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The 30-second answer
Choose a shampoo with an anti-dandruff active, such as selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione, apply it to the scalp and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing. The cheapest option with listed actives is Dermactive Tricho Act at EGP 199, and for selenium there is Justin Blue at EGP 312. Give it 4 weeks, and see a doctor if there is no improvement. None of the sources we opened says hair oil treats dandruff.
What is dandruff, and when is it something else?
- Not contagious or harmful: the NHS says dandruff is a common skin condition that is not harmful and you cannot catch it.
- Linked to a skin yeast: DermNet says Malassezia yeast is believed to play a role in seborrhoeic dermatitis, and oily skin is one associated factor.
- It can be a skin disease: the American Academy of Dermatology says a dermatologist can tell whether seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, a scalp fungal infection or eczema is the cause.
- Red, itchy patches: the NHS says scaly, itchy, red patches on the scalp and face can be seborrhoeic dermatitis.
How to choose: look for the active ingredient
- Actives the AAD lists: zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and coal tar.
- The NHS: says to look for a shampoo containing ketoconazole, coal tar or salicylic acid.
- Piroctone and climbazole: common in products sold in Egypt; the sources we opened do not name them, so ask a pharmacist if unsure.
- One type not working? The AAD suggests alternating shampoos with different actives.
- Coal tar: makes the scalp more sensitive to the sun, per the AAD, and can discolour light, bleached or tinted hair.
Best dandruff shampoos
#1
Piroctone + climbazoleSalicylic acidCheapest
Dermactive Tricho Act Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml
The cheapest shampoo here with listed actives
EGP 199
EGP 1.0 per ml · 200 ml
- The Arabic product page lists piroctone olamine, climbazole and salicylic acid
- Twice a week, left on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing, per the page
- EGP 199 for 200 ml, about EGP 1 per ml
Heads-up: The English page does not list the actives, so check the pack
#2
HayahLow price
Hayah Trix Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml
The second-cheapest dandruff shampoo here
EGP 218
EGP 1.1 per ml · 200 ml
- Made by Hayah Laboratories, per the page
- The pack says it is for all hair types
- EGP 218 for 200 ml
Heads-up: The active ingredient is not on the page or readable on the pack photo, so read the label before buying
#3
Selenium + piroctoneTwo actives
Justin Blue Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 175 ml
Selenium sulfide is one of the actives the AAD lists
EGP 312
EGP 1.8 per ml · 175 ml
- The page and pack list selenium sulfide and piroctone olamine, with rosemary, thyme and chamomile oils
- Twice a week, left on for 5 minutes, per the page
- EGP 312 for 175 ml, or EGP 225 for the 80 ml bottle
Heads-up: It contains plant and essential oils; if your scalp is sensitive, try a small area first
#4
Piroctone + zincBig bottle
Bioxcin Aqua Thermal DS Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 300 ml
Currently on sale
EGP 637850
EGP 2.1 per ml · 300 ml
- The Arabic product page lists piroctone olamine and zinc with thermal water
- The page says it is free of parabens and SLES
- EGP 637, down from 850, for 300 ml
Heads-up: The zinc form and strength are not on the page
#5
Piroctone + seleniumFor itching
Tricho Grow Vee Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml
Several actives in one shampoo
EGP 400
EGP 2.0 per ml · 200 ml
- The page lists piroctone olamine, selenium sulfide and salicylic acid, with panthenol and vitamin E
- The page positions it for persistent flakes and itching
- EGP 400 for 200 ml
Heads-up: The page mentions salicylic acid in one place and clotrimazole in another, so check the pack
#6
French brandNormal to oily hair
Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml
A well-known name at a higher price
EGP 800
EGP 4.0 per ml · 200 ml
- The pack says it is a treatment shampoo for dandruff and itchy scalp
- The pack says it is for normal to oily hair
- EGP 800 for 200 ml
Heads-up: The active ingredient is not on the page, and it is the most expensive per ml here
Dandruff lotion
#7
LotionClimbazole + salicylicLeave-in
Tricho Grow Vee Anti-Dandruff Lotion – 200 ml
A lotion you leave on the scalp
EGP 485
EGP 2.4 per ml · 200 ml
- The page lists piroctone olamine, clotrimazole, climbazole and salicylic acid
- A light leave-in scalp lotion, no rinsing
- EGP 485 for 200 ml
Heads-up: It contains clotrimazole, an antifungal; if your scalp is inflamed or broken, ask a doctor first
Comparison table: price per ml
| Product | Active | Size | Price | Per ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermactive Tricho Act Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml | Piroctone + climbazole + salicylic | 200 ml | EGP 199 | EGP 1.0 |
| Hayah Trix Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml | Not stated | 200 ml | EGP 218 | EGP 1.1 |
| Justin Blue Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 175 ml | Selenium sulfide + piroctone | 175 ml | EGP 312 | EGP 1.8 |
| Tricho Grow Vee Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml | Piroctone + selenium sulfide | 200 ml | EGP 400 | EGP 2.0 |
| Bioxcin Aqua Thermal DS Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 300 ml | Piroctone + zinc | 300 ml | EGP 637 | EGP 2.1 |
| Tricho Grow Vee Anti-Dandruff Lotion – 200 ml | Piroctone + climbazole + clotrimazole + salicylic | 200 ml | EGP 485 | EGP 2.4 |
| Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 200 ml | Not stated | 200 ml | EGP 800 | EGP 4.0 |
How to use a dandruff shampoo
- Leave it on the scalp: the AAD says some dandruff shampoos need to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, depending on the product.
