One of the most frustrating things to have when you are trying to look your best is dandruff. Not only do many people suffer from dandruff, but most of those people do not even know what dandruff really is, and maybe carrying around certain myths about what dandruff is and what problems it may cause.
Five minutes before the job interview you glance at your shoulder and find a small pile of white flakes. Dandruff! Not now, you think, brushing it off from one shoulder, then the next, unaware of the fine line of flakes you’ve spilled out over the back of your black suit coat.
Dandruff is an equal opportunity irritant, striking poor and rich alike. Some people spend thousands of dollars a year trying to keep it at bay, while never truly understanding what it is or how it can be avoided, while others slick their scalps with apple vinegar or coconut oil on the advice of grandparents or neighbors.
Dandruff is actually part of the shedding process each of us goes through on a regular basis. This shedding process can be worsened by seasonal and environmental changes, emotional distress, and things like hair spray, mousse, and other hair-damaging treatments. This article will discuss why some people seem to get more dandruff than others and talk about possible treatment options.
If you suddenly begin experiencing increased dandruff including itching and scaling examine how your behaviors might have changed in the recent past. Have you moved to a different region? Are you wearing more scarves or tight-fitting hats? Have you dyed your hair recently or changed hairstyles drastically? Are you using an unfamiliar shampoo?
Experts believe that dandruff is seasonal with the heaviest, most damaging months occurring in winter. The sudden differences between indoor heat and cold weather appears to exacerbate the problem, and use of a humidifier to moisten dry heat inside might help the overall condition of the scalp, and, if possible, expose your scalp to natural sunlight during the winter months.
If you’ve recently moved, your water quality might be poor. Most people are unaware that you can buy water filters to fit your showerhead. These filters can sift out chlorine and other chemicals that tend to dry out your scalp. Take care to buy the filter that meets your requirements and always look for a unit that allows you to change your filter element while keeping the exterior unit to save money.
If you’ve moved to a colder climate you may be wearing excessively tight hats or scarves. You do not want to cut off circulation to your head. To improve circulation you may want to massage your scalp or gently brush your hair. Remember that although brushing improves circulation, you don’t want to overdo it: You do not want to brush so hard that you tear out hair or cause damage to your scalp.
You can damage your scalp by dying your hair or putting other strain to your head. Harsh chemical treatments may leave your hair brittle and your scalp dry and itchy, so be careful when selecting a color and try to keep a reasonable amount of time between dyings.
Shampoo often and take care to thoroughly rinse the suds from your hair. If you’ve recently changed brands, go back to your original shampoo, and if your scalp doesn’t improve try a tar shampoo or one that contains a cytostatic ingredient. If the problem persists or gets worse you should contact a dermatologist.
Often dandruff is a sign of mental duress or stress and will increase under particularly difficult times. Being aware of this should help you prepare for it. If you’re facing a difficult situation, improve your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables and increasing your water intake, and take special care of your scalp.
Dandruff might be a sign of a more serious illness such as a hormone imbalance, an allergic reaction, or something else. If you are experiencing profound or persistent dandruff and other health problems, please consult your physician.
Also, make sure that you are eating well and have good hygiene. This should help with dandruff. Dandruff can be very embarrassing and frustrating for people who have it. However, by knowing what dandruff really is and what some of the causes could be, you are able to start treating and controlling dandruff to make sure that you do not have to think about it or be embarrassed.
