Winter months not only bring cold weather, but they can make your dandruff worse. This seasonal woe can affect your scalp and makes it feel uncomfortable and very itchy.
There is such a thing as winter stress or fatigue, which can cause hormonal fluctuations within your body. This can directly affect your oil production and be a possible reason for why dandruff occurs in winter.
You might be surprised to learn that winter dandruff isn't caused by the cold. It is caused by a microbe present on all of our scalps and it's there all year round, whatever the weather.
You have dry skin.
“If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it's easier to tell as other places of your body are most likely dry as well,” Dr. Kwon says. “And during cold months, skin becomes drier – which is why people tend to notice more dandruff at this time.” The remedy: You know the drill: moisturize.
heat – as temperatures rise, the dandruff-causing microbe Malassezia globosa is more likely to thrive, raising the prospect of a dandruff flare-up. sweat – this can also provide ideal conditions for Malassezia globosa to thrive, raising the prospect of a flare-up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Helps with dandruff: Dandruff results from a dry scalp, and moisture is needed to treat it. “Since showering with cold water helps the scalp retain moisture, this will in turn alleviate dandruff and the irritation that comes with it.”
However, if we produce too much of this fungus, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off as dandruff. However, it can be beneficial to step outside occasionally. UVA rays counteract this fungus – remember, most fungi like to live in dark, moist environments, so getting some safe sun could be just what you need.
Wash your hair regularly
If you wait long periods to shampoo your hair, dandruff can worsen. So, try to regularly shampoo your hair a 2-3 times a week depending on your hair type to reduce buildup. Additionally, alternate between good dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients for best results.
Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.
Washing Hair 3 Times A Week Can Treat Dandruff
That's because other shampoos and conditioners can remove the anti-dandruff actives left on your scalp, reducing their effectiveness.
Sometimes, what seems to be dandruff might indicate another underlying skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infection. A person should seek medical treatment for dandruff if symptoms are severe or do not resolve with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and ointments.
Unfortunately, many people are sensitive to one of the main by-products of Malassezia globosa: oleic acid. For those who are sensitive, Malassezia globosa will lead to symptoms that include: Itchiness. White flakes in 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.
The bottom line
Head and Shoulders is a brand of hair care products that help alleviate dandruff. These anti-dandruff products are not considered bad for your hair. And there is very little evidence to show that they cause hair damage or hair loss — especially at over the counter (OTC) strengths.
Dandruff triggers include dry weather, stress, and hair products. But by far the most common trigger for dandruff is Malassezia overgrowth on the scalp. Most of the time, you can prevent dandruff with regular use of medicated shampoos and by avoiding triggers.