Ask the Expert: Overcoming Consumer Barriers to Scalp Care

Posted: July 3, 2006

page 2 of 3

Consumers think most anti-dandruff shampoos may damage their dry or color-treated hair.

That may have been true in the past but today’s new generation of anti-dandruff shampoos formulated with pyrithione zinc are as mild and gentle on the hair as the best-selling cosmetic shampoos. They are also safe for everyday use, even on color-treated, permed or relaxed hair. Before salon professionals recommend any anti-dandruff shampoo, they should review the ingredient listing—many updated anti-dandruff shampoos contain the same moisturizing and conditioning ingredients as regular shampoos, including dimethicone and cetyl alcohol.

Consumers with sensitive skin believe anti-dandruff shampoos are too harsh to use regularly.

Today there are anti-dandruff shampoos formulated specifically for sensitive skin. Dandruff sufferers with sensitive skin should be given a professional recommendation to use an anti-dandruff shampoo formulated for sensitive skin every time they cleanse their hair. There are even anti-dandruff shampoos formulated to be as mild as children’s shampoo.

Consumers may use an anti-dandruff product for a while then switch to a cosmetic shampoo—and their dandruff symptoms return.