Which shampoo really helps against dandruff?
HLN, 8 February 2023
In HLN, Dr Griet Voet explains what dandruff is, why it gets worse in winter and which types of shampoo help most.
In HLN, Dr Griet Voet explains that dandruff is a common, mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, in which yeasts that naturally live on the scalp play a role. Stress, cold and dry indoor air in winter can worsen the symptoms.
According to her, washing your hair less often is not a solution: the scalp actually needs to be properly degreased with a suitable shampoo. She discusses various active ingredients, such as piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole, and distinguishes between flakes caused by a dry scalp and dandruff on an oily scalp.
A supermarket product can be a first step, but stubborn dandruff often needs a pharmacy shampoo, and maintenance treatment remains important.
Key advice
Do not wash your hair less often, but choose a shampoo that specifically targets dandruff.
Check whether you have a dry or an oily scalp: that determines which product suits you.
If a supermarket shampoo does not help enough, switch to a pharmacy product.
Keep up a maintenance treatment once things improve.
“Dandruff is easy to treat, but often with a shampoo from the pharmacy.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Hair and scalp disorders at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.