This gentle shampoo dramatically reduces my scalp shedding, outperforming harsh medicated treatments with its effective routine.
Ditching salicylic acid shampoos that caused weekly scalp shedding was crucial. This gentle formula, combined with my 10-minute soak, DHS Tar alternation, sulfate-free wash, and cool ACV rinse, delivers real results where medicated treatments failed.
This is a review from Amazon.com about product:
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, Fresh Scent, 14 Fl Oz
Helps so much more with this ingredient than the ones with salicylic acid in it. That just makes my scalp completely shed once a week which is the LAST thing I need. I only wash my hair every three days. I do it in the tub so I can let it sit on my scalp for ten minutes. We have a spray nozzle so I can rinse with that. (I alternate with DHS Tar shampoo in three days.) Then I wash again with regular sulfate free shampoo. Use conditioner, then rinse with cool water with apple cider vinegar in it. Sounds like a lot of trouble, but IT WORKS! Even medicated stuff from dermatologist that you drip on the scalp didn’t work. Maybe you have to be bald for that to help.
Shampoo Basics & Tips
Understanding Scalp Shedding and Shampoo Ingredients
Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used in shampoos to exfoliate the scalp and treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis by breaking down dead skin cells and unclogging follicles. While effective for some, it can be overly drying or irritating for sensitive scalps, potentially leading to increased flaking or shedding (desquamation) as noted in the review. Its keratolytic action might accelerate skin cell turnover excessively in some individuals.
Coal Tar (DHS Tar Shampoo)
An active ingredient derived from coal, used for decades to treat psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and severe dandruff. It works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells on the scalp and reducing inflammation, scaling, and itching. It has a strong odor and can stain fabrics or light hair. Users often alternate it with other shampoos, as mentioned, due to its potency or smell.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Shampoos formulated without harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates create rich lather but can strip natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and color fading. Sulfate-free options are gentler, making them ideal for sensitive scalps, color-treated hair, curly hair, or following treatments like coal tar, as used in the reviewer's routine to avoid further dryness.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse
A diluted solution of apple cider vinegar and cool water used as a final hair rinse. ACV is acidic (pH 2-3), helping to:
How to Use: Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV in 1 cup of cool water. Pour over hair after conditioning, massage scalp briefly, then rinse thoroughly or leave in. Start with lower concentrations.
Scalp Shedding (Desquamation)
This refers to the flaking or peeling of skin cells from the scalp. Some shedding is normal (exfoliation), but excessive shedding appears as visible dandruff or flakes. Causes include:
Common Shampoo & Scalp Questions
Q: How often should I wash my hair for a healthy scalp?
A: It varies greatly (daily to weekly). Factors include scalp oiliness, activity level, hair type, and conditions like dandruff. Washing removes buildup but overwashing can strip oils. The reviewer's every 3-day wash is common for managing scalp conditions without overdrying.
Q: What's the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
A: Both cause flakes but differ. Dry scalp flakes are small, white, and due to lack of moisture; scalp feels tight. Dandruff (often seborrheic dermatitis) involves larger, oily, yellowish flakes, redness, and itching, caused by yeast/oil interaction. Treatments differ: moisturizing for dry scalp; antifungal/anti-inflammatory (like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, coal tar) for dandruff.
Q: Why let shampoo sit on the scalp?
A> For medicated shampoos (anti-dandruff, coal tar, salicylic acid), contact time is crucial (often 5-10 mins, per instructions) allowing active ingredients to penetrate and work effectively on the scalp skin, as the reviewer does.
Q: Are natural remedies like ACV effective?
A> ACV rinses can help manage mild scalp issues by balancing pH and removing buildup, as seen in the review. However, severe conditions like psoriasis or stubborn seborrheic dermatitis usually require medically proven treatments. ACV is a complementary step, not a replacement for diagnosed conditions.
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