WHAT IS DANDRUFF? There is no clear consensus on what causes dandruff, but it’s thought to be caused by a naturally occurring yeast-like fungus that thrives on the scalp. Normally, this fungus exists in peace and harmony on the scalp, but sometimes, whether due to stress or hormone imbalances, the fungus starts making trouble and grows unchecked, which leads to mild inflammation, which leads to the production of dead skin cells. For the final touch, these dead cells mix with the oil on the scalp and show up as white flakes in the hair. Though thankfully not dangerous for the most part, dandruff does present as a royal pain. It’s more prevalent during the winter or other dry seasons; decreased humidity often results in the scalp losing its moisture. Some shampoo and styling products can also increase the odds of having dandruff.
HABIT OVERHAUL To start with an easy one, drink! Inadequate hydration causes dry skin, and so our goal here is hydration. Now for the fun part, take a look at what you’re eating. A healthy diet can go a long way toward healthy hair and scalp. Lots of fruit, raw veggies—especially the green, leafy kind—and foods rich in biotin (think egg yolk, fish, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, or taken via supplement), omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Chicken, beans, chickpeas, dark chocolate, and sesame seeds are also good due to their zinc content. Selenium, vitamins E and C, and vitamin B complex are also important. Be kind to your hair. Let it air-dry if you can, and if you must use a blow-dryer, try the lowest setting. Don’t rub hair vigorously after washing; pat gently with a towel instead. This may be a hard pill to swallow for some, but another helpful intervention is not washing the hair every day. Twice a week is recommended in order to maintain the scalp’s natural balance of oils. (After hair is washed, the body generates sebum [oil] to restore the balance, but this makes hair oilier.) When washing hair, wet it with lukewarm water and, using the fingertips, massage shampoo into scalp. Let it sit for a minute or two before rinsing with cold water; cold water closes pores and hair follicles on the scalp, which prevents dirt from entering.
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