Dandruff: How to avoid it in the hair and scalp

Dandruff or lice eggs?

You can easily confuse dandruff in hair with lice eggs, as they resemble each other due to their white color. But it is important to know the difference, as lice eggs can develop into lice, which are highly contagious. You can check if you have lice eggs or dandruff by pulling a hair strand between your fingers. Lice eggs stick tightly to hair strands and are difficult to remove as they are glued close to the scalp. Dandruff, on the other hand, is loose and can easily be brushed out or fall off on its own. Additionally, dandruff often sits closer to the scalp and can be a sign of an irritated or dry scalp. Read more about lice in hair here.

Remove dandruff from hair and scalp with treatment

If you want to combat dandruff in hair and scalp, there are several things you can do to treat dandruff. When treating dandruff, it is essential to reduce the growth of the yeast fungus "pityrosporum". This fungus can grow quickly in an unbalanced scalp, so it is important to keep the scalp clean and healthy. You can do this by thoroughly caring for your hair and using a dandruff brush.

You can treat dandruff in hair with the following four products:

• Grow and Glow Hair Serum contains fruit acid, which provides a light exfoliation of the scalp and helps create balance in the skin's microflora.
• Grow and Glow Shampoo contains fruit acid, which is moisturizing and softening. The shampoo helps remove dead skin cells in the scalp.
• Grow and Glow Conditioner also contains fruit acid, which creates balance in the scalp and helps with greasy hair and scalp.

Deep Scalp Brush silicone scalp brush is a very good brush for dandruff in hair, ensuring the scalp is cleansed of dead skin cells and bacteria.

Anti-dandruff products

Additionally, you can consider using coconut oil against dandruff, as it has a beneficial effect because it contains an acid, Lauric acid, which is both antibacterial and antifungal. Coconut oil is naturally moisturizing and can help reduce dryness in the scalp, making it an effective remedy against both dandruff and dry scalp. It counteracts the Pityrosporum that leads to dandruff in your scalp.

You just need to use a handful of coconut oil, which you can gently massage into the scalp. By letting the oil sit for at least an hour, the scalp has time to absorb the oil, which can help reduce both dandruff and irritation. Then you can rinse out the coconut oil with warm water and dandruff shampoo.

Prevention of dandruff in hair and scalp - The 5 best tips

It is not entirely impossible to prevent dandruff in hair and scalp, but for some, it can be more difficult than for others. If you struggle with common dandruff, it is easier to prevent dandruff, while it can be very difficult to prevent dandruff if you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Here are our best tips.

1. To prevent dandruff, you should care for your hair gently with mild products that do not contain too many chemical ingredients, such as sulfates and silicone. We highly recommend our Grow and Glow Shampoo and conditioner, both of which are sulfate and silicone-free.
2. Do not use too hot water when washing your hair, as it can dry out the scalp and worsen dandruff in the scalp. Lukewarm water is better for preserving the scalp's natural oils.
3. Use a brush with soft bristles or a comb with wide teeth to brush your hair, so you avoid damaging the scalp. This can help distribute the scalp's natural oils and reduce irritation, which can lead to dandruff.
4. Avoid using too many styling products, as they can clog hair follicles and worsen dandruff in hair and scalp. Keep the scalp free from built-up products by regularly washing hair with gentle products.
5. Eat a healthy and varied diet that contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, as it helps maintain normal hair. Make sure to get enough vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Extra tips:

• Avoid wearing hats, caps, or other headgear for extended periods, as it creates a warm and humid microclimate on the scalp, which can worsen dandruff.

• Always dry your hair before going outside or putting it up, as wet hair and scalp can promote the development of dandruff.

• Avoid scratching your scalp, even though it can be tempting when itching or irritation occurs. Scratching can worsen dandruff and further damage the scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis (also called seborrheic eczema)

Some people are unfortunate enough to develop seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema. This is one of the most common types of eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis usually starts with dandruff in the scalp, which later develops into severe redness and itching. In the worst cases, you risk getting sebaceous glands in both the scalp, face, and back. It can lead to dandruff in eyebrows and ears, as well as seborrheic dermatitis in your scalp. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis often requires medicated shampoos and ointments to reduce both dandruff and inflammation in the affected areas.

