Best Dandruff Shampoos in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 4, 2024
If you're suffering from a dry flaky scalp, especially when you are working with dark business suits or shirts, you know how embarrassing ...Read more
PROS

The advanced formula boasts anti-bacterial properties to reduce flaking and itching. This shampoo can be used on a daily basis, unlike most other products that shouldn't be applied more than 2-3 times a week.

CONS

The bottle is made of hard plastic (a bit difficult to squeeze out the shampoo).

OUR VERDICT

The Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is a comprehensive remedy for addressing different scalp problems. The Neutar® Solubilized Coal Tar Extract fights dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Dermatologist recommended.

detailed parameters
Type

Shampoo

HAIR AND SKIN TYPE

All hair types, Colour-treated hair, Safe for sensitive skin

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Neutar™ Solubilised Coal Tar extract 20 mg/ml (equivalent to 5mg/ml Coal Tar)

SAFETY

Paraben-free, Cruelty-free

VOLUME

250 ml (125 ml also available)

PROS

Panthenol in its composition optimises the metabolic processes in the skin, thereby stimulating hair growth. Allantoin promotes cell regeneration to give the scalp a healthy look.

CONS

May cause burning sensation on the scalp during first use.

OUR VERDICT

Whereas the majority of anti-dandruff shampoos contain only 1 or 2 active ingredients, this one boasts 4 of them. Salicylic and Fumaric acids effectively fight existing dandruff, while Pyrithione Zinc and Piroctone Olamine prevent future re-appearance. 

detailed parameters
Type

Shampoo

HAIR AND SKIN TYPE

All hair types, Colour-treated hair, Safe for sensitive skin

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Salicylic acid, Fumaric acid, Pyrithione Zinc, Piroctone olamine

SAFETY

Paraben-free, Cruelty-free

VOLUME

250 ml

PROS

Despite the thick, rich lather, the shampoo can be easily rinsed from the hair. Its clean fresh scent does not interfere with the smells of hair conditioners and other hair care products.

CONS

It contains paraben and sulfates.

OUR VERDICT

The Nizoral A-D medical shampoo contains Ketoconazole - a proven dandruff-fighting ingredient. You will notice improvement after 7 days of use, and just after 2 weeks, you'll completely forget about dandruff and itching. It should be used twice a week.

detailed parameters
Type

Shampoo

HAIR AND SKIN TYPE

All hair types, Colour-treated hair, Safe for sensitive skin

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Ketoconazole 1%

SAFETY

Cruelty-free

VOLUME

60 ml

PROS

The sulfuric smell here is covered with a nice aroma, so it'll leave your hair smelling nice. Also, the formula is free from GMOs, Parabens, Petrolatum, Phthalates, and Sulfates. The shampoo comes in a nice bottle with a pump. 

CONS

The consistency of the shampoo is a bit watery.

OUR VERDICT

Produced by a respectable brand, the Vichy Dercos shampoo can help with dermatitis, irritation, itchiness, and dandruff. After two weeks of use, you'll notice a significant improvement to your scalp and hair condition - much fewer flakes but much smoother hair.

detailed parameters
Type

Shampoo

HAIR AND SKIN TYPE

Normal to oily hair, Colour-treated hair, Safe for sensitive skin

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Selenium DS, Ceramide, Methanol

SAFETY

Paraben-free, Cruelty-free

VOLUME

390 ml 

PROS

The pH-balanced formula is absolutely safe for people with the sensitive scalp - the chances of redness and irritation is completely eliminated. Also, the shampoo makes hair softer and more manageable.

CONS

Some users say it doesn't lather properly.

OUR VERDICT

This shampoo with Derma&Pure formula combines all the benefits of an anti-dandruff shampoo and hair conditioner. It not only prevents dryness, flakes and itchiness but also delivers great moisturising effect and makes hair shinier.

detailed parameters
Type

Shampoo

HAIR AND SKIN TYPE

All hair types, Colour-treated hair, Safe for sensitive skin

ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Pyrithione Zinc 1%

SAFETY

Paraben-free, Cruelty-free

VOLUME

250 ml

Dermatologist Recommended

Do you have seborrheic dermatitis with disgusting scales on your scalp? None of the costly prescription shampoos works for you? If so, the Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo is what you really need.

With over 10 years of research, this dermatologist-recommended medicated shampoo can provide instant relief from itching, inflammation, and annoying flaking. What is notable, its original therapeutic formula can effectively control irritation caused not only by common dandruff but also by chronic psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

The great healing effect is achieved largely thanks to 2% Neutar and 0.5% Coal Tar extract. The latter ingredient is claimed to provide long-lasting relief from itching and flaking, since it continues to work even after the shampoo has been rinsed off completely.

Unlike many other medical anti-dandruff shampoos, this one is suitable for daily use. And for the best results, it's recommended to apply it at least twice a week. You should wet your hair, massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it for a few minutes. Once rinsed off, not only will your scalp feel better but your hair will become more manageable and softer as well.

The Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo comes in a 250-ml bottle and should last you for a good while. So, we believe you'll need only one bottle to resolve your problem completely.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £6.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000LNEB1A

4-component Alpecin Shampoo

When it comes to scalp problems, Alpecin is definitely the number one brand that comes to our mind. With more than 110 years of heritage, the company produces highly-effective shampoos that show unmatched results after every wash. And the product in question is a great proof. This shampoo has gained much regard among customers because of its strong formula that is capable of relieving irritation and fighting the root of dandruff.

Actually, it's the first Alpecin shampoo with four active ingredients. The deft combination of Zink Pyrithione, Piroctone Alomide, Salicylic acid, and Fumaric acid deals with the underlying cause of the problem rather than just masking it. The powerful ingredients effectively eliminate bacteria that cause terrible dandruff and scalp itch. With that, they form a powerful anti-dandruff defence system, thus, preventing the reappearance of the problem.

