Dandruff can be a pesky problem, but it's more common than you might think. Those white or grey flakes of skin on your scalp can be especially noticeable in darker hair. Whether your hair is greasy or dry, dandruff can make your scalp feel uncomfortable and itchy.
What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by various skin conditions and has nothing to do with poor hygiene!
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is the most common form, especially if you have oily roots. It's caused by an overgrowth of a harmless yeast called Malassezia, which lives naturally on our skin. This yeast produces oleic acid, and sometimes our skin reacts to this acid, causing a red, itchy, and flaky scalp.
- Contact Dermatitis: If your dandruff suddenly flares up and your scalp is red and irritated with dusty flakes, you might have contact dermatitis. This is a reaction to an allergen or irritant in a hair product. Common irritants include hair dye, soap, fragrance, and preservatives. Ingredients to avoid include formaldehyde (a preservative) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a foaming agent commonly found in shampoo.
- Psoriasis: A less common cause, psoriasis affects about 2% of the population. It's due to an overproduction of skin cells, causing a build-up on the skin's surface, appearing as flaky, crusty red patches covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis is thought to be linked to immune system issues and can often be genetic.
- Eczema: Atopic or seborrheic eczema on the scalp can also cause dandruff, appearing as red, scaly, dry patches. Eczema commonly occurs in people with allergies and can be worsened by triggers like soaps, stress, and weather.
Things to Avoid
Stress, tiredness, heat, and pollution can cause flare-ups. Exercise creates an environment on the scalp that encourages Malassezia yeast to thrive. Dry shampoo can lead to yeast build-up, causing oleic acid overload. Wearing hats in winter causes scalp humidity, and central heating can dry out the scalp. These factors can exacerbate dandruff, especially in cold weather.
The Solution
Choose the Right Shampoo
Look for products with ingredients that tackle flakes (zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, and salicylic acid) and emollients to soothe and nourish the scalp (shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E). It's important to continue using the right shampoo, even when your dandruff improves.
Exfoliate Dead Skin Build-Up with a Sea Salt Scrub
Massaging your scalp with Epsom salts is an inexpensive way to exfoliate. Try this DIY treatment:
- Epsom Salt Scalp Scrub: Gently massage a few tablespoons of Epsom salt on your dry or slightly damp scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. The salt will exfoliate dead skin and soothe inflammation. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward with a dandruff-formulated shampoo.
Essential Oil Massage
Essential oils can work wonders for treating dandruff while stimulating hair growth and improving condition. Vitamin E-rich jojoba oil balances and nourishes the scalp. Lavender soothes and heals, peppermint cleanses, and rosemary regulates oil production and encourages growth. Try this DIY treatment:
- Essential Oil Massage Oil: Blend 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil with 5 drops each of rosemary, lavender, and peppermint. Pour a small amount into your palm, rub hands together, and massage into the scalp starting at the forehead. Continue until the entire scalp is covered. Massage with your fingertips for 5 minutes in circular motions. Leave the oil on as long as possible (overnight if you can). Shampoo and condition as normal. Repeat once a week for healthy, shiny hair.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. By taking care of your scalp, you can clear up dandruff and help your hair grow strong and healthy.