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce scalp itchiness. It’s worth noting that there’s a ‘Light’ and ‘Rich’ version of this formula; we’ve linked to the Light which is well suited to fine and straight hair, while the Rich is better for thicker and/or curly hair types.
Price: $59AUD
10. Straand Crown Cleanse Dandruff Shampoo
The Straand Crown Cleanse Dandruff Shampoo takes an unconventional approach to dandruff treatment. Suitable for treating both non-fungal and fungal dandruff, it uses prebiotics to rebalance the scalp’s microbiome, salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, and ingredients like panthenol, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil to moisturise and hydrate the scalp and hair. The addition of Defenscalp, a trademarked ingredient that contains rosebay extract, works to regulate the malassezia fungi that leads to dandruff by controlling sebum (oil) production.
Price: $28AUD
What is dandruff?
But first, what exactly is dandruff? A common scalp condition, dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and refers to an itchy or flaky scalp. While dandruff isn’t dangerous, the dry skin flaking off the scalp can is often visible on dark hair or against dark clothing, making it a potentially embarrassing condition. The itchy scalp that often accompanies dandruff can also be uncomfortable and irritating, making finding the right dandruff treatments essential.
While dandruff itself is not a fungal condition, it can be—but is not always—caused by a fungal overgrowth; often a yeast-like fungus called malassezia that feeds on scalp oils. It can also occur as a result of sensitivity to certain hair care products, or be caused by other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Anti-dandruff shampoo: common ingredients
The most common treatments for itchy and flaky scalps are anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners. Aimed at reducing scalp flaking and alleviating itchiness, anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners have traditionally contained ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione.
- Salicylic acid: a beta-hydroxy acid often used in skincare, salicylic acid works to exfoliate the scalp. It removes dead skin cells from the scalp, reducing the occurrence of scalp flakes.
- Pyrithione zinc: a zinc complex, pyrithione zinc has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help control the growth of yeast which can contribute to dandruff. It’s often accompanied by salicylic acid, which helps it penetrate the skin of the scalp better thanks to its exfoliating activity.
- Tea tree oil: this plant extract possesses antifungal and antimicrobial activities, making it potentially useful in treating dandruff caused by an overgrowth of the fungus malassezia. Tea tree oil can also work to alleviate the itchiness associated with dandruff, while regulating oil production on the skin. It’s important to note that tea tree oil should not be used undiluted directly on the scalp; it should always be mixed with a carrier oil or used in a small percentage within a shampoo or condition formula.
- Selenium disulfide: also known as selenium sulphide, this is an antifungal ingredient used to relieve itching and flakiness on the scalp.
- Coal tar: this has historically been used to treat dandruff—and is present in the Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo—and works by causing the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slowing down the growth of skin cells. However, it’s a controversial ingredient as it can be quite harsh on the scalp and hair follicles and also lead to skin irritation, sun sensitivity, allergic reactions, and skin discoloration. For that reason, we recommend trying other dandruff treatments before resorting to shampoos or conditioners containing coal tar.
Words by Theo Rosen
Cover and feature image courtesy of Alastair McLellan for Esquire
