Anti-Dandruff Shampoo NZ | Flaky & Itchy Scalp | Zilion NZ
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo in New Zealand
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp complaints there is, and one of the most frustrating: white or yellowish flakes on your shoulders, an itchy scalp, and a cycle that comes straight back when you stop treating it. The good news is that a well-chosen anti-dandruff shampoo, used properly, keeps it under control for most people.
This collection brings together more than 50 dandruff and scalp-purifying shampoos, from salon formulas with piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid to tea tree, green tea and botanical options, plus men's shampoos, litre sizes and scalp-care routines. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand here, including L'Oreal Professionnel, Kerasilk, Nioxin, Wella Professionals, System Professional, Arata, Minimalist, KMS, Goldwell, Echosline, Alfaparf Milano and De Fabulous.
About Our Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Collection
Dandruff is closely linked to Malassezia, a yeast that lives on everyone's scalp. On some scalps it grows faster or triggers a reaction, the skin renews too quickly and the dead cells clump into visible flakes. Oil, stress, cold dry weather and infrequent washing can all make it worse. That is why effective dandruff shampoos usually combine an anti-fungal active with something that loosens flakes and something that calms the scalp.
The actives to look for are piroctone olamine (also called Octopirox), used by Arata, Kerasilk, Minimalist, Echosline and Goldwell; zinc pyrithione, used by L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced and KMS HeadRemedy; climbazole, which Minimalist pairs with piroctone; and salicylic acid, which lifts and clears flakes. Tea tree oil, green tea, peppermint and herbal extracts such as sage, thyme and rosemary appear in gentler, more botanical formulas that suit milder flaking and oily, congested scalps.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo by Type
Medicated-style salon actives. L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo uses zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid to remove flakes and reduce their return, in 300ml and a 1500ml salon size. KMS HeadRemedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo combines zinc pyrithione with lactic and malic acids. Arata Anti-Dandruff Shampoo pairs 1% piroctone olamine with 1% salicylic acid, and Minimalist Anti Dandruff Shampoo 3.5% blends piroctone olamine, climbazole and salicylic acid in a sulfate-free, fragrance-free formula.
Professional scalp systems. Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a vegan formula with Biomimetic Silk, Ectoin and piroctone olamine that also balances an oily scalp. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Purifying Shampoo targets itchy, flaky scalps and is part of the three-step Scalp Recovery System Kit. Goldwell Scalp Specialist Anti-Dandruff Shampoo uses Octopirox and hydro-lime extract for dry scalps, and Wella Invigo Balance Clean Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo purifies and rebalances.
Purifying and rebalancing. Echosline Balance Purifying Shampoo uses sage, thyme and rosemary with piroctone olamine. Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Scalp Rebalancing Purifying Shampoo is sulfate-free and made for flaky scalps. Actyva Purezza Shampoo, System Professional Classic Clear Scalp Shampoo, Fanola Vitamins Pure Balance Shampoo and ROH Reset Scalp Wash round out the range.
Botanical and soothing. Angel En Provence Green Tea Anti Dandruff Shampoo uses green tea extract to clear oil, in 400ml and 800ml. De Fabulous Get Closer Scalp Aid Shampoo cools with peppermint and sunflower seed extract, Nak Hair Signature Dandruff Control Shampoo calms and controls flakes, and Brillare Dandruff Control Shampoo is made for itchy, flaky scalps. Natural Look Purify Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is an affordable everyday option.
For men. American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo helps prevent itching and flaking, and Angel En Provence Black Angel For Men Oil Control & Dandruff Shampoo suits oily scalps. Both come in twin packs. More in Men's Shampoo.
Routines. Arata sells its shampoo with the matching conditioner and scalp serum in several combos, Kerasilk pairs its shampoo with a scalp serum, and De Fabulous offers the Get Closer Scalp Aid trio. See Anti-Dandruff Conditioner and Scalp Treatment to build your own.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most anti-dandruff shampoos at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- Arata
- Angel En Provence
- Nioxin Professional
- De Fabulous
- System Professional Classic
- Alfaparf Milano
- Actyva
- L'Oreal Professionnel
- Kerasilk
- American Crew
- Echosline
- KMS
- Goldwell
- Minimalist
Top 10 Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
- L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 300ml: zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid for persistent flakes and an itchy-feeling scalp.
- Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml: a vegan formula with piroctone olamine, Ectoin and Biomimetic Silk that also balances oiliness.
- Arata Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 200ml: 1% piroctone olamine and 1% salicylic acid that target yeast and lift build-up.
- Minimalist Anti Dandruff Shampoo 3.5% 200ml: three actives in a sulfate-free, fragrance-free, non-drying base.
- KMS HeadRemedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 300ml: zinc pyrithione with an AHA complex of lactic and malic acids.
- Nioxin Scalp Recovery Purifying Shampoo 200ml: reduces dandruff and soothes an irritated scalp.
- Echosline Balance Purifying Shampoo 300ml: sage, thyme, rosemary and piroctone olamine for oily, flaky scalps.
- Goldwell Scalp Specialist Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml: Octopirox and hydro-lime extract, made for dandruff on a dry scalp.
- Angel En Provence Green Tea Anti Dandruff Shampoo 400ml: a green tea formula that clears oil and keeps the scalp fresh.
- American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo 250ml: a men's daily shampoo that prevents itching and flaking.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- REF Stockholm Sweden Dry Shampoo 200ml ($42.00)
- Natural Look Purify Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 375ml ($23.31)
- Angel En Provence Green Tea Anti Dandruff Shampoo 800ml ($98.91)
- L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1500ml ($122.31)
- Actyva Purezza Shampoo Refill Pouch 1000ml ($120.00)
- Actyva Purezza Shampoo 1000ml ($120.00)
- Actyva Purezza Shampoo for Dandruff 235ml ($42.00)
- L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 300ml ($50.85)
- Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml ($47.70)
- Angel En Provence Black Angel For Men Oil Control & Dandruff Shampoo 400ml ($35.40)
Benefits of an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Fewer visible flakes. Anti-fungal actives and salicylic acid reduce and lift flakes from the scalp.
- Less itching. Calming ingredients such as peppermint, Ectoin and botanical extracts make the scalp more comfortable.
- Long-term control. Regular use keeps the yeast that drives dandruff in check, so flakes are slower to come back.
- Better oil balance. Purifying formulas such as Echosline Balance and Kerasilk help an oily scalp stay fresh for longer.
- Kind to your lengths. Many salon formulas condition the hair as well, so you do not trade flakes for dry, rough ends.
- Options for every scalp. Choose from strong actives, gentle botanicals, sulfate-free formulas and men's shampoos.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Buying Guide
Persistent, stubborn flakes. Start with a shampoo that lists a proven active: zinc pyrithione (L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced, KMS HeadRemedy) or piroctone olamine (Arata, Kerasilk, Minimalist).
Oily scalp with flakes. Purifying formulas balance oil while treating dandruff. Try Echosline Balance Purifying, Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff or Angel En Provence Green Tea. See also Oily Hair Shampoo.
Dry, tight scalp with flakes. Dryness flakes are smaller and finer. Goldwell Scalp Specialist and American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp are made for this, and a gentler sensitive scalp shampoo can help on alternate days.
Sensitive skin. Choose a fragrance-free or sulfate-free option such as Minimalist Anti Dandruff 3.5% or Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino, and patch test first.
Coloured hair. Strong purifying shampoos can fade colour, so alternate your dandruff shampoo with a colour-safe one once flakes are under control.
Rotate actives. If a shampoo seems to stop working after months of use, switching to one with a different active often helps.
