ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DANDRUFF HAIR CARE

Dandruff is a skin condition that affects the scalp, causing flaking and itching. Various factors can worsen the condition, including dry skin, underlying eczema or psoriasis, and yeast overproduction in the scalp.

You might notice small yellowish or white flakes on your hair or those that have fallen onto your shoulders. These flakes are dead skin cells that shed more rapidly than usual when the skin produces excess sebum. Dandruff may also cause discomfort when styling your hair or affect your confidence. Some symptoms of dandruff include:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Itchy scalp
• Whitish-yellow skin flakes on the hair and scalp
• Flare-ups when you are stressed, or during cold seasons

 

Dandruff and dry scalp exhibit the same symptoms of itching and falling flakes, but they are different conditions. Dry scalp results when the skin lacks moisture, whereas dandruff results from excessive oil on the scalp and Malassezia yeast overgrowth. With a dry scalp condition, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. On the other hand, with dandruff, yeast overgrowth causes excess oil and the buildup of skin cells, which eventually shed. A dry scalp can be triggered by dry air, including the dry indoor air produced by constant air conditioning use across the region, as well as contact dermatitis, ageing, and using products that strip the skin of natural oils.

Unlike dandruff flakes, dry scalp flakes tend to be smaller and whiter. Dandruff flakes are larger, and sometimes yellow-tinged, with an oily appearance. You most likely have dandruff if your scalp feels oily, itches intensely, or is inflamed. You can treat most dandruff cases at home, but treating dry scalp depends on what causes the dryness. If underlying conditions cause the dry scalp, seek effective treatment from a healthcare professional.

Common Causes of Dandruff

Now that you know what dandruff is and how to differentiate it from dry scalp, consider some of the common causes of dandruff:

• Malassezia: Dandruff can be a sign of seborrhoeic dermatitis, caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia.
• Scalp irritation: Anything that irritates and damages the skin can trigger dandruff, including pool chemicals, hot showers, scalp sun exposure, and the drying effect of heavy air conditioning.
• Stress: Psychological stress affects your skin health and leaves you susceptible to dandruff.

How to Prevent Dandruff

Below, you will find expert tips on preventing dandruff by taking proper care of your scalp and choosing the right products for hair and scalp care.

 

Maintaining a Healthy Scalp

 

Your scalp health plays a major role in determining your hair's health. Your scalp contains follicles, which are the openings your hair grows from. Follicles produce oil that moisturises the scalp and protects the skin from infection. A disruption in the scalp's microbiome can cause dandruff, hair breakage, and changes in hair texture. Caring for your scalp keeps its microbiome balanced and helps reduce the occurrence of dandruff.

Avoid washing your hair too often to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils. That said, in hot and humid conditions, sweat and oil can accumulate more quickly on the scalp, so you may need to wash more frequently than you would in a cooler climate. Conversely, too much washing makes the hair produce excessive oils to compensate, resulting in oily hair.

When it comes to diet, certain minerals and vitamins are essential in maintaining healthy hair and skin. Vitamin B7 boosts keratin production for skin, hair, and nail growth. Vitamin B6 regulates the production of sebum to moisturise the scalp. Anti-dandruff diets rich in these nutrients include fatty fish, eggs, leafy greens, garlic, and poultry.

 

Proper Hair Washing Techniques

 

Applying proper techniques when washing your hair prevents damage to the hair follicles and the scalp. Even the water you use impacts the results. Hard water, which is common in many parts of the GCC, contains mineral buildup such as magnesium and calcium that can accumulate on your hair and dry it out. When washing your hair, consider using softened water where possible and following these steps:

• Wet your hair to open up the cuticles and ease the absorption of conditioner later.
• Apply your shampoo to the entire scalp, crown, and hair, through the ends to cleanse.
• Massage the scalp gently for about three minutes. Avoid harsh circular or back-and-forth movements to avoid tangling the hair follicles or excessive hair fallout.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly for one or two minutes. If you have dry hair, try rinsing it with cold water to keep it strong and healthy.
• Apply conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair, and rinse again after two to three minutes.
• Rinse again and dry your hair using a towel by squeezing or patting. Rubbing the hair excessively with a towel can cause tangles and fallout.

 

 

 

Over-the-counter treatment products provide relief from dandruff. Common remedies include anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, and conditioners.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

 

An anti-dandruff shampoo is typically a hair wash formula that contains active ingredients to help prevent flaking, and some products contain actives to prevent fungal overgrowth by clearing clogged follicles that cause itching and discomfort. These types of shampoo often work through antifungal action to inhibit the growth of Malassezia fungus, and you will see results within a few weeks.

Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with selenium sulfide and niacinamide to reduce visible flakes, relieve an itchy scalp, and protect the scalp barrier. Try the anti-dandruff shampoo for a healthier looking and feeling scalp.

Conditioners and Scalp Treatments for Dandruff

 

Dandruff conditioners often complement anti-dandruff shampoos. Conditioners generally smooth and strengthen hair with nourishing ingredients. Scalp serums or treatments may also serve a similar function but tend to be designed to treat dandruff in between hair washes. Serums can be used to target specific hair or scalp concerns like clearing dandruff or stimulating hair growth.

The Vichy Dercos Hair and Scalp Moisturising Conditioner was specifically designed to boost the look and feel of hair after dandruff treatment. It deeply conditions the hair and increases hair manageability to make drying and styling easier.

To boost your anti-dandruff hair care routine's efficacy, try the Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum. This serum is formulated to control five symptoms of dandruff, including flakes, scales, itch, redness, and irritation in between washes, while hydrating and soothing the scalp.

 

Hair care products typically contain several ingredients that can have an impact on the scalp. Here are some key ones in more detail.

Selenium Sulfide

 

Selenium sulfide is a potent anti-dandruff active that works to treat dandruff at the source by controlling the fungus that causes dandruff.

Zinc Pyrithione

 

Commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos for mild cases of dandruff, zinc pyrithione combats dandruff by targeting the fungus Malassezia restricta, a common cause of the condition. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to soothe scalp irritation and control flaking.

Salicylic Acid

 

Salicylic acid is another anti-dandruff ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and keratolytic properties. It helps to eliminate flaky skin and improve mild itching. Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its effectiveness. It can also be used as a preservative due to its antimicrobial properties.

For the best results, avoid the following ingredients:

MIT (Methylisothiazolinone)

MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) should be avoided in hair care products due to its potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis and scalp irritation. This preservative can lead to skin rashes, inflammation, and even hair loss in sensitive individuals.

Benzene

This petrochemical solvent is toxic and carcinogenic over time.

You can reduce dandruff without medical intervention through gentle cleansers and over-the-counter products. However, if the condition persists after using these remedies, consult a dermatologist.

Learn more about scalp care from the global scalp and hair care experts at Vichy and explore the full line of Dercos hair and scalp care to build your new anti-dandruff routine.