Dandruff in the hair: types of dandruff and what helps in each case

It is quite normal that the scalp regenerates and flakes. Only when this process is accelerated and the scales are grouped by the hundreds, do they become visible to the naked eye.

Those affected often try to remedy the problem by using special anti-dandruff shampoos. But that’s not always the best solution, because Not all dandruff appears for the same reasons.

Oily dandruff, dry dandruff or diseased dandruff?

In principle, three types of dandruff can be distinguished, each with different causes:

The most common is the dry dandruff, which is white and falls finely on the shoulders. You can recognize the scales of the oily dandruff because of its yellowish color. They are larger, stickier, and tend to stick to the hair or scalp. If you rub them between your fingers, they leave an oily film. pathological dandruff It is caused by a contact allergy or skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis, whose treatment must be medical.

It is important that if, in addition to dandruff, there are other symptoms, such as intense itching, redness of the scalp, formation of scabs or even hair loss, we go to to the dermatologist or family doctor.

How to remove oily dandruff

If the scalp produces a lot of sebum, certain yeasts spread easily. Microorganisms like Malassezia furfurwhich are found in small quantities on almost all skins, find the best nutritional conditions in a greasy layer and spread uncontrollably there.

It is their metabolic products that irritate the skin and, Ultimately, they lead to increased dandruff formation in the hair.

Switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo is the right measure in this case.. These products often contain antifungal agents. One of the most used has been zinc pyrithione, but its use has been banned since March 2022 because it is toxic for reproduction. Other antifungal compounds used in anti-dandruff shampoos are selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and ciclopirox olamine. natural cosmetics are based on safer herbal ingredients, such as juniper or tea tree oil, which also have an antimicrobial effect. It is important massage the anti-dandruff shampoo well into the scalp for the ingredients to take effect. After about three weeks, there should be a significant improvement in the problems.

Whether or not to use anti-dandruff shampoos

However, it is also clear that antifungal agents They only work if used regularly. because they do little to change the actual causes of dandruff.

Oily scalp is usually genetic or hormonal. Therefore, you should not stop using the anti-dandruff shampoo completely once the problems have disappeared. You can continue to use it about once a week and wash with normal shampoo the rest of the time.

If the anti-dandruff product does not work or if the symptoms worsen, Stop using it and have the problem cleared up by a doctor.

How to remove dry dandruff from scalp flaking

The situation is different if the scalp produces very little sebum. Dry dandruff can be caused by incorrect care with an aggressive shampoo or by drying out due to air conditioning and heating.

As you age, sebum production often decreases. In the case of dry dandruff, it is a lack of hydration in the scalp and a weakened skin barrier. which generates problems such as a feeling of tightness or itching.

What to do in these cases?

In this case it is advisable to wash your hair as infrequently as possible and switch to a milder shampoo that is less irritating and defatting to the scalp. A special anti-dandruff shampoo with antifungal active ingredients is not necessary, as yeast fungi play a negligible role in this type of dandruff. The dehydrating effect of a shampoo can be reduced diluting the product in a bottle in a ratio of one to three with water before washing.Also it is worth trying a mask with warm olive oil. Use a pipette to drop a few drops of oil onto your scalp and leave it on overnight, if possible. Rinse the next morning with a mild shampoo.

Other measures to eliminate dandruff in the hair

both the way we wash our hair and whether or not we expose it sufficiently to the sun and outdoors influence the appearance of dandruff in our hair.

Dandruff in the hair due to the stress of personal hygiene

Water that is too hot stresses the scalp and does not clean it better. Therefore, it is better to lower the water temperature a few degrees.

If you have dry dandruff, it’s good for your scalp. let hair air dry more frequently.

The additional mechanical stimuli of sharp comb teeth or stiff bristles should also be taboo, because scratching can intensify any inflammation and encourage dandruff formation.

When it comes to additional hair care products, caution should be the rule. It is better to do without hair conditioners or oily pomades and apply the conditioners only to the ends.

Fresh air and sun to eliminate dandruff

He fresh air and sun are good for flaky scalps. Avoid wearing caps or hats that do not allow the scalp to breathe and create an adequate microclimate for the proliferation of fungi.

Oily dandruff is more likely to thrive in the summer, because the humidity of the air and of the skin is greater.

Dry dander, on the other hand, comes to life in winter, when the air is drier. and the skin naturally produces less sebum.