Dandruff is certainly not one of life’s most serious problems. Not on the scale of deficit budgets or global warming.
But it sure is a hassle.
Fortunately, discomforts are often easier to treat than serious problems. No need to scratch your head. Here are 10 tips from the dermatologist on how to get to the root of dandruff:
1. Don’t ignore it. Whatever you do, don’t ignore a bad case of dandruff or slip into a cycle of scratching and itching. Dandruff doesn’t go away on its own, and ignoring it invites a build-up of flaking. That can be itchy, which can lead to scratching. Vigorous scratching can damage the scalp and expose it to infection.
2. Shampoo frequently. Wash your hair frequently, even every day. Generally, the more you shampoo, the easier it will be to control dandruff.
3. Start off light. Often times, a mild non-medicated shampoo is enough to control the problem. Dandruff is often caused by an overly oily scalp. Daily shampoo with a mild brand can control oil without aggravating your scalp.
4. If you need to fight, change. If regular shampoos don’t work, switch to an anti-dandruff formula. Anti-dandruff shampoos are classified by their active ingredients, which work in different ways. Those with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione work faster, slowing the rate at which cells on the scalp multiply. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen the scales so they can be easily washed off. Those with antibacterial agents reduce bacteria on the scalp and reduce the chance of infection. Those with tar retard cell growth.
5. Be a soapy fool. No matter what type of dandruff shampoo you choose, lather up twice. Make the first lather as soon as you step into the shower. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to help loosen scales and flakes, but don’t rub so hard that you scratch your scalp. Leave the shampoo on until you are done showering. Then rinse your hair very thoroughly and then with a second quick lather and rinse. The second rinse will leave just a little of the medication on your scalp so it can work until your next shampoo.
6. Cover it. New York dermatologist Diana Bihova has another approach to improving the effectiveness of medicated shampoos. After lathering up, put one of those hotel shower caps on your wet hair. Leave it on for an hour, then rinse.
7. Put on conditioner. Dandruff shampoos are effective, but they can damage hair. If your hair becomes unmanageable, alternate an anti-dandruff shampoo with your regular brand. Apply conditioner after each shampoo to counteract its effects.
8. Strike the oil. Although excess oil from the scalp (from the sebaceous glands) can cause problems, an occasional treatment with warm oil helps loosen and soften the flakes of dandruff. Heat a little oil until lukewarm. Dampen your hair and then apply the oil directly to your scalp. Part your hair as you go to treat just the scalp. Let the oil work for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
9. Expose yourself. A little sun exposure is good for dandruff, dermatologists say. But of course, use the sense of the sun. Don’t sunbathe; just spend time outdoors. Limit sun exposure to 30 minutes or less per day. And use a sunscreen on exposed skin.
10. Don’t let stress get to your head. Emotions can play a role in triggering or worsening skin conditions like dandruff. These conditions are often made worse by stress. So if your emotions are overloaded, find ways to counteract stress. Exercise. To meditate. Read a book for flakes and laugh out loud.