Several different things can cause dandruff: eczema, hormonal changes, and even the change of seasons! Having dandruff doesn’t automatically mean you have a dry scalp; your scalp may be extremely oily. In either case, the skin on your scalp sheds, leaving white flakes snowing down around your head, neck, and shoulders.
A mild case of dandruff can often be cleared up with more frequent shampooing. A daily scrub can help prevent the buildup of dead skin cells on your scalp, especially if you give yourself a vigorous scalp massage while washing. Leave the lather on for ten minutes while you do the rest of your washing up. Be sure to rinse well, too — soap dried on the hair and scalp can be irritating to your skin. If you can, let your hair air-dry, rather than using a blow dryer.
Not all dandruff shampoos are created equal! Different types have different active ingredients, and you may need to experiment to find the one (or few) that work best.
- Coal-tar preparations — shampoos like Neutrogena T/Gel and Tegrin
- Pyrithione zinc — shampoos like Suave and Pert Plus Dandruff Control and Head and Shoulders
- Salicylic acid and sulfur — shampoos like Sebulex and Ionil T
- Selenium sulfide — shampoos like Selsen and Exsel
- Ketoconazole 1% — Nizoral A-D, also available as a 2% prescription strength
More severe cases of dandruff may need a doctor’s assistance. A prescription shampoo, conditioner, or lotion may be what your stubborn dandruff needs. Once your dandruff has cleared up, you can cut way back on the medicated shampoo; only use it once or twice a week or it will wreak havoc with your hair.
Looking for a natural or non-medicated remedy for your dandruff? You may need to boost the B-complex vitamins in your diet to keep your hair and skin healthy. Try rinsing your hair in vinegar to remove dead skin cells, and get plenty of natural sunlight. When you brush your hair, use a natural bristle brush and be sure to brush outward from the scalp with firm strokes. This will help spread the oil away from your scalp and into your hair.