Also, the shampoo contains Panthenol, Allantoin and a sophisticated galenic formula that altogether prevent irritation and stabilise the scalp’s resistance.

After the very first application, the shampoo can get rid of 90% of the flakey scalp. And within a week, your scalp is likely to become completely clear.

Naturally, this strong formula does burn a bit but it’s not unbearable or really painful. Moreover, it doesn’t smell unpleasant like many medical anti-dandruff shampoos.

In all, if you've been fighting dandruff with flakes everywhere, the Alpecin 4-component shampoo can stop that all. It'll quickly take away the itchy feeling and reduce flakes.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £7.39
Stock In stock
ASIN B00C7OK90I

Treats the Cause

If you're suffering from a dry flaky scalp, especially when you are working with dark suits, you know how embarrassing it can be. And whereas standard anti-dandruff shampoo can do nothing with that, you need to get something medical, something like the Nizoral shampoo.

The obvious advantage of the Nizoral shampoo over anti-dandruff shampoos sold in local markets is that it treats the underlying cause of itchy scalp rather than just masking the problem. Boasting the strong formula with 1% Ketoconazole as the main ingredient, it effectively tackles dandruff, fungal infections, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The healing results are dermatologically proven.

Although the shampoo comes in a small 60-ml bottle, it should last you for a good while (the manufacturer recommends using the shampoo 3-4 times a week only). So, we believe you'll need maximum a couple of bottles until your problem is resolved since it is not recommended to use this shampoo constantly for a long period of time. The treatment should be applied like any other shampoo with one "but". You should leave it on your scalp for 3-5 minutes for best results.

So, if you gravitate towards medical-grade shampoos that can help with dry, flaky and red itchy scalp, the Nizoral shampoo is the one you need. Truly the best shampoo for itchy scalp, it will quickly bring your confidence back.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £6.29
Stock In stock
ASIN B001ETUD5I

By a Respectable Brand

Vichy Laboratories hardly needs any presentation. It's a French dermo-cosmetic brand belonging to the L'Oréal group, which offers premium skincare, suncare, hygiene, makeup, and haircare products for very competitive prices. Its hair care treatments are widely recognised for their ability to repair and fortify scalp, improving the condition of your hair. And the Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Advanced Action Shampoo is a bright example. It makes a perfect alternative to the famous L'Oréal selenium S shampoo and shows even better results.

Putting efficacy and safety at the forefront of its formulation, the folks behind Vichy have made it without parabens but with the Microbiome technology and Selenium DS. This powerful combo is claimed to remove 100% of visible dandruff in just two weeks, alleviating itching and other conditions like plaque psoriasis. So, if your head is constantly bleeding and oozing from scratching, you can try this treatment as a more affordable alternative to prescription shampoos.

Dissimilar to coal tar shampoos and steroid-based lotions, the Dercos Anti-Dandruff shampoo has a nice fragrance and leaves the hair clean and shiny with no trace of dandruff. It also comes in a relatively big bottle with a pump that will help you avoid squeezing too much product. So, if you're after an effective anti-dandruff shampoo that will smell lovely and last for a while, the Vichy Dercos is surely worth your closer inspection. It boasts double effectiveness by removing adherent dandruff and preventing its reappearance, ridding you of itchy, red flaky scalp.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £18.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00WN2BY7G

Fresh and Effective

Head & Shoulders is another big name that is currently the leader in the hair care industry. Though the company specialises solely on anti-dandruff shampoos, no other brand matches its sales, even when speaking about ordinary shampoos for daily use. So, if you'd like to get a popular treatment for your itchy scalp by a respectable brand, this Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Fresh Menthol may interest you.

As it goes from the name, this shampoo cleans, delivering a menthol fresh sensations while keeping your hair beautifully moisturised. Enriched with plenty of antioxidants, it ensures very gentle care of both your hair and scalp, keeping flakes at bay. The innovative Derma&Pure formula effectively fights itchy, greasy, or dry scalp to prevent dandruff before it even shows. For those who need long-lasting dandruff protection, this product may become a real lifesaver.

It's worth mentioning that the formula of this shampoo is pH-balanced and dermatologically tested. Also, it's completely free of parabens, paraffin, or phosphates and, therefore, the shampoo is suitable for daily use, dissimilar to many medicated products with coal tar or other strong ingredients.

Overall, we consider the Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo one of the best options for those who wash their head every morning. Made with menthol and Derma&Pure formula, not only will it deliver that great wake-up effect but also stop dandruff and give you ultra-soft, moisturised hair.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00S18NMRQ

What Is a Dandruff Shampoo?

Dandruff is a pretty common condition amongst both women and men that causes the skin on the scalp to itch and flake. Even if that seems to be not contagious or serious, dandruff can be really difficult to treat. What is actually dandruff and what are its causes?

Basically, dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. However, there are many other conditions that can lead to severe dandruff. For example, mental stress can be the root of many skin problems including large flakes.

Also, such skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema tend to go hand in hand with dandruff. Allergic reactions, head lice, tinea capitis, bacterial and fungal infections can cause flaking skin as well.

The mild condition can be easily treated with a gentle daily non-dandruff shampoo, while serious dandruff requires a special medicated shampoo that will not only minimise the symptoms but also prevent the future appearance of dandruff.

To make your choice less tricky, our review contains the most effective anti-dandruff shampoos that are formulated with the powerful anti-fungal ingredients (Zinc pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Coal tar, Salicylic acid, or Tea-tree oil).

Yet, you should remember that the best strategy is to use the anti-dandruff shampoo in combination with the regular shampoo for the best effect. And if you also suffer from hair loss, you may be interested in these shampoos that stimulate hair regrowth.

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