If you are using a dandruff shampoo and it is not working for you, we need to find out why.If you have a dandruff shampoo and it doesn't seem to be doing anything for you, we need to find out why!

You purchase a dandruff shampoo. It is a religion! Yet the white flakes remain, like they own the place and fall on your shoulders.

Sound familiar?

You are not alone. This is the frustration faced by millions of Indians. It's not your hair. The problem is, the majority of dandruff shampoos are developed to give the appearance of being effective instead of really fixing the underlying cause of the problem. In this blog, we explain exactly why your current anti-dandruff shampoo is not working, what ingredients you should be searching for and what an actual effective shampoo looks like.

What Triggers Dandruff?

Let's first understand the problem before discussing the solutions.

Dandruff is not simply “dry scalps”. The most common cause of dandruff is a naturally occurring fungus called malassezia globdosa. This fungus lives on everyone’s scalp, but in some people - due to excess sebum, humidity, stress, or a weakened scalp barrier it multiples rapidly. As it feeds on the  oils on your scalp, it produces oleic acid, which triggers irritation, rapid shedding of scalp skin cells, and those visible white or yellowish flakes.

In India, dandruff is even more common due to:

• Fungi like to thrive in high moisture levels.

• Drying out the scalp with hard water and its effect on the pH.

• Habits of heat styling and oiling that create a buildup of heat, sweat, and oils in the hair. 

• Scalp and pollution weaken scalp immunity.

Most over-the-counter shampoos don’t address any of these root causes. They just temporarily suppress visible symptoms.

5 Reasons Your Dandruff Shampoo Is Not Working

Most popular dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione or coal tar. These ingredients help to reduce flaking in the short term, but do not solve the problem at the root of the cause – Malassezia fungus! Cease the usage of the shampoo and dandruff will come back — and worse.

Rising it OFF TOO QUICKLY! 

Anti-andruff shampoos require a period of contract time to function. If you have to leather and rise within a minute, the active ingredients have not had enough time to penetrate the scalp. Most dermatologists suggest that the shampoo be left on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Your Shampoo Contains Harsh Sulfates 

Sulfates like SLS( sodium Lauryl Sulfate ) create a natural moisture barrier. A damaged scalp barrier becomes a moisture barrier. A damaged scalp barrier becomes dandruff worse over time. This is a classic case of the “solution” wording the problem.

It’s Drying Out Your Scalp

Ironically, many dandruff shampoos overcorrect by making the scalp too dry. A dry, flaky scalp is often mistaken for dandruff but in this case, it’s the shampoo itself causing the flaking. This cycle keeps customers buying the same product without ever truly recovering.

Dandruff is a problem of the scalp. It is like trying to mop the floor while the tap is still running to treat only the surface when all you need to do is treat the cause of the problem, which is diet, stress levcels, water quality and hydration of the scalp. Control of dandruff is a more comprehensive effort.

What Works in Dandruff Treatment?

For real results, check the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle for any of these clinically proven ingredients:

Ketoconazole (1% or 2%) - This is the best antifungal. It directly acts on Malassezia at the source. This is a common treatment that dermatologists suggest for moderate to severe dandruff.

Selenium Sulfide - Minimizes flake formation, slows the rate of scalp skin cell death and inhibits fungal growth.

Salicylic Acid - gently exfoliates the scalp and helps to unclog the hair follicles from the accumulation of dead skin cells. Best used in conjunction with antifungal ingredients.

Piroctone Olamine - An improved, modern anti-fungal effective against Malassezia without harsh side effects of old ingredients. Common in high quality or dermatist shampoos.

Nicinamide ( Vitamin B3 ) - This strengthens the skin barrier, decreases inflammation and balances production of sebum by the scalp. Great complement for long-term scalp care.

Tea Tree Oil - Natural antimicrobial, which lowers down the fungal activity and calms down irritated scalp. World well in combination with other antifungals.

If your shampoo doesn’t have at least one of the three ingredients listed above, it probably will not have a significant impact on your dandruff.

Depending on the shampoo you use, it may contain one or more of the following ingredients:

Fragrance/Parfume - Used solely for pleasing fragrance. Fragrances are one of the most common causes of scalp sensitivity and dermatitis caused by contact. If you already have an inflamed or irritated scalp because you have dandruff, you don't want fragrance added to your hair.

DMDM Hydantion / Formaldehyde Releasers – Common preservatives that give off small amounts of formaldehyde over time. These can irritate and break the hair, adding to it a bad scalp environment.

Although conditioning agents are useful at times, over time, heavy silicon preparations can leave a film forming on the scalp, trapping fungus and dead skin cells under a film.

The Correct Way to Use an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 

The most effective dandruff shampoo is no good if it is not applied properly. Follow these steps:

• Wash your scalp using lukewarm (not hot) water, and be sure to wet your scalp completely. Hot water will stimulate the production of sebum and irritation of the scalp.

• Apply directly to the scalp. Not only the length of the hair.

• Use your fingerprints, not nails to massage gently in 2 minutes, small circles.

• Leave it on for 3-5 minutes before getting up. For active ingredients to have an effect, this is a must.

• Use a light conditioner on lengths rather than scalp to keep condition balanced.

• Use regularly, at least twice weekly, for 4-6 weeks and then assess the results.  

Piroctone Olamine for gentle and effective fungal overgrowth control.

For an exfoliation and buildup removal from the scalp, use Salicyclic Acid.

Niacinamide ton restores the health of the scalp with its barrier and regulates excess oiliness.

A fragrance-free, sulfate-free base that won't irritate or strip away the scalp's natural oils.

This ends up as a real working shampoo, not only for the first time but over time as well. Cincinnus provides you the type of clean that lasts, with design that takes indian scalp requirements into consideration such as hard water, humidity and indian hair textures.

The Bottom Line.

Though dandruff is a genuine condition that can be treated, it will take a special approach. If a dandruff shampoo doesn't help the situation, then it's time to say goodbye. It's important to know why it's not working and select a product that is based on actual science.

Cease to seek temporary relief. Take better care of your scalp.

Looking to make a change? Discover the cincinnus Anti=Dandruff Shampoo range developed with the help of the experts and based on effective ingredients.