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Why You Should Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Even If You Don’t Have Dandruff

Written by Alexa Adler
Why You Should Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Even If You Don’t Have Dandruff

Choosing the right shampoo is a lot like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. It can be a long journey with a lot of missteps along the way, especially if your hair feels like it changes with every season. In this post, we’ll explore why dandruff and scalp care shampoos are a tried-and-true solution to flaking and a way to maintain scalp health even if you’re not experiencing scalp discomfort. Keep reading to see why we use dandruff care shampoos year-round, even when we’re not dealing with an annoying case of flakes.

What Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Do?

People usually reach for dandruff shampoos only when they’re experiencing dandruff. We get it. Some of the most popular brands of dandruff shampoos include harsh chemicals, can be harmful to certain hair types, or simply do not smell good.

To understand how dandruff shampoo can help your hair and scalp health overall, it’s a good idea to know how these formulas work in the first place. The truth is that the right formula with the right ingredients can help encourage scalp health overall and maintain a balanced scalp microbiome day in and day out.

Understanding Your Scalp’s Microbiome

Let’s start with some science around the scalp. Just like your gut, your scalp has a microbiome in which your skin, microbes, bacteria, and fungi exchange information and grow in harmony, at least when all is working well. 

Scalp issues, like itchiness, irritation, and dandruff, tend to happen when your scalp’s microbiome has been thrown out of whack. It’s a delicate balance, highly reactive, and hard to predict. 

One such potential issue is a fungus on your scalp called Malassezia, which is commonly associated with dandruff. Some Malassezia is good and expected, but when it kicks into overdrive, your scalp and hair follicles compensate by overproducing sebum. 

That’s why dandruff may feel oily, look clumpy, and can make your hair look greasy. Outside of dandruff, the scalp is already a sensitive space. Your scalp has more sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles than any other part of your body. Because of that, it also has a lower barrier function, meaning it is more vulnerable to damage and imbalance.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t help smooth over any issues that pop up, scalp discomfort is actually easy to manage with the right products and lifestyle choices. 

Anti-Fungal Properties of Zinc Pyrithione

Dandruff is frequently linked with an overgrowth of fungus. That’s why many dandruff shampoos include an anti-fungal ingredient called Zinc Pyrithione. Zinc Pyrithione is proven to significantly reduce the reproduction of M. restricta, also known as Malassezia. It can help prevent the fungal cells from rapidly replicating while increasing your scalp’s natural zinc levels. The result? Fewer flakes falling on your shoulders. If your dandruff shampoo doesn’t include Zinc Pyrithione, then you can’t really count on it to do the job. Zinc Pyrithione has been proven, over decades of research, to truly help cap the growth of fungus and fight dandruff at the source.

That’s why we’ve included it as the star active ingredient in our Balancing Shampoo and Restoring Serum, along with a host of natural ingredients to maintain the health of your scalp and keep flakes at bay. 

Restoring Balance to Your Scalp

Remember, regardless of whether or not you have an existing case of dandruff, your scalp’s microbiome will include some fungi and bacteria. The problem occurs when the fungus ramps up production. Dandruff care shampoo can help maintain the balance of those elements on your scalp and help to discourage an overgrowth that could later lead to dandruff. 

A balanced scalp is a healthy scalp, and a healthy scalp means healthier hair growth.

Why Is Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Good for Any Scalp?

Let’s say you share your shower with a partner or roommate who uses dandruff care shampoo, and you want to give it a try. Is it safe to use shampoo for dandruff if you don’t have skin-flaking or scalp irritation? Yes, it’s absolutely safe. When washing your hair as recommended on the product label, the only side effect is a potentially more balanced scalp.

Maintaining Scalp Health

Dandruff shampoos, especially those products that prioritize natural ingredients, focus on caring for the scalp and its health. 

We know that compared to other parts of the body, the scalp can feel like an afterthought or more of a cosmetic effort. After all, the scalp produces hair, and hair factors heavily into our perceived appearance. But just like any other organ, our scalps age faster or slower, depending on various lifestyle factors. 

