A flaky scalp isn’t pretty - or fun to deal with. Dandruff is one of the most common scalp disorders, but not all flaky scalps are caused by dandruff. In some cases, it can be difficult to distinguish dandruff from other common scalp disorders such as head lice, ringworm, dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Dandruff is believed to be caused by a malicious fungus called malassezia that sets up an inflammatory reaction in certain individuals – causing the cells on the scalp to turn over too quickly. This leads to scalp flaking which can be a source of social embarrassment. Most people have malassezia on their scalp, but only certain people develop dandruff - which is partially related to genetics.
Most people have seen ads for the dandruff shampoo Head and Shoulders. It contains an ingredient called pyrithione zinc which is an anti-fungal that helps reduce levels of malassezia – the fungus that contributes to flaky scalp symptoms. Selenium sulfide is another shampoo additive used to treat dandruff.
Do drugstore dandruff shampoos work? For many people, they do, but they have to be used consistently or the scalp flaking will come back. The common dandruff shampoo Selsun Blue contains both selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc.
When a drugstore shampoo doesn’t help a flaky scalp, it may mean that the flaking isn’t coming from dandruff, but from another condition such as head lice or psoriasis. In this case, it’s time to enlist the help of a dermatologist. If it turns out that the problem is still dandruff that isn’t responding to drugstore shampoos, a dermatologist can prescribe a prescription strength dandruff shampoo.
One of the most commonly prescription strength dandruff shampoos is Nizoral, which contains a heavy duty ingredient called ketoconazole that stops growth of the malassezia fungus. It may be more effective for treating severe dandruff than drugstore shampoos.
People who are susceptible to dandruff and a flaky scalp should not wear hats that fit tightly against the head and should avoid applying heavy styling products to the scalp which can aggravate dandruff. Spending a little time in the sun may help scalp flaking, but be sure to wear a sunscreen on sun exposed skin. Stress can also aggravate scalp flaking and dandruff – so make an effort to relax a little more. Severe dandruff that doesn’t respond to other treatments should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Choosing the right shampoo to treat dandruff and using it regularly can make a big difference in how a flaky scalp looks and feels. Give these tips a try, but see a dermatologist for severe dandruff.
Finding natural solutions and easy remedies for hair health issues is as simple as opening the nearest pantry or kitchen cabinet. From dandruff to split ends, treating damage typically involves specialty shampoos or moisturizers; but many of these issues are simple to treat without chemicals.
While natural treatments are sometimes slower, and sometimes require more applications, the results are often equal or better than traditional over-the-counter treatments or spa products. Users seeking healthier, non-chemical solutions for treating damaged hair or scalp conditions may prefer a slow and steady application of these natural solutions as an alternative to retail products.
Reduce damaging soap scum from shampoo by using baking soda during the rinse. Scrub the powder into the scalp and work downwards through the hair's strands following the shampoo's rinse. Rinse briefly a second time to wash the baking soda out, leaving hair soft, shiny, and soap-free.
Help reduce soap scum and dandruff while promoting shiny hair with a vinegar rinse. Rinse shampoo from hair, then mix one-third cup of vinegar with two-thirds cup of warm water, then pour over hair in a cascading rinse.
Don't wash the vinegar free from hair after application; simply towel off and let the substance dry. The smell fades in a matter of minutes, leaving hair glowing with natural beauty.
Help treat damaged hair, including split ends and dandruff, with coconut oil. Non-hydrogenated or natural versions, like those used in healthy recipes, are massaged into the scalp or rubbed over the hair as a natural moisturizer. Leave the oil in place for five minutes, then shampoo as usual.
Use a baking soda or vinegar rinse to make sure any lingering oily residue is washed free; the absorbed coconut oil can help reduce dry flakes and broken strands over a period of treatments.
Reduce dandruff and dry scalp symptoms with a simple organic produce: olive oil. Rub a teaspoon of the oil gently into the scalp in a skin massage. Give the oil time to soak into the skin, and then shampoo the oil from hair. Repeated applications can help reduce dry skin and encourage healthier hair.
Natural treatments are embraced by many users seeking healthier alternatives to traditional chemical treatments. Gentle natural oils or cleansing powders can promote healthier hair and heal damage from harsh treatments and conditions.
