Beating the Stubborn White Flakes
If you've ever dealt with dandruff, you know exactly how annoying those itchy white flakes can be. It doesn't help that they show up not only in your hair but also on your clothes, which can be embarrassing. The good news? There are ways to tackle these pesky flakes, and we've got just the guide to help. Here are 10 common causes of dandruff—and 10 ways to keep your scalp healthy.
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1. Oily Skin
If you have too much oil on your skin and scalp, it may eventually lead to an overgrowth of yeast, or seborrheic dermatitis. Puberty and hormonal changes in the body can also cause the body to produce more oil, which could lead to itchy, flaky patches on the scalp.
2. Dry Skin
But it's not just an overly oily scalp that can lead to dandruff—the converse could also trigger a flare-up. When you're constantly stripping oil away from your scalp, such as through too frequent hair washing or using the wrong shampoo or products, this can also cause white flakes to form.
3. Fungal Overgrowth (Malassezia)
As mentioned earlier, oily skin can eventually lead to fungal overgrowth, which is often caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. Though Malassezia is a normal part of our skin microbiome, it can sometimes spread wildly and go rogue, and this imbalance between it and other healthy microbes on the skin can trigger dandruff.
4. Washing Too Often
You might think that washing your hair more can get rid of dandruff, but sometimes, this only irritates the scalp further, causing more inflammation. This is because when you shampoo too often, you strip your scalp of its natural oils, which dries it out.
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5. Not Washing Enough
But again, the converse—not washing your hair enough—can also lead to dandruff. Why? Because when you don't keep up a healthy haircare routine, excess oil and dead skin cells can build up, and that's not even accounting for the leftover product traces of gels, sprays, or other leave-ins. This can weigh your locks down and irritate the scalp.
6. Scalp Irritation
But anything that irritates the skin and scalp can also lead to dandruff. This can mean anything from hot showers to sunburns and heat damage from styling tools. Anything that can dry out your scalp or cause inflammation can trigger the dreaded white flakes.
7. Contact Dermatitis
Sometimes, products themselves could be the ones at fault. Soaps, shampoos, masks, gels, oils, and hairsprays can trigger an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis, and this type of inflammation can trigger dandruff. If you suspect that this might be the cause, it's important to eliminate your products one at a time to isolate the offender.
8. Stress
Stress can also trigger or worsen dandruff, so if you find that you tend to get those irritating, itchy white flakes when you're anxious or overworked, you're not just imagining it. If that's not enough, high cortisol levels can also make it harder for your body to recover and repair, as well as affect the production of natural oils. This can lead to further irritation and prolong the condition.
9. Diet
What you eat doesn't just affect your body and overall health—it affects your scalp, too. If you're not eating healthy, balanced meals, you could be making yourself more susceptible to developing dandruff. Plus, experts say that a diet high in sugar is linked to higher oil production and these pesky white flakes, so it's best to limit your intake.
10. Changes in Humidity
Shifts in humidity can also trigger dandruff, which is why some people may find that they tend to get these itchy white flakes in the colder months. After all, the air gets drier during fall and winter, and on top of that, people tend to stay indoors, in dry, warm environments. This can sap the moisture from your skin, leading to those pesky patches on the scalp.
What, then, are some ways to keep your scalp healthy and dandruff-free? Here are 10 must-know tips:
1. Wash Regularly—But Not Too Often
You don't want to go too long without washing your hair, but you also don't want to shampoo and strip your scalp of its natural oils every day. Instead, choose a balanced routine that works for you and your hair, then stick to it.
2. Use Gentle Products
After you've established a consistent, balanced routine, you'll want to swap your products out for gentler ones. If you find that your shampoos, masks, oils, or sprays have been causing irritation or contact dermatitis on the scalp, choose alternatives with more natural ingredients.
3. Stay Hydrated
It's important to drink enough fluids, which is not only essential to maintain proper body functioning, but also to keep your skin and scalp hydrated. If you skimp on your water intake, you may be more prone to dry skin, which can lead to dandruff.
4. Eat Balanced Meals
As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to eat nutritious, balanced meals and to limit your sugar intake. Incorporate lean proteins, fatty fish, legumes, and leafy greens into your diet, and make sure to get enough omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, and other essential vitamins and trace minerals to ensure healthy locks and scalp.
5. Manage Stress
If you've been feeling stressed from school, work, or life in general, finding healthy ways to manage it can help prevent further burnout. Regular exercise, meditation, and setting aside time for hobbies not only help boost mood and overall well-being but can also support scalp health.
6. Limit Harsh Styling Tools
If you regularly use styling tools or blow-dry too close to the scalp, it might be time to limit or fix your habits. Regular or frequent use of curling or flat irons, especially without heat protectant, will only dry out and irritate your scalp, which could then lead to dandruff.
7. Protect from Extreme Weather
But it's not just styling tools you'll need to limit—you'll want to protect your scalp from extreme weather temperatures, too. As previously mentioned, changes in humidity levels can dry out your scalp, which could trigger dandruff. So, whether you're out in the snow or sun, make sure to protect your hair and scalp by using an SPF spray or wearing a breathable hat.
8. Limit Hot Showers
Just as you don't want to expose your scalp to extreme temperatures, you don't want to wash your hair with too-hot water, either. By doing so, you can scald your scalp, leading to irritation and the dreaded itchy white flakes. Stick to warm water—not too hot or too cold.
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9. Don't Scratch
No matter how tempting it is, resist the urge to scratch your itchy scalp. Scratching only worsens irritation, spreads flakes, and may even cause tiny cuts, making your scalp more vulnerable to infection. While it might bring temporary relief, it won't do your scalp any long-term favors.
10. Know Your Hair
Another important tip for keeping your scalp healthy? Know your hair. Pay attention to how your scalp reacts to different products and ingredients, and take note of which ones soothe dryness, cause buildup, or trigger irritation. Everyone's hair is different, so the more in tune you are with what your scalp needs, the easier it'll be to create a routine that actually works for you.
