Have you ever observed your head has been a bit… itchy these days? Or perhaps you’ve got noticed what seems to be like a dusting of icing sugar in your black coat. Dandruff could really feel embarrassing but it surely’s completely regular, it’s treatable, non-contagious and non-serious.
Dandruff is basically a fungal (or yeast) situation. “Yeasts naturally reside on our scalps, and normally don’t trigger any issues,” says Anabel Kingsley, guide trichologist and model president of Philip Kingsley. “Nevertheless, when a sure species of fungus referred to as the malassezia yeasts overgrow, it might probably trigger pores and skin cells to divide too quickly – resulting in tell-tale flakes and itching.”
Whereas most individuals consider dandruff flakes as a dry pores and skin situation, malassezia yeasts truly thrive on naturally oily scalps. A few of us are additionally simply extra delicate to this kind of imbalance. In truth, in line with Dr Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist at Head & Shoulders, 50% of us are genetically predisposed to having scalp points like dandruff.
Both method, preserving your scalp blissful and wholesome is price it. “The scalp is the bedrock for the hair follicle, and if it’s not in good situation, the possibilities of you experiencing issues with hair progress and well being improve considerably,” Anabel notes.
One other lower than stellar facet impact of persistent dandruff is that it might 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 attributable to extra yeast on the scalp, a dry scalp happens when the highest layer of your pores and skin lacks moisture,” explains Anabel.
Dry air indoors from radiators and icy temperatures outside could cause a dry scalp in winter. Some individuals might also be delicate to sure elements in haircare merchandise, comparable 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 might probably “weaken your physique’s pure defences in opposition to naturally-existing microbes within 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, can even trigger flaking as can your food plan. Anabel factors out that full-fat dairy comparable to cheese might be problematic for some, whereas hair stylist Michael van Clarke blames “excessive sugar ranges, which feed the micro organism.”
This is find out how to do away with 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 might probably typically be managed successfully with correct care.
