Advice
Dandruff: getting rid of it and keeping it away
Dandruff most often comes from a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp and multiplies too much. It is not 'cured' once and for all but kept under control: a 3 to 4 week treatment phase with an anti-dandruff shampoo, then weekly maintenance.
- 01Morning and evening
Treatment phase: 2 to 3 times a week
Choose by type: greasy, sticky flakes with an oily scalp, or fine dry flakes with dry hair; a dedicated formula if the scalp is sensitive or itchy. Apply to a wet scalp, massage and leave on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing: the contact time is what makes it work.
New
New - 02Morning and evening
In between: a gentle shampoo
On other days, use a gentle or soothing shampoo that does not restart the irritation. Rinse thoroughly, and dry the scalp rather than sleeping with wet hair.
Vichy
Vichy Dercos Ultra-Soothing Shampoo for normal to oily hair — 200 ml
Price announced when back in stock
Out of Stock
Vichy
Vichy Dercos Ultra-Soothing Shampoo for dry hair — 200 ml
Price announced when back in stock
Out of Stock
New - 03Once a week
Maintenance: once a week
Once the flakes have gone, keep using the anti-dandruff shampoo once a week. That is what stops them coming back quickly, especially in winter and during stressful periods.
Your questions
- Why does dandruff come back?
- Because the yeast behind it is part of a normal scalp. Treatment reduces its overgrowth, but without maintenance it returns, especially with cold weather, stress or tiredness.
- Dry or oily dandruff: how can I tell?
- Dry flakes are fine, white and fall onto the shoulders. Oily flakes are thicker, yellowish and stuck to the scalp, often with itching.
- When should I see a doctor?
- If red patches appear on the scalp, eyebrows or sides of the nose, if it itches badly or does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment: it may be seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis, which are treated differently.
- Can children use these shampoos?
- Check the age on the product: most medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are meant for adults and teenagers. In babies, cradle cap needs different care.
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