Understanding...Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes flakes of dead skin to appear in the hair. It can also make the scalp feel itchy.

Dandruff often occurs after puberty and is most common in people in their early 20s, continuing into middle age. It is also more common in men.

So what causes dandruff?

Dandruff is caused by the scalp excessively shedding and forming new skin cells. There is no clear reason what causes this to happen, however the following are seen as triggers:

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Malassezia
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Weakened immune system
• Excessive perspiration
• Not washing hair
• Washing hair too much (washing overkill can irritate the scalp)
• Using hair products such as hairspray, gel and mousse

How to treat dandruff

Brush your hair regularly and correctly. A frequent and firm brushing session will disperse oil from the scalp along the hair strands. This will not only prevent a build-up of oil at the scalp but will also keep hair looking healthy and shiny.

The second and most effective treatment is to simply use an anti-dandruff shampoo. There are several anti-dandruff shampoos on the market that contain various active ingredients that work in different ways. 

Recommendations

1. Phythéol Intense Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo 100ml (£12.50 John Lewis / $24.00 Sephora)
2. T/Gel® Therapeutic Shampoo - Extra Strength 177ml (£7.99 amazon.co.uk / £8.99 neutrogena.com)
3. La Roche-Posay Kerium DS Intensive Shampoo 125ml (£9.95 escentual.com / £33.00 CVS)
4. Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 500ml (£4.99 Boots / $7.49 CVS)