Effective anti-dandruff remedies. Shampoos, medicines, folk recipes

Statistics say that every third person is familiar with the problem of dandruff. At the same time, it is perceived as nothing more than an annoying cosmetic defect, to eliminate which it is enough to buy the first shampoo that comes across with the appropriate marking.

This is a misconception: there is usually not one, but a complex of reasons behind such a condition of the scalp. Understanding this will help in the selection of treatment methods, and the result of such a systematic approach will certainly be long-term.

What is dandruff and what causes it

The top layer of the scalp is constantly renewed. At the same time, old cells are dehydrated and exfoliated. Usually, the cycle of complete regeneration of the epidermis takes about a month, and it goes unnoticed by a person.

If the period of the renewal process is shortened to one or two weeks, then peeling scales in the form of white flakes, accumulating on the skin and hair, become noticeable both to the owner himself and to those around him. This phenomenon is dandruff.

If dandruff is of the dry type, then its scales are small and easily fall off onto clothes. Oily dandruff is accompanied by excessive sebum secretion of the scalp, due to which its particles stick together and peel off with difficulty. Many people complain of an itchy scalp regardless of the type of dandruff.

The root cause of dandruff is considered to be the activation of bacteria and fungi, which in a certain amount are part of the healthy microflora of the scalp, without causing trouble for the owner, as well as an imbalance between them.

The population of microorganisms can change and cause cells to actively grow and exfoliate for a number of reasons:

• hormonal changes (eg, during adolescence);
• disturbances in the work of the sebaceous glands (insufficient or excessive secretion production);
• decreased immunity;
• stress;
• gastrointestinal diseases, oncology, chronic infections;
• improper hair care, aggressive external environment (inappropriate shampoo, constant use of a hot hair dryer, exposure to the sun or frost without a headdress).

Top 10 remedies for dandruff

Shampoos

An effective remedy for dandruff can be in the form of a special shampoo - this is an affordable and logical option for combating the disease at its initial stage. Shampoos are easy to apply evenly directly to the affected area, they have a local effect: active ingredients do not enter the systemic circulation and have no effect on the body.

For a cleansing shampoo to become a healing shampoo, it must contain at least one active ingredient.

Whereas dandruff is almost always accompanied by a fungus, and the main visible problem is the abnormal proliferation of scalp cells, anti-seborrheic components should act in three directions:

1. Antifungal action: suppression of the growth of microorganisms and, as a result, a decrease in the population of the fungus. This effect is possessed by: ketoconazole, selenium disulfide, zinc pyrithione, climbazole, ciclopirox, octopyrox.
2. Cytostatic action, that is, inhibition of the rate of cell division. As a result, visually dandruff becomes less. Piroctone olamine, tar, selenium disulfide have a cytostatic effect.
3. Keratolytic action - softening and exfoliation of the upper layer of the epidermis. Sulfur, tar and salicylic acid do this task well.

In terms of frequency of use as an active ingredient in shampoos, zinc pyrithione ranks first. This ingredient can be found both in budget products and in salon or pharmacy cosmetics. So, an affordable shampoo from Schwarzkopf Schauma for dandruff at a price of about 100 rubles. contains precisely this anti-seborrheic component, and at the same time has a high reputation among users.

Exactly the same ingredient in combination with salicylic acid can be found in the L'oreal Professionnel Instant Clear pure salon shampoo at a price of 600-800 rubles. Judging by the reviews, this shampoo copes well with dandruff and itching, adds shine to the hair, and makes it easier to style.

Ketoconazole is the leader in the presence of anti-dandruff shampoos in pharmacy shampoos. Shampoo Sebozol (Dionis LLC) contains 1% of this substance. The average price is 300-400 rubles. for 100 ml. Shampoo Ketoconazole Antidandruff (LLC "Mirolla") contains an active ingredient in a dosage of 2%, the cost of the product is about 200 rubles.

For comparison, for the popular Nizoral shampoo containing 2% ketoconazole, the pharmacy will have to pay a much larger amount - about 600-700 rubles. for a tiny 60 ml bottle. All shampoos with ketoconazole are recommended to be kept on the hair for 2-3 minutes and used in courses.

In most cases, they relieve the condition of the scalp the first time and significantly reduce the oily hair. Among the anti-dandruff shampoos there are a number of products in which only natural ingredients are declared.

So, Natura Siberica anti-dandruff shampoo (300 rubles) contains oak moss extract as an anti-seborrheic component, and Home Institut dermatological shampoo against dandruff contains nettle extract. Both products are in roughly the same price range and have conflicting user reviews. The effectiveness of natural ingredients is a purely individual value.

Balms

The balm after washing your hair is usually used for additional care: moisturizing, nourishing and thickening hair along the length, removing static electricity, imparting shine. But if the balm is declared by the manufacturer as a remedy for dandruff, then first of all it is intended to enhance the effect of a similar shampoo or to work as an independent anti-seborrheic remedy.

It is necessary to apply such a product not only along the length of the hair, like a regular balm, but also on the scalp.

Many manufacturers produce anti-dandruff series and shampoo and balm. So, Clear offers a choice of 4 options for a balm-conditioner against dandruff: for moisturizing, restoring, against hair loss and with herbal extracts.Each of them contains the same anti-dandruff component as in shampoos of the same brand - zinc pyrithione. The price of Clear balms is about 200 rubles.

An intensive anti-dandruff balm mask from the Belarusian manufacturer Belita-Vitex (about 120 rubles) also comes in combination with a similar shampoo and contains zinc pyriotin and salicylic acid. An effective remedy for dandruff of natural origin is birch tar. Balms with this component are quite popular.

As an example, we can cite Preventive tar balm-conditioner against dandruff (140 rubles, Belita-Viteks), Tar hair mask from Nevskaya Cosmetics (200 rubles per 300 ml). There are mostly positive reviews on the funds: the scalp is cleansed, hair growth is accelerated, but many do not like the sharp, specific smell of tar and the fact that it greatly dries hair.

Lotions

Lotion-form anti-seborrheic agents are a fairly convenient option for use, especially if they are equipped with sprayers. These preparations are applied to clean scalp 1-2 times a day. Typically, these lotions are non-sticky and do not require rinsing.

Lotion Bifon (Dermapharm AG) contains antifungal components bifonazole and piroctone olamine, as well as anti-inflammatory components (panthenol, allantoin). This product is well tolerated and does not dry out the scalp.

The advantage of this drug is that there can be no addiction to it and a decrease in the effectiveness of the effect: the fungal microflora does not develop resistance to bifonazole. The only drawback is the price of Biphon: you will have to order the lotion in Germany at a price of about 1000 rubles. for 100 ml, since it is not currently on sale in Russia.

Lotion Belosalik (Belupo) contains the steroid hormone betamethasone and salicylic acid as an active ingredient. The drug relieves inflammation and itching, has an antifungal effect. Sold in pharmacies for about 700 rubles. for 100 ml. Yves Rocher anti-dandruff lotion is a product in which manufacturers have relied on the effectiveness of herbal ingredients.

In this case, it is pomegranate peel extract. The composition also contains salicylic acid. The lotion costs 580 rubles, it does not help everyone. The effectiveness of Squanorm (Ducray) Anti-Dandruff Lotion with Zinc Sulfate justifies its high cost. The average price for this product is 900 rubles.

Medications

It happens that the reaction to the local use of anti-seborrheic drugs is insufficient or absent altogether. Inflammation joins dandruff, the affected area increases. In this case, they turn to drug treatment. Systemic treatment for dandruff includes oral antifungal tablets, vitamins A and E.

In severe cases, a course of corticosteroids is prescribed. It may even require antibiotic therapy if a bacterial infection joins seborrheic dermatitis, and boils and abscesses appear. Antihistamines are prescribed to relieve itching. A comprehensive treatment regimen is prescribed by a trichologist or dermatologist.

OTC antifungal pills include:

• Ketoconazole DS (200 mg), the average price is 150 rubles. for 10 pcs.;
• Itraconazole (100 mg), the average price is 400 rubles. for 14 pcs.;
• Terbinafine (250 mg), the average price is 200 rubles. for 14 pcs.;
• Fluconazole (150 mg), the price is about 100 rubles. for 4 pcs.

