Flake-like skin growths on your scalp are a frequent symptom of dandruff, which can become irritating if not properly cleansed. Although dandruff is quite common and rarely a cause for concern, it can nevertheless be annoying or even painful.

According to the experts, in addition to the scalp, dandruff can also affect the beard, eyebrows, skin around the ears, and the body. Seborrheic dermatitis is the most prevalent cause of dandruff, which can appear as either mild symptoms, such as only dandruff, or severe symptoms, such as redness and itching. In such cases, the first step we initiate for dandruff treatments is purchasing a good quality anti-dandruff shampoo. An anti-dandruff shampoo helps to get rid of dandruff from your hair to give an itchy-free hair while also nourishing your hair and cleansing your scalp. 

When we shop for anything, the first thing we do is check the ingredients. Likewise, it is extremely essential to check the ingredients of an anti-dandruff shampoo before purchasing. To make it hassle-free and convenient, we have compiled a list of some of the top anti-dandruff shampoos in the UAE, focusing mainly on the ingredients. 

Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is currently one of the most well-known anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. Even specialists like dermatologists highly recommend this anti-dandruff shampoo due to its potency in eliminating the Malassezia yeast that causes dandruff. Ketoconazole, the antifungal medication’s main component, destroys the fungus that causes dandruff and reduces flaking and itching. Because it produces benefits after just one day of usage, people like this shampoo. Even the hardest-to-get dandruff is eliminated by it.

This dermatologist-approved anti-dandruff shampoo is also mild enough for colour-treated and grey hair and is suited for all hair types, including thick hair. If you have a severe case, Nizoral also has a 2% strength dandruff shampoo, however, you can only get it with a doctor or dermatologist’s prescription.

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Another top-rated medicated anti-dandruff shampoo that promises to completely eradicate dandruff is Sebamed. It is a mild shampoo that will protect and detangle your hair. Piroctone Olamine, the product’s active component, gently removes dandruff particles. This shampoo is calming for inflamed skin since its pH level is the same as that of a healthy scalp.

Sebamed shampoo also controls sebum production and bacterial and fungal growth, making it useful for greasy hair and flaky scalps. The active components in it give the hair new vitality and lustre by moisturizing and nourishing it. While the majority of medicated shampoos can be rather drying, the Sebamed formula is light enough to be used frequently. 

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Shampoos containing selenium sulfide, like this one from Head & Shoulders, is frequently used to treat fungal scalp infections, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. We like that this shampoo has antibacterial qualities and lessens scalp yeast growth. With a prescription, selenium sulfide is available in concentrations as high as 2.5%, but the strongest OTC option is this 1% concentration from Head & Shoulders. As per the instructions on the shampoo label, anyone with hair that has been bleached, permed, coloured, or is grey should rinse the shampoo for five minutes to avoid discolouration.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is another mild shampoo and conditioner that cleans the scalp, treats dandruff, and makes your hair smooth and manageable in just one step. With 1% coal tar, the Extra Strength variant from their collection is highly effective in relieving itching. The Original Version with Coal Tar Extract (For Long Lasting Relief), Extra Strength (Redness and Intense Itching and Flaking), Stubborn Itch (Soothes stubborn itch with cooling menthol), and Scalp Build-Up Control (Clears & Prevents Scalp Build Up) are among the different variations that are offered in the collection.

The Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Shampoo is the one that is most suited for regular usage among these. However, it is not recommended use for those with light-coloured hair, including blonde, bleached, or grey hair, even though it’s great at reducing itching and flaking. As a result, it is advised to use the product with caution.

Nioxin Pyrithione Zinc Purifying Cleanser

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pyrithione Zinc, one of the most common and effective active ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos that soothe an itchy, flaky scalp, is the driving force behind this cream-based dandruff shampoo from Nioxin. Malassezia is a fungus that grows on the skin and scalp, and Pyrithione Zinc, the shampoo’s key component, aids in its treatment.

Individuals who wash their hair every day and those who only do so sometimes can use this Nioxin-infused shampoo. It may be used as infrequently as twice weekly or as frequently as daily. Additionally, it includes green tea extracts, which have anti-fungal and moisture-boosting qualities. To provide some cooling comfort as you wash, it also has menthol and peppermint oil. With frequent usage, this shampoo significantly lessens flakiness and hydrates colour-treated or permed hair.

Harry’s Men’s Extra-Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This dual-action shampoo is formulated to cleanse the scalp without stripping off the natural oils. It keeps your scalp moisturized, clean, and dandruff-free. Each bottle includes 2% Pyrithione Zinc to combat severe dandruff cases, but if your dandruff isn’t as bad, you may choose a lesser dose on their website. While conditioning elements like aloe and coconut hydrate your hair, the active component stops flaking and irritation. The peppermint and tea tree essential oils that have a cooling effect but may also cause moderate skin irritation if you have sensitive skin are what give this shampoo its aroma.

