5 Habits That Could Be Responsible for Your Dandruff

Nobody wants to see those flakes on their scalp. They can be embarrassing and upsetting. But what if I told you that you could be the root cause of your dandruff? What if genetics isn’t to fault this time? At the very least, genes have been blamed for most of our scalp disorders. But let’s cut it some slack here.

As you will see in this post, some habits you may have established deliberately or unconsciously are to blame for your dandruff. However, we also introduce you to treatments to counteract this threat.

Here are some habits that cause you dandruff

Giving fungi a field day

Fungi, notably the Malassezia fungus, are, of course, responsible for the development of dandruff. Scientists have said that we all have a tiny amount of Malassezia fungi on our scalps; nevertheless, it becomes an issue when we allow it to grow and spread.

When there is an accumulation of oil and debris, it makes it simpler for this fungus to form and spread. As a result, those with oily hair should shampoo their hair at least three to four times every week.

Overuse, underuse, and misuse of shampoo

There’s no need to wash your hair every day using shampoo. With clean water and soap, you can successfully clean your hair of buildups.  Shampoos should only be used, if necessary, to remove any lingering or excessive residue after a rinse has been completed. This is because shampoos are strong drying agents, and if you completely remove the oils that feed and strengthen your hair and scalp, you run the risk of over-drying them. As a result, you’ll have peeling skin and wilting hair.

On the other side, if you don’t wash your hair and skin frequently enough, the buildups of dirt, oil (sebum), and hair products will suffocate your skin and hair follicles. When follicles are suffocated, you are in danger of developing folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the follicle that eventually leads to flaking of the scalp.

A third issue relating to shampoo is random selection. You must understand that your dandruff problem will not be solved by randomly selecting an anti-dandruff shampoo from the hair care section of the store.

It’s important to realize that not all dandruff is the same. The most common type of dandruff is dry dandruff, which appears as white flakes shed on the shoulders. A shampoo that nourishes and cleanses the scalp can alleviate this condition. When it comes to oily dandruff, you should choose a specifically formulated shampoo.

Roughly rubbing the scalp

The majority of people who suffer from dandruff actively rub their scalp in an attempt to get rid of it. Consequently, your delicate scalp skin is stripped, exacerbating the condition. Instead, use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp to achieve the most satisfactory results.

Wrong diet

Other things can cause dandruff, like not getting enough nutrients for a healthy scalp in your diet. Eat a lot of foods that have a lot of protein and biotin. These foods include eggs and milk. People who eat many of them are more likely to have a healthy hair structure and texture. A lot of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like fish and nuts. You can add these foods to your meal.

Also, eat Vitamin E-rich foods, like nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes, and wheat germ. It is good for you to eat green leafy vegetables that are high in magnesium and potassium. This could be lettuce, cabbage, or even bananas! They all help keep dandruff away from your hair, which is good for your hair and your scalp.

By not using a conditioner regularly

Dandruff can be prevented and treated with a twice-weekly application of a preventive shampoo. Another option is to condition your hair every day, regardless of how often you shampoo—and always after you shampoo. Hair and scalp are nourished by conditioner, which keeps them from becoming dry and brittle.

Can dandruff be treated?

The good news is that dandruff can be treated in several ways. We’ll show you some of the most effective techniques.

Shampoo

Using dandruff shampoo and other scalp treatments is the most effective technique to eliminate it. Dandruff shampoos can be prescribed (requiring a prescription) or purchased over the counter. Medication concentrations are typically higher in shampoos containing a prescription.

Medications

ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal-tar, and zinc-pyrithione are among the most common components in antifungal medications. In most cases, these chemicals help release dandruff flakes from the scalp or prevent the overgrowth of Malassezia fungus, which may play a part in the formation of dandruff.

For efficiency of treatment, we recommend that you take note of the following:

• Observe instructions: Due to a large number of dandruff treatment shampoos available on the market, it is vital that you thoroughly read and follow the product’s directions before using it. Also, consider how long you should leave the shampoo on your scalp before washing it off, or whether you should simply rinse it off as soon as you apply it.
• Know what product suits your hair type: The sort of shampoo and hair care that a person need is determined by their skin and hair type. Some people may only require the application of a product once a week. Still, others may require switching between dandruff shampoos that contain different varieties of ingredients to achieve optimal results. For the best products for your hair and skin type, you may want to visit a dermatologist who is board-certified in dermatology.

Conclusion

Even while dandruff might be itchy and unpleasant at times, it does not indicate that you have a more significant health concern that needs to be addressed. This is good news. Lastly, if you have itchy or flaky skin, over-the-counter shampoos and lotions can assist. Remember, to avoid a lot of trial and error, which can sometimes be hazardous, always seek a professional to guide you on the best treatment and hair care process to employ.