What are Some of the Common Dandruff Causes?
Why it's happening and how to prevent it.
We’ve all seen it, annoyed, confused and frustrated by the itchy, dry flakes. Here’s the deal: skin cells are always forming on the scalp, so shedding is a totally normal process. Dandruff just takes it up a notch by shedding faster than normal. The causes for this acceleration ranges across an array of scenarios—dry scalp, grooming patterns, oil, fungus and more—and although it’s a totally harmless condition, it’s important to better understand what’s going so you can figure out how to treat it. Ready for some itch relief? Read on to learn more about what this scalp drama is all about and what you can do to deal with dandruff.
Dandruff Causes and Treatments Explained
1. Oily Scalp
If you notice red, greasy skin with a yellow scale-like appearance–this is probably what’s going on. The little scaly patches associated with seborrheic dermatitis tend to pop up around areas that are rich in oil production; think: scalp, brows, nose and even your groin. These yellow flakes on the scalp are more intense than dandruff.
2. Shower Routines
Look, we get it, dry shampoo is a beautiful thing, but you need to make sure to get a good old fashioned wash in every now and again. We’re talking a couple times a week in order to reduce the chance of oils and skin cells building up and possibly causing the unwanted flakes. To lock in moisture and optimize hydration in your hair, try out the TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo and the TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner.
3. Product Sensitivity
Do you have sensitive skin? More likely than not that means your scalp is too. That said, be careful about choosing scented products with ingredients that can irritate your skin. Opt for a hypoallergenic alternative that will leave you just as fresh.
4. Change of the Seasons
We don’t know about you, but the change of seasons can already be a pretty big bummer, after all, nobody wants to say goodbye to summer. On top of putting an end to summer Fridays, the drastic change in temperatures also means scalp issues. When temperatures go from hot to cold and vice versa, the intense change can lead to dry skin. Since every cloud has a silver lining, at least the flakes from dry skin tend to be smaller than those produced due to other causes. #BeOptimistic
5. What You Can Do
Since dandruff is seen as a chronic condition, full treatment may be impossible. Don’t get discouraged, though, because with proper grooming habits, you just might be able to control the flakes.
If regular shampoos just aren’t cutting it, use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner system like Clear Complete Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Clear Complete Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Conditioner. Infused with cucumber and mint, this formula works to leave your hair nourished as it helps to deal with flakes.
Don’t fret if one OTC combo doesn’t work for you because another might, so when you head to try a new product, simply keep an eye out for anti-dandruff ingredients like sulfide, ketoconazole or salicylic acid.
And if you’re still experiencing head and shoulder drama after a few weeks, dial up your doc to discuss prescription options to fight the flakes.
Want to learn more about dandruff? Read our article feeling flaky: understanding dandruff issues for added info about what to expect when white flakes arise.
