Anti-dandruff shampoo: benefits, how to use & price comparison
Dandruff is linked to Malassezia yeast on the scalp; anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients that may reduce this yeast and visible flakes; The AAD lists zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and coal tar as useful ingredients; this page covers cosmetic shampoos with zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, climbazole, salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
Listed MRP per ml ranges from ₹0.88 to ₹2.20 across 7 products.
Price comparison
| Brand | Product | Key actives | Size | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Himalaya | Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Tea Tree Shampoo | Tea Tree Oil | 180 ml | ₹159.00 | ₹0.88 | 19 October 2026 |
| Head & Shoulders | Head & Shoulders Anti Dandruff Shampoo Smooth & Silky | Zinc Pyrithione | 180 ml | ₹218.00 | ₹1.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mamaearth | Mamaearth Lemon Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Lemon & Aloe Vera | Zinc Pyrithione, Climbazole, Lemon | 400 ml | ₹599.00 | ₹1.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Re'equil | Re'equil Dandruff Control Shampoo | Piroctone Olamine | 250 ml | ₹395.00 | ₹1.58 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pilgrim | Pilgrim Australian Tea Tree Non-Drying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid | 200 ml | ₹399.00 | ₹2.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Minimalist | Minimalist Anti Dandruff Shampoo 3.5% | Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, Salicylic Acid | 200 ml | ₹440.00 | ₹2.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Plum | Plum Volcanic Minerals & 0.5% Salicylic Acid Shampoo | Salicylic Acid 0.5%, Piroctone Olamine | 100 ml | ₹220.00 | ₹2.20 | 19 October 2026 |
These are cosmetics. A cosmetic cannot treat or prevent a skin, scalp or hair condition. Product names and claims are the brands' own; Medyzen has not tested these products. MRPs are as listed on the date shown and may have changed. Listing is by price per ml/g, not a recommendation.
What it does
- Dandruff is linked to Malassezia yeast on the scalp; anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients that may reduce this yeast and visible flakes.
- The AAD lists zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and coal tar as useful ingredients; this page covers cosmetic shampoos with zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, climbazole, salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
- Reviews describe zinc pyrithione as a broad antimicrobial that stays on the scalp as fine particles even in rinse-off shampoos.
- Salicylic acid may help loosen flakes; tea tree oil has weaker evidence.
How to use
Wet your hair, massage the shampoo into the scalp (not just the hair) and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. Use it 2 to 3 times a week, or as the label says, and your regular shampoo on other days. Give it up to 4 weeks. Keep it away from the eyes. If you have never used the product, patch-test on your inner arm first. See a doctor if flaking is severe, the scalp is red and inflamed, or it does not improve in a month.
Can be combined with / Avoid combining with
Can be combined with
- A gentle regular shampoo on other days
- A light conditioner on the lengths only
Avoid combining with
- Heavy hair oils on the scalp, which can worsen flaking for some people
- Scratching or using hard combs on an itchy scalp
Possible side effects
- Scalp dryness or itching
- Eye irritation
- Dry or rough-feeling hair
- Rarely, contact allergy
Who should avoid it
- Anyone allergic to an ingredient in the shampoo
- Broken, infected or very inflamed scalp: see a doctor
- For salicylic acid shampoos: people allergic to salicylates or aspirin
- Babies and young children: use only products made for them, on a doctor's advice
Frequently asked questions
How to use anti-dandruff shampoo correctly?
Massage it into the scalp, leave for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse. Use 2 to 3 times a week and give it up to 4 weeks.
How often should I use anti-dandruff shampoo?
Usually 2 to 3 times a week. Some people need it more often at first and less later.
Head & Shoulders vs other anti-dandruff shampoos: what is the difference?
Head & Shoulders lists zinc pyrithione; other shampoos on this page list piroctone olamine, climbazole, salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Formulas differ by variant, so check the active ingredient on the label.
Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo daily?
Some people can, but it may dry your hair. Alternate with a mild shampoo if your hair feels rough.
Does oiling hair cause dandruff?
Oil does not cause dandruff, but it can feed the yeast and make flaking worse for some people.
Ketoconazole shampoo vs zinc pyrithione shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoos are medicines, often used when cosmetic shampoos are not enough. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Why does my dandruff keep coming back?
Dandruff tends to return. Many people need an anti-dandruff shampoo once or twice a week long term.
Is dandruff the same as dry scalp?
Not exactly. Dandruff flakes are often oily and yellowish; dry scalp flakes are small and white. A doctor can tell the difference.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to treat dandruff (19 October 2026)
- NHS: Dandruff (19 October 2026)
- DermNet NZ: Seborrheic dermatitis: Causes and treatment (19 October 2026)
- PubMed: Zinc Pyrithione: A Topical Antimicrobial With Complex Pharmaceutics (19 October 2026)
- PubMed: Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a comprehensive review (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general cosmetic information, not medical advice. A cosmetic cannot treat a skin condition; see a doctor or dermatologist for acne, pigmentation or any persistent skin problem. Terms