People don’t say it out loud, but there are a surprisingly large number of people who suffer from dandruff. Even if you are dressed up, if you have dandruff on your shoulders, you will feel down all at once. Let’s aim for beautiful, dandruff-free hair with proper scalp care.
Two types of dandruff
There are two types of dandruff. Dry dandruff appears when the scalp is dry, and oily dandruff is caused by excessive sebum production. Dry dandruff is the white flakes that often appear on the shoulders and neckline, and since it is dry and smooth, it flakes off from the scalp without any action.
Oily dandruff is yellowish in color and clings to the scalp, so it does not fall off by itself. Large flakes of dandruff flake off from the scalp due to irritation, such as brushing.
Common Causes
These two different types of dandruff have a common cause. It is dry scalp. Dry dandruff, as well as oily dandruff, is caused by dryness. The scalp, like the rest of the skin, is protected from external stimuli and bacteria by sebum.
If the scalp becomes dry due to any reason, it becomes vulnerable to everything that can happen. To protect itself, the body then increases the secretion of sebum. As a result, more sebum than can be processed accumulates, leading to dandruff.
Correct shampooing prevents dryness.
One of the major causes of dry scalp is shampooing. When we find even the slightest bit of dandruff, we put a lot of effort into shampooing in an attempt to keep it clean.
However, do not overdo it. Scrubbing with a strong shampoo or washing hair several times a day can wash away even the sebum necessary for the scalp. Shampooing only once a day and using low-irritant amino acid-based shampoos can prevent over-washing of sebum.
Many of the higher alcohol-based shampoos that are commonly used have strong detergent power, so if you are concerned about dandruff, it is best not to use them.
Scalp care for different types of dandruff
For dry dandruff, the primary care is to moisturize the scalp. After shampooing, a moisturizing lotion, serum, or cream is applied to the scalp. If you usually use these cosmetics on your face, you can be sure to use them on your scalp.
Oily dandruff is also aggravated by excessive shampooing. The common care for both is a regular lifestyle and a well-balanced diet. If oily dandruff does not stop despite various measures, you may have “seborrheic dermatitis” and should see a dermatologist.
Life without dandruff
Dry scalp can certainly cause dandruff. However, daily life, improved diet, and adequate sleep also have an impact on dandruff. If you can improve your health from the inside out, not only by shampooing but also by living a regular life, you will be able to live a life free from dandruff.