Common Causes of Dandruff and How to Treat It

Dandruff is one of the most common conditions that people seek to cure with their hair, we’ve all seen it and many of us have suffered from it even if at least mildly in our lives but what is dandruff? What causes it and how can we treat dandruff?

We’re going to go through some common causes of dandruff and exactly what we can try and do to get rid of dandruff and how we can try and prevent it from coming back.

Common Causes of Dandruff:

• Malassezia: This is one of the main causes of dandruff yet you try and pronounce the name! Malassezia is a fungus that lives on the scalp of most adults and usually isn’t a problem, yet for an unfortunate handful, Malassezia can cause irritation to the scalp and cause the excess production of skin cells which then leads to dandruff.
• Dry Skin: Again, this one is incredibly common, This can be caused by a variety of factors, Mostly external factors though which should be more easy to remedy. Factors that can cause a dry scalp are harsh shampoos, cold weather or a lack of moisture in the air.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes oily, irritated skin. It is a common cause of dandruff but is especially common in people that have naturally oily skin.
• Sensitivity To Hair Care Products: Just like anything, You can have a sensitivity to hair care products. It may not be the hair care product itself but even something like the fragrance that has been used in that product. Usually though, the sensitivity lies with harsh ingredients such as sulphates and parabens. Which is why we always recommend a sulphate and paraben free shampoo.
• Diet: There is evidence to suggest that poor diet can actually contribute to dandruff! People who’s diets have high a high sugar intake or a high intake of saturated fats may run the risk of getting dandruff.
• Stress & Anxiety: You may have already read our blog post on “Can Anxiety Make My Hair Greasy?” Well it’s also true that stress and anxiety can worsen dandruff symptoms. Finding ways to deal with stress and anxiety through things like exercise, yoga, walking and meditation are all good ways that you can reduce the symptoms of stress.

How To Treat Dandruff

• Use A Medicated Shampoo: Medicated shampoos containing ingredients such as Salicylic acid, coal tar or ketoconazole can help to reduce dandruff. These shampoos work by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
• Moisturize: If your dandruff is being caused by dry skin then it’s important to moisturize. Moisturizing your scalp can help to reduce the symptoms of dandruff. This can be achieved by using hair care products such as scalp oil or a good hair conditioner.
• Avoid Hair Care Products That Irritate Your Scalp: If you’ve started to notice that you may becoming sensitive to certain brands or even just certain products then it’s important to start looking for products that are labeled as “Gentle” or “for Sensitive Skin”. This will help reduce irritation to the scalp which should lessen the dandruff.
• Improve Your Diet: It’s been noted that a poor diet can have several negative health implications, Even down to your hair unfortunately. If you’ve tried everything above but you’re still suffering from dandruff, then it may be time to step back and take a look at your diet, See if there are any improvements that can be made. Is your diet rich in vitamins and minerals? Are you getting enough foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and walnuts?

If you’ve have no luck with any of the above or you feel that we haven’t covered the cause of your dandruff, You can always take a look at anti-dandruff hair products. You can get a great selection in the salon and on our website. It may also be worth asking the question to your hair stylist in-case they’ve noticed something you may not have.