Prevent, treat and manage dry scalp and dandruff with these hair tips.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition where dead skin cells are shed from the scalp, and is not the same as having a dry scalp. With dandruff, more than double the amount of skin cells are shed, often causing itching and discomfort. Dandruff requires three things: sebum (skin oil), oily metabolic products of microorganisms (typically a fungus such as a yeast), as well as individual skin conditions. Dandruff can also be a result of an allergic reaction. It is estimated that half the population will suffer from dandruff at some point in their life – yikes!
Normal dry scalp can be combated with the use of moisture-rich hair treatments and conditioners, which help restore balance to the delicate scalp skin. Dandruff, however, requires a bit more TLC, but don’t worry. While it can look unattractive and be embarrassing, it is easily treated. Here’s how:
Shampoo regularly:
Despite the dry flaky appearance, dandruff actually thrives in oily hair. Wash your hair twice; once to break up the oily sebum and a second time to wash everything clear. Leave the shampoo in for a few minutes to give it a chance to do its job before rinsing it out well. Be careful of over-shampooing though. You don’t want to strip or stress your scalp. Pay attention to how your hair and scalp react.
Switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo:
These contain an active ingredient that targets the cause of dandruff. Two common examples are shampoos with zinc pyrithione to fight the fungus (Head and Shoulders is probably the best known), and ones with selenium sulfide to limit cell turnover. You can also get prescription shampoos if over-the-counter ones are not efficient. Alternating between different types of active ingredients can also be very effective. If you find that dandruff seems to be a recurring problem, try switching to a SLS-free shampoo (that’s Sodium Lauryl Sulphate). This is the compound that’s used for foaming, but it can be an irritant for sensitive scalps.
Read a Head and Shoulders product review. 
Go easy on the styling products:
Your scalp could be having an allergic reaction to one of your hair sprays, mousses, oils, etc.
Have a healthy diet:
A nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet is always a good idea! Make sure that you are getting enough B-vitamins, as well as zinc.
If your dandruff is stubborn, go see a doctor. Dandruff is a medical condition that they can help you treat.
There are lots of home remedies floating around, but honestly, they’re not very effective, and the proper shampoo is really not expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend any of them.
Hopefully with these hair tips, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful clean scalp.
Read more about the effectiveness of anti-dandruff products.
Article by: Laura Jane van Laeren http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/whimsy-is-forever