Hormones and How They Cause Dandruff?

** Do hormones cause dandruff? Explore the link between hormones and dandruff, and how to keep it under control. **

1. How is dandruff caused?
2. Are hormones and dandruff related?
3. How to deal with sensitivity to oleic acid?
4. What to do if you have dandruff?

If you scratch your scalp and witness white, oily flakes settling on your hair strands and clothes, you may have dandruff. These flakes are a warning sign that incessant itching is about to take over. But have you noticed that it’s not just the weather change that triggers the onslaught of dandruff? Does your hair feel extra-oily during some days when dandruff is at its worst? This is not a coincidence. Your hormones and dandruff are connected.

Let’s explore how.

How is dandruff caused?

Understanding what causes dandruff can help you manage it better. The major causes of dandruff are:

• Not shampooing enough! When you do not wash your hair properly, the oil and other impurities clog the pores, and this can trigger dandruff. The skin cells accumulate and create flakes, making your scalp itchy.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the sebaceous (oily) parts of the skin and cause dandruff. This condition mostly affects the skin on the face, scalp, and chest. It also causes redness of the scalp and looks similar to other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or an allergic reaction.
• The microbe living on your scalp, Malassezia globosa, is another primary cause of dandruff. This microbe breaks down sebum to produce by-products like oleic acid. Although, it doesn’t create a lot of problems for everyone, if you are allergic, then the reaction it triggers can cause dandruff.
• Certain hair care products can lead to contact dermatitis, and this can make your scalp red and itchy.

Are hormones and dandruff related?

Yes, hormones and dandruff are intertwined. Hormones play a vital role in producing the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated. However, if there’s a slight imbalance in your hormonal levels, it can trigger excess oil production, leading to more sebum for the microbes to feed on. If you are sensitive to oleic acid, this excess sebum production can lead to dandruff. For some people, dandruff occurs due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty, when your body produces more oil than usual.

How to deal with sensitivity to oleic acid?

Your sensitivity to the by-product of sebum, oleic acid, is what causes dandruff. If that’s the case, you can use Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Shampoo to treat it. This shampoo is formulated with HydraZinc and gives you seven benefits: fights dry scalp, relieves irritation, calms itchy scalp, reduces redness, controls flaky scalp, great scent, and leaves your hair looking great.

You can take a look at the wide range of shampoos Head & Shoulders has to offer and choose the one that meets your hair care needs.

What to do if you have dandruff?

Dealing with hormonal dandruff can be a bit challenging but help is on its way. If you are sensitive to oleic acid, this is your cue to keep an eye out for dandruff. It is easy to give in to the desire to scratch, but it can leave you with injuries and sores on the scalp. So, what’s the right hormonal dandruff treatment? Let’s take a look:

• Use a special anti-dandruff formula

Your regular shampoo cannot get rid of dandruff. You need a specially formulated hair product that fights dandruff but does not harm your hair in the process. If that’s what you are looking for, then try Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This potent shampoo contains selenium sulphide that targets the cause of severe dandruff. Moreover, it is clinically proven to control itching and flaking and offers up to 7 days of protection from dandruff! This clinically-proven shampoo gently moisturises your hair and leaves it feeling soft, healthy, and rejuvenated. It is ideal for stubborn and severe dandruff.

• Moisturise

Contrary to the popular belief, you need to moisturise your hair even if you have dandruff. This prevents the scalp from drying out and triggering the sebaceous glands from boosting their oil production. The best way to add moisture to your hair is to choose a good conditioner. You can use Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Conditioner that is powered with immense dandruff-fighting power, and gives you a healthy scalp, and gorgeous hair.

• Practice good hair hygiene

Do not skip your hair-washing days if you have dandruff. Refrain from relying heavily on your dry shampoo or other DIY hacks. This would simply add to the accumulation of gunk and other impurities. Hormones and dandruff aren’t a good combination and if you are experiencing a surge in oil production, you must keep your hair clean. Shampooing your hair will keep the oils and the dandruff symptoms at bay. Also, refrain from scratching your scalp. Trim those nails. Scratching your scalp will only aggravate the irritation and there’s no end to this vicious cycle.

• Learn to manage stress

If you are prone to hormonal dandruff, then stress plays a vital role in triggering the condition. Stress can cause your immune system to weaken and this allows the microbe to thrive. Stress aggravates dandruff, which is why you need to try some stress-relieving activities like going for a walk, or practise breathing exercises to manage it.

So, do hormones cause dandruff? Well, they do lay the groundwork for dandruff. However, with the right anti-dandruff hair products and a good hair care routine, you can keep dandruff away. But, if the problem persists and you experience redness, severe flaking, or swelling on the scalp, do visit the doctor.