Who else is ready for the fall and winter seasons? I know I am! This means hot cocoa, sweater weather, and being cozy at home. But, unfortunately for us, cold and dry weather makes it easier for dandruff to thrive and it’s more prone to appear on the scalp. We know dealing with it can be embarrassing and also irritating, which is why we have compiled a list of treatments that can help avoid this unfortunate hair problem.
Top 5 Dandruff Treatments Worth Trying This Fall and Winter Season
Picture this, you’re drinking coffee, and all of a sudden you notice a flaky thing falling from your hair. Most of us already know what this is because we’ve seen it before. At this point, we have two guesses, a dry scalp or dandruff. Both of them are very hard to distinguish as they both have similar symptoms. The symptoms include an itchy oily scalp with red or scaly skin. However, one way to tell them apart is by comparing the flakes from dandruff which are typically yellow, oily, and large as opposed to the flakes of a dry scalp which are white, dry, and small.
What are the Main Causes of Dandruff?
Dry Skin
Lack of moisture, weather conditions, age, some hair care products, and other skin conditions can cause dry skin which leads to dandruff.
Irritated/Oily Skin
Every time you wash your hair your scalp gets the message that it needs to produce more sebum, and if you wash your hair too often your scalp will produce more sebum than it needs to. Having straight hair and using the wrong hair products may also make your scalp oily.
Eczema or Psoriasis
These skin conditions are both very common and although experts don’t know the root cause of them, they do know what triggers them. Some factors include dandruff, dust, pollen, certain foods, and pets. Psoriasis, on the other hand, gets triggered by stress, infection, sunburn, and scratches.
Yeast Overgrowth (Malassezia)
When too much of this yeast grows on your skin and gets into your hair follicles, it causes fungal infection.
Not Shampooing Enough
Before you freak out, not shampooing enough can also mean not using enough shampoo or it could mean that you need to wash your hair more often. Pay attention to what your hair needs. It will save you from dandruff.
Diet
Eating highly processed foods causes your insulin levels to rise and this triggers the output of oil. Instead, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet as well as healthy fats.
How to Treat Dandruff During This Fall and Winter Season:
Try a Regular Cleanser Gentle Shampoo
If your dandruff is not as severe, you should first try cleansing shampoo. This will reduce oil and skin cell buildup.
Use a Dandruff Shampoo
Use a dandruff shampoo that works for you. Do research on your hair type, hair color, and also the severity of your dandruff. With many options available, you should always choose the best option that suits your hair and scalp. The best shampoos are those containing zinc, selenium, or ketoconazole.
Use Tea Tree Oil
One of the great benefits of tea tree oil is that it helps fight dandruff. It contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties which is a great way to reduce yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. You can start by changing your shampoo to one that contains tea tree oil. You can also buy the oil, put a few drops on your hair, and massage it gently. If you’re feeling a little artsier, you can even make a DIY tea tree oil hair mask or simply buy one.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This works great if you have a mild case of dandruff. Simply start by washing your hair with shampoo, rinse it out and then apply apple cider vinegar with lukewarm water to your hair. Massage the mixture into the scalp and leave it there for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse it out. This will definitely help remove the itchiness and balance the ph levels on your scalp.
Reduce Your Stress
We all know this can be challenging, especially with our busy lives and hectic schedules, but stress causes changes to your hormones, leaving them imbalanced. An imbalance in your hormones will create sebum which leads to an oily scalp. Therefore, reducing your stress levels will not only help prevent dandruff but will also help with your overall mental and physical health.
Having dandruff is one of those things that keeps coming back- especially during these colder months. If you have tried these treatments regularly for several weeks and you haven’t got rid of them, then it might be time to go see a doctor. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there and it's not pretty, but hopefully, these treatments help you stay dandruff free!
Be sure to tell us which dandruff treatment is your favorite and follow us for more hair tips!