How to Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Wet hair thoroughly and work the shampoo into the scalp itself, not just the lengths, using your fingertips rather than nails. Leave the lather on the scalp for three to five minutes so the actives have time to work, then rinse well. Use it two or three times a week while flakes are bad, then once or twice a week to keep them away, with your usual shampoo on other days. Condition the lengths only. A scalp brush helps lift flakes and spread the shampoo evenly. If flaking is severe, spreads beyond the scalp, or comes with redness, soreness or hair loss, see your GP or pharmacist.
Why Shop Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Every anti-dandruff shampoo we sell is genuine stock from brands we are authorised to supply.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Litres, twin packs and routines. Stock up with salon litres, save with American Crew and Black Angel twin packs, or buy a complete Arata, Kerasilk or Nioxin routine. Browse Packs & Bundles.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your scalp type and what you have tried, and we will suggest a shampoo to start with.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver anti-dandruff shampoo right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo FAQs
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is closely linked to Malassezia, a yeast that lives on everyone's scalp. On some people it triggers faster skin turnover, and the dead cells clump into flakes. Oil, stress and cold weather can make it worse.
Is dandruff caused by poor hygiene?
No. Dandruff is not a sign of being unclean, although washing too rarely can let oil and flakes build up and make it more noticeable.
What is the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp?
Dandruff flakes tend to be larger, oilier and yellowish, while dry scalp flakes are small, white and dusty. A dry scalp often feels tight after washing.
Which ingredients work against dandruff?
Look for piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione, climbazole or salicylic acid. Tea tree, green tea and herbal extracts are used in gentler formulas.
What is piroctone olamine?
Piroctone olamine, also known as Octopirox, is an anti-fungal active that targets dandruff-causing yeast. Arata, Kerasilk, Minimalist, Echosline and Goldwell shampoos use it.
What is zinc pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione is a long-established anti-dandruff active. L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced and KMS HeadRemedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo both contain it.
What does salicylic acid do in dandruff shampoo?
Salicylic acid loosens and lifts flakes and build-up from the scalp, which helps the anti-fungal active reach the skin.
What is L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
It is a shampoo for dandruff and dry, itchy-feeling scalps that uses zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid to remove flakes and reduce their return. It comes in 300ml and 1500ml.
What is Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
It is a vegan shampoo with Biomimetic Silk, Ectoin and piroctone olamine that targets dandruff and balances an oily scalp.
What is Arata Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
It pairs 1% piroctone olamine with 1% salicylic acid and Arata's DandErase phytocomplex to target fungal overgrowth, excess oil and flake build-up while conditioning the hair.
What is Minimalist Anti Dandruff Shampoo 3.5%?
It combines piroctone olamine, climbazole and salicylic acid in a sulfate-free, fragrance-free and non-drying formula that Minimalist describes as suitable for all hair types.
What is KMS HeadRemedy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
It is a scalp shampoo that helps control dandruff and reduce flaking, with zinc pyrithione and an alpha hydroxy acid complex of lactic and malic acids.
What is Nioxin Scalp Recovery Purifying Shampoo?
It is an anti-dandruff shampoo for itchy, flaky scalps that cleanses gently and soothes irritation. It comes in 200ml and 1 litre, and as part of the Scalp Recovery System Kit.
What is Goldwell Scalp Specialist Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
It is an anti-dandruff shampoo for dry scalps, with the anti-flaking agent Octopirox and hydro-lime extract.
What is Echosline Balance Purifying Shampoo?
It is a sebum-rebalancing shampoo with sage, thyme and rosemary extracts plus piroctone olamine that removes dandruff and helps stop it forming again.
What is Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Scalp Rebalancing Purifying Shampoo?
It is a sulfate-free purifying shampoo for flaky scalps that cleanses gently while clearing stubborn flakes. It comes in 250ml and 1000ml.
What is Angel En Provence Green Tea Anti Dandruff Shampoo?
It uses green tea extract to cleanse oil from the scalp and help prevent build-up. It comes in 400ml and 800ml, and in a duo with the matching conditioner.
What is De Fabulous Get Closer Scalp Aid Shampoo?
It combines proteins with cooling peppermint and sunflower seed extract to help control flaking and itching while moisturising the scalp.
