Dandruff

What exactly is dandruff? Almost everyone has had it at one time or another--white, transparent flaky scales that may be dry or greasy. Why do we have to deal with this embarrassing problem you might be asking yourself. Well, the cause of dandruff is unclear, but the presence of a yeast may be the reason for the faster turnover of the scalp skin. Dandruff is not infectious, and is not a sign of bad hygiene or not keeping hair clean.

People with oily dandruff usually have the condition because of a hormonal imbalance. Overactive oil glands on the body can force a premature shedding of the skin. If that's the case, then dandruff is often present on other parts of the body too. Dry dandruff, on the other hand, is a result of blocked oil glands -- different looking flakes, same result -- except that it's mainly located on the head.

How to Deal With It

When you come to Polished Hair, you can let us know if you have extreme dandruff. Of course we'll notice it at one point or another and if you're already a client, we'll already be a step ahead. Dandruff can be treated by using a good quality shampoo. If dandruff does not disappear after a few weeks using a good shampoo, an anti-dandruff shampoo may solve the problem.

If you're washing at home, look out for shampoo's which contain any of the following : salicylic acid, coal-tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide and sulphur. Shampoo daily if you can with shampoo's containing the above. Make sure you lather well and leave the shampoo on for a good few minutes to give the ingredients time to work.

Also make sure that you rinse extremely well after shampooing to wash out all the dead skin cells the shampoo has dislodged.

If none of these have worked over a period of about 6 weeks it's time to ask for advice at your local pharmacy or doctor, especially if the flakes are not over the whole scalp but just in one or more places, or you have scabs on the scalp. You may have a more severe type of dandruff called "seborrheic dermatitis".