Dandruff: Factors That Cause It and How to Get Rid of It

Dandruff is a universal hair care issue that requires immediate attention. Learn more about what causes this scalp condition and the various ways to treat it.

1. Causes of dandruff
2. Other factors that trigger dandruff
3. When does dandruff start?
4. Symptoms of dandruff
5. How to get rid of dandruff?

Everyone, at some point, has dealt with dandruff, particularly in their adolescent years or early 20s and 30s. Dandruff causes the skin on the scalp to start flaking, which eventually triggers itching. Though these pesky white flakes are annoying, fortunately, the condition is not contagious. However, the constant scratching and noticeable flaking can cause discomfort and embarrassment at times.

So, let’s look at the best ways to deal with this scalp condition and keep dandruff at bay. But first, let’s explore what causes these flakes to appear in the first place.

Causes of dandruff

Malassezia globosa, a naturally occurring microbe, is the major reason for hair dandruff. Surprisingly, it’s present on everyone’s scalp and is comparatively harmless. So, how does this microbe trigger dandruff:

•The scalp produces natural oils called sebum, which keeps your hair hydrated and nourished. The microbe feeds on this sebum.
• It breaks down the sebum into different by-products, one of them being oleic acid.
• Though oleic acid is harmless, some scalps are sensitive to it and react by becoming irritated.
• In response to this scalp irritation, the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy.
• The body signals the brain to start shedding the skin cells faster than usual to shed away the irritant ASAP. This shedding of the skin causes visible flakes to appear on the scalp, which later fall onto your shoulder.

Other factors that trigger dandruff

Though the microbe is the primary cause of dandruff, other factors can also trigger this unpleasant condition. These include external irritants like pollution, seasonal factors like changes in weather, and the use of heat-styling tools.

When does dandruff start?

Dandruff usually begins with puberty when your body undergoes hormonal changes. Your scalp starts producing more natural oils for the microbe to thrive on. However, teenage isn’t the only time when your hormones change; these changes can take place with age or if you are stressed.

Symptoms of dandruff

Seek the right dandruff treatment before it wreaks havoc on your hair. And for that, you should first identify these major signs and symptoms of dandruff:

• Dryness
• Itching
• Redness
• Flakes

These symptoms of dandruff are all signs of irritation, which is caused by the microbe nestled on your scalp. Flaking is the first sign of dandruff, but itching precedes this symptom. It acts as a warning sign that the flakes are about to appear. Plus, dryness and redness can make your scalp feel tight and add to the discomfort, making it necessary to choose an effective dandruff treatment immediately.

How to get rid of dandruff?

There’s no dearth of dandruff treatments that can help control the condition, and relieve the urge to scratch your scalp. However, what you need right now is a treatment that not only gets rid of dandruff but also protects your delicate tresses.

You can explore the wide range of Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoos that give you up to 100% dandruff protection* while addressing your unique hair care needs. These shampoos contain an active ingredient called anti-dandruff active, which has proven to be effective in getting rid of dandruff in hundreds of clinical trials. For stubborn dandruff, you can use Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which is created using selenium sulphide. It targets the cause of severe dandruff and offers up to 7 days of protection from itching and flaking.

Just like your regular shampoo needs conditioner, your anti-dandruff shampoo too should be paired with an anti-dandruff conditioner. Using a regular conditioner with an anti-dandruff shampoo can reduce its dandruff fighting power. Explore Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Conditioners that not only get rid of dandruff but also keep your tresses healthy and moisturised.

Now that you know what causes dandruff and how to get rid of it, ensure that you follow these tips to keep your scalp clean and healthy. If you still experience flaking and redness or irritation, consult a doctor immediately.

(*visible flakes, with regular use)