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Can You Really Build up Tolerance to a Shampoo?

There is no evidence to support this claim, although there could be a number of reasons why your shampoo isn’t working. Find out how you can use your shampoo more effectively. 

Shampoo tolerance is a common myth 

A common myth is that you can build up a tolerance to dandruff shampoo, so that it becomes less effective for you over time.

Many people believe in changing your shampoo regularly so that your body doesn’t build up a tolerance to one specific product.

There is no evidence to support this claim, although there are other possible reasons why your dandruff shampoo isn’t working effectively.

These include:

  1. switching your shampoo

  2. using a beauty shampoo as a "chaser"

  3. using the wrong conditioner

  4. not using your dandruff shampoo frequently enough

profile of a girl with curly dark hair

Don’t switch your shampoo 

Switching shampoo can be damaging. Particularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo, on days you switch to an ordinary shampoo, you’re not giving your scalp the protection it needs against dandruff triggers. 

As a result, you don’t get the protection you should and the dandruff could come back. 

With an anti-dandruff shampoo, most of the dandruff-fighting action of the shampoo happens outside the shower

After the loose flakes have been washed away, anti-dandruff active ingredients are left on your scalp to protect your scalp and keep dandruff from coming back. 

Beauty shampoo "chasers" can cause dandruff to come back 

It’s a common myth that anti-dandruff shampoos are harsh on your hair and scalp. 

This leads some people to use one shampoo for dandruff and then wash with a different beauty shampoo to moisturize and nourish their hair. 

Using a beauty shampoo makes the anti-dandruff shampoo less effective. It can wash away your protection, meaning you’re more likely to see dandruff come back. 

Our Nourishing Hair and Scalp Care Shampoo, infused with lavender essence, moisturizes your hair to leave it soft and smooth while preventing dandruff. 

Our Smooth & Silky Shampoo, moisturises your hair to leave it soft and smooth while preventing dandruff. 

Use the correct conditioner too 

For even more softness, try one of our anti-dandruff conditioners. Unlike ordinary conditioners that can remove dandruff protection, they’re specially designed to work with Head & Shoulders shampoos, to condition your scalp and hair, and protect you from dandruff. 

Wash often to protect against dandruff triggers 

For best results we recommend you wash with dandruff shampoo at least 3 times per week. Washing less frequently could cause irritants to build up on your scalp and trigger dandruff. Frequent washing helps make sure your scalp is continually protected against dandruff triggers. 

Read more hair care tips.