How Does Anti-dandruff Shampoo Work?

Washing Away Dandruff

Using dandruff shampoo has many benefits and although there is no cure for dandruff, many people use this shampoo with great results. Dandruff shampoo works by first doing what all shampoos are designed to do, which is washing the hair and scalp of toxins. When a person who has dandruff uses a specialized shampoo, it helps to clean products like hair spray, hair gel and some dye products off of the affected area. Using these aforementioned products can actually cause dandruff or worsen existing cases of dandruff. Correctly used dandruff shampoo will strip the scalp and hair of many of these pollutants. As the suds are caressed into the scalp and through the hair with the fingers or as directed, dandruff shampoo also helps to break up existing dandruff flakes. Much of the existing external dandruff is washed away as the shampoo is rinsed out, thus decreasing the immediate appearance of dandruff.

Infusion of Needed Nutrients and Moisture

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Many dandruff shampoo products offer added vitamin bonuses for the scalp. Since regular shampoos can wash the scalp well but leave it dry, most dandruff shampoos also moisturize the scalp to some degree. Avoiding a dry scalp when dandruff exists is key to keep it from flaking worse, which is counterproductive to the process of ridding the dandruff. Although many dandruff shampoos do not have a product with critical oils for the scalp, some offer Vitamins B and E in the formula. Some dandruff shampoos focus on avoiding drying the scalp instead of the infusion of healthy oils and vitamins as these can be obtained through diet or supplements.

Medicine and Active Ingredients

The majority of dandruff shampoos use active ingredients to temporarily re-balance the scalp's pH balance. Since shampoos vary on the types of active ingredients they use and their strength, the pH balance effect does not usually last long for over the counter brands. All dandruff shampoos are not made equally, however, so it is recommended to use more than one type to maximize results. Ingredients, such as selenium sulfide and zinc pyritheone, are commonplace among dandruff shampoos and can be found over-the-counter in controlled doses. Products that contain more effective ingredients, such as Nizoral or ketoconazole, can be used with longer lasting results. Being that the results from these are products are more effective, they often have to be used less making giving better bang for the consumers buck. Doctors can also prescribe stronger shampoos for those who are in need of it, though this is not for common cases.