- Fine or oily hair: wash often, possibly daily, and use the dandruff shampoo about twice a week.
- Coarse or curly hair: wash when needed and use the dandruff shampoo about once a week on the scalp only, as the actives can dry hair, then your usual shampoo and conditioner.
- Give it 4 weeks: the NHS says to use the shampoo for up to 4 weeks to see if your dandruff improves.
- Once it improves: DermNet says seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults is often long term, and medicated shampoos are used twice weekly for at least a month and longer if needed.
Does oil help dandruff?
- No support in these sources: the AAD, NHS and DermNet do not recommend hair oil to treat dandruff; the treatment they describe is a shampoo with an active ingredient.
- Oil and yeast: DermNet says Malassezia enzymes may break down skin fats and trigger inflammation, and oily skin is a factor linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Tea tree oil: DermNet mentions tea tree oil shampoo as an alternative treatment, meaning in a shampoo, not oil applied to the scalp.
- If hair loss is your goal: that is a separate topic; see our best shampoo for hair loss in Egypt.
Common mistakes
- Rinsing straight away: the active needs time on the scalp.
- Putting it on all your hair: especially for curly hair, keep it to the scalp so it does not dry the hair.
- Switching every week: give it up to 4 weeks before judging, then try a different active.
- Buying on the name alone: read the active on the pack; if you cannot find one of the actives above, ask a pharmacist before buying.
- Ignoring redness: a red or swollen scalp needs a doctor, not another shampoo.
Important safety notes
- See a doctor if you still have dandruff after at least 4 weeks of anti-dandruff shampoo, or if your scalp is red or swollen, per the NHS.
- The AAD says that if dandruff is severe or does not go away, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger shampoo or medicine.
- If you use a coal tar shampoo, protect your scalp from the sun with a hat or SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Keep the shampoo out of your eyes, and stop if it burns or irritates.
- Babies and young children with scalp flakes: ask a paediatrician before any medicated shampoo.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button, tell them your hair type and what you have tried, and they will help you choose.
FAQ
What is the best shampoo for dandruff?
One with an active ingredient such as selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione, left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.
How often should I use dandruff shampoo?
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests about twice a week for fine or oily hair, and about once a week for coarse or curly hair.
How long should dandruff shampoo stay on?
Some need 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, depending on the product, per the American Academy of Dermatology.
Does oil treat dandruff?
The medical sources we checked do not recommend hair oil to treat dandruff; the treatment they describe is a shampoo with an active ingredient. DermNet mentions tea tree oil shampoo as an alternative.
Is dandruff contagious?
No. The NHS says dandruff is a common skin condition that is not harmful and you cannot catch it.
When should I see a doctor about dandruff?
If you still have dandruff after at least 4 weeks of anti-dandruff shampoo, or your scalp is red or swollen, per the NHS.
What is the difference between dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis can cause scaly, itchy, red patches on the scalp and face, and a dermatologist can tell it apart from dandruff, psoriasis or a fungal infection.
Read next: our best shampoo for hair loss in Egypt and zinc or biotin for hair loss?.
The bottom line
Choose a shampoo with a clear active on the pack, apply it to the scalp and leave it for a few minutes, twice a week for fine or oily hair and once for curly hair. Give it 4 weeks, then try another active or see a doctor. Oil is not a dandruff treatment.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to treat dandruff
- NHS: Dandruff
- DermNet: Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- American Academy of Dermatology: Seborrheic dermatitis self-care
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
