When it comes to hair care, the scalp can often be a delicate ecosystem, prone to disruption and imbalance. If you’re experiencing dandruff, either for the first time or as a recurring concern, integrating the right ingredient – like selenium – can help reduce flakes and deliver comfort to the scalp. Before introducing this ingredient into our hair care regimen, it’s important to understand how selenium is good for hair. In this selenium hair guide, we’ve consulted the expertise of Dercos Australia to uncover how, in the right amount, it can be used to target and manage dandruff.
What is selenium?
Selenium is a mineral naturally found in soil and a number of different foods.1 It is known as a ‘trace’ mineral, so the body only needs it in small amounts2 which is often covered by a well-balanced diet. Some of the richest sources of selenium can be found in:
- Brazilian nuts
- Seafood
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Tofu
- Milk
- Eggs3
There are many different compounds of selenium, but the compound selenium disulfide (also known as selenium sulfide) was originally formulated for cosmetic use the US in 19514 and is widely used in medicated shampoos today.
How is selenium used in hair care?
When it comes to selenium for hair, its compound selenium disulfide is used as an anti-fungal agent in shampoos to target dandruff and other acute scalp concerns like seborrheic dermatitis.5 When used topically, selenium disulfide is highly effective in reducing existing dandruff and as a ‘maintenance’ ingredient to prevent dandruff from recurring. In Dercos’s targeted anti-dandruff shampoo formulas, selenium disulfide is a key ingredient for managing both dry and oily dandruff.
