Not sure how long you can use anti-dandruff shampoo? A hair expert clears the air

Many women are familiar with the scalp condition that leaves little white flakes on your head. Yes, it’s the winter season and dandruff has made an entrance. Of course, not all are affected by it, but many are. By now, you must be knowing which brand of anti-dandruff suits your hair. But do you know how long you should use an anti-dandruff shampoo? You probably think that you can use it as long as the white flakes don’t disappear. But it’s also true that it’s not easy to get rid of the stubborn dandruff. So, you might end up using it longer than you are supposed to.

Health Shots reached out to Dr Vijay Singhal, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, to get the answer of frequently asked question on anti-dandruff shampoo.

Will anti-dandruff shampoo ruin hair if you use it every day?

There are many people who claim that using an anti-dandruff shampoo on a daily basis can aggravate the problem or can be harmful. Singhal shared that you can use an anti-dandruff shampoo everyday, but he suggested to use a mild shampoo in between for best results. He pointed out that women with dry hair or scalp often need less hair wash. They can wash hair twice a week to preserve the scalp’s natural oils and keep the hair moisturised.

Time period for using anti-dandruff shampoo varies

Everyone has a different type of hair and our reaction to things are also not the same. So, how long should we use an anti-dandruff shampoo? The expert said that it’s subjective as for some, it might be harmful in one or two years, for others it could take three to four years.

Anti-dandruff shampoo ingredients can harm your hair

There are reasons why the product that helps to fight dandruff can turn against you after a while.

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1. Polyethylene Glycol

It is a derivative of petroleum, which is used in hair products as a thickening agent, but Singhal warned that it can have a damaging effect on your scalp.

2. Dimethicone

It is a type of silicone that is added to hair products, and acts like a protective layer to hair shaft. But after a period of time, it builds up residue on hair scalp, and you definitely don’t want that.

3. Retinyl Palmitate

The ingredient is the ester of retinol and palmitic acid that can cause skin-related issues like redness, itching, scaling and peeling.

Important to take care of hair after using anti-dandruff shampoo

An anti-dandruff shampoo is full of chemicals, so it goes without saying that once you are done with it, take good care of your hair.

Singhal suggested some points that should be considered for taking good take care of hair:

• Wash your hair properly and regularly.
• Use chemical-free shampoos.
• Use the right hair conditioner.
• Dry your hair naturally instead of using a hair dryer.
• Apply oil on your hair on a regular basis even if you are not a fan.
• Style your hair naturally.
• Trim your hair regularly.
• Drink more water.
• Eat healthy food.

Follow these tips to ensure you don’t have to face a bad hair day.