As soon as we see hair on a pillow or flakes on our t-shirt, reaching out for an anti-hair fall or anti-dandruff shampoo is almost an instant reaction. However, if you treat them medically or take an expert advice, you’ll never find a dermatologist prescribing the most popular shampoo brands off the rack; prescribed shampoos are often medicated and the one that you buy from a pharmacy than a beauty store. So, it brings us to the question–do branded, OTC shampoos work for any of these hair concerns? We asked the experts

First and the most important factor is the severity of the problem. If the problem is serious and need an expert’s intervention, blindly investing in OTC products will not offer any long-lasting results. “Many OTC products contain active ingredients like ketoconazole for dandruff or biotin for strengthening the hair. They may offer temporary relief or mild improvement. However, if the problem is severe or long-lasting, it’s best to consult a dermatologist and use the products as per his/her advice,” says  Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic. 

Another factor of distinction between the categories is based on the ingredients. While medicated or prescription-based shampoos have single or combination of potent ingredients to target the concern, OTC products may have ingredient overload which may get counterproductive. “OTC products or shampoos contain a lot more extra ingredients than what your scalp actually needs. As dermatologists, we may write something very specific for the condition. Example would be Anti fungal shampoo or Psoriasis related scalp cleanser or a conditioner that targets chemically-treated hair. Some OTC products also contain perfumes or added fragrances or excipients that may not be suitable for all scalp skin types,” says Dr Pravin Banodkar, Dermatologist, Co-Founder & Lead Dermatologist, SkinBB. Additionally, ingredients in OTC products might not always be backed by research. 

Lastly, OTC products may or may not suit the scalp and hair type. This is because we often pick a product based on its popularity and marketing, however that may not work for everyone. “The dermatologist will conduct a thorough check and then will give you products that contain ingredients that suit you the best. The other products may also pose a threat of allergies and aggravation of the concern,” adds Dr Chause.

The Takeaway

OTC shampoos you find from mainstream grooming and beauty brands—designed for cosmetic appeal, sensory experience (fragrance, lather, texture), and general scalp health. They might work for for mild dandruff, dryness, or seasonal hair fall. However, serious concerns need professional help and prescription-based products.