From Flakes to Fabulous: How to Take Control of Dandruff (Finally)

You’ve tried it all – fewer hair wash days, switching pillowcases, more hair wash days – but the mild sense of dread that creeps in every time you reach for a black top? Still very real. Yes, we’re talking about dandruff. And no you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not out of options.

It all starts at the scalp

When we talk about hair care, most of us jump straight to lengths and ends – masks, oils, conditioners all over our bathroom shelves. And while there’s nothing wrong with a good hair mask day (because treat yourself), healthy hair doesn’t start there – it starts at the scalp.

If your scalp is dry, flaky, irritated, or clogged, it can mess with things like hair strength and shine. It plays a big role in how your hair looks and feels day to day.

Let’s talk dandruff

Dandruff affects as many as one in two Australians ^[1]. Which means if it’s not you, it’s probably your best friend, your sister, or your barista. The good news? It is manageable. With the right scalp care routine, targeted products, and a few lifestyle tweaks, you can stay ahead of the flakes.

Managing dandruff

Lifestyle changes are like the silk scarf to your scalp care routine – smooth, supportive, and surprisingly important.

• Avoid scratching: try to resist scratching dandruff since you can easily transfer dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands to the scalp, which can create further imbalance ^[2].

• Keep scalp protected from the sun: Sun damage alone can dry out the scalp, but we also need to consider haircare ingredients that increase photosensitivity ^[2]. Make sure to wear sun-protective clothing like scarves and hats to avoid sun exposure on the scalp.

• Use a humidifier in winter: Dry skin types struggle with a loss of moisture in cold, dry months, which can exacerbate dandruff-prone skin ^[2]. Using a humidifier is a reliable option to prevent dandruff in winter.

• Minimise the use of heat styling tools: avoiding excessive heat – from styling or the sun – will help keep your scalp and sebum levels regulated.

Meet the power duo making waves

One of the most effective ways to control or prevent dandruff flakes is with targeted products like anti-dandruff shampoos ^[3] – and when it comes to managing it, consistency is everything.

That’s where the Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo and Dercos Serum 10 come in. As the #1 dermatologist-recommended anti-dandruff brand worldwide ^[4], Dercos has a range of expertly formulated products designed to help manage dandruff. This powerful duo doesn’t just fight flakes – it works to reset and rebalance your scalp.

While it’s effective at targeting flakes, it’s also designed with scalp balance in mind – working to manage excess oil and rebalance the scalp’s natural microbiome ^[6]. The formula helps soothe irritation, making it a good option for regular use if you're managing ongoing scalp concerns.

Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo at a glance:

• Stamp of approval – Dermatologically-recommended

• Use it every day – Kind enough for daily use, even for sensitive scalps

• Powerhouse formula – Packed with derm actives like selenium DS and salicylic acid

Packed with scalp-loving ingredients like Piroctone Olamine, Madecassoside, and 1% Vitamin Cg, it helps manage visible dandruff flakes while also supporting your scalp’s natural barrier and microbiome. A total scalp superhero, it absorbs quickly, leaves no residue, and fits effortlessly into your routine.

Dercos Anti-Dandruff Serum 10 at a glance

• Feel the difference – 87% said their scalp felt more comfortable ^[7]

• Moisture boost – Increases scalp hydration by 88% ^[8]

• Stamp of approval – Dermatologically-recommended

• Use it every day – Kind enough for daily use, even for sensitive scalps

How this dream duo works together

Think of the Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Dercos Serum 10 as your personal dream team. While Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo works hard in the shower to exfoliate, cleanse, and reduce the appearance of dandruff, Dercos Serum 10 tags in to keep the momentum going between washes – calming the scalp, restoring balance, and hydrating deeply. Used together, they help create a potent dandruff care routine.

Discover more from Dercos

Dandruff concerns can vary, and we stock a curated selection of Dercos products to suit different hair and scalp needs. Scroll through our top picks below to find the formula that fits you best.

The takeaway? Flakes aren’t forever.

Dandruff might be persistent, but it’s not uncontrollable – and you don’t have to overhaul your life (or your wardrobe) to tackle it. The Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo and Serum 10 are a high-performance duo that work hard during washes and keep showing up between them. Together, they help reduce visible flakes and keep your scalp feeling (and looking) its best.

^1. Better Health. Itchy Scalp.

^2. Vichy Australia. How to Prevent Dandruff.

^3. Better Health. Dandruff and Itching Scalp.

^4. Survey conducted among the dermo cosmetic market carried out by APLUSA and its partners between June 2024 and October 2024, involving dermatologists in 29 countries, representing more than 80% of the worldwide GD.

^5. Consumer test on 262 subjects after 2 weeks of regular use.

^6. Cosmeto-clinical study, 56 subjects with 3 applications a week for 4 weeks.

^7. Self-scoring on 33 subjects, 21 days of use.

^8. Instrumental test.

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^{Sponsored content in partnership with Vichy Laboratories, Dercos.}