Scalp disorders are actually more common than you might think. And while they used to be difficult to comprehend, analyse and resolve in the past, such issues can be fixed within the blink of an eye these days, especially due to all the top-level hair care brands that exist.
Amongst some of the prominent brands in the world of hair care is the US-based brand Neutrogena, which is known for making skin care products as well as hair care products that can help one’s confidence propel on another level. Fixing scalp problems is also easy when you place your trust in Neutrogena, especially with the existence of their T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo, the main subjects of this article.
While both serve a similar purpose and specialize in controlling and eliminating symptoms of scalp problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, and dandruff, confusing the T/Sal shampoo with the T/Gel shampoo and vice versa isn’t something out of the ordinary. In fact, if you’re still confused about which one is which, and wondering which shampoo between Neutrogena’s T/Gel vs. T/Sal shampoo will benefit your hair and scalp the most, sit tight as we unveil to you all their differences while explaining to you their similarities!
About Neutrogena
Regarding prominent brands in hair care, Neutrogena is a brand that won’t go unnamed. It initially came into existence in 1930, when Emanuel Stolarof, commonly known as Manny, laced up his boots and provided the world of fashion, health, and beauty with cosmetics such as lipsticks, lip brushes, and more. And while that allowed Neutrogena, which was then called Natone, to achieve its first big break, the second campaign of the brand was even more groundbreaking.
During one of his many trips to Europe, when Manny discovered the potential of a non-alkaline soap created by a Belgian chemist, he bought the entire lot and brought it on his way back home to the U.S. Knowing how good the soap bars were, Manny started selling them to women in the U.S., whose main issues revolved around soap bars with harsh chemicals. In addition to allowing one’s skin to retain moisture, Neutrogena’s bars were known for being relatively cheap, costing only $1 at the time. Once Manny sealed Neutrogena’s name in the world of beauty, he made his son-in-law, Lloyd Cotsen, the successor of the brand.
Once Lloyd entered the frame, the company changed its name from Natone to Neutrogena. And while reaching new milestones was definitely one of the main aims of Lloyd’s once he became the president of the brand, his approach was drastically different in contrast to Emanuel’s.
Instead of promoting the importance of beauty with Neutrogena’s products, Lloyd sought to promote how safe they were as an everyday solution. And once the brand’s products became certified by dermatologists, Neutrogena became a versatile brand that beautified one’s skin and hair with useful ingredients, without causing any harm.
These days, Neutrogena isn’t just known for curating items that improve the outer layers of one’s skin and hair, but is also known for promoting healthy hair growth, and glowing skin. In addition to selling medicated shampoos, Neutrogena also produces moisturizers, face cleansers, exfoliators, and make-up, all of which are equally sought after by skin care enthusiasts worldwide.
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo
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Neutrogena’s T/Gel Shampoo is a great product to utilize if your main scalp issues revolve around dandruff, flaky skin, and itchiness. It is made of coal tar extract, which is known for its anti-bacterial properties and for wiping away any piece of crust off one’s scalp without an issue.
While the fragrance could reek of medicine, the T/Gel shampoo is definitely worth it because of all the benefits it offers to users. The coal tar extract doesn’t just protect the users from fungal infections and dryness, but also stays back 45 minutes after being washed off to prevent further buildup from arising. While the T/Gel shampoo welcomes anyone with open arms, it stands out the most when relieving the issues of those with psoriasis, dermatitis, and persistent dandruff.
Using the product is also pretty simple. All you have to do is wet the hair, take a dime-sized amount of the shampoo, and lather it across your hair and scalp. Rinse your scalp once 5 minutes have passed, and use a conditioner with a pleasant fragrance to cancel out that medicinal scent.
Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo
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If your flaky scalp has been bugging you for quite some time now, and becomes red and itchy every now and then, investing in Neutrogena’s T/Sal shampoo could be a great move to make.
Neutrogena’s T/Sal shampoo isn’t like an average shampoo. This therapeutic shampoo specializes in controlling scalp build-up and wipes away severe cases of psoriasis, dermatitis, redness, and itchiness with the help of salicylic acid, which is its main component.
