View Full Version : "Researchers say everyone should be using it—whether or not they have dandruff"?
esfand
September 15th, 2018, 09:58 AM
I found this article on Allure claiming that everyone should be using anti dandruff shampoo whether or not they have dandruff (https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-make-hair-thicker). What is your opinion?
To me, it makes sense to use SOMETHING that targets dandruff (or exfoliates the scalp), because a clean scalp is key to having healthy hair. I noticed that I can stretch washes when I use anti dandruff shampoo, even though I don't have visible dandruff. Should we start switching to dandruff products? What can go wrong?
Ylva
September 15th, 2018, 10:14 AM
Does the scalp really need to be exfoliated? Or is it just a belief that it does something beneficial? Our species has grown hair just fine for hundreds of thousands of years without doing anything special to their scalps.
I don't think clean always equals healthy. Of course hygiene is a part of health, but when it comes to a normal scalp without any specific condition, I wouldn't over-stress it. There are so many ways to treat dandruff, too.
EdG
September 15th, 2018, 10:28 AM
This research must have been sponsored by the dandruff shampoo manufacturers. ;)
I believe there is truth in that slight acidity can remedy skin problems. A vinegar rinse is probably as effective.
Ed
squirrrel
September 15th, 2018, 10:33 AM
Um... I find most of what they say to be pretty illogical. Reads more like an advert than an article, making claims, but not backing them up with real information. What scientists? No information, so how can I know whether I would trust the word of said scientists? If we are just talking about the people who developed the chemical, then they are going to be biased. What research do they have to make these claims?
Then we have the wording itself. Making sure that follicles aren’t blocked is one thing, but claiming to ‘deep clean’ them? I’m not sure that this would be a good thing.
In short, not for me.
Sarahlabyrinth
September 15th, 2018, 10:42 AM
This research must have been sponsored by the dandruff shampoo manufacturers. ;)
I believe there is truth in that slight acidity can remedy skin problems. A vinegar rinse is probably as effective.
Ed
Just what I was thinking :rolleyes:
cjk
September 15th, 2018, 11:11 AM
I've not even read the article yet and can already pick it apart. Certain words are problematic, the old adage about ALWAYS and NEVER being a perfect example.
Everyone. That words bugs me.
There are 8 billion people on the planet, and...everyone...universally...should/must...do something they recommend? My gut reaction is no.
It might be widely beneficial. It might address issues that are common. But everyone? That statement is automatically and immediately invalid.
Joules
September 15th, 2018, 11:22 AM
I follow a trichologist on Instagram, and she's all about her scalp exfoliators and scalp lotions. She has drop-dead gorgeous almost knee length red hair, so I'm inclined to trust her, I do believe that we need to pay attention to our scalps.
But here's the thing: scalp can be cleansed with any shampoo for oily hair. It's usually acidic enough to keep malassezia (scalp fungus that we all have in small amounts) from growing uncontrollably and causing scalp conditions. I don't believe simple diluted ACV can help in this case. Actual anti-dandruff shampoos usually contain ungredients designed specifically to combat malassezia, and it can do more harm than good if you don't have dandruff or seborrheir dermatitis.
lithostoic
September 15th, 2018, 11:26 AM
Dandruff shampoo always irritates the hell out of my hair.
Sarahlabyrinth
September 15th, 2018, 11:31 AM
Dandruff shampoo always irritates the hell out of my hair.
Yes, there's no "one" thing which is right for everyone when it comes to hair.
MusicalSpoons
September 15th, 2018, 11:38 AM
This research must have been sponsored by the dandruff shampoo manufacturers. ;)
I believe there is truth in that slight acidity can remedy skin problems. A vinegar rinse is probably as effective.
Ed
For sure. It makes sense to try to keep the skin's pH as close to its natural state as possible.
As for EVERYONE benefitting from dandruff shampoo, I've not read the article but there are some scalp conditions that are *worsened* by dandruff shampoo, so no.
EDIT: just read the article and I was suprised to find it wasn't even claiming to be remotely scientific - just one professional's opinion. Yes, it says he's head of a research group, but the article presents literally zero evidence to even attempt to back up the claims. It's an article that might prompt someone to do their own research if it's something they think they might consider, but beyond that ... :shrug:
EDIT 2: (sorry, brainfog) it turns out Allure is the name of a magazine - did not know that! :oops: But it does explain it and now I'm not remotely surprised by the quality of it :grin:
lapushka
September 15th, 2018, 11:49 AM
As an SD (seborrheic dermatitis) sufferer I say: no, not everyone needs an anti dandruff shampoo. If you can get away with a less harsh shampoo than the regular ones, then I am *all for it*, however I can't do it or my scalp protests heavily. So, I for one am glad that anti dandruff shampoos exist and that sulfates still exist in shampoo.
