Dandruff is an annoying problem. Besides your scalp often itching, the problem is often so visible. The white flakes on your clothes make you feel embarrassed and afraid that others will think you don't wash your hair properly. Nothing could be further from the truth. Time to sort out some facts and myths, as well as useful tips to reduce or even eliminate that annoying dandruff!
Facts and myths!
Dandruff is the same as a dry, flaky scalp.
Myth: With dandruff, you suffer from yellowish, often somewhat greasy flakes that don't easily detach. With a dry scalp that also flakes, the flakes are fine and white in color. If you run your hands through your hair, the flakes fall out easily.
Dandruff is the most common scalp problem.
Fact: Dandruff is the most common type of scalp problem. At least half of all people suffer from it at some point. And once you've had it, you often remain susceptible. Fortunately, it is not contagious and has nothing to do with personal hygiene.
Don't scratch!
Fact: As difficult as it is not to scratch, because yes, dandruff often causes an itchy scalp, try not to scratch. Scratching increases the risk of inflammation, which you should definitely avoid.
Dandruff is caused by an overactive scalp.
Fact: The scalp constantly renews itself. Skin cells divide and renew the skin. Old dead skin cells detach. These are not visible to the naked eye. In people with dandruff, this skin renewal happens twice as fast. So many dead skin cells detach at the same time that they stick together and form visible flakes. The stickiness of the flakes also occurs because the skin produces more sebum to prevent dryness.
Stress causes dandruff.
Myth: stress is not a cause of dandruff, but it can worsen it. Stress causes certain hormone levels, such as testosterone and cortisol, to rise. This affects sebum production. Stress also affects your immune system, which can cause your scalp to become unbalanced. This often does not have a positive effect on your scalp either.
Healthy eating makes no difference with dandruff.
Myth: food definitely makes a difference! Because if you eat unhealthily, for example too much sugar and fat, your insulin level rises. This causes an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to more flaking.
In winter, your dandruff is often worse.
Fact: Perhaps you've noticed that dandruff is worse in winter than in summer? This is due to the greater temperature differences your scalp is exposed to. Your scalp often reacts to the transition from cold outside to warm inside with increased flaking as a result.
Dandruff causes hair loss.
Myth: Dandruff is not the direct cause of hair loss. Indirectly, dandruff can cause hair loss. Due to the often present itching, people scratch more often. This can irritate and weaken hair follicles, causing hairs to fall out prematurely.
And now for our tips!
What can you do yourself to reduce or even eliminate dandruff?
- Use a good anti-dandruff shampoo, one that cleans your hair well but is gentle on your scalp. Calmare Scalp Protect Shampoo is effective against dandruff, mild for hair & scalp, reduces itching and smells wonderfully fresh!
- Wash your hair every other day. That is the ideal frequency. Washing less often leads to excessive buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and residual styling products. Washing more often irritates the scalp too much and causes your skin to produce even more sebum and oil, making dandruff worse.
- Change your pillowcase regularly and keep your brush, comb, and styling tool clean.
- Preferably not:
- So, no scratching! Difficult, but really better not to.
- Overly hot styling tools
- Dry air
- Chemical treatments like coloring and perms
We hope all this information and tips are helpful to you! Because nothing is as annoying as dandruff.
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