Dandruff tends to get worse as temperatures drop. Hot showers, indoor heating, hats and less time outside all affect the balance of the scalp — which is why so many people notice flakes return in October and November. The good news: French pharmacy brands have spent decades developing targeted scalp care, and the right shampoo can make a visible difference within a couple of weeks.
Dry or oily dandruff? Know the difference
- Dry dandruff: small, white, light flakes that fall easily onto clothes. The scalp often feels tight or itchy.
- Oily dandruff: larger, yellowish flakes that stick to the scalp and hair, usually with an oily scalp.
- Stubborn, itchy, red patches: flakes that come back quickly, with redness — sometimes also on the eyebrows or around the nose.
The common factor in most dandruff is a yeast that naturally lives on everyone's scalp, called Malassezia. When it multiplies, the scalp renews its surface faster and flakes become visible. Good anti-dandruff shampoos help rebalance the scalp, remove flakes and soothe the itchy feeling.
Ducray Kelual DS — for stubborn flakes and redness
Ducray is one of the French dermatological references for scalp care, and Kelual DS is its most intensive anti-dandruff shampoo. It's designed for severe, recurrent dandruff with redness and itching. Use it twice a week for several weeks; many people then switch to a gentler shampoo for maintenance.
DucrayKelual DS Shampoo — for stubborn flakes and redness
Shop nowVichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS — the everyday classic
Vichy Dercos is one of the best-known anti-dandruff shampoos in Europe, built around selenium disulfide and Vichy volcanic water. It foams nicely, rinses clean and leaves hair soft, which makes it easy to use regularly. This version is for normal to oily hair; Dercos also exists for dry hair and sensitive scalps.
VichyDercos Anti-Dandruff DS — the everyday selenium classic
Shop nowBioderma Nodé DS+ Intense — for itchy, flaky scalps
Bioderma's Nodé DS+ focuses on comfort as much as flakes. It's a good choice if itchiness is your main complaint, and it's designed with reactive scalps in mind. Leave the lather on for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
BiodermaNodé DS+ Intense Shampoo — for itchy, flaky scalps
Shop nowDucray Squanorm — for oily dandruff
If your flakes are larger and greasy and your roots get oily fast, choose a formula for oily dandruff. Squanorm's purifying formula is designed to help control both flakes and oiliness, without drying the lengths.
DucraySquanorm Shampoo — for oily dandruff
Shop nowDon't forget the face: flakes on brows and nose
The same flaky, red patches sometimes appear on the eyebrows, the sides of the nose or behind the ears. A shampoo can't reach them, so French pharmacists usually suggest a light cream for those areas. Ducray's Kelual DS cream is designed for exactly this — light, non-greasy and comfortable under makeup or after shaving.
DucrayKelual DS Soothing Cream — for flaky patches on face and brows
Shop nowHow to use an anti-dandruff shampoo properly
- Massage, don't scrub: work the shampoo into the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails.
- Leave it on: most formulas need 2–3 minutes of contact to work.
- Rinse with lukewarm water: very hot water dries out the scalp.
- Alternate: during the intensive phase, use your anti-dandruff shampoo 2–3 times a week and a gentle shampoo in between.
- Keep conditioner on the lengths, not the scalp.
Habits that help your scalp in winter
- Wash hats and pillowcases regularly.
- Avoid heavy styling products at the roots.
- Don't over-wash — stripping the scalp can trigger more flaking.
- Manage stress and sleep, which often play a role in flare-ups.
If the flakes persist after a month of regular use, or your scalp is very red, painful or oozing, ask a dermatologist for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an anti-dandruff shampoo every day?
Most intensive formulas are designed for two or three uses a week. On other days, use a gentle shampoo. Daily-use anti-dandruff shampoos exist, but check the label.
Is anti-dandruff shampoo safe for colored hair?
Many modern formulas are gentle on color, but intensive shampoos can fade some shades faster. Apply them to the scalp only and protect the lengths with conditioner.
Why does my dandruff come back?
Dandruff is often a recurring tendency rather than a one-off problem. Once the flakes are under control, keep using your anti-dandruff shampoo once a week as maintenance.
Shop our full dandruff collection, browse Ducray, or explore all shampoos. Noticing more hair in the brush too? Read our guide to seasonal hair loss.
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