Maybe they're just saying a regular sulfate shampoo should be something everyone should use. I'm not sure. In any case I don't agree with that statement.
It's just an opinion. And we all have those.
Reservechic
September 15th, 2018, 12:08 PM
I have used medicated OTC shampoos and prescription ones as well. Head and Shoulders and these other shampoos that are supposed to be designed to help with either controlling or getting rid of dandruff or other scalp conditions, they have never been super effective at all in helping with my scalp eczema, which causes my scalp to be dry,itchy, flaky, and at times extremely irritated. I don't suffer with major issues with dandruff, and I have major regret for even trying any of these OTC anti-dandruff, medicated shampoos at all. Medicated shampoos of any kind are super drying to both my hair and scalp, and i have experienced a level of irritation to my scalp with them too - with some moreso than others. So, I don't see dandruff shampoos being the answer for me, because I have already tried them, and neither my hair or scalp can stand their harshness. Plus, there are quite a number of these anti-dandruff, medicated shampoos, do have non-water soluble silicones in them, which defeats the purpose of them getting my hair and scalp 100% clean. They actually end up leaving a type of coating left behind on my hair and scalp, that I know is from the non-water soluble cones in it, not being able to be easily rinsed away with water.
i'm not sure how this came to be written in Allure, because whatever researchers out there that think that all people should be using anti-dandruff shampoos clearly should know that there is "no one size fits all solution"), when it comes to the cleaning of ones hair and scalp, period, whether a person has dandruff, or any other scalp condition, or not.
For those that are interested in trying such, they can of course do so. Anyone has the right to do so. But, for those who are fine with the hair care regimens that their one, then of course, like they always say, "if it's not broke, then why fix it"!
I have bad scalp eczema that I have been suffering with for such a very long time, and unfortunately I have come to the realization that my s all can't truly handle shampoo well at all, no matter what kind it is, which is why, I actually switched over to cowashing only,
nycelle
September 15th, 2018, 01:12 PM
Eh, everyone's got an opinion on everything. If medical doctors can't agree on treatments and diagnosis, why would I believe an Allure (and I actually like Allure) article that briefly references some clinician without really going into the full picture.
With that said, I have a sensitive scalp that went nuts in the past with dandruff shampoo. It caused burning and bumps (Head and Shoulders) and definitely not something I'd ever care to repeat.
But, since I either cowash or low-poo, I do wash twice and use a massage brush along with my fingers to really get everything off my scalp and keep it squeaky clean. I have not had any itchiness, or issues since going sulfate free and using this technique, and my scalp is extremely clean.
BUT, I did use an exfoliating shampoo recently. I can't say my scalp was any cleaner than my usual massage brush method.
lakhesis
September 15th, 2018, 03:42 PM
I follow a trichologist on Instagram, and she's all about her scalp exfoliators and scalp lotions. She has drop-dead gorgeous almost knee length red hair, so I'm inclined to trust her, I do believe that we need to pay attention to our scalps.
Off topic, just wondering if you can share the name of the trichologist, it sounds interesting :)
Ligeia Noire
September 15th, 2018, 07:05 PM
Lol harsh shampoos such as head and shoulders, pantene or anything with tons of sulphates actually gave me a very dry scalp for years....I always thought I had bad dandruff until I stopped using them. As with everything, people, if what you are using works just keep using it. Do not fall for these claims. They play with people's ignorance, as most of us do not know enough about chemicals and bla bla bla and we want to give to our bodies what is supposed to be good ending up making things more complicated than what they need to be. If there is anything I have learnt over more than twenty years with very long hair (now almost getting to 5ft) is that:
Less is more.
Xu
September 15th, 2018, 07:47 PM
Disagree on the clean scalp being essential or healthy hair, or at least my idea of clean is a different one. Dead skin cells and natural oils don't prevent hair from growing. I find this clogged hair shaft thing always sound very much like fabricated drama to push the selling point of a product. If anything i'd say it's better to go without the chemicals and stick to good old boar bristle brushing and scalp massages.
