This makes dandruff sufferers especially vulnerable to the effects of blow drying, further drying out their skin and leading to a flaking flare-up. The high heat of a blow dryer on your hair and scalp is not good for it.
In order to avoid a flaky scalp situation, you don't need to avoid your blow dryer completely. Just be smart when you use it: Before blow drying, remove excess water with a towel, to shorten time using the dryer. Keep your dryer at a lower heat setting.
A damp scalp for long periods of time can create a perfect environment for the growth of fungus or bacteria, which can lead to scalp problems such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Letting your hair air dry does not directly cause dandruff. Dandruff is primarily caused by a combination of factors, including: Dry skin: If your scalp is dry, it can lead to flaking. Oily skin: An overly oily scalp can contribute to the growth of yeast, which can cause dandruff.
Less Damage: Air drying is generally gentler on hair, reducing the risk of heat damage and frizz. Natural Texture: It allows your hair to dry in its natural shape, which can enhance your hair's natural texture and waves. Moisture Retention: It can help retain moisture, especially if you use a leave-in conditioner.
One of the best & easy ways to dry your hair after washing, rather than waiting hours, is to leave it alone until it's about 75% dry. Once you've let nature run its course and your hair is slightly damp, grab your hair dryer and blow-dry your hair the remainder of the way.
But here's a surprising fact: Air drying can actually cause more damage to your hair than blow drying it. “It may seem counterintuitive since we're all aware of heat damage. However, blow drying is actually gentler on most hair types,” explains hairdresser Dejan Garz.
If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.
Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
It is important to mention that air drying can take longer and potentially contribute to fungal growth, particularly in individuals with a sensitive scalp, such as those who experience dandruff. Blow drying your hair can be a convenient way to dry and style it quicker.
In winter, our bodies face freezing temperatures and blasts of central heating. This fluctuation in temperatures dries out the scalp, leading to flaking. Don't forget, you could also suffer from flaking in the summer.
For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.
For example, while you sleep, you produce mucus; and when you roll around or lay on your face, it gets on your pillowcases. In addition, other gross substances can accumulate on your pillowcase and cause acne and bacterial infections, such as earwax, dandruff, and other bodily fluids.
Unlike true dandruff flakes, however, the flakes associated with dry scalp tend to be smaller and whiter. Dandruff flakes are larger and may be yellow-tinged or look oily. While both dandruff and dry scalp tend to come and go, dandruff that is due to a fungal infection is unlikely to get better without treatment.
Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well. Some studies have shown apple cider vinegar can have antimicrobial effects.
Head & Shoulders is one of the best anti-dandruff shampoos you could use as it works wonders in removing dandruff in just one wash and prevents it from coming back too. We recommend Head and Shoulders Silky Black Shampoo which helps in fighting dry scalp and dandruff and re- moisturizes the hair.
When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.
Dandruff is a common skin condition. It's not harmful and you cannot catch it.
Cold Water
Keeping this in practice helps you close the cuticles that you expanded earlier with warm water, while also sealing the moisture in. Moreover, it can also be deeply relaxing for your scalp skin after all that dandruff itching it's been through.
You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.
The good news is: hair that takes long to dry is healthy hair. Strands that dry quickly may be too porous or slightly damaged.
It's best to prevent your hair from becoming too greasy to keep the scalp healthy. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the scalp that helps keep the skin moisturised and healthy. However, if the scalp starts to become built up with excess oil and grease, this can lead to itching, redness, and dandruff.
"The healthiest option is to dry your scalp and hair to around 80% using a low to medium heat setting on your dryer – that gets the majority of water out – and then you can leave it to air dry from there, or continue to dry and style it as you usually would," says Dove Partner and Celebrity Stylist Lacy Redway.