Choose Sebamed Everyday Shampoo for a sensitive scalp that needs a mild, regular wash, Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for an oily, flaky scalp, and Sebamed Repair Shampoo with Repair Conditioner for dry or damaged hair. All four are labelled pH 5.5, which matches the natural pH of the scalp.
Why Sebamed shampoos are pH 5.5
Sebamed labels its shampoos pH 5.5, the same as the scalp’s own pH. A study of 123 shampoos in the International Journal of Trichology puts scalp pH at 5.5 and the hair shaft at about 3.67, and explains that an alkaline shampoo increases the negative charge on the hair surface, which raises friction between fibres and can lead to cuticle damage and breakage.
The same paper concludes that lower-pH shampoos may cause less frizz, and stresses that keeping friction down is particularly important for curly and African hair. It also found that about 81% of the anti-dandruff shampoos it tested had a pH above 5.5, which makes a pH 5.5 anti-dandruff option less common than you might expect. Our scalp pH balance guide explains what throws scalp pH off and how to keep it steady.
Sebamed Everyday Shampoo: for sensitive scalps
The Sebamed Everyday Shampoo is the extra-mild option, described as gentle enough for a sensitive scalp and for daily use. Its description lists it as soap-free and alkali-free, free of parabens, paraffins, propylene glycol and phthalates, soothing for a sensitive scalp, and giving moisture and volume without stripping natural oils.
Pick it if your scalp reacts easily, you wash often (for example after the gym in the UAE heat) or you want a gentle shampoo for the days between medicated washes.
Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: for oily, flaky scalps
The Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is made for oily hair and a dandruff-prone scalp, and its active ingredient is piroctone olamine. Piroctone olamine is an antifungal widely used to manage dandruff; the product description says it helps relieve itching, redness and oily dandruff while removing excess sebum.
It is a good fit for mild, oily flaking. If your flakes are stubborn or keep coming back, a medicated antifungal may suit you better; our comparison of ketoconazole vs zinc pyrithione vs coal tar shampoos explains the options, and our guide on how to use Nizoral shampoo covers ketoconazole step by step.
Sebamed Repair Shampoo and Repair Conditioner: for dry, damaged hair
The repair pair is for hair that is dry or damaged by sun, heat, bleaching or perming. The Sebamed Repair Shampoo is described as soap-free and alkali-free, with a natural plant-protein complex to moisturise hair and scalp and a care formula to smooth the hair.
The Sebamed Repair Conditioner is for normal to dry hair and contains vitamin B5, argan oil, avocado oil and silk protein. It is silicone-free and mineral-oil-free, and its directions say it works best after a Sebamed shampoo.
Which Sebamed shampoo should you pick?
Start from your scalp first, then your lengths. You can browse all four in our Sebamed range.
| If your scalp or hair is… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive, easily irritated | Everyday Shampoo | Extra-mild, soap-free, made for sensitive scalps and daily use |
| Oily with white flakes or itch | Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Piroctone olamine antifungal, made for oily, dandruff-prone scalps |
| Dry, frizzy, heat- or colour-damaged | Repair Shampoo | Plant-protein complex to moisturise and smooth |
| Dry lengths after any Sebamed shampoo | Repair Conditioner | Argan oil, avocado oil, vitamin B5, silicone-free |
| Flaky scalp and dry curls | Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Repair Conditioner | Treat the scalp, condition the lengths |
For curly, coily and wavy hair, focus each shampoo on the scalp and always follow with conditioner on the lengths. Many curly routines alternate: an anti-dandruff wash when the scalp needs it and the Everyday Shampoo on other wash days, which fits Mayo Clinic’s advice that people with textured hair use medicated shampoos less often.
Sebamed shampoo FAQ
Is Sebamed good for curly hair?
Its pH 5.5 formulas suit curly hair, since lower-pH shampoos are linked with less fibre friction and frizz. Pair any of the shampoos with the Repair Conditioner or your usual curl conditioner.
What is the active ingredient in Sebamed anti-dandruff shampoo?
Piroctone olamine, an antifungal. It does not contain ketoconazole, which is the active in Nizoral.
Can I use Sebamed Everyday Shampoo every day?
Yes, its description says it is mild enough for daily use on sensitive scalps. Curly hair rarely needs a daily wash, though, so use it when your scalp needs cleansing.
Which Sebamed conditioner goes with the anti-dandruff shampoo?
The Repair Conditioner. Keep it on your lengths rather than your scalp, and rinse it out thoroughly.