In addition to being free of fragrance, this shampoo also has a different feel. It isn’t as foamy and feels almost like a conditioner when applied to the scalp. Additionally, when washed off, the ingredients of this shampoo tend to stay around for more than an hour to work their magic!
Just like most therapeutic medicinal shampoos, this T/Sal shampoo comprises a simple routine. Once it’s applied to damp strands of hair and a wet scalp, users are required to leave the application on for the next couple of minutes. After the minutes have passed, they are required to rinse the generous cleansing agent off using lukewarm water.
The T/Sal shampoo is without a doubt the perfect shampoo for those with severe scalp conditions but should be avoided by those with a dry scalp. Since it contains ingredients like citric acid, and also contains 3% salicylic acid, those with existing symptoms of a dry scalp might suffer even more due to its moisture-absorbing properties.
Neutrogena T/Gel Vs. T/Sal: Examining Their Differences And Similarities
When put in the same pool, you might notice a massive number of similarities between Neutrogena’s T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo. However, in addition to discovering all the similarities, you will also notice major differences that set them apart at the end of the day. From having a different fragrance to serving a different purpose, here’s what we’ve found when analyzing both items carefully!
Purpose
While both shampoos of Neutrogena specialize in improving the condition and visuals of one’s scalp and reducing the harmful effects of dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and so on, the T/Gel shampoo mainly focuses on soothing the scalp and reducing the growth of skin cells, which is a primary cause of the conditions stated previously.
On the other hand, the T/Sal shampoo aims to remove build-up and residue from the scalp, which are the primary causes of itchiness, and allergic reactions on the scalp. It also absorbs sebum, which can be a great incentive for those with an oily scalp, and soothes signs of redness on one’s scalp with ease.
Fragrance
Another difference that was picked up on when examining the two lied beneath their smell. Since the T/Gel is a shampoo infused with coal tar, the dark liquid agent produces quite a strong medicinal smell when combined with all the ingredients of the T/Gel shampoo.
As opposed to the T/Gel, the T/Sal shampoo smells rather similar. However, despite smelling like medication, the T/Sal leaves a scent that is more bearable.
Ingredients
While both medicated shampoos contain sulfates, and citric acid, the main component of the T/Gel shampoo is coal tar, a dark liquid that is used in cleansing agents to wipe away flaky skin, dismiss symptoms of fungal infection on one’s scalp. It also contains many anti-bacterial properties that can change one’s scalp for the better!
Moreover, on top of containing sodium hydroxide, the T/Sal shampoo contains salicylic acid, which is the primary ingredient of the item. When used on the scalp, salicylic acid tends to wipe away signs of itchiness and dandruff, and can also remove severe signs of redness from one’s scalp. Additionally, due to containing salicylic acid, the T/Sal shampoo tends to look less foamy in contrast to its counterpart.
Application
One of the major similarities that were discovered was the application process. In short, both shampoos require users to wet their hair before lathering the products onto their scalp and leaving them on for the next couple of minutes. Once the minutes have passed, the lathered substance must be rinsed off immediately.
Additionally, if you use each product twice a day for more than six weeks, don’t forget to be prepared for seeing noticeable results!
Which Shampoo Should You Choose? 3 Factors To Consider Before Taking Your Pick!
With the help of the first half of the article, you’ll discover all the ways in which Neutrogena’s T/Gel Shampoo is different from the T/Sal shampoo, and learn about the similar aspects that bring them together. However, if you do plan to invest in one of them, make the right decision by considering all the factors placed below!
Scalp Issue
The first important aspect to consider is your scalp issue. For instance, if your scalp condition causes flaky skin and produces dandruff, but subsides every time you use regular shampoo on your hair, your case issue might be mild. And if that’s the case, try using the T/Gel shampoo.
