Tar shampoo for dandruff.

Caring for hair prone to the formation of multiple skin flakes (dead epidermal cells) requires a special approach. Regular shampoos are unable to cope with the problem. Special treatments have been developed that allow you to destroy the fungus - the main source of dandruff [ 1 ], and cope with sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Tar shampoo is one of these preparations.

Indications tar shampoo

Tar shampoo for dandruff should be used if the naked eye notices an abundance of scales in the hair, they sprinkle the shoulders. Often there is itching, skin irritation.

Dandruff can be both dry and oily. In both cases, the problem cannot be ignored due to the risk of developing into seborrhea - a more severe form of the disease, leading to baldness. [ 2 ] This shampoo is more suitable for oily hair, since it tends to dry out the skin. It is recommended to use the product even for psoriasis of the scalp. It is best to discuss the choice of treatment with a trichologist. [ 3 ]

Pharmacodynamics

Tar shampoo is made using tar, a product of thermal action on wood. Its therapeutic effect is determined by its composition:

• phytoncides - have antibacterial properties;
• creosols - known for their antiseptic effect, have a broad spectrum of action, suppress the growth of fungi;
• guaiacol - antiseptic, relieves irritation and itching;
• organic acids - promote the exfoliation of scales;
• resins - moisturize the scalp;
• dioxybenzene - regulator of cell renewal.

By penetrating the skin, the product eliminates fungal infection, reduces the amount of fat synthesized by the glands, activates microcirculation of blood in the hair follicles, providing them with nutrition. [ 4 ]

Dosing and administration

Tar shampoo is medicinal, so it contains few ingredients that provide foaming. Before use, pour it into your palms and form a foam, then rub it into the roots of wet hair with light massage movements and apply it along the entire length. Keep the preparation on your head for 4-5 minutes, then wash it off with acidified water, since tar has a slightly alkaline reaction and the shampoo will not wash out with plain water.

The course of treatment with tar shampoo is 1-1.5 months with a frequency of use 3 times a week. It is not suitable for daily hair washing.

• Application for children

The usefulness of tar shampoo has been repeatedly proven by testing conducted on different types of hair with dandruff problems. Its results did not reveal anything that would prevent its use on children.

Use tar shampoo during pregnancy

There are no direct contraindications against the use of tar shampoo during pregnancy, unless the woman herself rejects it because of its peculiar pungent smell, which can cause nausea, or an allergy to it.

Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can either relieve a woman of a previously existing hair problem or cause it. Tar soap can help get rid of the problem without waiting for childbirth.

Contraindications

A large number of biologically active substances in tar can cause an allergic reaction to it. Before using it for the first time, you need to test it by dripping shampoo on the elbow or smearing it behind the ear. The absence of redness or irritation indicates the absence of a negative effect on the skin.

Other contraindications include damage to the integrity of the scalp, acute inflammatory processes, and very dry hair (the product dries it out).

Side effects tar shampoo

Side effects may be caused by excessive drying of the skin and hair as a result of using the shampoo. Dullness and brittleness of hair, hair loss, skin irritation are a signal to stop using the product. In rare cases, this can lead to furunculosis. There is evidence of carcinogenicity of tar shampoo. [ 5 ]

Storage conditions

The shampoo can be stored in the bathroom at a temperature no higher than +25°C, away from direct sunlight.

Shelf life

The shelf life depends on the manufacturer and ranges from six months to 3 years.

Analogues

To combat dandruff, you can use other hair washing products. Among them: Nizoral, Skin-cap, Keto Plus, Sulsena. The use of tar-free shampoo (2% salicylic acid, 0.75% piroctone olamine and 0.5% elubiol) has proven to be more effective in eliminating dandruff than tar-based shampoos. [ 6 ]

Reviews

Numerous reviews attest to the effectiveness of the shampoo, and its availability is noted. A course of its use, as a rule, eliminates dandruff for an average of six months. From time to time, people resort to it to prevent the development of seborrhea.