While some people suffer from dandruff year-round, others are more prone to itchy flakes in the winter. You may also notice your skin getting dry when the weather gets colder, you are indoors in the heat more, and the air is very dry.
Scalp conditions tend to get worse in the winter months due to the colder and drier weather. If dandruff has been a problem for you, you probably know the tell-tale signs.
You are likely to see white or yellow flakes fall from your hair onto your shoulders, your scalp and head are very itchy and dry, and your scalp may even feel oily or greasy.
Dandruff is not contagious but it can be embarrassing and annoying. There are several different reasons why you might have dandruff.
The Leading Cause Of Dandruff
Dry skin is the leading cause of dandruff. In the winter, your skin and your scalp tend to get drier due to the dry air. You also may not be drinking enough water because it is easier to drink more water when you are hot in the summer months.
If your dandruff is caused by dry skin, the key is to moisturize. Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. In addition, now may be the time to switch up your hair care products.
Switch to a hydrating and dandruff-reducing shampoo and a thicker, more moisturizing conditioner. Generally, switching to a shampoo made to reduce and prevent dandruff can help most people.
If a new shampoo is not helping, your issue may be caused by a scalp condition or allergy. Talk to your doctor if the condition is not getting better with a shampoo designed to get rid of and prevent dandruff. You may need a stronger shampoo and conditioner to get rid of it for good.
While dry skin is the leading cause of dandruff, excess oil can be a factor as well. If you don’t wash your hair very often, you could be letting oil, dirt, hair products, and environmental factors build up on your scalp.
This could cause dandruff. If your hair does not seem to be dry and tends to be oily or greasy, try shampooing more often.
If this does not help, try switching up your shampoo. Using a clarifying shampoo at least once a month can also help get rid of excess buildup, dirt, and oil that could be causing itchiness and an irritated scalp.
A Medical Condition Could Cause Dandruff
Your doctor may also find a medical condition that is the cause of your dandruff. For instance, seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that affects your scalp and other parts of your body. It is similar to psoriasis and causes dandruff, redness, itching, and irritation.
Your doctor can prescribe you a medicated shampoo. Often, tar-based shampoos are used to help heal this condition but may not be used for those with light-colored hair because it can change your hair color.
You could also be allergic to your hair care products. Have you noticed new dandruff around the same time you switched hair care products? If you notice itching, soreness, redness, dandruff, or any other type of irritation after using a product, you should discontinue immediately.
Your scalp may be reacting to one of the ingredients in the product. You may need to try to eliminate products one at a time to determine which one is the culprit and cause of your dandruff and irritated scalp.
Fortunately, along with shampoos and conditioners, these days you can also purchase serums that you can apply directly to your scalp after you take a shower.
Serums help to reduce itchiness and irritation and prevent dandruff from returning after you washed it away. You can also try a scalp exfoliator. A scalp exfoliator works similarly to a body or facial exfoliator.
It helps to remove tough buildup, dirt, oil, and anything else that is lurking on your scalp. You can exfoliate your scalp before your shampoo to ensure that your scalp and hair is extra clean.
If you want to try exfoliating your scalp, try our Keranique® Micro-Exfoliating Follicle Revitalizing Mask. It is a pre-shampoo treatment that contains Protein Boost Technology.
In addition to exfoliating your scalp and unclogging follicles, it helps to deeply condition, restore dry or damaged hair, and help increase cell turnover which can help your hair grow faster and longer.
Shampoo To Reduce Oily Scalp
If you are looking for a shampoo to help reduce oily scalp or thinning hair, try our Scalp Stimulating Shampoo. It is a sulfate-free shampoo that helps deep clean your scalp and stimulate it to help hair grow again. It also contains Keratin and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5).
Not only will your hair feel ultra-clean, but it can help improve the effectiveness of other scalp treatments you may be using. Don’t forget to use a deep conditioning conditioner after the shampoo for best results and to ensure you have healthy and shiny hair.
Natural Approaches To Deal With Dandruff & Scalp Issues
Lastly, if you are interested in using a more natural and holistic approach, there are lots of recipes for scalp relief using products found in your kitchen! Some say that lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, baking soda, and certain essential oils like tea tree oil are great for getting rid of dandruff.
There are many recipes on Pinterest or Google using different ingredients. For example, you can mix one teaspoon of baking soda with about four tablespoons of olive oil and one egg yolk. This creates a thick mixture you can leave on your scalp for about twenty minutes and then rinse and shampoo as normal.
Many others swear by an apple cider vinegar rinse to remove buildup and other irritants and cause dandruff on your scalp. Just be cautious if you use lemon juice because it can lighten your hair. Be sure to test a small area of your skin before you use natural ingredients or new products to make sure you aren’t allergic. If you are allergic, the problem will just get worse!
Do you have dandruff? Do you find that your dandruff increases in the winter months or does it, unfortunately, stick around all year? What products do you use to ease the discomfort?
If you found this article helpful, please SHARE with your friends and family who suffer from dandruff, especially during the winter months! They don’t have to suffer, there are many products and natural solutions that can help reduce embarrassing and uncomfortable dandruff.
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