Dandruff happens when tiny bits of dry skin from your scalp flake off. You might spot these flakes in your hair or on your shoulders, and they often come with some scalp itching. It's a common problem, but it's not as straightforward as it sounds. Defining dandruff is a bit tricky, so in this article, we'll break down some reasons why it happens.
External Factors
- Inadequate or highly detergent shampoo: Picking the wrong shampoo can lead to dryness (dry dandruff) or excessive oiliness (oily dandruff). Your best move? Match your shampoo to your scalp's vibe. If it's oily, use a shampoo for oily scalp, and if it's dry, use a hydro-nutritive shampoo.
- Occasional washing: Skipping hair washes too frequently is like extending an invitation for oil and sweat to accumulate, ultimately leading to oily dandruff to develop.
- Ill-advised cosmetic use: This can include not rinsing conditioner properly or applying conditioner or masks directly to the scalp.
- Climatic Factors: Facing extreme temperatures, whether scorching hot or freezing cold, can lead to excess sweating and oiliness, or dryness on the scalp.
Internal Factors:
- Psycho-neurotic factors: disturbances in the central nervous system.
- Hormone changes: For example, androgen hormones like testosterone stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. More oil means a higher probability of inflammatory reactions and, you guessed it, dandruff. Men are more affected by dandruff than women.
- Anxiety and stress: Stress can exacerbate or even worsen dandruff in some individuals. Do your scalp a favor and relax. Try taking a restorative walk or practicing yoga. Keeping a record of stressful events may also be a game-changer. Write down what they are so you can do your best to avoid potential triggers in the future.
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Bad habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol can team up to mess with your scalp.