While dandruff does not react to any particular hair product, it’s worth paying attention to what you put in your hair.
Dandruff is caused by a microbe called malassezia. We all have it, but about half of all people are sensitive to it, causing their body to react by showing:
- Dry flaking
- Irritation
- Itchiness
The good news is that hair products usually don’t have a negative reaction with dandruff. But they can still contribute to it.
IS YOUR SCALP SENSITIVE?
People with sensitive scalps may react to ingredients in common hair care products that are usually pretty harmless, triggering symptoms like itching, irritation, and dry scalp flaking.
It’s often a case of trial and error. You can’t always be certain how a given product is going to affect your scalp, so you may have to try a few different products to figure out what is best for you.
THE PROBLEM WITH RESIDUE
Using gels, mousses, hairsprays, and waxes helps style and hold hair in place. Unfortunately, if not removed properly, styling products build up over time, trapping oil, dirt, and other substances close to the skin.
These break down over time, and when they do, they form new substances that can irritate your scalp.
If you already have dandruff, that can cause a flare-up of itching and dry skin flakes.
The key to avoiding build-up is to make sure you wash the product out thoroughly and shampoo regularly.
That’s why we developed our deep cleansing shampoos, such as our Instant Oil Control shampoo, which not only treats dandruff, but also provides a deep clean to wash away any build-up.
HOW DO CONDITIONERS AFFECT DANDRUFF?
Conditioners are wonderful for keeping your hair hydrated, but did you know they can actually make your anti-dandruff shampoo less effective?
Typical cosmetic conditioners, or co-washes, can wash away the active ingredient from your anti-dandruff shampoo, meaning it is less effective at getting rid of the problem.
This means that even if you’re treating dandruff, you might not be getting the full benefits of your anti-dandruff product, and dandruff problems continue.
If you’re prone to dandruff, make sure you use an anti-dandruff conditioner as the final step in your wash routine.
KEEPING YOUR SCALP HEALTHY
While products don’t cause dandruff itself, they could make some scalp conditions worse.
So try a few products to see which ones work best for you. If you have dandruff, remember that anti-dandruff products are the last step in your routine. Use a dry scalp shampoo to help prevent flakes and restore your scalp’s natural moisture balance. Then, if you use conditioner, make sure it’s an anti-dandruff conditioner. Unlike cosmetic conditioners, our dry scalp conditioner is specially formulated to prevent dandruff and works with its “sister shampoo” to restore your hair and scalp’s natural moisture.
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