Dandruff is a reaction of the scalp that is usually accompanied by itching and redness, symptoms that we often confuse with those of a dry scalp. So, to take care of your hair with the right products, the first step is to know if it is dandruff or flaking.
If you have identified the problem perfectly, because you have suffered from it for a long time or have been diagnosed by a dermatologist, it is best to get to work with specific shampoos and lotions. At first, these products will be enough and you will be able to make dandruff disappear, but "depending on the cause that originates it, an oral treatment could also be needed", clarifies Dr. Horacio Foglia, medical director of Medical Hair Spain, clinic specialized in hair health.
Why does dandruff appear?
"Dandruff appears in 75% of cases due to the abnormal growth of a microorganism from the Malasezzia family, a fungus that is naturally present on people's skin, " says Dr. Foglia. This microorganism accumulates on the scalp, forming white scales that either detach or adhere to it with a yellowish-gray color.
What types of dandruff are there?
Depending on the nature of the hair, it can be:
- Dry dandruff : produces the formation of fine scales that do not adhere to the scalp, which easily fall on the shoulders.
- Oily dandruff : yellowish sheets form attached to the scalp, which usually has a reddened appearance.
Causes that aggravate dandruff
"Dandruff is related to those factors that can dry out the scalp, such as the sun, but also cause a poor diet, hormonal changes and stress or fatigue, " says the doctor.
For these last two causes, precisely, many people have seen their problem aggravated during the confinement to which Covid-19 has forced us … And for not washing their hair correctly, in addition to doing it with an inappropriate product. "The use of very strong or aggressive hair products for the scalp, such as a shampoo without neutral pH, favors its development", clarifies the director of Medical Hair.
Look for this ingredient: Piroctone Olamine
Many dandruff shampoos contain it. Piroctone Olamine is a molecule used in the treatment of dandruff, especially fat. Pharmaceutical laboratories and dermatologists recommend this ingredient because, if we compare it with Zinc Pyrithione (another very common ingredient in anti-dandruff treatment), Piroctone Olamine does not produce a seborrheic (fat) effect nor is it irritating , something to consider in leathers more sensitive scalps.
Whatever the cause that has caused or worsened your annoying dandruff, our selection of anti-dandruff products will put an end to it. You just have to pay attention to whether it is for oily dandruff or dry dandruff and that you choose it based on the characteristics of your scalp.
Dandruff is a reaction of the scalp that is usually accompanied by itching and redness, symptoms that we often confuse with those of a dry scalp. So, to take care of your hair with the right products, the first step is to know if it is dandruff or flaking.
If you have identified the problem perfectly, because you have suffered from it for a long time or have been diagnosed by a dermatologist, it is best to get to work with specific shampoos and lotions. At first, these products will be enough and you will be able to make dandruff disappear, but "depending on the cause that originates it, an oral treatment could also be needed", clarifies Dr. Horacio Foglia, medical director of Medical Hair Spain, clinic specialized in hair health.
Why does dandruff appear?
"Dandruff appears in 75% of cases due to the abnormal growth of a microorganism from the Malasezzia family, a fungus that is naturally present on people's skin, " says Dr. Foglia. This microorganism accumulates on the scalp, forming white scales that either detach or adhere to it with a yellowish-gray color.
What types of dandruff are there?
Depending on the nature of the hair, it can be:
- Dry dandruff : produces the formation of fine scales that do not adhere to the scalp, which easily fall on the shoulders.
- Oily dandruff : yellowish sheets form attached to the scalp, which usually has a reddened appearance.
Causes that aggravate dandruff
"Dandruff is related to those factors that can dry out the scalp, such as the sun, but also cause a poor diet, hormonal changes and stress or fatigue, " says the doctor.
For these last two causes, precisely, many people have seen their problem aggravated during the confinement to which Covid-19 has forced us … And for not washing their hair correctly, in addition to doing it with an inappropriate product. "The use of very strong or aggressive hair products for the scalp, such as a shampoo without neutral pH, favors its development", clarifies the director of Medical Hair.
Look for this ingredient: Piroctone Olamine
Many dandruff shampoos contain it. Piroctone Olamine is a molecule used in the treatment of dandruff, especially fat. Pharmaceutical laboratories and dermatologists recommend this ingredient because, if we compare it with Zinc Pyrithione (another very common ingredient in anti-dandruff treatment), Piroctone Olamine does not produce a seborrheic (fat) effect nor is it irritating , something to consider in leathers more sensitive scalps.
