Everybody has known somebody or has suffered with dandruff at some point in their life, Whilst it isn't something that will damage your hair or scalp, it can be a little embarrassing and a little inconvenient, especially if you're somebody who like myself, likes to wear a lot of black.
Why do we get dandruff though? What causes it and what can we do about it?
Below, We have some information that we hope you find useful.
What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff can be caused by several different factors including dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products, yeast like fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalp. Other contributing factors include not shampooing the hair enough, Stress, Certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema.
How Can I Tell if I Have Dandruff?
So like dry hair, This is more of a "If you know, You know" issue. If you have dandruff, you're more than likely going to know that you have dandruff.
Dandruff is very easy to spot and it's characterised by white flakes on the scalp and hair. You might also notice that you have an itchy scalp. In the case that your hair is greasy, you may notice that you have red greasy patches which could be signs of dandruff.
What Ingredients Should I Look For in Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
If you're looking for an anti-dandruff shampoo, then you're going to want to look for shampoos that contain active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, selenium sulphide and coral tar. These ingredients can help to reduce fungal growth, control flaking and soothe scalp.
Is Sulphate Free Shampoo Good For Dandruff?
Yes, As with most hair care related problems, Sulphate free is best.
Sulphate free shampoos can be effective for sufferers of dandruff as they're much gentler on the scalp and can help maintain moisture balance whilst still addressing dandruff.
How Can I Prevent Dandruff?
It's relatively easy to prevent and keep dandruff at bay. Ensure that you maintain a regular hair-washing routine with an anti-dandruff shampoo, or a shampoo that works for you.
You're going to want to pay attention to your hair when using hair styling products so you can remove those from your hair care or hair styling routine.
Regularly clean your hair brushes and avoid sharing personal hair care items. This can also help prevent dandruff.