Your diet, topical treatment, and external factors like UV exposure could impact your scalp’s health. If you treat your body with care and use products that maintain skin health, your scalp and hair could flourish. Dandruff shampoo helps your scalp fight flaking, inflammation, and irritation, regardless of whether you’ve ever experienced a case of flakes.

Dandruff shampoos, especially those products that prioritize natural ingredients, focus on caring for the scalp and its health.

Preventative Care

If you are sometimes prone to flakes, a dandruff care shampoo can stop a stubborn case of flakes as well as help prevent future flaking. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep using these shampoos, even when you’re not experiencing flaking. How do you choose a dandruff care shampoo that best serves your hair? Some brands will have you believe that dandruff-fighting shampoo needs to include harsh chemicals like sulfates and smell bad in order to work. Some of the most popular products on the shelves can leave your hair worse off overall, even if they happen to treat your dandruff. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework and make the right choice that prioritizes your hair health.

How Do You Choose the Right Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?

Is your shower overflowing with shampoo bottles from your various trials and tribulations? If so, you’re not alone. Dandruff is a common problem. You’re likely more than ready to make a purchase thatworks (and works well), regardless of what your hair is going through.

Luckily, we’re hair care experts ready to help you make that choice. When picking a dandruff shampoo, you want to approach it like any other topical product. 

Gentle Cleansing

In addition to Zinc Pyrthione, most dandruff shampoos will also include sodium lauryl sulfates. While these shampoos will treat dandruff if they still contain Zinc Pyrithione, they can also strip your scalp of its natural oils which may lead to more irritation which in turn can cause itching and flaking.

Sulfates are surfactants included in soap-like products to create lather and wash away dirt. They can actually clean your hair too effectively, clearing out the sebum or oil your scalp naturally produces to protect both the scalp and hair strands. Sebum helps maintain your scalp’s natural barrier from external factors like pollution, hair products, and dirt. 

Sulfates can oftentimes get rid of that natural barrier, leaving your scalp potentially exposed and vulnerable. Even with a good conditioner, you’re putting your scalp health at risk. 

Seek out a shampoo that doesn’t include sulfates, and while you’re at it avoid other potentially irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, dyes, and synthetic fragrances. 

Vegan & Natural Ingredients

On that note, let’s talk about the rest of the ingredient list. When it comes to hair and skin care, mother nature provides just about everything we need. Products that include essential oils and vegan ingredients can help transform the way your hair looks, feels, and, perhaps most importantly, smells. Our Balancing Shampoo is a scientifically-formulated dandruff care product. Just take one look at the ingredient list, and you’ll see the difference. 

In addition to our flake-fighting active ingredient, Zinc Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo includes: 

  • Squalane

  • Rosemary oil

  • Apple fruit extract

  • Lavender oil

  • Sugar Kelp Extract

  • Coconut oil

These ingredients combine to create a natural scent and have moisturizing and hydrating properties for your hair and scalp. Our formula is also proven to reduce breakage for all hair types by 30%.

As we mentioned above, it’s also important to pay attention to what’s not included in your hair care. All Jupiter products are formulated without any sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. All of our products are also dye-free, cruelty-free, and safe for chemically-treated and color-treated hair. 

Your New Favorite Shampoo Routine

Once you find the right shampoo, you’ll feel the difference. A dandruff shampoo like Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo can help fight off flakes, prevent future cases of dandruff, and promotes a healthier scalp overall. Paired with our Nourishing Conditioner and line of scalp-healthy hair care products you can ensure your scalp is balanced and your hair is healthy looking.

Make the switch to our cruelty-free, vegan dandruff shampoo, and you can see how quickly your hair responds with bounce, life, and new growth. You’re welcome in advance.

Balancing Shampoo
Balancing Shampoo

This isn't a popularity contest, but if it were, our Balancing Shampoo would probably win. This often-sold-out soothing cleanser reduces hair breakage by ~75% while getting to the root of dandruff (flaking, irritation, dry scalp), thanks to our star active ingredient, Zinc Pyrithione. With a lush aroma of mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender, it’s bound to elevate your mood and your shower.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have about the information contained herein, as well as the risks or benefits of any treatment.