7 ways to help banish dandruff – according to an expert
Because there's nothing worse than dandruff déjà vu
Catching sight of a mere sprinkling of dandruff on your shoulders can make even the most mild-tempered among us feel aggravated. Maybe yours comes and goes without bothering you too much, but for those who do suffer (one in five people will experience it), the scalp condition can cause nothing but annoyance and discomfort.
‘Dandruff is an itchy flaky condition that affects the scalp,’ explains Stephanie Sey, a trichologist who specialises in this area. ‘It is caused by the yeast malassezia, which reacts to the sebum on your scalp causing your cells to divide rapidly, which in turn causes flakes. Malassezia in itself can exist on an individual’s scalp with no issue; however some people can have a sensitivity to it.’
Read on for more of Stephanie Sey’s useful tips on how to treat and help prevent dandruff.
Take note of seasonal changes
‘The condition seems to get worse in winter. It’s not exactly clear why this is, but wearing hats that keep the head covered and sweating under them can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria,’ says Sey.
However, the summer months can provide a rest period. ‘The sun appears to be helpful for a healthy scalp, as small doses of UVA rays can combat the fungus that causes dandruff,’ she reveals.
(Just remember to be responsible in the sun and always protect your skin properly.)
Keep things clean
‘Under-washing can certainly play a part in causing dandruff, particularly if you have a sensitivity to the fungus malassezia,’ confirms Sey. ‘Keeping your hair well cleansed can help to control the condition. The best way to treat it is using an antifungal shampoo that contains an ingredient called ketoconazole. This gets rid of the malassezia on the scalp, which causes the dandruff.
'You can also use other antifungals to treat it, such as zinc pyrithione and piroctone olamine. Sulphur is also an excellent way to treat dandruff,’ she adds.
Be aware of hormone levels
‘Hormonal changes, such as perimenopause and menopause, can lead to dandruff developing,’ Sey explains. ‘With dropping levels of oestrogen, the skin can change, which can then lead to an imbalance of the scalp microbiome,’ she elaborates, ‘and as we age, the skin can become less resilient meaning that we can become easily irritated by things like the fungus malassezia.’
Nail your brushing technique
‘Brushing the hair more often can help distribute sebum evenly and loosen the flakes – however, that doesn’t mean you should brush the scalp,’ advises Stephanie.
‘You should also try to keep your hair brush clean and free from bacteria and fungus.’
Use targeted products
As with many ailments, sometimes you just have to tackle the issue at hand using a medicated solution. Nizoral* has created a dual-action approach when it comes to clearing and helping to prevent dandruff.
The Nizoral Daily Prevent Shampoo helps keep dandruff flare ups at bay, while the Nizoral Treatment Shampoo helps to treat the cause. They can be used to help break the start stop cycle of dandruff déjà vu.
Keep those sheets fresh
Sey confirms what we all should know when it comes to general skincare: ‘Regularly change your pillowcase – both your face and hair will thank you for it.’
Think high fibre, low yeast
‘Eating a balanced diet that contains good levels of fibre and other essential vitamins and minerals can help your dandruff issues,’ says Sey. ‘Examples are cruciferous vegetables, B vitamins found in whole grains, seed and nuts.
‘Zinc is also an important mineral [that can help fight dandruff], which is found in meat, fish, dairy and legumes. There is some indication from my clients that a yeast-heavy diet can also contribute [to dandruff],’ she adds.
Shop the Nizoral range here or at Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and amazon.co.uk
*Nizoral Daily Prevent Shampoo is a cosmetic product. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole – an active ingredient, clinically proven for dandruff treatment. Always read the label.
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