There’s More Than One Type Of Dandruff…You Heard That Right

I’ve only ever dealt with dandruff once in my life, and it was annoying enough. I didn’t understand why my scalp started flaking suddenly — it just did. But I think I understand now. You see — dandruff is caused by a lot of factors. Sometimes, it’s because of how dry your scalp is; and other times, it’s because of how oily it is. And that’s not it. Anyhow, before treating dandruff, you need to know what’s causing it. Imagine using a moisture-rich shampoo on a scalp that’s already rich in sebum because you think dandruff is caused by dryness. Nope. That’s counterproductive. Here’s everything you need to know about the different types of dandruff, how they’re caused, and what you can do to treat the condition.

The Five Different Types Of Dandruff

Ahead — the different types of dandruff in hair, and how they manifest on the scalp. 

1. Dry Skin Dandruff:

This is common during the winters. Thanks to the lack of moisture in the air, our scalp feels dry, and forms flakes. Even excessive washing can lead to this condition. These flakes are small and white, and may be present with little to no itching. Those with curly hair-types might experience dryness more than others — this predisposes them to dandruff. Try counteracting this situation with a sulphate-free moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and limit washing your hair to twice or thrice a week. 

2. Oily Skin Dandruff:

Just underneath your scalp, lie sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum (oil) to moisturise and protect your skin. But they can produce too much sebum sometimes courtesy of factors like stress, puberty, pregnancy, and more. This leads to an accumulation of oil on the scalp. This excess oil can clump together, and lead to flaking. You might notice larger flakes in this case, and they look oilier and yellow. Seborrheic Dermatitis is a more extreme type of oily-skin dandruff. You might experience redness, itching, irritation and flaking in this condition. Switch to an anti-dandruff hair shampoo containing Salicylic Acid.

3. Fungus-Related Dandruff:

Dandruff can stem from a yeast infection called Malassezia. This fungus is commonly found on the scalp where it feeds on oils secreted by the follicles. It’s not a problem for most; but some develop a sensitivity to it. This can trigger an inflammatory response that produces dandruff on the scalp. These flakes are big and white. Your best bet against this type of dandruff is a Tea Tree Oil-infused oil or shampoo. 

4. Disease-Related Dandruff

This includes flaking caused by skin-related conditions such as eczema  and psoriasis. Eczema manifests as an itchy, inflamed, and reddened scalp, and flakes look bigger than dry skin-dandruff flakes.  If it’s psoriasis, you might notice silver-ish, raised, scaly patches on the scalp.

5. Product Build-Up Dandruff

Too much product build-up on the scalp can combine with dead skin-cells and dirt, and lead to flaking. 

Tips To Deal With Dandruff Effectively

Here are some no-effort tips to prevent dandruff — or treat it effectively. 

1. Apply Tea Tree Oil

You can dilute this ingredient with a few drops of a carrier hair oil like Argan Oil before massaging it into your scalp. This oil boasts of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can control the severity of dandruff. 

2. Don’t Scratch Your Scalp

Scratching and picking at flakes can further irritate the scalp, and worsen inflammation associated with the condition — especially if your nails are sharp and long as they can wound the scalp, and lead to infections. 

3. Commit To Lemon Juice

Apply two tablespoons of lemon (juice) to your scalp, and let it sit for a minute. Following this, combine a teaspoon of the juice with a cup of water, and rinse your hair with the mixture. Repeat this daily before your shower. Thanks to lemon’s composition of Citric Acid, it can treat dryness and dandruff effectively. It does this by balancing the scalp’s pH level. Since the plant is antimicrobial, it excels at curbing the growth of fungus on the scalp too. It’s also a rich source of Vitamin B. Vitamin B is said to reduce the risk of skin-related conditions like Seborrheic Dermatitis — which we have established as one of the leading causes of dandruff. So, yes, lemons treat dandruff the issue at the very root.

4. Use Anti-Dandruff Formulas

Committing to anti-dandruff formulas once a week can go a long way in controlling dandruff effectively. A corsage of coconut, coffee, and cacao, the MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao, Coffee, & Coconut Shampoo treats dandruff effectively, and hydrates the scalp to reduce dryness. It’s also composed of proteins and antioxidants that fight damage and promote growth. Don’t forget to complement your routine with the MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao, Coffee, & Coconut Conditioner to complement the benefits of your shampoo. This one excels at softening and smoothening the hair, fighting dandruff, and it lends volume while strengthening your mane too. 

Use: MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao, Coffee, & Coconut Shampoo

Use: MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao, Coffee, & Coconut Conditioner

5. Make An Overnight Olive Oil Mask

Massage a few drops of the oil into your scalp, and cover your hair with a shower-cap for the rest of the night. You can shampoo your hair in the morning. 

6. Check Your Environment

If your environment is hot and humid, you might benefit from thorough shampooing to rid your scalp of oil and build-up. If it is dry and cold, indulge in hydrating hair-care products and hair-masks that reinstate your scalp’s moisture. 

Use: MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao, Coffee, & Hair Spa Mask

7. Try Vinegar

Just like lemons, vinegar is acidic in nature. It excels at killing dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria, and soothes itching and dryness. Just combine equal amounts of (white) vinegar with water, and apply the cocontion to your scalp for about half an hour before washing your hair. 

8. Cool With Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera doesn’t just cool and soothe inflammation and itchiness — it mildly exfoliates the scalp, and sloughs off build-up. Even its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help fight dandruff. You can extract some gel from a plant or scoop some out of a ready-made bottle. Apply a little bit to your scalp for about 30 minutes before washing it off.

9. Baking Soda

Wet your hair a little bit before sprinkling some baking soda over the scalp. Let it sit for about a minute or two before rinsing it all off thoroughly. This one’s an excellent exfoliator, soaks up excess oil, and soothes the scalp by reducing itchiness and redness.

FAQs

1. What type of scalp do I have if I have dandruff?

As mentioned above, dandruff can affect dry as well as oil-prone scalps. Even those afflicted with skin-related issues can experience dandruff. Make sure you’re consulting a dermatologist to diagnose the condition, and treat it safely and effectively. 

2. Can washing your hair every day cause dandruff?

It can certainly dry your hair out — and dryness of the scalp can trigger dandruff. That’s why you must limit washing to twice or thrice a week, and use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to replenish your scalp’s moisture. But this doesn’t mean you stop washing your hair regularly. 

3. Does hot water cause dandruff?

Just like washing your hair every day can dry it out, so can using hot water. This is because hot water is disruptive to the skin as it strips your face of (natural) hydrators, moisturisers, and oils — rendering it dry. This can lead to flaking. It can also worsen existing conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema. 

4. How many times should I use a dandruff shampoo in a week?

You can use it once a week. 

And that’s it! Those were the different types of dandruff.

Also Read

1. Hair Masks For Dandruff: Instead of depending on ready-made, store-bought products to treat dandruff, try out these DIY hair-masks instead. They’re economical, safe, and effective, and they don’t take too much time to prepare either.

2. Hair Oils For Dandruff: Contrary to popular belief, some oils can effectively ward off dandruff. Here are 9 such examples. Ask any expert. 

3. Onion Juice For Dandruff: Ah—‘onions’ don’t induce the nicest reaction, do they? Especially when they’re infused in hair-care formulas. But trust us when we say they’re dab-hand at treating dandruff. Read on.

4. How To Get Rid Of Dandruff: Everything you need to know about dandruff, and how to   get rid of it — enclosed in this guide.

5. Treatment of dandruff & dry scalp: Here’s the solution you need to solve your dandruff and dry scalp problem