Here Are a Few Common Dandruff Causes:
Dry Scalp A scalp that’s too dry is often caused by overly cold temperatures, which leads to flaking and dandruff. Sign: The scalp feels tight with dry, flaky dandruff. Fix it with an anti-dandruff shampoo containing conditioning agents, and avoid excessive heat styling.
Oily Scalp The scalp can produce excess sebum (oil), which then reacts with dust and dirt, causing itchiness and dandruff. Sign: Yellowish, larger dandruff flakes. Fix it with a shampoo that can clear excess sebum, and avoid stress, since sebum production is also triggered by stress hormones.
Malassezia Globosa Fungal Infection Malassezia globosa produces oleic acid, which causes irritation and contributes to dandruff. Be careful here, even though dandruff itself isn’t contagious, this microbe can easily spread through towels, combs, or hats. Sign: White or yellow flakes. Fix it with an anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients that can control this microbe.
Incomplete Rinsing Using various hair products also requires thorough rinsing, so no leftover product mixes with dust and dirt, which can then lead to dandruff. Sign: White or yellow flakes that tend to be larger. Fix it with the best anti-dandruff shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Solutions for Dandruff Issues
Comb Your Hair Properly Regular combing can reduce the risk of dandruff and support natural scalp exfoliation, while also improving blood circulation to the head. Try combing your hair before washing to help boost your anti-dandruff shampoo’s effectiveness.
Use the Right Shampoo Different anti-dandruff shampoos contain different active ingredients to address dandruff:
- Tar-based shampoo. Tar helps extend the scalp’s cell lifespan before it flakes off as dandruff.
- Salicylic acid. Helps address an oily scalp layer.
- Selenium sulfide. Contains antifungal properties. Use this product only as directed and always rinse thoroughly.
- Ketoconazole. Contains antifungal agents that target the scalp.
Wash Your Hair Regularly If your scalp is oily, you should wash your hair daily using an effective yet gentle anti-dandruff shampoo. When it comes to addressing dandruff, there’s no such thing as washing too often. The more frequent, the better.
Wash All the Way to the Scalp Anti-dandruff shampoo works best when it comes into direct contact with the scalp, not just the hair. Try gently massaging your scalp while washing, and once done, rinse with warm water.
Extra Tips
- Manage stress. The more stressed you are, the more your hormones can spiral out of balance, which can trigger dandruff.
- Eat healthy food. Foods rich in zinc, vitamin B, and healthy fats can help prevent dandruff.
- Limit hair treatments. Frequently using various hair tools and products can leave the scalp unhealthy, which can eventually lead to dandruff from a dry scalp.