Don’t you just hate to see flakes of dandruff dropping down on your shoulders? It’s natural to get obsessed with wanting to get rid of these pesky flakes as soon as possible. An anti-dandruff shampoo is the first course of action that comes to mind. However, with the wide variety of anti-dandruff shampoos available today, it is essential to choose the right one that will prove to be an effective solution. To do so, let us first understand the cause of dandruff.
Fungal trouble
Dandruff is primarily caused by a skin fungus called Malassezia when it grows on sebum, the secretions of sebaceous glands of the scalp. Irritated, oily skin can cause dandruff and is more prone to dandruff. Severe dandruff may lead to damage of the hair, causing hair to thin..
An anti-dandruff shampoo is the easiest available solution to get rid of dandruff. However, before choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo, it is important to know more about the key actives that work against dandruff.
Which makes an effective anti-dandruff shampoo
An important ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos is ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. It stops the growth of fungi that causes dandruff which helps control itching, flaking and scaling caused by dandruff. additionallyl it can also help to reduce hair loss related to dandruff.
Antifungal agents like climbazole are also popular ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos. Climbazole helps to reduce the build up of dry flakes in your scalp. The addition of Zinc Pyrithione with climbazole can add to the shampoo’s efficacy. Piroctone Olamine is another useful ingredient that controls the growth of dandruff-causing fungus by disrupting its cell membrane and preventing it from multiplying and spreading. Salicylic acid is also a popular ingredient used in shampoos and hair conditioners. It helps to remove dead skin cells and regulate dandruff. The anti-fungal ingredients target the root cause of dandruff and thereby also control hair fall caused by it.
Besides these, ingredients like rosemary extract, green tea and tea tree oil are used in shampoos to reduce inflammation, irritation and redness and soothe the dry and itchy scalp.
Factors to consider while choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo
- Dermatologically tested: It is always advisable to choose a shampoo that has been dermatologically to ensure that it is safe on human skin.
- Scalp-friendly ingredients: It is important to choose a shampoo consisting of natural actives with anti-dandruff properties like rosemary extract, tea tree extract and lemon oil. It can also help to reduce scalp irritation leaving scalp fresh & clean and hair soft & conditioned.
- Severity: The choice of right anti-dandruff shampoo also depends on the severity of dandruff. Severe dandruff, , causes itchy white flakes on your scalp, red scales on the scalp, and itchiness. To treat such severe dandruff, one may require a shampoo with more potent antimicrobial agents like ketoconazole. While for mild dandruff, one can use an anti-dandruff shampoo like Tugain Essentials Anti Dandruff shampoo, curated specially for daily use. Such shampoos consist of milder antifungal agents like ZPTO climbazole along with conditioning agents to ensure nourishment of your hair.
- pH balance: A mild shampoo has natural oils and ingredients that are suitable for both oily and dry hair. It should also have a balanced pH to ensure that it doesn’t damage hair. Ingredients like panthenol and lemon help to maintain the pH of hair.
- Moisturizing properties: A shampoo with moisturizing properties hydrates the hair strands and nurtures the scalp.
The routine to fight dandruff
It is important to have a good hair wash regime while having active dandruff. Use anti-dandruff shampoo with 2% ketoconazole twice a week for 4-6 weeks. Post this, use a milder anti-dandruff shampoo with antifungal agents like ZPTO and climbazole for regular wash or as and when needed.
The way forward: cultivating new habits that can help
Besides choosing the right anti-dandruff shampoo, it is important to remember that dandruff is also caused by daily habits that may have evaded your attention. Getting rid of them and cultivating new ones can also help get rid of dandruff.
Avoid Excessive oiling: Oiling your hair can provide nutrition to your scalp. However, excessive use of oil or leaving your hair and scalp oily for long periods of time can lead to dandruff due to the growth of fungus.
Gentle brushing of hair: Brushing your hair properly and regularly with a mild brush that doesn’t have sharp edges can also help to maintain blood circulation in the scalp. It also helps to remove dead cells from your hair.
Eat healthy: Along with this, eating protein-rich foods like eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, soya, paneer, pulses etc. also helps to provide ample amount of protein thereby nourishing your body and promoting hair health. Foods rich in Vitamin E like nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains help to retain hair quality and texture. Additionally, foods with magnesium and potassium like lettuce, cabbage and bananas can ensure that for strong, healthy and shiny hair.
Regular washing of hair: Simple habits like regular hair wash can help to make sure there is no fungal overgrowth in your scalp due to too much oil secretion and dirt accumulation.
Dandruff can be annoying to handle due to its relapsing nature. However, with proper hair care and the right hair care products like anti-dandruff shampoos, hair serums and conditioners, it is possible to curb its growth and restore your hair to its previous glory.