Most Filipinos reach for Head & Shoulders’ Cool Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo once they see the first signs of flaking.

It’s extremely accessible, as it’s a brand that you can find anywhere from drugstores, groceries, and even sari-sari stores. Thankfully, it’s also a fantastic way to keep dandruff in check.

This shampoo is formulated with zinc pyrithion, which prevents the dandruff-forming microbe Malassezia globosa from forming scalp irritants. It also contains selenium sulfide and zinc carbonate, which both work to minimize flakiness and moisturize the scalp.

Upon use, Head and Shoulders Cool Menthol does indeed provide a cooling sensation on the scalp. This cooling feeling can reduce itch and provide relief to existing grazes on the scalp.

One thing to be aware of is that due to its formulation, it’s one of the strongest shampoos in the market. It has two harsh detergents: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are both extremely drying to the hair and scalp.

So although the brand claims that it’s safe enough for daily use, it’s best to consider your hair and scalp type as well. If you have chemically-treated, damaged hair or a sensitive scalp, it’s best to skip this or follow-up with an intensive conditioner.

Nonetheless, it’s a reliable product to use if you feel just a bit of an itch. It’s also the most affordable option, which definitely gives it bonus points.

For severe cases of dandruff, the Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo will be your best bet. More of an over-the-counter treatment than a standard shampoo, its healthcare claims to treat and prevent dandruff are well-proven.

You’ll probably get your hands on a bottle of Nizoral from your nearest pharmacy rather than a beauty store — but it’s also available to purchase online.

The main ingredient, 1% Ketoconazole, is one of the most effective anti-fungal ingredients for targeting Malassezia. It’s mixed with 11 other ingredients to form the fragrance-free, pink-colored Nizoral shampoo that provides minty relief to the scalp.

One con is that it contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a cleansing ingredient that causes dryness, and Imidazolidinyl Urea, which can cause dermatitis flare-ups. Make sure to check the ingredients first if you have any allergies, or if you have a sensitive scalp.

Studies show significant improvement in 30 days, but we daresay a week of treatment is enough for milder cases. That said, it’s the priciest entry on this list, so it’s only proper that it’s also fast-acting and effective.

You can make your bottle last up to 3 months if you alternate with other shampoos. 6ml sachets are also available for short-term treatments or for maintenance.

If you’re looking for a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo, we’ve got you covered. The Moringa-O2 Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner uses natural alternatives instead of traditional anti-dandruff ingredients.

This two-in-one product won’t cause irritation or dryness and can save you some time because you won’t need to apply conditioner or hair oil after shampooing. Argan oil is one of its main ingredients, which nourishes the hair strands and follicles to encourage hair growth.

In terms of its dandruff-fighting abilities, it’s formulated with Rosebay extract to balance the scalp’s microbiota, soothe irritation, normalize sebum production and reduce flakes. The Moringa extract and olive oil also act as a conditioner to hydrate and protect your hair.

We won’t say that it’s the best or fastest product to clear out dandruff on this list, but it’s definitely the least damaging and most nourishing one. It also feels nice on the scalp and leaves behind a nice lemon-menthol scent.

If you’re someone with an oily scalp, you might struggle with this shampoo as it’s more nourishing rather than clarifying. Your roots may become oilier faster, and your hair might feel more weighed down.

But if you have colored or chemically-treated hair, this shampoo may be perfect for you. It’s also pretty inexpensive, and the fact that it stimulates hair growth is a nice bonus as well. 

The Clear Men Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Cool Sport Menthol is another classic product lots of people gravitate towards. This specific men’s variant has a stronger formula that focuses on preventing recurring dandruff.

It contains zinc sulfate, which is an antimicrobial ingredient that helps treat dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and even acne. Vitamin B3 is another important ingredient that boosts circulation and reduces inflammation in the scalp, which has been linked to dandruff.

Similar to the Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, it lathers up well and leaves a strong mint scent and feeling on the scalp. It can also deeply cleanse your scalp and keep it oil-free for up to 2-3 days.

For its cons, however, it doesn’t have a lot of natural ingredients. Rather, it contains silicons, sulfates, and other ingredients that aren’t really the healthiest for your hair and scalp.

For instance, DMDM Hydantoin and Methylisothiazolinone (MI) are preservatives that are quite strong, even in small doses. You might also get a mild stinging sensation if you suffer from severe dandruff due to its harsh formula.

On the bright side, it’s a very affordable product that can act as a maintenance shampoo to keep dandruff at bay.

The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the first step to the brand’s 3 step scalp care regimen that features a conditioner and scalp serum with similar make. It’s vegan and formulated with products that are 90% derived from natural sources.

The star ingredient, ginger essential oil, is known for its natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties. It’s an age-old remedy for fighting dandruff — plus, it smells naturally refreshing, too.

This anti-dandruff shampoo is also enriched with birch bark extract to revitalize dull strands and white willow bark extract to remove dirt and product buildup. It also doesn’t contain any harmful silicons, preservatives, or sulfates.

However, it’s quite expensive for its size, and also a little bit hard to use because of its consistency. The formula is on the thinner, runnier side, similar to the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and doesn’t have much of a lather.

It’s also not an ‘a little goes a long way’ type of product, and a bottle will likely last you a month at most. Moreover, the conditioner and hair serum in this regimen are also in the same price range.

Overall it’s a fantastic product that does what it claims to do, but only pick it up if you’re willing to splurge a bit on your haircare.

Zenutrients Tea Tree Scalp Shampoo is a product that provides clients with a natural solution when it comes to getting rid of itchiness, flakiness, and scalp dryness for relief and comfort.

Their product features various antifungal properties whilst also being composed of entirely natural ingredients to ensure that not only will they provide relief but also less harmful to the natural state of the hair.

Furthermore, we like that the said product is highly safe yet effective that it has no side effects, and is entirely safe for both children and lactating mothers for daily use.

Note though that the said product is only available for shipping in the Philippines and does not currently accommodate international clients when it comes to this.

Overall, with their convenient ordering interface and procedures, variety in product sizes, and highly potent natural option in solving flaking and itchy scalps, we highly recommend them to clients looking for such products.