7 Ways to Change Up Your Hair Routine If You Have Dandruff

 

Snow isn’t the only type of white flaky stuff taking over this winter. Dandruff is a common scalp condition that happens when the microorganisms on your skin overgrow — mainly due to stress, hormonal fluctuations or changes to your diet. And as they shed off, they leave little white flakes in your hair and on your shoulders, which probably causes you even more stress (it’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it?). Dry, cold weather and heaters on full blast don’t help matters much either, making the struggle to keep dandruff at bay all too real. It can be an embarrassing problem, but it turns out it’s not at all difficult to treat. We called in the pros to give us a little bit of know-how on how to combat the pesky hair problem — whether it’s an issue specific to winter or all year-round:

1. Look for the right shampoo ingredients.

You know that long list of ingredients on the back of the bottle that most people tend to skim over? Now’s the time to start paying closer attention. “Zinc pyrithione is a powerful ingredient found in products like Clear Scalp & Hair Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that specifically helps a dry, flaky scalp restore its balance,” says Dr. Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist for Clear Scalp & Hair. “Be on the lookout for a formula that’s packed with vitamins, plus calming ingredients like cucumber and mint that will help settle inflammation on your scalp.”

2. Exfoliate your scalp.

You slough off dead skin cells with body scrubs, and the same concept can be applied to your scalp. “Once a week, apply Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp mask to your scalp for 20 minutes before you plan to shampoo. It targets microbial overgrowth and gently lifts away dead cells while soothing your scalp at the same time,” says Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist for Philip Kingsley.

3. Change up your in-shower routine.

“Consistency is key when you’re trying to combat dandruff,” says Dr. Fusco. “Don’t expect to use an anti-dandruff shampoo once and be flake-free forever. Though you will see an immediate improvement after a single use, you want to use it at least twice a week to see lasting results. Work the shampoo into a really good lather using the balls of your fingers — if you use your nails it will scratch and irritate your scalp even more. Leave on the shampoo for at least a minute before washing it out.

4. Avoid styling products with alcohol.

“Steer clear of hairsprays, perfumes and other alcohols that contain alcohol, which can further dry out your scalp. Even though it’s cold out, try to airdry as much as possible since a blowdryer also strips moisture that could cause flakes,” says Dr. Fusco.

5. Put down that cupcake.

“It’s not the same for everyone, but some of the most common offenders are cheese, full-fat milk and very spicy or sugary foods,” says Kingsley. “Work out these trigger foods by process of elimination to see if you notice a difference.”

6. Find time to de-stress.

“Stress changes the chemical balance in your body, which can affect your scalp health. So take time for your body and mind with peaceful activities like yoga or Pilates — plus, get plenty of rest. A great exercise regimen keeps your immune system healthy, which in turn wards off future dandruff flare-ups,” says Kingsley.

7. See a dermatologist.

“If it’s been about a month of staying loyal to your new routine and anti-dandruff products, but you’re still seeing that the problem continues, consult a professional,” says Dr. Fusco. “They can give you a stronger prescription, especially if there’s an underlying issue like eczema or psoriasis.”

 
Source: 7 Ways to Change Up Your Hair Routine If You Have Dandruff

Related articles:

Take a Natural Approach to Dandruff and Dry Scalp 

Natural Dandruff Treatment