There are various kinds of anti-dandruff hair oils available in the market that guarantee you a dandruff free scalp. But do you know that dandruff can actually persist in an oily scalp more than a dry one? It’s time we bust some myths about dandruff.
But first, let us start by understanding what dandruff actually is and how does it affect your hair. Dandruff is a condition where the scalp gets dry and itchy and creates flakes on the skin that spread on to the hair and shoulders. The skin cells are continuously formed on the scalp, and that leads to shedding of dead skin. But with dandruff, the process increases where the dead skin cells are shed at a faster rate. These dead cells appear as white flakes when they mix with the oil in the scalp and clump together. Dandruff can be caused by insensitivity to hair products, dry skin, or skin diseases. It can also be caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia which can grow because of excess oil on the scalp, hormonal issues, or problem with the immune system. Dandruff isn’t contagious. It can be controlled through shampoos and if it’s too stubborn medicated shampoos can be used.
Dandruff usually occurs from ages 10 to 20 but infants can also be affected from a kind of dandruff called cradle cap. It makes their scalp scaly and crusty. It clears up on its own and is not dangerous.
Why is oil not useful when you want to get rid of dandruff? The dandruff causing fungus Malassezia feeds on oil, the more you moisturize your hair with oil, the dandruff will increase with it. According to Dr. Erica Glenn and Dr. Elaine Seigfried of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, the yeast organism mostly feed on saturated fatty acids; in fact, the researchers who experiment on these organisms grow them with olive oil in lab dishes.
Plant based oils such as olive oil and vegetable oil are different from mineral oil. They contain saturated fats which can be consumed by fungi while mineral oils are petroleum based and are hence better if needed to be used for dandruff. Tea tree oil, on the other hand has been found effective in getting rid of dandruffdue to its anti-bacterial properties.
Even though dandruff grows in a dry scalp too, an oily scalp can make it worse. Anti-dandruff shampoos though can be much more effective. One should look for shampoos that contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione (which is considered to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal), coal (slows down the process of dying skin cells), salicylic acid (lessens the amount of flakes), selenium sulfide(reduces alassezia), or ketoconazole(antifungal properties). Apart from these, one can try other treatments like aspirins, lemons or green tea which are easily available at home. Lemons balance the pH level of the scalp and are known to cut down on oil, which is why they’re ideal if you want to get rid of dandruff. Aspirins contain salicylic acid and can be added to the shampoo while washing the hair. Green tea is the newest addition and is known to have shown potential in removing dandruff by the researchers.Once you have gotten rid of the dandruff, you need to follow certain kind of measures to prevent it from coming back. Stress promotes dandruff, one needs to be relaxed and calm in order to keep the immune system in check. A proper hygiene should be maintained and the hair should be washed at regular intervals to avoid formation of the fungi. Exfoliating masks should be used every once in a while, if your scalp is prone to dandruff. They gently exfoliate the flakes and help restore the balance of the skin.
Even though dandruff grows in a dry scalp too, an oily scalp can make it worse. Anti-dandruff shampoos though can be much more effective. One should look for shampoos that contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione (which is considered to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal), coal (slows down the process of dying skin cells), salicylic acid (lessens the amount of flakes), selenium sulfide(reduces alassezia), or ketoconazole(antifungal properties). Apart from these, one can try other treatments like aspirins, lemons or green tea which are easily available at home. Lemons balance the pH level of the scalp and are known to cut down on oil, which is why they’re ideal if you want to get rid of dandruff. Aspirins contain salicylic acid and can be added to the shampoo while washing the hair. Green tea is the newest addition and is known to have shown potential in removing dandruff by the researchers.Once you have gotten rid of the dandruff, you need to follow certain kind of measures to prevent it from coming back. Stress promotes dandruff, one needs to be relaxed and calm in order to keep the immune system in check. A proper hygiene should be maintained and the hair should be washed at regular intervals to avoid formation of the fungi. Exfoliating masks should be used every once in a while, if your scalp is prone to dandruff. They gently exfoliate the flakes and help restore the balance of the skin.
Dandruff can be caused due to various other reasons that one cannot control. Males are known to be affected by dandruff more than women. This is said to be due to their male hormones. With growing age, people might be more susceptible to dandruff. Not eating enough zinc or Vitamin B or some essential fat can also lead to dandruff. Mental stress can also be related to the problem. Adults with Parkinson’s disease are more prone to dandruff. People with HIV are more prone to seborrheic dermatitis according to a study. Heart patients may have a weak immune system and are thus more affected by dandruff than the others. While it is important to wash your hair regularly to maintain hygiene, washing it too much may lead to a dry scalp and andruff. Certain hair products might not suit one’s skin and that may lead to the formation of dandruff. People who have skin conditions like eczema or prosariosis may get dandruff more often than others. If one does not clean the scalp properly after washing the hair, the soap can also lead to the formation of dandruff. Not combing the hair enough can also be responsible for dandruff, for the dead skin cells need to be brushed off the scalp.
It is said that dandruff cannot be completely removed from the scalp but its effects or growth can be slowed down by treatments, but if it persists for too long, one should consult a doctor in case they would have developed an infection or skin disease.
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