What Causes a Flaky Scalp
Dandruff is believed to be caused by a malicious fungus called malassezia that sets up an inflammatory reaction in certain individuals – causing the cells on the scalp to turn over too quickly. This leads to scalp flaking which can be a source of social embarrassment. Most people have malassezia on their scalp, but only certain people develop dandruff - which is partially related to genetics.
To Treat Dandruff, Use the Right Shampoo
Most people have seen ads for the dandruff shampoo Head and Shoulders. It contains an ingredient called pyrithione zinc which is an anti-fungal that helps reduce levels of malassezia – the fungus that contributes to flaky scalp symptoms. Selenium sulfide is another shampoo additive used to treat dandruff.
Do drugstore dandruff shampoos work? For many people, they do, but they have to be used consistently or the scalp flaking will come back. The common dandruff shampoo Selsun Blue contains both selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc.
When a drugstore shampoo doesn’t help a flaky scalp, it may mean that the flaking isn’t coming from dandruff, but from another condition such as head lice or psoriasis. In this case, it’s time to enlist the help of a dermatologist. If it turns out that the problem is still dandruff that isn’t responding to drugstore shampoos, a dermatologist can prescribe a prescription strength dandruff shampoo.
One of the most commonly prescription strength dandruff shampoos is Nizoral, which contains a heavy duty ingredient called ketoconazole that stops growth of the malassezia fungus. It may be more effective for treating severe dandruff than drugstore shampoos.
Other Tips for Treating Dandruff
People who are susceptible to dandruff and a flaky scalp should not wear hats that fit tightly against the head and should avoid applying heavy styling products to the scalp which can aggravate dandruff. Spending a little time in the sun may help scalp flaking, but be sure to wear a sunscreen on sun exposed skin. Stress can also aggravate scalp flaking and dandruff – so make an effort to relax a little more. Severe dandruff that doesn’t respond to other treatments should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Choosing the right shampoo to treat dandruff and using it regularly can make a big difference in how a flaky scalp looks and feels. Give these tips a try, but see a dermatologist for severe dandruff.
Four Natural Products for Healthy Hair
Finding natural solutions and easy remedies for hair health issues is as simple as opening the nearest pantry or kitchen cabinet. From dandruff to split ends, treating damage typically involves specialty shampoos or moisturizers; but many of these issues are simple to treat without chemicals.
While natural treatments are sometimes slower, and sometimes require more applications, the results are often equal or better than traditional over-the-counter treatments or spa products. Users seeking healthier, non-chemical solutions for treating damaged hair or scalp conditions may prefer a slow and steady application of these natural solutions as an alternative to retail products.
Baking Soda Solutions
Reduce damaging soap scum from shampoo by using baking soda during the rinse. Scrub the powder into the scalp and work downwards through the hair's strands following the shampoo's rinse. Rinse briefly a second time to wash the baking soda out, leaving hair soft, shiny, and soap-free.
Vinegar Rinse
Help reduce soap scum and dandruff while promoting shiny hair with a vinegar rinse. Rinse shampoo from hair, then mix one-third cup of vinegar with two-thirds cup of warm water, then pour over hair in a cascading rinse.
Don't wash the vinegar free from hair after application; simply towel off and let the substance dry. The smell fades in a matter of minutes, leaving hair glowing with natural beauty.
Coconut Rub
Help treat damaged hair, including split ends and dandruff, with coconut oil. Non-hydrogenated or natural versions, like those used in healthy recipes, are massaged into the scalp or rubbed over the hair as a natural moisturizer. Leave the oil in place for five minutes, then shampoo as usual.
Use a baking soda or vinegar rinse to make sure any lingering oily residue is washed free; the absorbed coconut oil can help reduce dry flakes and broken strands over a period of treatments.
Olive Oil Scrub
Reduce dandruff and dry scalp symptoms with a simple organic produce: olive oil. Rub a teaspoon of the oil gently into the scalp in a skin massage. Give the oil time to soak into the skin, and then shampoo the oil from hair. Repeated applications can help reduce dry skin and encourage healthier hair.
Natural treatments are embraced by many users seeking healthier alternatives to traditional chemical treatments. Gentle natural oils or cleansing powders can promote healthier hair and heal damage from harsh treatments and conditions.
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