Dandruff can happen to anyone, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Dandruff is a skin condition that occurs on the scalp which causes irritation and flakes. Let’s be clear this condition has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Of course, having it is still irksome and it is only right to nip it in the bud rather than deciding to live with it.
But before you jump to conclusions, you first need to identify if it is really dandruff or a dry scalp condition. Similar to dandruff, a dry scalp also causes the skin to flake but this can be treated with different moisturizing products and is not actually dandruff. On the other hand, dandruff is caused due to an increase in oil production on the scalp which then leads to the growth of yeast. Loose white flakes and irritation with scalp oiliness are indicators of dandruff.
So, if you are sure that what you have is dandruff and not a dry scalp condition then these might be the reasons why it keeps recurring.
Irregular Hair Wash Schedule
You may be washing your hair less than required. If your scalp tends to get oily, you should wash it at least twice a week or even thrice if necessary. If you do not clean your scalp and hair regularly, it can lead to oil build-up and accumulation of dead skin cells. And if that is not enough to cause dandruff, then yeast can also grow due to the excess oiliness causing the skin cells to increase and flake.
Humidity
If you are in a place that has a humid climate, your scalp is most likely to get dandruff. Humidity and hot air can cause you to sweat, especially on your scalp. Excessive sweating means excess oil production which therefore can lead to the development of dandruff. This is why most people experience dandruff during the monsoon seasons as well due to the high humidity levels in the atmosphere.
Exercise
If you are undergoing rigorous exercise for long intervals, you are definitely prone to sweating. A sweaty scalp is where dandruff thrives. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hair after a tough physical training session.
Product Build-Up
If you use styling products, you are familiar with the term product build-up. Unfortunately, product build-up doesn’t only make your hair look greasy but it can also clog the pores on your scalp, therefore, causing irritation and dandruff. Some styling products even have high alcohol content which can cause dryness on the scalp when it comes in contact with it. In response to the dryness, the scalp can produce excess sebum which in turn leads to dandruff if not washed with shampoo. Ideally, you should avoid using styling products on your scalp and mostly use it on the lengths and ends alone.
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Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.femina.in by Eden Noronha where all credits are due.
