Seasonal changes lead to dry scalps and the formation of dandruff, which can be very conspicuous on clothes and give people a bad impression. Anti-dandruff shampoo is the first thing that comes to mind when treating dandruff. However, why does dandruff persist despite the continuous use of anti-dandruff shampoo?

Why do I have dandruff?

The presence of dandruff indicates inflammation in the scalp. The rate of apoptosis in the scalp cells increases, and they cannot metabolise at the normal rate. This results in the formation of a large stratum corneum, yet its normal protective function has been impaired.

Do anti-dandruff shampoo work?

Yes, most anti-dandruff shampoos contain medicinal ingredients. If you want to treat an area with a particularly severe dandruff condition, you can use a topical cream to treat it more effectively. 

Why does my anti-dandruff shampoo have no effect? Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo every day?

Some people may wash their hair and rinse off the shampoo quickly, and some leave the shampoo on the scalp for a long time. In fact, washing the hair for too short or too long can affect the cleansing result. To effectively use anti-dandruff shampoo, leave them on the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing them off with water. 

At first, anti-dandruff shampoo can be used once every two days, alternating with a non-medicated shampoo. The frequency of using anti-dandruff shampoo can be gradually reduced as the condition improves. 

As medicated shampoo becomes less effective after a period of time, you should give your scalp a break once the symptoms have been alleviated. You may use it again when necessary, and even use shampoos with different ingredients at intervals for better results.

Moreover, the formation of dandruff is caused by the inflammation of the scalp. You may use your fingertips to gently massage the hair in circular motions. Avoid scratching your scalp with fingernails, or rinse your hair repeatedly with hot water for a long time to prevent further irritation. Blow dry your hair until it is 80 to 90% dry, and avoid using high temperature. The dandruff condition will improve as time goes by.