Additionally, if you’re seeing signs of dandruff, but are also noticing itchy and red, oozing flareups around the hairline and the nape line of your scalp, you might be suffering from a severe case of psoriasis or eczema. However, as long as you use the T/Sal shampoo, your issues will be resolved in weeks!
Hair Care Routine
You should always consider your own hair care routine, specifically your washing routine before you pick a shampoo. While the routine might change depending on the time of the year, consider tracking your current washing routine before making your pick between Neutrogena’s T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo!
While both the items shouldn’t be used more than twice a week, due to having lenient properties, the T/Gel shampoo can be used thrice on certain occasions, especially when it’s humid outside. Since salicylic acid is known for absorbing natural oils, using it more than the recommended amount could lead to a dry and flaky scalp.
Scalp Type
Another factor that you must take into account is your scalp type. While you may use one of the two if your scalp is on the greasier end, try using the T/Gel shampoo first before moving on the T/Sal shampoo if your scalp is already dry. Due to its ability to absorb moisture from the pores, the salicylic acid in T/Sal shampoo might make your scalp even drier, which might just make your condition more severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope the previous segments allow you to learn all there is to know about Neutrogena’s T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo. Additionally, with the assistance of the immediate former segment, we hope you are able to make your desired pick between the two.
Since both of these Neutrogena shampoos are suitable for medical use, choosing one of the two should be sufficient to get rid of problems around the scalp. However, if you’re still feeling doubtful, buckle up and read through the following questions and answers thoroughly!
Q: Will the T/Gel or T/Sal shampoo regrow my hair?
A: With the help of the T/Gel shampoo, your scalp will be free of any product build-up, which will clear up signs and symptoms of dandruff and mild cases of psoriasis and eczema. Likewise, if you end up using the T/Sal shampoo, you will feel the benefits of its properties on your scalp within a week, as the salicylic acid will remove severe cases of scalp issues in a jiffy.
However, despite promoting a healthier scalp, both shampoos won’t be of any use if you’re expecting them to grow your hair back. While using them enough will fix the condition of existing strands, neither of the shampoos is known for reversing hair loss.
Q: What is the main difference between the T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo?
A: Neutrogena’s T/Gel and T/Sal shampoo are extremely similar in terms of purpose, and even require users to follow the same instructions when being applied.
However, the T/Gel shampoo contains coal tar, an ingredient that is known for reducing the growth of skin cells and product buildup. It also prevents the growth of fungal infections, preventing dandruff, and mild scalp issues as a result.
On the other hand, the key ingredient of the T/Sal shampoo is salicylic acid, which is a skin-healing agent. While it’s mostly known for helping with acne, using a shampoo with salicylic acid can be great for those that suffer from an itchy and flaky scalp, as it soothes the skin and removes unnecessary build-up from the scalp with ease.
Q: Why isn’t my scalp problem going away after using the shampoos of Neutrogena?
A: When using either of the two mentioned options, you should expect to see noticeable changes in the affected areas within six weeks. However, if the condition of your scalp fails to improve during that timeframe, consider reaching out to a doctor or a trichologist, as you might have underlying health issues that may be contributing to your scalp problem.
Final Takeaway
As stated earlier, Neutrogena’s T/Gel shampoo as well as their T/Sal shampoo could prove to be game-changers if you suffer from scalp issues that dehydrate your scalp. The coal tar of the T/Gel can be used to remove flakiness and prevent fungal infection, while the salicylic acid of the T/Sal shampoo will reduce the flare-ups and itchiness caused by eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and so on.
However, consider taking your scalp condition, scalp type, and routine into account when making your pick. Since both are medical shampoos, using them regularly should be prohibited, as the items will make your scalp even flakier.
Additionally, if your scalp condition is severe and the dryness also leads to itchiness, soothe your scalp with the T/Sal shampoo. You may resort to the T/Gel shampoo if the urge to itch your scalp isn’t as frequent.
Furthermore, regardless of which one you end up choosing, don’t use the shampoos more than twice a week. Although you are expected to see results within six weeks, reach out to a doctor if the condition of your scalp doesn’t improve.