Whatever the cause that has caused or worsened your annoying dandruff, our selection of anti-dandruff products will put an end to it. You just have to pay attention to whether it is for oily dandruff or dry dandruff and that you choose it based on the characteristics of your scalp.
ISDIN
€ 14.18Isdin: shampoo for dry dandruff
What a bad thing it happens when you feel that your scalp is tight and it burns! The formula of this Isdin shampoo, Nutradeica, contains Piroctone Olamine, which relieves itching and prevents the fungus that causes flaking. It also leaves hair soft, shiny and easy to style, which is great if you also have untamed and frizzy hair.
Lookfantastic
€ 19.95Phyto: shampoo for severe dandruff
If your dandruff is persistent and you suffer from itchy scalp , this is the shampoo for you. With a herbal anti-dandruff formula composed of black pepper extract and Guyanese wood, it leaves hair shiny, silky and with a delicate fragrance of white flowers. It is recommended to apply it in sections on the dry scalp, massage, leave for 5 minutes, emulsify with water and rinse well.
Vichy
€ 13.10 € 14.33Vichy: anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalp
Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Itch Shampoo is a sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo, enriched with Piroctone Olamine. Treats the scalp, while beautifying the hair fiber. It acts on persistent dandruff and lasts for 6 weeks. It is indicated for the most sensitive scalps.
Amazon
€ 8.40Natura Siberica: natural shampoo for dry dandruff
The gentle formula of this shampoo, enriched with plant amino acids, gently cleanses hair and prevents dryness and dandruff on the most sensitive scalps. It contains usnic acid, a natural antibiotic derived from a Siberian plant, the snow cladonia. Lovers of natural cosmetics will love it.
Promofarma
€ 18.50 € 21.20Sebamed: dermatological shampoo for oily dandruff
Its formula rich in Piroctone Olamine, the star active ingredient against dandruff, eliminates and prevents excess oil secretion from the scalp, also avoiding other hair problems such as hair loss. It is recommended not to use it daily, but 2-3 times a week.
The English Court
€ 4.19H&S: anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss shampoo
The hair firm H&S has always focused on the elimination of dandruff, but continually innovates to provide a plus. Incorporates new ingredients that offer cosmetic benefits to result in healthier looking hair. In this case, its Derma & Pure technology presents the ingredient Piroctone Olamine for the scalp, a soluble anti-dandruff active that provides softness, greater shine and deep hydration. In addition, its formula is reinforced with other ingredients that prevent hair loss.
Amazon
€ 7.57Natural tea tree shampoo for oily hair
If you have oily hair, this shampoo will help you get rid of the problem without damaging your scalp. It contains tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, which helps control excess oil that causes seborrheic dandruff. It is purifying, vegan and contains 99% natural ingredients.
MyPharma
€ 11 € 16.90Uriage: regulating anti-dandruff lotion
Anti-dandruff lotions act as a booster for shampoos in the case of severe dandruff. This one from Uriage DS Hair favors the elimination of scales and soothes itching. It incorporates essential oil of juniper and does not make hair greasy.
How to use it during an outbreak? Spray on dry or wet scalp, strand by strand –twice a day in crisis episodes and once a day as a preventive treatment–, let it act. It does not need clarification.
MyPharma
€ 8.59 € 11.41Ducray: soothing anti-dandruff lotion
This lotion guarantees that it soothes the itch 100%. It is used in combination with the anti-dandruff shampoo or alternating its application with it during the week. It is composed of active ingredients such as keluamide, zinc sulfate or hydroalcoholic excipients, which help eliminate flakes and irritation caused by dandruff.
The English Court
€ 17.85 € 21Apivita: anti-dandruff oil
Genetic factors, stress or even the excessive use of heating tools or inappropriate hair products can alter the natural flora of the scalp and promote the development of the microorganism known as Malassezia, the cause of dandruff. To avoid this, this anti-dandruff oil is a very good option. Its main active ingredient, the natural extract of celery seed, has a clinically proven action against the reduction of the development of the Malassezia fungus and desquamation from the first weeks. It even prevents the reappearance of dandruff and offers immediate relief from itchiness.
It is recommended to use it at the roots three times a week, massage gently in circular movements, leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash the hair.