Hair Dye and Dandruff - What's the Link?

** Hair dye can lead to a slew of hair care issues. But does it cause dandruff? Explore the link between hair dye and dandruff here. **

1. What is dandruff and how is it caused?
2. Signs and symptoms of dandruff
3. Hair dye and dandruff—are they related?
4. What to do if you get dandruff after dying your hair?
5. What to do about scalp irritation?

From warm brown, platinum blonde to even bright pink, there are so many vibrant hair colours to experiment with. However, with frequent colouring comes a slew of hair care woes, starting with hair damage. Exposing your delicate tresses to the chemicals present in hair dyes can lead to dryness, and weak and brittle strands. However, with the right hair care regimen, focusing primarily on coloured tresses, you can minimise the damage your hair might sustain.Plus, your new hair colour too will last longer and shine brighter.

Hair dyes can also make your scalp itchy and flaky. But is this dandruff? Before we use our collective forces to explore the link between hair dye and dandruff, let’s look at what is dandruff in the first place.

What is dandruff and how is it caused?

Several conditions can trigger dandruff-like symptoms, but dandruff is primarily caused by a microbe called Malassezia globosa. This seemingly harmless microbe is present on everyone’s scalp. It survives on the natural oils present in your scalp and breaks down the sebum into by-products like oleic acid. For most of us, this is not a problem. However, troubles brews if you are allergic to the by-product. In such cases, your body responds to this allergy, in the form of dandruff.

Signs and symptoms of dandruff

• An itchy scalp
• The appearance of flakes on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, moustache, and shoulders
• Cradle caps i.e., the presence of scaly, crusty scalp in infants

Hair dye and dandruff—are they related?

So, do you get dandruff after dying hair? Firstly, you need to understand that hair dye alone does not cause dandruff. Hair dye and dandruff don’t always occur together unless you are already prone to dandruff. If that’s the case, then hair dye can cause dandruff to flare-up. Here’s what happens when you apply hair colour if you already have dandruff:

• The chemicals present in the hair dyes remove the protective lipids surrounding your scalp, leaving it vulnerable to damage. This is how irritants like the Malassezia globosa, get a free pass to attack your scalp.

• Another reason why you get dandruff after hair dye is due to the strong chemicals in the dyes that can cause an allergic reaction. This occurs when your scalp is already weakened, owing to dandruff. You might experience signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis such as:
- Swollen patches on the scalp
- Stinging
- Scalp itching caused by skin irritation
- Red skin

• You might be aware that hair dyes give you gorgeously tinted hair because of the chemicals present in them. Certain chemicals present in the hair dyes such as Paraphenylenediamine (PPDA) are known as sensitisers. This chemical is known to trigger an allergic reaction after repeated exposure. Also, it can even lead to dandruff-like symptoms.

What to do if you get dandruff after dying your hair?

If you experience scalp flaking after colouring hair, don’t panic as you can still reverse the situation and make your scalp healthy again. You need a shampoo created especially for the coloured tresses that get rid of dandruff and give you great hair as well. Try Head & Shoulders Suprême Colour Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This shampoo for coloured hair is boosted with dandruff-fighting power and luxurious Moroccan Argan Crème with avocado essence. The nourishing properties of this shampoo reverse the damage caused by colouring without dulling the vibrancy of your hair colour.

Pair this shampoo with the Head & Shoulders Suprême Colour Care Scalp and Hair Crème Conditioner. This conditioner for coloured hair contains the goodness of Moroccan argan crème and avocado essence. This anti-dandruff conditioner offers enhanced dandruff protection and works on your scalp and hair as well.

This should take care of dandruff after hair dye application.

What to do about scalp irritation?

If you experience dandruff after hair colour or scalp irritation, these are some steps you can take to manage this unpleasant experience.

• Use a balanced shampoo that can soothe an irritated scalp and get rid of the flakes. Enter Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Shampoo that gives you 7 amazing benefits- fights dry scalp, relieves irritation, reduces redness, calms itchy scalp, great scent, reduces redness, and leaves your hair looking great. This shampoo offers up to 100% dandruff protection* and gives you soft, smooth hair at the same time.

• Follow up with Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Conditioner which locks in dandruff-fighting power and gives you a healthy scalp and hair.

• Also, refrain from washing your hair a day or two before colouring your hair. The natural oils in your scalp can prevent flaky scalp after dying hair.

Coloured hair doesn’t necessarily cause dandruff. However, dandruff and coloured hair often go hand-in-hand, if your scalp conditions aren’t great. Anti-dandruff shampoos for coloured hair work best in such situations. However, if you continue to experience dandruff or scalp irritation despite using these methods, head straight to a dermatologist.

(*visible flakes, with regular use)