Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
I got a request to talk about some dandruff solutions, so I’m going to start out on that.
First, dandruff is normal. Your head loses skin just like the rest of your body. However, it can get out of control and itchy, so it’s best to treat it.
Causes
In rare cases, it could be more serious like dermatitis or psoriasis, so if you have persistent dandruff, ask your doctor. In most cases, dandruff is the result of skin on your head shedding at about twice the rate of the rest of your body - that’s why you can see it.
Most dandruff is caused by a fungus, one that is naturally occurring and always there. This fungus can grow too quickly, causing your skin to shed too fast. There is also some support that male hormones play a role in excessive dandruff - sorry guys! Other things causing dandruff include: poor nutrition, alkaline soaps, dry cold winters, stress or genes.
Shampooing too much does not cause dandruff - dandruff is a medical issue. Dry scalp, from lack of oil and too much shampoo, is different. Dandruff can be aggravated by harsh shampoos, but it does not cause it.
Treatment
Don’t itch! That just leaves your skin even more irritated and can lead to infection.
Most dandruff is mild and taking better care of your hair and your scalp will do the trick. Keep washing your hair regularly, but try a shampoo with an acid-base to break down the oil in your scalp that the fungus feeds on. To keep your hair from getting to dry, you can use just the tiniest squirt of conditioner and work it into your hair (not your scalp) - if you have short hair, don’t bother with this.
Various shampoos are available to kill the fungus or break down the oils. Home remedies you can try include apple cider vinegar, salt or lemon juice rubbed into your scalp.
Shampoo Treatments
Head & Shoulders - zinc pyrithione
Selsun Blue - selenium sulfide
Neutrogena T/Gel - coal tar
Nizoral - 1% or 2% ketoconazole (severe only)
Everyone will have different reactions to dandruff and therefore to treatments. What works for one person will not work for another - look for shampoos with one or more of the active ingredients above and keep trying till you find one that works.
We use a shampoo here from American Crew with the same active ingredient as Head & Shoulders, but has a more active conditioning portion to be nicer on the hair.
Data via Wikipedia
2 opinions for Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Mike S.
Sep 28, 2005 at 7:44 am
I’ve heard that shampoos such as Head & Shoulders strip your hair down too much. So much so that when you stop using the shampoo the dandruff returns and may seem worse than before.
Of course, I’m not expert, that’s just something I’ve heard.
Arieanna
Sep 28, 2005 at 3:34 pm
I’m not an expert either, but I did read that shampooing too much, or the “stripped” thing is not really true. However, we can advise that you continue using the shampoo at regular, more distant intervals to keep your hair healthy.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: