Hints and tips for coping with dandruff

Don't ignore it. Whatever you do, don't ignore your dandruff or fall into a scratch-and-itch cycle. Ignoring the condition lets the scaling build up on your scalp.

That in turn can cause itching, which can lead to scratching. Scratching too vigorously can wound the scalp and leave it open to infection.

Shampoo often! The experts are unanimous on this point: Wash your hair often—every day if necessary. Generally, the more frequently you shampoo, the easier it is to control the dandruff.

Start mild. Often a mild, nonmedicated shampoo is enough to control the problem. Dandruff is frequently caused by an overly oily scalp.

Shampooing daily with a mild brand diluted with an equal amount of distilled water can control the oil without aggravating your scalp.

Then get tough. If regular shampoos aren't doing the job, switch to an antidandruff formula. Dandruff shampoos are classified by their active ingredients, which work in different ways.

Shampoos with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione work fastest, retarding the rate at which scalp cells multiply. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen flakes so they can be washed away easily.

Those with antibacterial agents cut down bacteria on the scalp and reduce the chance of infection. Those with tar retard cell growth.

Tar It. For very stubborn cases you can use tar-based formulas. Lather with the tar shampoo and then leave it on for 5 or 10 minutes so the tar has a chance to work.

Most people rinse dandruff shampoos off too quickly, so make sure you leave it on for the recommended amount of time.

If you've avoided tar shampoos because you remember them as having unpleasant smells, be aware that many newer formulas are much more pleasant.

Don't be too harsh. If tar-based shampoos are too harsh for everyday use, alternate them with your regular shampoo.

Don't mix black with blonde. If you have blond or silver hair, you might want to think twice about tar-based shampoos. They can give light hair a brownish stain.

Switch-Shampoo. If you've found a brand of shampoo that works well for you, keep using it. Be aware, however, that your skin can adapt to a shampoo's ingredients, so you'd be wise to change your brand every few months to maintain its effectiveness.

Massage it in. When shampooing, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to help loosen scales and flakes. But don't scratch your scalp.. That can lead to sores that are worse than the dandruff.

Steer clear of beer. If you use beer as a rinse and styling lotion, it may be causing your dandruff. Beer can dry out your scalp and eventually lead to dandruff.

Get into condition. Although dandruff shampoos are effective on your scalp, they can be a little harsh on your hair. So be sure to apply conditioner after every shampoo to counteract their effects.

Strike oil. Although excess scalp oil can cause problems, an occasional warm-oil treatment helps loosen and soften dandruff scales. Heat a few ounces of olive oil on the stove until just warm.

Wet your hair (otherwise the oil will soak into your hair instead of reaching your scalp), then apply the oil directly to your scalp with a brush or cotton ball. Section your hair as you go so you treat just the scalp. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then wash out the oil with a dandruff shampoo.

Let the sun shine. A little sun exposure is good for dandruff. That's because direct ultraviolet light has an anti-inflammatory effect on scaly skin conditions. And it may explain why dandruff tends to be less severe in summer.

But by all means, use sun sense. Don't sunbathe; just spend a little time outdoors. Limit sun exposure to 30 minutes or less per day. And wear your normal sunscreen on exposed skin. You have to balance the sun's benefit to your scalp against its harmful effect on your skin in general.

Calm down. Don't overlook the role emotions play in triggering or worsening skin conditions such as dandruff and other forms of dermatitis. These conditions are often made worse by stress.

So if your emotions are overtaxed, look for ways to counteract the stress. Exercise. Meditate. Get away from it all. And don't worry so much about your dandruff!

 

Hints and tips on coping with dandruff