Top Five Tips for Controlling Dandruff

Top Five Tips for Controlling Dandruff

 

Written for Walgreens.com

 

It’s a nightmare. You’re wearing a black outfit and have white flakes all over your shoulders before you even leave the house. No, it isn’t snow. It’s dandruff, a condition that plagues nearly half of all adults and involves the scalp shedding too many dead skin cells. The condition is not ideal, but it is treatable. Read on for our top five tips for controlling dandruff.

1. Pin-point and treat root causes
The excessive flaking so commonly associated with dandruff may have its roots in an underlying illness or condition, so one of the best things you can do to fight flakes is to find out what that condition might be. For some, it’s psoriasis or a fungal infection. For others, it’s eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice. Flaking can also be caused by exposure to extreme temperatures and allergens. A visit to the doctor can help you pinpoint any underlying conditions and treat them.

2. Swap your shampoo
For those suffering from dandruff, it can be helpful to swap shampoo. Look for a mild cleanser that won’t excessively dry the scalp. If you have a more pronounced case of dandruff, you might benefit from a medicated shampoo. Several ingredients to look for include zinc pyrithione (targets fungus and bacteria), ketoconazole (fights fungus), coal tar and selenium sulfide (slow the growth and die-off of scalp skin cells), and salicylic acid (loosens flakes so they can be washed away). Many are available over the counter but your doctor will be able to provide you with a prescription for the strongest shampoos.

3. Exfoliate your scalp
Tackle dead skin cells before they land on your shoulder by scrubbing them off of your scalp while you shampoo. This can be done using a DIY blend of sugar, epsom salts, or salt. Simply add one of these ingredients in with your normal shampoo and massage the scalp for a good, long time. Rinse well. This should significantly cut down on flakes that appear after your shower.

4. Rinse your hair
For an extra dose of yeast and bacteria fighting power, try rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar after you’ve finished shampooing. A good mixture includes 2 cups cold water and 2 cups apple cider vinegar. Massage some of the apple cider vinegar into your scalp and then rinse with water. As an added benefit, this will help reduce product buildup from your hair.

5. Condition your hair
Medicated shampoos can leave your scalp dry and flaky and your hair stiff and difficult to style, so make sure to condition your hair to add back some moisture. Products that can be helpful include a regular shower conditioner, a leave-in conditioner or hair mask, or a deep conditioning treatment. Also, many people with dandruff recommend occasionally massaging a small amount of olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil into the scalp and hair. This can soothe irritated skin and help with the itching that comes along with dandruff.

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