No one expects snow in July, but if you suffer from dandruff, it could look like you’ve just spent a few minutes at a ski resort—despite your perfectly good hygiene and hair washing habits. Dandruff is an embarrassing and often itchy hair and scalp condition, but you don’t have to live with it forever. Read on to learn what dandruff is and how to prevent dandruff in Greensboro, NC.

The main causes of dandruff

There are multiple causes of dandruff—the following are some of the most common reasons, so you can better identify the source of the problem.

We hear that washing your hair too often can dry it out and make it even oilier than normal, but not washing it enough can allow too many dead skin cells to accumulate, which eventually causes itching and flaking. You might also have a specific type of yeast (Malassezia) growing on your scalp. This yeast causes the scalp to produce skin cells at an accelerated pace—and then they shed, creating an embarrassing dandruff problem.

You also might have an allergy to your shampoo and other hair products, which makes your scalp itchy and accelerates skin cell shedding. Try going without as long as possible, then slowly adding one product back into your regimen at a time.

If none of these causes of dandruff in Greensboro, NC seems to be the solution, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. This condition makes your skin extra itchy and oily and creates dandruff. Talk to your doctor about the best course of action if you suspect that this is the cause of your dandruff.

What to do if you have dandruff

Now that you know where your dandruff is coming from, what can you do about it? Here are some tips:

• Switch shampoos: Dandruff shampoo is not one-size-fits-all. There are multiple formulas that all attack different causes of dandruff, so it may take some trial and error before you find the right shampoo for your particular dandruff type. Zinc, tar, salicylic acid and antifungals are all found in varieties of dandruff shampoo—read the labels to find out more about the active ingredients and what they’re designed to target. You might find the right dandruff shampoo on the first try, but some people have to try several different kinds before they find the right one for their sensitive scalp.
• Take stress-alleviating measures: Stress exacerbates dandruff (and this has been a particularly stressful year for most of the world), so if you can take stress-alleviating measures, do so—even a simple walk around the block will restore your spirit and let your body relax. Yoga, sports and even home “spa days” are great ways to burn off nervous energy.
• Stop scratching: Dandruff itches, which can be downright infuriating—but all that scratching is just making the problem worse. Your scalp is already irritated, so when you scratch it, it exacerbates the problem. Plus, it will dislodge even more flakes and potentially cause them to show up on your clothing.

Raveen Hair Replacement in Greensboro, NC specializes in safe, affordable hair replacements for men and women—call today to book an appointment or learn more about what causes dandruff and how to treat it.