Now and then, you can find yourself dusting small, snow-like flakes from your shoulders while you hope to avoid the inevitable embarrassment that comes with a dry, flaky scalp.
And despite repeating the same hair washing process—lather, rinse, repeat—over and over again, that pesky scalp dust can be incredibly difficult to be rid of. As dandruff sufferers know, the condition is a result of excess shedding of dead skin cells from your scalp, which leaves them lingering in your locks.
For those with deeper hair colours, said white flakes are not only highly visible, but they can also lead to extreme irritation and discomfort.
But here’s the good news: it’s not an impossible-to-treat hair issue. In fact, a plethora of brands have gotten into the dandruff game—hello, scalp scrubs—to make building up your haircare routine around anti-dandruff products simple so you can enjoy luscious locks and a healthy scalp.
How Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Work?
While, yes, there are a myriad of reasons as to why dandruff forms for each person, anti-fungal ingredients—such as Tea Tree Oil—can work wonders when alleviating the most irritating of symptoms. In general terms, they kill said fungi which helps to minimise any signs of dandruff leading to a stress-free scalp.
As many may already know, excess sebum is a huge factor when it comes to dandruff. So using products that help eliminate an oily scalp and aid in regulating sebum production will leave your locks feeling much more balanced.
Of course, if anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t providing any results, then we recommend visiting a dermatologist who can check for other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos To Buy In Australia
If you’re interested in giving one a try, we’ve rounded up our favourite anti-dandruff shampoos that will help you bid adieu to an itchy, flaky scalp.
Main image: @christopherobinparis
01
STRAAND Crown Cleanse Shampoo
$28 at STRAAND
Say sayonara to an itchy, flaky scalp thanks to STRAAND’s Crown Cleanse Shampoo. Formulated with prebiotics (Defenscalp
), this shampoo helps to rebalance your scalp’s microbiome by removing buildup and reducing irritation.
Plus, to save an additional 15 per cent, use the exclusive code AMA15 at checkout.
Key Features:
- Aussie made
- No sulfates or parabens
- Instantly hydrates the scalp
- Cruelty free
Also available at:
- $28 from Sephora
02
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
$49 at Mecca
This shampoo boasts a stellar ingredients list, including Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole, which removes dandruff and soothes an irritated scalp. The shampoo also contains rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid and ginger extract to soothe scalp soreness and maintain a healthy moisture balance.
Key Features:
- Formulated with climbazole that kills fungus
- Paraben free
- Featuring salicylic acid, rosemary oil and ginger
03
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo
$73.80 at Adore Beauty
Relieving a dry, itchy and irritated scalp while preventing dandruff, Oribe’s Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo is gentle enough to be used daily. It uses salicylic acid to fight your flakes and reduce redness while its formulation of Oribe’s signature complex of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extracts helps defend hair from oxidative stress, photoaging and the deterioration of natural keratin.
Key Features:
- Cruelty free
- No sulphates or parabens
- Lightweight and non-greasy
04
Kevin.Murphy Scalp Spa Wash
$50.95 at Adore Beauty
Kevin.Murphy’s purifying shampoo is made with micellar water, celery extract and rosewater, which work together to thoroughly cleanse and soothe the scalp. For oily roots and not-so-happy skin, the Scalp Spa is a surefire way to keep your head and tresses healthy and thriving.
Key Features:
- Celery extract and rosewater soothes scalp
- Suitable for all hair types
- Micellar water works to remove impurities
05
Klorane Shampoo with Peony
$19.99 at Adore Beauty
This paraben-free, silicone-free and hypoallergenic shampoo with Peony extract offers up to an immediate, 24-hour soothing comfort and balance back to the scalp. Best for dry and itchy hair and scalp that’s been caused by stress, over colouring, styling and other external aggressors of everyday life.
Key Features:
- Paraben, SLS and silicone free
- 24 hours soothing comfort
- Vegan
06
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo
$55 at Adore Beauty
This clarifying, anti-microbial, deep cleansing shampoo addresses why your dandruff has paid you a visit, while also relieving its symptoms. Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo works to gently cleanse the scalp, remove oil build-up and soothe itch without fading any colour to keep you and your scalp happy campers.
Key Features:
- Clears oil build-up
- Anti-microbial
- Won’t fade coloured hair
07
Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser
$35 at Sephora
This light, milky, sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses thick, curly or textured hair by replacing traditional, sulfate-ridden offerings with an alternative to lightly wash away build up. Infused with Aloe Vera and packed with natural oils, it cleans your scalp and strands without causing squeaky dryness or stripping hair of natural oils.
Key Features:
- Semi-sudrising to gently wash away build-up
- Infused with Aloe Vera and natural oils to clean your scalp
- Smells like Fruitloop cereal milk
08
Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Light
$60 at THE ICONIC
This natural anti-dandruff shampoo contains far fewer chemicals than its counterparts. Packed with salicylic acid and organic turmeric, Aveda’s offering aims to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, while removing build up simultaneously. Made without silicones, parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances, it’s a great way to nourish your tresses and soothe an irritated scalp sans the nasties.
Key Features:
- Leaves hair shiny and helps thicken strands
- Formulated for fine to medium thinning hair types
- Soothes irritated scalp
09
Kérastase Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo
$57 at Mecca
Kérastase Symbiose Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Bain Shampoo is a hydrating anti-dandruff shampoo, perfect for those prone to an itchy, dry and flaky scalp. This creamy, hydrating formula nourishes the scalp without stripping the hair fibre, removing flakes and visible dandruff. Featuring salicylic acid, piroctone olamine and glycerin, this formula is hydrating, softening and gentle for sensitive scalps.
Key Features:
- Suitable for sensitive scalps
- Helps eliminate symptoms of dandruff
- Includes glycerin for softness and hydration
10
Ouai Detox Shampoo
$58 at Sephora
This product went viral on TikTok and it’s easy to see why. The brand created by Kardashian hairdresser Jen Atkin, Ouai’s detox shampoo is all about exfoliating the scalp, removing product build-up and giving it a good detox. Chelating agents help to remove hard water deposits and impurities, while apple cider vinegar helps exfoliate and remove flakes.
Key Features:
- To be used once a week or whenever you need a deep clean
- Chelating agents remove hard water deposits
- Apple cider vinegar exfoliates and removes flakes
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