LadyLong
September 15th, 2018, 10:23 PM
Xu, I agree on your disagree on clean scalp being healthy. It seems like fabricated drama, as you say.
Stray_mind
September 16th, 2018, 02:25 AM
My hair mostly prefers sulfate shampoos, but not all of them. However, I can only use sulphate free products for a couple of times before my scalp gets irritated.
I do think it really depends on the head it's used on. There is no universal formula that fits everybody.
Jo Ann
September 16th, 2018, 02:42 AM
Um...no. Put me in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" column.
It sounds to me like someone with an agenda to push--and I'm not one to push agendas "just because everyone else is doing it." I stopped doing that decades ago.
TatsuOni
September 16th, 2018, 05:30 AM
No thanks. I'll stick to CO-washing every other week or less and keeping my scalp clean with my BBB and scalp massages in between. I haven't used sulfates for five years and my scalp is happy and my hair grows.
cathair
September 16th, 2018, 05:51 AM
I guess this is a similar theory to why monistat would work? My hair sheds a ton if I leave my wash day too long these days, so I think there might be a gain of truth in there somewhere. But if your scalp is healthy now change things? It can also be drying.
spidermom
September 16th, 2018, 01:23 PM
Maybe, but don't care. If I had scalp problems, I'm sure I'd care more. But I don't. My SD hasn't flared in so long that I doubt the diagnosis.
Arciela
September 16th, 2018, 06:54 PM
Lol harsh shampoos such as head and shoulders, pantene or anything with tons of sulphates actually gave me a very dry scalp for years....I always thought I had bad dandruff until I stopped using them. As with everything, people, if what you are using works just keep using it. Do not fall for these claims. They play with people's ignorance, as most of us do not know enough about chemicals and bla bla bla and we want to give to our bodies what is supposed to be good ending up making things more complicated than what they need to be. If there is anything I have learnt over more than twenty years with very long hair (now almost getting to 5ft) is that:
Less is more.
Me too, I had the same experience! I was wondering for years why I had a dry scalp..turns out it was from the harsh shampoos I was using and the anti-dandruff one that I thought was helping. Once I finally stopped my scalp *finally* calmed down.
Ligeia Noire
September 16th, 2018, 07:17 PM
Same with me pretty much.
LittleOgre
September 16th, 2018, 07:18 PM
I'll probably just try dandruff shampoo then. I heard it can encourage faster hair growth.
Doreen
September 17th, 2018, 01:01 AM
I consistently use dandruff shampoo and honestly after reading replies on this thread I'm second-guessing whether I need to! The article seems to be a ploy to get us to buy more.
The only time I exfoliate my scalp is after I go hiking or camping because I want to make sure I don't have debris or ticks. Otherwise I don't find it necessary.
Astrid Carlisle
September 17th, 2018, 01:36 AM
I follow a trichologist on Instagram, and she's all about her scalp exfoliators and scalp lotions. She has drop-dead gorgeous almost knee length red hair, so I'm inclined to trust her, I do believe that we need to pay attention to our scalps.
Is it by any chance the red-headed girl? ;p
lapushka
September 17th, 2018, 04:10 AM
I'll probably just try dandruff shampoo then. I heard it can encourage faster hair growth.
I'm curious. Where did you hear this? I think it's one of those myths again, but I'd love to see a study on it or some scientific evidence. :flower:
nycelle
September 17th, 2018, 01:21 PM
Lol harsh shampoos such as head and shoulders, pantene or anything with tons of sulphates actually gave me a very dry scalp for years....I always thought I had bad dandruff until I stopped using them. As with everything, people, if what you are using works just keep using it. Do not fall for these claims. They play with people's ignorance, as most of us do not know enough about chemicals and bla bla bla and we want to give to our bodies what is supposed to be good ending up making things more complicated than what they need to be. If there is anything I have learnt over more than twenty years with very long hair (now almost getting to 5ft) is that:
Less is more.
Me too, I had the same experience! I was wondering for years why I had a dry scalp..turns out it was from the harsh shampoos I was using and the anti-dandruff one that I thought was helping. Once I finally stopped my scalp *finally* calmed down.
I think lots of people have this experience.
Didn't know until last December that it could of been sulfates that caused my irritation either. Just always thought it was part of washing my hair, and since I have dry skin, must have a dry scalp too.
Wonder how many people are going through this and haven't a clue that it's the sulfates in their shampoos causing it.