Is there a dandruff shampoo for men?
Yes. American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo and Angel En Provence Black Angel For Men Oil Control & Dandruff Shampoo are both made for men, and both come in twin packs.
Which dandruff shampoo is best for an oily scalp?
Purifying formulas suit oily scalps best: Echosline Balance Purifying, Kerasilk Anti-Dandruff, Angel En Provence Green Tea or Black Angel For Men.
Which dandruff shampoo is best for a dry scalp?
Goldwell Scalp Specialist Anti-Dandruff and American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp are designed for flaking on a dry scalp.
Which dandruff shampoo is best for sensitive skin?
Fragrance-free and sulfate-free formulas are gentler. Minimalist Anti Dandruff 3.5% and Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino are good starting points. Patch test first.
Is there a sulfate-free dandruff shampoo?
Yes. Minimalist Anti Dandruff Shampoo 3.5% and the Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino purifying shampoo are both sulfate-free.
How often should I use anti-dandruff shampoo?
Two or three times a week while flakes are active, then once or twice a week to keep them away. Use a gentle shampoo on other days.
How long should I leave dandruff shampoo on?
Leave the lather on your scalp for three to five minutes before rinsing, so the actives have time to work.
How long does it take for dandruff shampoo to work?
Many people notice fewer flakes within one to two weeks of regular use. Keep using it to stop them returning.
Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo every day?
Some gentle formulas can be used daily, but most people get good results with two or three washes a week. Check the directions on the pack.
Will dandruff come back if I stop using the shampoo?
It often does, because the yeast is always present. A maintenance wash once or twice a week usually keeps flakes under control.
Should I switch dandruff shampoos?
If one stops working well after months of use, switching to a shampoo with a different active ingredient often helps.
Do I need a conditioner with anti-dandruff shampoo?
Yes, on the lengths. Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and keep heavy formulas off the scalp. Our Anti-Dandruff Conditioner collection has matching options.
Can dandruff shampoo fade hair colour?
Purifying shampoos can fade colour faster. Once flakes are under control, alternate with a colour-safe shampoo.
Is anti-dandruff shampoo safe for coloured or keratin-treated hair?
Many are, especially sulfate-free formulas, but alternate with a colour-safe or sulfate-free shampoo to protect the result.
Can children use anti-dandruff shampoo?
Check the label, as many are formulated for adults. For a child with flaking, ask your GP or pharmacist first.
Does stress cause dandruff?
Stress does not cause dandruff on its own, but many people find flare-ups happen during stressful periods.
Is dandruff worse in winter?
Many people find it worse in cold, dry months, when indoor heating dries the scalp. Keep up a regular routine through winter.
Does a scalp brush help with dandruff?
A soft scalp brush helps lift loose flakes and spreads the shampoo evenly across the scalp. Use it gently, without scratching.
Can I use dry shampoo if I have dandruff?
Occasionally, but powder builds up on the scalp. If you use dry shampoo, make sure you wash properly with your dandruff shampoo afterwards.
When should I see a doctor about dandruff?
If flaking is severe, spreads to your face or body, or comes with redness, soreness, weeping or hair loss, see your GP or pharmacist.
Which dandruff shampoo is best value?
Litre sizes such as L'Oreal Professionnel 1500ml, Actyva Purezza 1000ml and Alfaparf Milano 1000ml cost less per wash. Natural Look Purify is an affordable everyday option.
Who can I ask for help choosing a dandruff shampoo?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your scalp type, how often you wash and what you have tried, and our team will suggest a shampoo.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these shampoo brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from L'Oreal Professionnel and Kerasilk to Arata, Nioxin and KMS.
Are the anti-dandruff shampoos you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives leaking or damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Can I order dandruff shampoo with other hair care?
Yes. Mix shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatments in one order, and shipping is free once the total is over $85.
Finish your routine with Anti-Dandruff Conditioner and a Scalp Treatment, explore Anti-Dandruff Care, or browse the full Shampoo collection.