What shampoo should be used for excessive dandruff?

Dandruff plagues many people—large amounts fall onto the shoulders daily, causing significant embarrassment and diminished self-confidence. Some individuals attempt to reduce dandruff by washing their hair more frequently. So, what type of shampoo should be used for excessive dandruff?

What shampoo should be used for excessive dandruff?

For pronounced dandruff, it is generally recommended to use shampoos with antimicrobial, anti-seborrheic, and anti-dandruff properties. Avoid strongly alkaline shampoos, as these may irritate and compromise the scalp’s skin barrier, thereby accelerating dandruff formation. In young adults, excessive sebum production combined with Malassezia fungal infection is a common clinical cause of increased dandruff. Oil-control shampoos may offer some therapeutic benefit in such cases.

In addition to isolated dandruff increase, patients may also present with obvious scalp erythema and plaques. In such cases, consultation at a specialized dermatology clinic is essential to confirm the underlying scalp disorder and guide appropriate adjunctive pharmacotherapy and shampoo selection. Maintain good scalp hygiene—washing every 3–4 days may be necessary. Avoid excessively hot water during hair washing, and refrain from using highly alkaline soaps, which can readily irritate scalp cells and trigger abnormal keratinization, leading to abundant dandruff. Instead, consider using sulfur soap or medicated shampoos for routine cleansing.

Brush your hair 2–3 times daily—morning and evening—to enhance scalp circulation, improve nutrient delivery to the scalp, promote healthy hair growth, and reduce excessive keratinization of scalp cells. In daily life, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and limit intake of spicy or greasy foods. Refrain from vigorous scratching or scraping the scalp with sharp objects when experiencing pruritus; topical or systemic medications may be required if symptoms persist. We hope this information proves helpful!