Still Have Dandruff? It Might Be How You're Using Your Shampoo

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If you’ve been using an anti-dandruff shampoo and still see flakes, you’re not alone — and you’re not necessarily using the wrong product. One of the most common mistakes people make is not how often they shampoo, but how they use it.

Let’s break it down.

It’s Not Always the Shampoo — It’s the Method

We hear it all the time:“I’ve been using an anti-dandruff shampoo and nothing’s changed.”

Here’s the truth:You can have a great product in your shower, but if you’re not using it the right way, you won’t get results. And that can lead to the assumption that the shampoo is bad — when it might actually be user error.

Rule #1: Leave It On Long Enough

Anti-dandruff shampoos are medicated. They need time to work. Just rubbing it in and rinsing it out in 30 seconds isn’t going to cut it.

✅ Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes.The more severe your dandruff, the longer you should leave the shampoo in before rinsing.

Why this matters: The active ingredients need time to penetrate the scalp and target the root causes of dandruff, including yeast and inflammation.

Rule #2: Wash More Often

Still seeing flakes even after using the shampoo correctly?

Take a look at your wash frequency.

If you’re only washing every few days, that could be the issue. Try washing more frequently — daily or every other day — until the itching or flaking subsides.

The Root Cause: Oily Scalp & Malassezia

A common cause of dandruff is an oily scalp.Excess oil creates the perfect environment for a yeast called malassezia, which leads to irritation and flaking.

By washing more often and keeping oil under control, you can reduce the malassezia population and improve your scalp health.

Once It’s Under Control…

Once you’ve calmed your scalp and the flakes have stopped, you can wean off the anti-dandruff shampoo. Switch to a gentle, regular shampoo and monitor your scalp. If flakes return, you can rotate back in your medicated product as needed.

If you’ve been frustrated with persistent dandruff, try this first:

• ✅ Leave your anti-dandruff shampoo on for 3–5 minutes

• ✅ Increase your wash frequency

• ✅ Pay attention to scalp oiliness

• ✅ Personalize your routine — what works for someone else may not work for you

With the right technique, you can get it under control.

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