For the treatment of dandruff, you can also use medicinal preparations in the form of ointments: Batrafen (ciclopirox 1%), Sebozol (ketoconazole 2%), Perhotal (ketoconazole 2%), as well as sulfuric and salicylic. The disadvantage of using ointments is that it is inconvenient to apply them to the scalp and the preparations contaminate the hair. But if the defeat is of a local nature, then this option cannot be ruled out either.

Folk recipes

An effective remedy for dandruff from the point of view of traditional medicine can be as affordable, natural and cheap as possible. This is relevant for those who doubt the efficacy and safety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, or are looking for the most affordable treatment option.

As a rule, in addition to cleansing the scalp from dandruff, such agents have a positive effect on hair growth, their quality, and help with hair loss.

Among the popular recipes, the most effective are:

1. Kefir of medium fat. It can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients: oils, egg yolk, mustard, honey. The kefir mixture should be slightly warmed up and applied to the hair roots, then spreading over the entire length. Cover hair with plastic wrap and wrap with a heated towel. Leave it on for an hour, then wash your hair with shampoo. If mustard is added to kefir, more than 10 minutes. it is better not to keep the mixture. It is advisable to do the procedure before each shampooing for at least a month.
2. Vegetable and essential oils. It is recommended to use castor, burdock, olive, linseed or coconut oil as a base oil. In two tablespoons of warmed oil add 3-5 drops of essential oil, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Such properties are typical for tea tree oil, eucalyptus, cedar, lavender, rosemary, ylang-ylang. A mixture of oils is applied to the scalp and hair along the length, wrapped in a towel. After an hour, wash your hair as usual.
3. Herbal decoctions for rinsing hair. For dandruff use nettle, burdock, sage. The ratio of grass and water is 1:10. The raw material is poured with water at room temperature, heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, infused for 45 minutes, filtered. The resulting broth is used to rinse the hair after washing.
4. Salt peeling cleanses the scalp well, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Any salt without flavoring is applied in handfuls to a wet scalp along the partings. You can enrich it yourself with peppermint or tea tree essential oils. After a light massage for 3-5 minutes. hair is washed with shampoo. This product is recommended for oily hair.

How to choose a dandruff remedy

When choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo, women must first of all decide on their hair type, since there are remedies for both dry and oily hair. This mainly applies to cosmetic products. Among them there are many remedies for dandruff, which, in addition to the main purpose, are designed to solve some related features and problems.

So, there are anti-seborrheic shampoos for colored or damaged hair, for sensitive scalp, for volume, moisturizing, against hair loss. If a woman chooses narrowly targeted pharmaceutical remedies for dandruff, then it must be borne in mind that they usually dry the hair a lot, so additional care is required: balm, indelible oils or conditioners.

In men, the sebaceous glands work more intensively, the testosterone level is higher, and therefore dandruff is more common. When choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo, men need to focus on their individual needs, take into account the severity of the problem and not neglect information about the type of scalp and dandruff.

Specialized men's shampoos that are produced by many cosmetic brands, in addition to the obvious difference in design and fragrance, also have a different level of acidity than women's products. They contain more cleansing components and fewer caring ones.

The problem of hair loss, scalp sensitivity, the presence of itching - all these topical issues for men are reflected in the variety of anti-dandruff shampoos on the market today. As for the remedies for treating dandruff in children, then you need to be as careful as possible.

Some drugstore anti-seborrheic remedies are not intended for babies, but are perfect for teenagers. It is necessary to find out the age restrictions for this or that product. It is better to use neutral shampoos with natural ingredients, and to fight dandruff with folk remedies, be sure to find out its original cause.

Dandruff is a disease that, despite its seeming harmlessness, is very difficult to cure once and for all, especially if you use only external methods of exposure. Only under the condition of an integrated approach, taking into account all the factors contributing to its appearance in each case, it is possible, with the help of a trichologist, to choose a treatment that will be really effective.

Helpful videos on choosing effective dandruff remedies

Fragment of the program "Living healthy" about seborrhea:

How to get rid of dandruff at home: