Dandruff can be a pesky problem and there is a good chance that you may have to deal with it at some point. Some cases are worse than others, but the good news is that dandruff can be treated fairly simply by yourself. Only in extreme cases will you need to see a dermatologist, but for the most part it boils down to your overall scalp health.
Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia which is naturally occurring on the human scalp, but in large quantities can cause the dead skin to flake off in excess. Malassezia overgrowth is caused by many factors, including stress, hormones, and age.
Here are some tips on how to control dandruff from a master barber at House of Handsome in Edmonton:
Watch Your Diet
What you choose to eat has many effects on your physical, and mental health. You can almost entirely resolve most minor health-related issues by adjusting your diet a little bit. Foods with high carb and sugar content result in a buildup of glycogen in your skin and this can directly cause dandruff you are dealing with.
Wash Your Hair More Often
At its essence, dandruff is just flaky skin. It is perfectly normal for all humans to have small amounts of dandruff at all times. Washing your hair more often simply clears that outer layer of dandruff that may be stuck inside those luscious curls. It can also prompt your scalp to begin replenishing the oils you lost while shampooing, therefore moisturizing your scalp. Just be careful not to shampoo too often otherwise you may dry out your scalp too much.
Use A Special Dandruff Shampoo
As gimmicky as it may sound, dandruff shampoo is a thing that works! Dandruff shampoo contains zinc and sulfur which actively prevents the growth of fungus. It’s a simple solution and works most of the time, but you can always speak to a dermatologist to get recommendations on dandruff shampoos that will work best for your skin.
Don’t Scratch
This is probably the most difficult tip because we all know that there are few things more satisfying than scratching that pesky itch out of your head. Having an itchy head is the first sign that you have dandruff beginning to flake off. Your first instinct will always be to scratch it but if you can manage to hold off long enough to take a shower or treat it with tea tree oil, you may save yourself from inflammation or infection.
At House of Handsome, we hope that these tips help your scalp feel its best. Dandruff is tricky but it is more annoying than it is dangerous (in most cases). Try these tips next time your dandruff flares, and we would love to hear how they helped you on your journey to having a healthier scalp.