Myths about Dandruff
Finding flakes in your hair is a frequent problem, but many people are unaware of what causes dandruff in their hair or scalp or the best treatment approach. Several people have hundreds of myths regarding dandruff and its causes. So in this article, we have decided to debunk all of the myths about what causes dandruff, what it is, and how to relieve an itchy, flaky scalp. Let us begin.
Myth No 1: Dandruff is always caused by a dry scalp.
If you have dry skin or have a contact dermatitis reaction that causes dry skin, it can cause flaking, itching, and even skin peeling. However, having an oily scalp can also be a significant factor. Malassezia yeast, which has been related to seborrheic dermatitis, feeds on the oil (sebum) on your skin and scalp. They flourish in higher concentrations, making this disease more likely if you have an oily scalp. To treat your dandruff effectively, you must first determine if your scalp is oily (or has a lot of product accumulation) or dry.
Myth No 2: Just using an oil treatment will help with dandruff.
One of the DIY cures that were discovered while searching for dandruff solutions on the internet was a hot oil treatment. One can use neem, warm coconut or olive oil should be applied immediately to the scalp to notice the effects. But does it work? If your scalp is dry, it may help to hydrate it. If you feel that your flakes are caused by an oily scalp, then you might be wrong because adding extra oil will merely give you stickier and greasier flakes. Also, rubbing oils into the scalp might irritate as well.
Myth No 3: Before shampooing, you should remove any flakes.
Recalling your mother’s using a rat-tail which is a special comb with a long pointed comb to remove the flakes from your hair earlier. However, after understanding it from a researcher we can infer the fact that this was not the best strategy. If your flakes are so adherent and heavy that they require dislodging with a comb, you may have a different and more serious scalp condition. And also after referring to scalp psoriasis we can further add that hard or improper scale removal can be painful and cause bleeding which exposes your scalp to infection.
Myth No 4: If you have dandruff, you should wash your hair less frequently.
If you believe your dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, it may be tempting to reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair. However, whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should wash your hair regularly to remove flakes and debris from your scalp.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the most effective way to treat most dandruff is to use an over-the-counter shampoo. Shampoo your hair daily and alternate anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have natural hair, use the anti-dandruff shampoo only once a week.
Myth No 5. Your scalp does not require exfoliation.
Exfoliating your scalp regularly appears extreme, and for most of us, it is. However, if you have dandruff and suspect that excessive product buildup is to blame, an exfoliating treatment now and again may be beneficial. It also just feels good! Doctors warn against using DIY scalp scrub recipes since they may contain irritating substances or be overly harsh. Instead, use a product containing exfoliating salicylic acid, such as Scalpicin.
Myth No 6: If you have dandruff, you cannot use styling products.
If you have dandruff, you may believe that you should avoid using any style products on your hair or scalp. In general, it’s a good idea to research the items you’re using to ensure they’re not bothersome. If possible, reduce the number of styling products you use to reduce the risk of a poor reaction or intensify the one you’re already experiencing. But that doesn’t mean you can never use styling products! You can continue to style your hair with the products you like as long as you wash it regularly ideally, daily to prevent accumulation.
Myth No 7: Dandruff does not affect hair growth.
There has been minimal research in this area. However, our findings imply that, while dandruff may not directly cause hair loss, it is related to hair loss, particularly in persons who already have some level of hair loss or thinning. Although the connection is not fully understood, some specialists believe that dandruff may interfere with the regular hair-shedding cycle. And it stands to reason that constantly scratching your scalp could cause damage to your already weak hair and result in hair loss. If you already have some hair loss, it’s very crucial to keep your dandruff under control to avoid more hair loss.
Summary
Finally, keep in mind that dandruff is a relatively frequent problem with numerous potential causes. Once you’ve determined what’s causing your dandruff, you’ll be able to control those flakes. So, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a dermatologist.
