Luscious locks in winter? Well, they sure do sound like a fluffy dream. For most, winter brings in a dry and flaky scalp that has them reaching out to scratch the itch every now and then. What then ensues is a snowy rain of dandruff right in front of your eyes on your clothes, face and more.
While the body might be protected from the chilly winds with the help of warm layers, the real victim of the season is the scalp. Dandruff, grease, dry lengths, frizz, all the problems combine into one hair fiasco for most at this time. But have you ever wondered if it's just the environment or if you have something to do with the forever coming dandruff on your scalp?
In a conversation with The Looker, Dr Ariel Ostad, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City shared four dos and don'ts of dealing with dandruff. Here's what they are:
Not washing your hair enough
Now is the perfect time to realise the importance of a haircare routine. Not washing the hair frequently enough can feed the yeast that causes dandruff. Malassezia, is a yeast-like fungus that causes dandruff and feeds on the dead skin cells and oily sebum that accumulate in the hair when you don't wash your hair regularly.
While a one to two day gap is alright, the doctor shared that he sometimes sees people not wash their hair for a week or even ten days. This forms the perfect environment for the oil, dirt and dead skin to build up and keep the fungus alive.
What's the solution?The dermatologist recommends washing the hair every other day with an anti-dandruff shampoo or a gentle shampoo to treat the itching and flakes. In extreme cases, it is best to consult an expert for recommendations on products to use.
Using too strong products
Even the thought of bacteria or fungi has some reaching out to their strongest cleanser to wipe them out. But your hair isn't a lab and experimentation will get you nowhere. While you do need strong products to keep the scalp clean, too strong or chemicalised products can actually have the opposite effect and add to the dandruff.
Using harsh shampoos, fragrant soaps and alcohol-based products can strip the scalp of its natural moisture and trigger inflammation and irritation, thus worsening the dandruff.
What's the solution?Opt for lightweight and gentle products that are formulated specifically for sensitive scalps. Additionally, make sure to moisturise and nourish the scalp with the help of oils such as olive oil about once or twice a week, recommended Ostad.
Excessive stress
Ostad shared how his patients experience no dandruff when on a vacation, only for it to return when they come back home. According to them, they attribute the problem to the air and water of the place that triggers their dandruff.
But according to the expert, it's the stress waiting for you back home that triggers the dandruff. A higher level of stress results in a higher level of cortisol which can trigger inflammation that worsens dandruff.
What's the solution?Well, since vacationing all the time is not feasible (unless you are secretly a billionaire), just relax. Form a routine to take care of your body, ensure proper sleep, and try meditation or any other stress management activity that works for you.
Stop the itch
When the itch arrives, you genuinely want to just keep on scratching your scalp until you are satisfied. But remember how if you keep on scratching your arm it turns sensitive, red and even might start bleeding? Well, the skin of your scalp is not so different.
Scratching a lot and using too many heat-styling products can lead to inflammation of the scalp and of course, aggravate the dandruff.
What's the solution?Treat your scalp as preciously as the skin on your face. If you have to touch the scalp to apply products or blow-dry the lengths, be as gentle as you can. Additionally, make sure your nails are trimmed and filed and only use the finger pads to rub the product in gently.
Understanding the causes of dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition most commonly related to seborrheic dermatitis (SD) which causes itchy and flaky skin on the scalp. It can be caused due to a variety of causes such as fungi, Malassezia, shampooing too much or too little, sun damage, unhealthy diet, excessive production from the sebaceous glands and more.
Symptoms of dandruff can be oily flakes, itching, irritated or sensitive patches, hair loss and more.
While hair-care products can be extremely helpful in fighting off dandruff, lifestyle changes matter just as much. Adopting these small but significant changes in your routine can make tackling the problem easy and can return the shine and health to your scalp. However, if the problems persist consulting a dermatologist is the best solution.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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