The truth about oily flakes, dry scalp, and how to restore balance—without switching shampoos every month.
Ever feel like your dandruff shampoo used to work—but doesn’t anymore?
You noticed flakes on your shoulders or scalp and reached for an anti-dandruff shampoo.
At first, it seemed to help: fewer flakes, less itching.
But a few weeks later, the problem came back—sometimes worse.
You switched brands. Tried many different types of products.
Nothing seemed to work anymore.
So what’s really going on?
Why does dandruff keep returning—and why do some shampoos only offer short-term relief?
Let’s break it down.
What Causes Dandruff?
The root cause of most dandruff cases is yeast overgrowth, particularly a fungus called Malassezia.
This yeast naturally lives on the scalp, but under certain conditions—such as excess oil, stress, poor sleep, weakened immunity, or harsh hair products—it can multiply out of control.
When Malassezia overgrows, it irritates the scalp and disrupts normal skin cell turnover. This causes the scalp’s outer layer to thicken and shed irregularly, leading to visible flakes, itching, and inflammation.
The Two Main Types of Dandruff
1）Oily Dandruff
- Yellowish, sticky flakes
- Often clump on the scalp or hair roots
- Usually accompanied by oiliness, itching, or inflammation
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In more severe cases, may be paired with unpleasant scalp odor
Linked to: Excess sebum + Malassezia overgrowth
2）Dry Dandruff
- Small, white, powdery flakes
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Easily fall onto shoulders and clothing
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Often worsens in cold weather or after using drying hair products
Linked to: Dehydrated, sensitive, or over-cleansed scalp
Why Do Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Stop Working?
If your anti-dandruff shampoo worked at first but lost its effectiveness over time, your scalp may be experiencing over-cleansing.
Many commercial anti-dandruff shampoos are alkaline and contain strong detergents. These formulas offer quick results by stripping away oil and buildup—but with long-term use, they can cause damage.
Here’s why:
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The scalp’s natural barrier (acid mantle) has a healthy pH of around 4.5–5.5.
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Harsh shampoos disrupt this barrier, leaving the scalp vulnerable.
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An alkaline scalp environment creates the perfect conditions for Malassezia to overgrow.
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The microbiome is thrown off balance—and the flakes return, even while using the same product.
In other words, these shampoos may solve the surface problem but create deeper imbalances that make the issue worse over time.
How to Break the Cycle—Without Constantly Switching Shampoos
To treat dandruff effectively and sustainably, you need to support the scalp environment, not just fight surface symptoms.
Here’s how:
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Choose a slightly acidic shampoo (pH 4.5–5.5) to protect the acid mantle
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Avoid overly harsh detergents or sulfates that strip away natural oils
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Establish a consistent shampoo routine
– Shampoo daily if you naturally produce a lot of oil
– Double-cleanse if you use styling products, sunscreen, or have a greasy scalp
– Use Deep Cleaning & Detoxing products once a week to unclog follicles and remove buildup.
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Don’t fear washing—as long as you're using the right product, even if you wash daily, it should not cause harm.
– The myth that "less washing is better" only applies when using harsh products
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Support your overall health with enough rest, hydration, and stress management
The Bottom Line: Balance Is Key
Gentle, pH-balanced shampoos might not deliver dramatic changes in the first few washes—but they protect your scalp long-term.
They allow your natural barrier to recover.
They reduce flare-ups over time.
They support a healthy microbiome that keeps Malassezia under control—without harsh stripping or scalp shock.
So instead of hopping from one shampoo to the next, give your scalp what it actually needs: consistency, balance, and respect.