How to Beat Dandruff: Understanding the Flakes

During winter, snow isn’t the only white thing that falls down all around. Those irritating and itchy white flakes on your hair and scalp often fall too. It can be quite embarrassing to have white flakes on your shoulders when you have not been out in the snow at all.

The winter season is actually one of the toughest time of the year for people with dandruff. The dry winter air can actually worsen your condition and cause your scalp to itch. When you scratch, the dandruff on your scalp becomes loose. White flakes start to fall and the itchiness continues. The cycle goes on and on.

What is dandruff and what causes it?

There are two main causes of dandruff.

Malassezia fungi

Malassezia fungi attack the fatty acids found in the sebum, your skin’s naturally secreted oil. The fungus feeds on the oil secretion and causes an increase in cell turnover. As a result, a large number of dead skin cells are generated.

High production of sebum.

Sebum is an oily secretion of the scalp that helps to keep your hair healthy. But it is only healthy if normal amounts of sebum are produced. Excess sebum by itself and when mixed with dirt can clog follicles and appear as dreaded dandruff.

How do you control dandruff?

Keep your hair and scalp clean.

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and warm water at least every other day. If your hair is oily, the daily washing of hair is a must to remove the excess oil. Anti-dandruff shampoos are available in the market. Choose a product that is suitable for your hair type and works great for you. If in case your scalp becomes immune to your shampoo’s main ingredient, switch to a new shampoo with different ingredients.

Limit the use of hair styling products.

Excessive use of hair care and styling products can cause dandruff. It is possible that the ingredients themselves manifest as white flakes. The chemicals in these products can trigger an allergic reaction. They can also cause excessive dryness which can lead to irritated skin.

Be happy

Stress has long been believed to be one of the leading causes of dandruff. Stress challenges your body’s defenses and promotes the development of all sorts of ailments. Learn to manage stress by not worrying too much. Face each day with a clear mind and a happy feeling. Think happy thoughts and sustain it throughout the day.

Exfoliate the scalp.

A great way to control dandruff is to exfoliate the scalp. Huh? Yes, you heard it right. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells on your scalp.

Here is a great homemade anti-dandruff recipe.

Combine Argan oil with enough brown sugar to create a slightly coarse texture (approx. 1 part oil:2 parts sugar)
Massage the mixture on your scalp, gently rubbing on the sugar.
Wrap hair with a warm towel and let stay for at least 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

If you are having dandruff issues, stop scratching, get yourself a bottle of Argan oil, and follow the tips mentioned here!