Have you ever seen your head has been a bit of… itchy currently? Or perhaps you’ve got noticed what seems like a dusting of icing sugar in your black coat. Dandruff might really feel embarrassing nevertheless it’s completely regular, it’s treatable, non-contagious and non-serious.
Dandruff is basically a fungal (or yeast) situation. “Yeasts naturally live on our scalps, and usually don’t cause any problems,” says Anabel Kingsley, advisor trichologist and model president of Philip Kingsley. “However, when a certain species of fungus called the malassezia yeasts overgrow, it can cause skin cells to divide too rapidly – leading to tell-tale flakes and itching.”
Whereas most individuals consider dandruff flakes as a dry pores and skin situation, malassezia yeasts really thrive on naturally oily scalps. A few of us are additionally simply extra delicate to this kind of imbalance. In actual fact, in line with Dr Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist at Head & Shoulders, 50% of us are genetically predisposed to having scalp points like dandruff.
Both means, protecting your scalp completely satisfied and wholesome is price it. “The scalp is the bedrock for the hair follicle, and if it is not in good condition, the chances of you experiencing problems with hair growth and health increase significantly,” Anabel notes.
One other lower than stellar aspect impact of persistent dandruff is that it could result in an itchy and irritated scalp, inflicting you to scratch and probably injury your hair follicles.
Dry scalp vs dandruff – what is the distinction?
Dry pores and skin on the scalp and dandruff each produce flaking – however that’s the place the similarities finish. “Dandruff is caused by excess yeast on the scalp, a dry scalp occurs when the top layer of your skin lacks moisture,” explains Anabel.
Dry air indoors from radiators and icy temperatures open air could cause a dry scalp in winter. Some individuals can also be delicate to sure substances in haircare merchandise, equivalent to shampoos, conditioners and hair masks. This sensitivity can result in irritation that may manifest as dry pores and skin.
Triggers for dandruff can embrace stress, says knowledgeable trichologist Stephanie Sey, who notes that it will probably “weaken your body’s natural defences against naturally-existing microbes in the scalp.”
Different exacerbating elements for dandruff embrace fluctuating hormones throughout being pregnant, puberty and through your durations as these could cause a rise in oil manufacturing on the scalp.
Medical pores and skin circumstances like seborrheic dermatitis, an excessive type of dandruff, also can trigger flaking as can your food plan. Anabel factors out that full-fat dairy equivalent to cheese might be problematic for some, whereas hair stylist Michael van Clarke blames “high sugar levels, which feed the bacteria.”
This is methods to eliminate dandruff:
If you happen to’re asking your self ‘why is my dandruff not going away?’ then likelihood is, you are not by yourself. The excellent news is that dandruff is normally not a everlasting situation, and it will probably typically be managed successfully with correct care.