Seborrheic dermatitis can lead to hair loss

Seborrheic dermatitis can be a chronic condition for some people, and in the worst cases, seborrheic dermatitis can result in hair loss. When seborrheic dermatitis causes intense irritation and inflammation in the scalp, it can damage hair follicles and weaken hair roots, leading to hair falling out. Dandruff and hair loss are unfortunately inevitably linked, but it is only in extreme cases that seborrheic dermatitis leads to hair loss.

Get rid of seborrheic dermatitis with treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis is a widespread condition, and therefore there is also a seborrheic dermatitis treatment you can try to get rid of your seborrheic dermatitis. However, it is difficult to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis if you are not consistent with your treatment. An effective solution can be to use medicated shampoo several times a week, which reduces both dandruff and inflammation in the scalp. You can also try using coconut oil in hair, as it has antifungal properties, which can help against seborrheic dermatitis.

You can also follow the right seborrheic dermatitis diet. A home remedy for seborrheic dermatitis is to remember to get the right vitamins, which can help alleviate your seborrheic dermatitis.

Frequently asked questions about dandruff in hair

Can you get dandruff from stress?

Yes, stress can cause dandruff in hair. Stress can cause an increase in the hormones that control oil production in the scalp, resulting in an excessively oily scalp. This can lead to the growth of a fungus called Malassezia, which can then cause dandruff symptoms such as white or gray flakes on the scalp, redness and itching. In addition to stress, there are other factors that can contribute to dandruff, such as dry skin, certain hair products, and genetic predisposition. People suffering from diseases such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis are more prone to dandruff due to overactive skin cell shedding. It is important to remember that although stress can play a role in worsening pre-existing conditions such as those mentioned above, it does not necessarily have to be present to cause dandruff.

Can dandruff go away on its own?

Yes, dandruff can go away on its own. Dandruff in hair is typically caused by a combination of factors such as dry skin, the natural oils in your scalp, and fungi that live on the scalp. If it is due to one of these factors alone, it will likely go away on its own once the underlying cause has been treated. If you e.g. have dry skin, make sure you stay hydrated and use moisturizers specially formulated for the scalp. If you have an excessive amount of oil on your scalp or an imbalance in the amount of oil being produced, try using a shampoo specifically formulated to help with this problem. If a fungal infection is the cause of dandruff, using an antifungal shampoo can help fight it. In addition, changing your diet or increasing your intake of certain vitamins can also help control dandruff and reduce symptoms. In any case, even without intervention, dandruff will usually go away on its own with time, as long as the underlying cause does not persist.

How often should you wash hair when you have dandruff?

How often you should wash your hair when you have dandruff depends on how severe your condition is, as well as your hair type. Generally, it is recommended to wash hair more frequently to reduce the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that worsen dandruff. If you have mild dandruff, you can start by washing your hair daily with a gentle dandruff shampoo until the dandruff is under control. For those with more oily scalps or frequent use of styling products, daily washing may be necessary.

For individuals with sensitive scalps or dry hair, it may be best to wash hair 2-3 times a week and use a medicated dandruff shampoo. Be careful not to wash too infrequently, as it can lead to an overproduction of the yeast fungus that causes dandruff. Make sure to let the dandruff shampoo sit on the scalp for a few minutes for optimal effect.

The most important thing is to tailor your washing routine to your hair's specific needs, as over- or under-washing can worsen the problem.

Is dandruff contagious?

No, dandruff is not contagious. Dandruff is caused by an overproduction of sebum on the scalp, which can lead to itching and dandruff. It is a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be treated with various hair products and good scalp hygiene. If you are concerned about dandruff, you can always speak to your doctor or a professional hairdresser for more information and advice on how to best manage it.