DON'T BE A FLAKE

TAKING THE FIGHT TO DANDRUFF

Oh yeah, Mr. Big Shot. You’re feeling confident and on top of the world. Ain’t nobody gonna’ break a’ your stride. Then… you glance at your shoulders and notice it looks like you’ve just completed an Alpine downhill race. Psssssst goes the confidence. So what’s the deal with dandruff and how can it be battled?

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is an itching and flaking of the scalp that usually presents itself via visible flakes, redness and irritation. While its exact cause is unknown, current research indicates a yeast-like fungus called malassezia (yum!) may be the culprit.

How Does Dandruff Start?

Normally, skin creates new skin cells and sheds old ones at a proportional rate. Usually the lost cells are small enough to go unnoticed. The challenge happens when the dandruff-responsible fungus irritates skin, causing the scalp to produce extra skin cells, thus accelerating shedding. Blah, blah, blah.

Other dandruff triggers can include: hormonal and seasonal changes, excess styling product buildup and stress.

How Can Dandruff Be Battled?

While there’s currently no fool-proof cure for dandruff, it can be held in check by washing with quality dandruff treatment shampoos. These shampoos eliminate scalp build up and flakes and are generally solid for the scalp. If these shampoos don’t do the trick in tandem with the below, consult a reputable doctor or dermatologist.

• Brushing hair more regularly.

• Washing hair daily.

• Using a light conditioner and rinsing thoroughly.

• Avoiding excessive styling products.