Ask - Hair

scalp solutions

July 28, 2009

What is dandruff and how can it be cured?

Nigel Russell from Holistic Hair replies:

Dandruff is an over production of skin cells building up on the scalp, mildly fungal, it is also known as “scurf”. The medical term is Pityriasis Capitus. It can be caused by many things such as extremes in temperature, harsh shampoo containing sodium lauryl sulphates, a build up of oil on the scalp or simply bad hygiene habits and choosing the wrong shampoo for your scalp.
Dandruff is more common in winter as our habits change. We eat richer “comfort” foods. We wear more clothes hence we sweat through our scalp and we are indoors more often in a warmer circulated air conditioned environment.
If left untreated it can worsen into an inflammation of the skin and a further increase in shedding of flakes known as “seborrehic dermatitis. Cradle cap is a different form of scale build up mixed with the oil that the scalp produces and made worse because a baby is unable to easily change positions when they sleep so the crown of their head becomes more susceptible .
A change in diet will certainly help the condition as will fresh air and choosing the right shampoo. Ones containing zinc, salicylic acid and selenium sulphide will help. Do not have the shower on too hot, make sure all the shampoo is rinsed out properly and any styling product residue is cleanly rinsed out of the hair too.
Product recommendations: Kerastse Specifique Bain Gommage, $36, Kerastase Biotic Bain Bio-Recharge, $36, Head & Shoulders, and Holistic Hair sensitive scalp shampoo, $25.