Feeling flaky? Don’t let dandruff get you down

Let’s be clear: lots of people get dandruff, it’s not harmful (though very annoying), it’s not caused by poor hygiene, and you can’t spread or ‘catch it’, says Stylist Amelia.

But no one wants white flakes in their hair and on their clothes, so we give you the heads-up on how to shake the flake and ditch the itch.

Don’t confuse dandruff with a dry scalp

Many people assume that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, but this isn’t true says Senior Stylist Jodie. So rubbing oil into the scalp won’t help your dandruff problem.

• Dandruff is caused by the production of too many skin cells. Dead skin cells then collect on the scalp and fall as large white flakes that can be oily or tinged with yellow.
• Dry scalp is caused by not producing enough natural oils to keep your scalp moisturised. The skin then sheds fine flakes that are whiter and smaller than dandruff.

Not sure which one you’ve got? Why not get in touch for a free consultation and advice on the best treatments?

Getting to the root of the problem

“Your first step is to try one of the anti-dandruff shampoos that are available,” says Style Director Dawn. “Call us  on 01472 694900 to ask about our home-use products for treating dandruff. Or ask your stylist at your next appointment.”

Look out for shampoos that contain at least one of the following ingredients:

• Zinc pyrithione
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
• Ketoconazole
• Coal tar

Everyone is different, so you may have to experiment a little to see which product works best for you. You should start to see an improvement after about a month.

You can still condition your hair after using anti-dandruff shampoo to keep it looking healthy and nourished advises Dawn. “Ask us for advice about which products will be best for your hair type and for use with an anti-dandruff shampoo.”

Follow instructions…

Sophie explains: “Don’t assume that all dandruff shampoos should be used in the same way. Always read the instructions. For example, some should be left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, while others should not.”

Be careful with coal tar

Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain coal tar may not be suitable if you have blonde, grey or white hair as they can cause the hair to discolour, so choose from the alternatives as a first option.

Coal tar can also make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight so cover your head or stay in the shade when out and about in the sun.

Dandruff not going away?

Finally, Jade recommends you always ask your GP for advice if you still have bad dandruff, or a very red, swollen or itchy scalp after trying dandruff treatments for a month. It’s possible that you may have some other condition such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis.

Book a consultation today

Do you have a problem with dandruff or a dry and itchy scalp? Call now to book a consultation or to ask about our home-use retail products including anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, scalp scrubs and soothing scalp masks: 01472 694900.