DANDRUFF 101

DANDRUFF. No one likes to talk about it, but we’re going to discuss it today. 

When the topic comes up when I talk to people, pretty much everyone says that they have the same problem…so I know it is common. 

I have personally struggled with this issue since I started going through puberty – at age 11 or 12. It literally looked like I had snowflakes falling from my head and I really had no idea how to keep it at bay. I was like a walking snow globe that just sprinkled snowflakes everywhere. 

In college, I did some major research on it – I literally spent a combination of days reading up on formulas/chemical compounds and combinations to use to fix the problem. I read journals and 100-page scientific studies on it. To find that the best option for dandruff is steroids. 

I went to my dermatologist shortly thereafter and she prescribed a steroid shampoo to me. I begrudgingly used it for about one year, but I knew it was not good for me. Side note: my dermatologist diagnosed my little problem as having very mild psoriasis on the scalp.

Since I stopped using my steroid shampoo, here is what has truly worked to keep the relentless dandruff at bay:

1.) STAY HYDRATED!

Keeping hydrated is so important for supple, healthy skin. And that includes the scalp area too!

2.) USE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER.

Ever since my steroid days (does that sound druggie or WHAT?!), I have experimented with so many different brands and kinds of shampoos (and conditioners – but I don’t care as much about conditioner…more on that in a minute). I have used zinc shampoos, tar shampoos, the list goes on. They were all okay. But what has really done it for me is using an ALL NATURAL shampoo with a high amount of tea tree oil in it. I use Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo. Seriously, this stuff cures everything. Not only does it work well, it smells so good and leaves that clean, tingly feeling on your head which I love. Choosing a conditioner is not as important to me because I only apply my conditioner to the mid-shaft to ends of my hair. It does not touch my scalp. That said, I go for natural, soothing conditioners. 

THE BEST SHAMPOO:

3.) WASH EVERY OTHER DAY.

There is no need to wash your hair everyday, HOWEVER, people prone to getting dandruff, and especially psoriasis experience a high cell turnover rate, which means the old skin can’t flake off quick enough as new skin is made…leading to flakes. In order to keep them at bay, wash your hair every other day or every two days. 

4.) USE COCONUT OIL ON YOUR SCALP.

Using coconut oil on your scalp will help immensely, and it soothes your skin…plus it is antibacterial which is a huge win. I do a coconut oil “treatment” about once a month, but I should do it more often. Warning: You will have to shampoo your hair a couple of times to get it all out, so do not do this treatment the day of or night before a special event.

Now I want to know…have you had dandruff? Have any tips? Let’s chat!

xoxo, Lynn