Easy ways to shake off dandruff

May 19, 2022 0 Comments

Certainly, dandruff is not one of life’s most serious problems. Not on the scale of budget deficits or global warming.

But it sure is a bummer.

Fortunately, discomfort is often easier to treat than serious problems. No need to scratch your head. Here are 10 tips from a dermatologist on how to get to the root of dandruff:

1. Don’t ignore it.

2. Shampoo often. Wash your hair often, even every day. In general, the more you shampoo, the easier it is to control dandruff.

3. Start small. A mild, non-medicated shampoo is often enough to control the problem. Dandruff is often caused by a scalp that is too oily. Daily with a mild brand name shampoo can control oil without aggravating the scalp.

4. If you need to fight, then switch. If regular shampoos don’t work, switch to an anti-dandruff formula. 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 scalp cells multiply. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen scales so they can be easily washed off. Those with antibacterial agents kill bacteria on the scalp and reduce the chance of infection. Those with tar retard cell growth.

5. Be a soapy jerk. No matter what type of dandruff shampoo you choose, lather twice. Create the first lather as soon as you get 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 finish showering. Then rinse your hair very well and follow up with a second quick lather and rinse. The second rinse will leave only 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 on for an hour, then rinse.

7. Put on conditioner. Dandruff shampoos are effective, but can be harsh on 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. Oil strike. Although excess oil on the scalp (from the sebaceous glands) can cause problems, an occasional warm oil treatment helps loosen and soften dandruff flakes. Heat some oil until lukewarm. Wet your hair and then apply the oil directly to your scalp. Section your hair as you go to treat just the scalp. Leave the oil on 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 by all means, 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 go 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 on overload, find ways to counteract the stress. Exercise. To meditate. Read a book for a flake and laugh out loud.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *