While stress, product build up and environmental factors can cause a flaky scalp, there’s also another lesser known cause of dandruff — a microbe called Malassezia globosa. It’s present on everyone’s scalps, but as it breaks down sebum, it produces acid as a by-product, which can cause flare ups in some people. This is why people with oily scalp tend to be more prone to dandruff, since more oil means more work for the Malassezia globosa, and therefore more irritating acid.
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What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. Although the condition could feel a bit embarrassing and may be difficult to treat, it’s treatable, non contagious and non serious.
While stress, product build up and environmental factors can cause a flaky scalp, there’s also another lesser known cause of dandruff — a microbe called Malassezia globosa. It’s present on everyone’s scalps, but as it breaks down sebum, it produces acid as a by-product, which can cause flare ups in some people. This is why people with oily scalp tend to be more prone to dandruff, since more oil means more work for the Malassezia globosa, and therefore more irritating acid.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
The obvious symptoms of dandruff are an itchy, scaly scalp and white oily flakes that accumulate in the hair or shoulders as they drop from the scalp. They’re also more likely to get worse during the autumn and winter months, when the air is most dry, which is why you’ve likely been seeing it get worse. Other less common symptoms include: erythema (red patches on the scalp which sometimes travel to the face), eyebrow dandruff, hair loss and dry flakes and scaling on the skin of the face.
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What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
Although both have pretty similar symptoms such as the loose flakes and itchy scalp, dandruff and dry scalp usually have different causes, which means treatment can be different. Dandruff is related to seborrheic dermatitis, while dry scalp is simply your skin losing too much water when your body is dehydrated. Some harsher hair products can also strip the scalp of its natural oils. Living in a cold and dry climate can also exacerbate dry scalp and dandruff.
Here’s how to get rid of dandruff:
1. Shampoo regularly
For Caucasian or Asian hair types, experts recommend shampooing hair daily but using dandruff specific shampoo weekly. Alternate between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients for maximum potential of relief if you stop noticing changes. For African or Afro hair types, aim for shampoo once a week with the dandruff shampoo.
2. Use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner
If you find your hair gets greasy easily, a clarifying shampoo is a good first port of call, to cleanse your scalp and deter the acid from occurring. Mélanie Froliger, Clinical Study Manager, Hair Expert for Pierre Fabre Laboratories tells GLAMOUR: “For hair/scalp with dandruff: use an anti-dandruff and soothing shampoo for the scalp 2 to 3 times a week in two stages. The first shampoo will help removes flakes, the second shampoo will allow the active ingredients to penetrate the scalp and act against flakes while soothing the itching sensations caused by dandruff.