In fact, the surfactants in hair shampoos are
themselves therapeutic agents since they detach
the superficial horny skin cells including the
microorganisms inhabiting them. Surfactants can
therefore be regarded as dispersing agents for
fine dandruff. However, although surfactants
provide immediate results, the effect remains
weak to moderate and is only transient. This
effect of surfactants can further be increased by
using ‘harsher’ shampoos (change from a ‘mild’
to a ‘normal’ hair shampoo) which are able to
eliminate dandruff almost completely. However,
shampoos with harsher surfactants are more
irritant resulting in a contrary effect since they
promote inflammation of the skin. A vicious circle
is then established.