*Wednesday*
September 17th, 2018, 02:13 PM
The article had spokeswoman Sofia Vergara + Head N Shoulder being spoken of.... What could possibly be the agenda 😕
Dandruff shampoos stimulating hair growth. Another fad to start flying off the shelves. Sorry, I'll never belive it and wouldn't bother trying.
MusicalSpoons
September 17th, 2018, 02:22 PM
There is some research somewhere that showed ketoconazole shampoo (so, *not* H&S) had some beneficial effect on hair growth - I can't remember what exactly and I don't have the energy to go hunting right now though. But I wouldn't be surprised if there is a percentage of the general population who would benefit from anti-dandruff shampoo and don't currently realise it ... but I would be surprised if it turned out to be more than a minority of people!
*Wednesday*
September 17th, 2018, 02:33 PM
There is some research somewhere that showed ketoconazole shampoo (so, *not* H&S) had some beneficial effect on hair growth - I can't remember what exactly and I don't have the energy to go hunting right now though. But I wouldn't be surprised if there is a percentage of the general population who would benefit from anti-dandruff shampoo and don't currently realise it ... but I would be surprised if it turned out to be more than a minority of people!
That's good to know. This way people don't waste their time with HS or Suave for that matter ☺
lakhesis
September 17th, 2018, 03:16 PM
There is some research somewhere that showed ketoconazole shampoo (so, *not* H&S) had some beneficial effect on hair growth - I can't remember what exactly and I don't have the energy to go hunting right now though. But I wouldn't be surprised if there is a percentage of the general population who would benefit from anti-dandruff shampoo and don't currently realise it ... but I would be surprised if it turned out to be more than a minority of people!
Ketoconazole is supposed to treat fungal infections that could possibly slow hair growth. And that's exactly what the whole monistat thing is based on - miconazole nitrate (active ingredient) is similar to ketoconazole and should be doing the same thing. Obviously it only helps if you are actually dealing with some kind of fungus on your scalp.
lapushka
September 17th, 2018, 03:58 PM
Ketoconazole is supposed to treat fungal infections that could possibly slow hair growth. And that's exactly what the whole monistat thing is based on - miconazole nitrate (active ingredient) is similar to ketoconazole and should be doing the same thing. Obviously it only helps if you are actually dealing with some kind of fungus on your scalp.
I have SD (seborrheic dermatitis). Last year I had to bust out my Nizoral 2% because I had flaking on both sides (temples and back). In between bouts I can keep it pretty much at bay by using a harsh sulfate shampoo, preferably Pantene but I am trying to use stuff up, so the shampoos vary (and it seems to be OK).
Even I would not recommend washing with "specialized" things if there is no strict need for it at all.
lakhesis
September 18th, 2018, 12:27 AM
I have SD (seborrheic dermatitis). Last year I had to bust out my Nizoral 2% because I had flaking on both sides (temples and back). In between bouts I can keep it pretty much at bay by using a harsh sulfate shampoo, preferably Pantene but I am trying to use stuff up, so the shampoos vary (and it seems to be OK).
Even I would not recommend washing with "specialized" things if there is no strict need for it at all.
Oh, I am not recommending it, sorry if it sounded that way :) All I tried to write is that based on what I read, ketoconazole aids hair growth only if there is some problem to begin with. In other words, I don't think it would help in any way if you have a healthy scalp.
lapushka
September 18th, 2018, 05:21 AM
Oh, I am not recommending it, sorry if it sounded that way :) All I tried to write is that based on what I read, ketoconazole aids hair growth only if there is some problem to begin with. In other words, I don't think it would help in any way if you have a healthy scalp.
Oh it was just a general comment, not directed at you. :flower:
Hairkay
September 18th, 2018, 12:53 PM
This research must have been sponsored by the dandruff shampoo manufacturers. ;)
I believe there is truth in that slight acidity can remedy skin problems. A vinegar rinse is probably as effective.
Ed
I agree with you too. If I were to use such shampoos I'd have my scalp covered in eczema. My scalp does fine with a vinegar rinse and scalp massages.
Wendyp
September 18th, 2018, 07:45 PM
Well I like nizeral but I have androgen issues, not sure if every scalp needs it. clearly one size fits all is bad advice. Enjoying everyone’s comments. :popcorn:
daisy rei
September 18th, 2018, 08:49 PM
My scalp would probably love it but my hair would instantly become dried out! I have noticed that what makes my scalp happy makes my hair unhappy and vice versa. :hmm:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.