How to Get Rid of Dandruff
You glance down at your shoulder and there it is: dandruff. Those pesky white flakes that just sit on your shirt and ruin your otherwise sophisticated black outfit. While annoying, dandruff is nothing to worry about. It is an extremely common condition and, for most people, easy to control.
Dandruff is most often caused by dry skin and is often worse in the colder months. When the dry, dead skin cells flake off, it can make your hair and clothing look like they got caught in a snowstorm. The good news is that dandruff is not contagious and can usually be treated easily, quickly and affordably. Before you resign yourself to an all-white wardrobe, read on for tips on how to treat and prevent this common problem.
Common Causes of Dandruff
- Dry skin (often caused by cold weather)
- Fungal infection
- Excessive use of styling products
- Irritated or oily skin
- Diet high in saturated fat
- Infrequent hair-washing
- Hormonal changes
- Skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis
Dandruff fact.
Dandruff is estimated to affect up to 50% of people at some point in their lives. Males are two times more likely to suffer from dandruff than females.
Simple and Effective Dandruff Treatments
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo every day. For most dandruff sufferers, daily use of a simple over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo will stop dandruff within a few days to a week. Many regular shampoo makers also manufacture an anti-dandruff formula, and the cost is usually the same. Different shampoos contain different chemicals, so you may have to try a few brands before you find the one that works best for you.
Rub your scalp in the shower once a day. While lathering up the shampoo in your hair, rub your scalp for 30 to 60 seconds to dislodge any excess dead skin cells. However, be careful not to rub too vigorously – you don’t want to pull out your hair or injure your scalp.
Lather, wait, rinse, repeat. After lathering up and giving yourself a brief scalp massage, wait 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing (be sure to read the directions on your shampoo bottle as the timeframe varies by brand). Make sure you rinse thoroughly, as this is how you remove the dandruff flakes and send them down the drain forever. If your dandruff is especially noticeable, you may want to shampoo a second time. Once your dandruff is under control, once-daily use of an anti-dandruff shampoo should prevent future occurrences.
If that doesn’t work, see a dermatologist. If you don’t see results after about six weeks of using an anti-dandruff shampoo, or if you still have an extremely itchy scalp, then it’s time to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will determine whether your dandruff stems from a more serious underlying condition, such as an infection or skin disorder. Your dermatologist may prescribe a medicated shampoo or steroid-containing lotion to help get rid of your dandruff.
Easy Ways to Prevent Dandruff
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Nutrients such as zinc, B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce dandruff. Try to eat lean proteins (fish is an excellent source) and fresh produce. Reduce your intake of sugars and saturated fats.
Use fewer hair products. Hair sprays, gels and mousses can all cause excessive buildup and residue that lead to dandruff. Hair dryers and dyes can dry out your scalp and cause an increase in dandruff.
Get some sun. Some studies suggest that 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day can help prevent dandruff. Vitamin D, which your body absorbs naturally from the sun, has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of skin disorders that have been linked to dandruff, such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
Take time to relax and manage stress. Stress may not be an obvious cause of dandruff, but learning to manage stress will have a positive effect on your overall health.
Varieties of Effective Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Zinc pyrithione (found in Head & Shoulders, Matrix Biolage Antidandruff and Pantene Pro-V Pyrithione Zinc) is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal chemical complex proven to reduce fungi on the scalp that causes dandruff.
Coal tar-based shampoos (such as Denorex, Neutrogena T/Gel and Psoriatrax) treat dandruff by slowing down how quickly skin cells on the scalp die and flake off. Coal tar decreases dryness and scaling, and it is often used in creams and lotions made to treat psoriasis.
Selenium sulfide (found in Selsun Blue Medicated Treatment, Dandrex and Exsel) slows down the death of skin cells and also reduces fungi on the scalp. However, selenium sulfide can sometimes cause a yellow tinge in light-colored hair, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after use.
Salicylic acid/sulfur shampoos (such as Sebulex and Neutrogena T/Sal) reduce scaling and itching in the scalp. The chemicals cause the skin to shed dead cells by reducing the substance that makes them clump together. Salicylic acid/sulfur shampoos can increase dryness, so it is recommended that you follow up with a conditioner after shampooing.
Ketoconazole (available over the counter in Nizoral A-D, or in a higher 2% concentration by prescription) is an anti-fungal ingredient used to treat infections by stopping the growth of yeast or other fungi.
