The Best Dandruff-Targeting Haircare Products for That Flake-Free Feeling
Gerard may still be an Adore Beauty baby, but he’s a beauty veteran! As Adore’s self-appointed Luxury Correspondent, Gerard lives and breathes luxe beauty must haves – from foundation to haircare, he’s got an opinion! When he isn’t playing with product, you’ll find Gerard strolling through shops, complaining about his dating exploits and always with a cappuccino in hand.
This definitely isn’t the first time I have braved the internet to put my itchy, flaky scalp on the line!
But I am back (!!) with even more advice and products to get your scalp back on track and say au revoir to those pesky white flakes sitting on your shoulders.
Not sure about you, but I have definitely been avoiding those dark blazers for fear of the dreaded white specks appearing.
In short, I’ve had dandruff for years.
It’s super common and treatable but generally just annoying.
There are multiple causes including a dry scalp, reaction to hair products and other lifecycle factors. I suffer from dermatitis so for me, it’s a bit of an extension of that, mixed with a fair bit of product always in my hair and other things like stress playing a role.
The good news is that with this being so common, the industry is developing more and more products to fight the good fight. I can assure you that I’ve tried literally heaps of them!
I am always on the hunt for the perfect product and perfect dandruff-targeting routine that avoids the use of stronger treatments if not needed.
If anything though, it can confuse matters more - what’s the routine, what’s the best products, how often!?
As I always say, don’t fret!! I am here to give you the go-to list of all my anti-dandruff product faves as well as my routine so you can get that scalp of yours back on track.
Here are my before and afters - it’s pretty full on.
While these pics are from a few months ago, this is generally how bad it can get for me.
Step One: Pre-Wash.
I’ve (thankfully) found there are even more pre-wash products now available for this step which is really great.
These are usually more treatment-based. I find they provide a more instantaneous improvement in those very surface-level issues like itchiness and redness. They calm the scalp, often giving that fresh feeling.
This is key in relieving you of the itch.
My top picks are on the bougier end, but trust me - they’re worth the money.
1. KEVIN.MURPHY Scalp Spa Scrub.
This exfoliating pre-shampoo treatment is heaven for the scalp. The formula contains ingredients like lavender oil and celery seed extract to help calm and soothe the scalp.
This is one of my go-to's to provide relief and a key first step.
2. Kérastase Symbiose Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment.
How to get rid of dandruff without shampoo?
If you have ever wanted to just grab your face or body exfoliator, this is the product for you!
This is more intense though and acts as a peel for the scalp with salicylic acid. The beads explode and help to clear away the flakes.
I find that it does calm my scalp and has what I call “the mint effect” where it feels minty fresh!
3. Davines Purifying Dandruff Treatment Gel.
I haven’t tried this dandruff treatment personally, but I know others who have and it’s certainly up there as a contender. I can’t deny that while KEVIN.MURPHY is my fave, it’s messy!
This is a super easy product to use, drawing lines on the scalp in particularly uncomfortable areas. The anti-inflammatory qualities are what give this product its high rank.
Similar to the others, apply before you shower and leave on.
My advice?
Keep the KEVIN.MURPHY for when you’re noticing a really bad turn but use the Kerastase each time you wash your hair. Don’t forget to also add a scalp brush for further exfoliation.
Step Two: Shampoo.
What is best dandruff shampoo?
This classic step has also seen some evolution. You can now find products that are very specific to what you’re experiencing.
You might have an unbalanced scalp or be overly oily - my advice is to read those product descriptions and get the right one.
I do find that this step is often quite drying, you might feel like your hair feels a little “stripped” or dry after. This is where the next step becomes key!
1. Davines Purifying Scalp Shampoo.
This. Is. My. All. Time. Favourite!!!
If you take anything from this article, buy this !!!
During Covid, trying to get my hands on this was impossible - it’s that good. A combination of smell and performance makes this the number one.
What makes it so great? Dandelions.
They’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that calm and treat the scalp making it a great anti dandruff shampoo. Its yellow colour, stunning lather and feel-good factor mean I am buying two at a time!
2. Kérastase Symbiose Anti-Dandruff Cellular Bain Shampoo.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience (and the best shampoo for dandruff) this is for you. I cannot fault its texture, lather, smell and performance. It all delivers.
Continuing that key ingredient of salicylic acid, this really is skincare for your scalp. A combination of ingredients like Piroctone Olamine tackles the longer-term effects with glycerin tackling the dryness factor I mentioned earlier.
Some other collections worth your review are the L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced, Aveda Scalp Solutions and Biolage Scalp Sync.
These all have scalp-focused collections that are worth your time. Biolage is the newest on the scene at a price point I just can’t argue with.
Step Three: Conditioner.
To my mind, this is a step that those early 2000s products always missed out on.
I think it’s because we used to think of dandruff-focused products as treatments in our existing routines rather than having the routine from start to finish.
Do yourself a favour and add this in to ensure you’re not stepping out of the shower with rather dry locks.
I wouldn’t say that I have a favourite in this space - they all do the job.
Kerastase is that luxury option, L’Oreal Professionnel delivers and Biolage seems good.
But there is a new kid on the block I am keen to try - ROH by NAK is a new collection of scalp-focused products from Adore favourite NAK.
Apart from the packaging sparking calm to begin with (those calming blues), the products claim to tackle the scalp microbiome, which if skincare is anything to go by, can only mean good things.
Step Four: Post-Wash.
Like you would with your skincare, apply a treatment or serum to your scalp to continue providing relief and fight those longer-term symptoms.
My preference is for a serum as the liquid provides a cooling sensation that gives that instant relief but there are a number of leave-ins on the market too.
These products will often have those ingredients from the previous steps, but possibly even a little more intense to give overnight recovery.
Now I know that I will be looking very biased, but I cannot argue with perfection.
The Kérastase Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum is the leader for me.
1. Kérastase Symbiose Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum.
Easy to apply, cooling on the scalp, actually works, and quite frankly, looks gorg in the bathroom cupboards. Don’t worry about the pipette, I douse it on!
Final Verdict.
So what’s the final word…
Invest in a full collection that specifically targets your hair care needs.
I’ve tried the way of just adding a shampoo and of course, it does something, but I find it doesn’t provide a longer-term solution.
So take yield my friends - if you need to banish the itch, you need to get these four steps in your routine.
Trust my trials and tribulations of trying to find the perfect routine to banish the flaky scalp; you’ll be back in that black blazer once more.
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