Tea tree oil has been demonstrated to have similar benefits to ketoconazole shampoos, which are an active component in treating dandruff and redness of the scalp caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Given that, tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may help the shampoo’s capacity to prevent dandruff.

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is another price-worthy best anti-dandruff shampoo you can find on the UAE market. The ZPTO component, which is clinically proven to be an anti-dandruff therapy, is used in this Dove Dermacare shampoo to leave your hair feeling soft, silky, and noticeably flake-free.

This shampoo contains a micro moisture serum that hydrates the hair and gives it a silky, smooth feel. In addition, Pyrithione Zinc, an active and popular ingredient used by Dove in this shampoo, does a fantastic job of treating the yeast that causes irritation on your scalp and is the main cause of dry flakes. Besides, this shampoo has moisturizing components like shea butter that many anti-dandruff treatments do not have.

Selsun Suspension Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

One of the most powerful anti-dandruff shampoos available in the pharmaceutical industry is Abbott’s Selsun Suspension Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It has two distinct advantages since it efficiently cures and manages dandruff. It is a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo with a potent composition that contains 2.5% Selenium Sulfide. It is specially created to help you get rid of dandruff, regulate excessive oiliness, and control flaking. While relieving itchiness and irritation, it fights the fungi that cause dandruff. Scalp infections like Seborrhea, Tinea Versicolor, and Recurrent Dandruff are some of the many this shampoo is beneficial in treating. Furthermore, it promotes the growth of new skin by minimizing skin peeling or scaling, which decreases the skin damage caused by infection.

Scalpe Pro Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Another top anti-dandruff shampoo in the UAE is Scalpe Pro Shampoo. Approved and recommended by dermatologists, the formula of this shampoo is a combination of Climbazole and ZPTO aka ‘Zinc Pyrithione’ and targets the underlying cause of dandruff. This shampoo by Scalpe can be used for your scalp treatment every day, even for sensitive scalp people, because of its gentle cleaning agent. Your hair will be well-nourished and won’t be dry thanks to the conditioning base in the Scalpe Pro shampoo.

Furthermore, this shampoo includes piroctone olamine, which has been proven to strengthen hair shafts and stop hair loss. Because it contains a conditioning component that ensures no dryness even with frequent usage, it is the finest choice for daily dandruff treatment.

Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Of course, we can’t end the Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo list without mentioning Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo, the most well-known and trustworthy anti-dandruff shampoo.

This product is amongst the best and most reasonably priced anti-dandruff shampoo available in the UAE and even internationally. While cooling the scalp and hair, this menthol-infused shampoo rinses them for a refreshing, cold wash. It is formulated with Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo fresh smell technology and includes more refined fragrance notes for a superior in-shower aroma. Since zinc pyrithione is a vital component, this shampoo effectively addresses the underlying causes of dandruff and inhibits the growth of flakes on the scalp. Suitable to use daily, the Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo is one of the best anti-dandruff shampoos you can find in the market today.

Vital Components to Look for When Buying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

These are some of the vital components that every medicated shampoo for dandruff should have. The majority of them may be purchased without a prescription, however, we always advise seeing a dermatologist before purchasing any medicated products.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is without a doubt the most effective component to combat dandruff. It is an antifungal drug that actively helps in destroying fungi on scalps. Additionally, it is proven to lessen dandruff-related symptoms like itchiness, scaling, flaking, and dry skin. Ketoconazole not only eliminates the underlying cause of dandruff, but it also aids with issues with hair loss.

Selenium Sulfide

Another anti-fungal and anti-infective component that is equally efficient in getting rid of dandruff is selenium sulfide. Because it is a chemical generated from sulfur, certain shampoos containing selenium sulfide have an unpleasant scent. They may smell raw and harsh, however, it is a very efficient ingredient for treating seborrhea dermatitis, tinea versicolor, and dandruff.

Pyrithione Zinc

Pyrithione Zinc is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial component that reduces dandruff, and is also gentler on your scalp compared to ketoconazole and selenium sulfide. This is a common component in well-known anti-dandruff shampoos like Head & Shoulders. Pyrithione zinc is very effective in treating Malassezia fungus and helps with mild to moderate dandruff problems.

Salicylic Acid

Chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid exfoliate the outermost layer of skin’s dead skin cells. It is not only a fantastic component for acne, but its keratoplasty essence also assists in removing dandruff flakes from rough scalps. For individuals with pimples, acne, or an oily scalp, this is a very efficient way to get rid of buildup. There are plenty of Salicylic Acid Face Washes that you may use for your scalp without harm, although there may not be many options with Salicylic Acid-based Shampoos in the UAE.

Coal Tar

Only when prescribed by a dermatologist and used under safety precautions can medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing coal tar be used. Itchy dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are treated with coal tar because it has anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, following use, it might make your scalp hypersensitive and cause it to burn when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, shampoos with this component are advised only to use under prescription.