Dandruff... the word alone can be triggering, never mind the pesky flakes, itchy skin, and scalp discomfort.
Dandruff is so common nowadays that it affects about HALF of the global adult population. But it wasn't always this way... and as we always say, COMMON does NOT mean NORMAL.
There are various lifestyle and environmental factors that can contribute to dandruff problems. If you're struggling with dandruff, it's important to determine the underlying cause so you can address it at the root (...pun intended). So lets find out what your scratchy scalp is trying to tell you!
1. Dandruff versus Dry Scalp
First things first... there's a difference between dandruff and a dry scalp. It may be hard to tell the difference because they present similarly with itchy sensations & flaky, loosening skin, but dry scalp can be resolved with simple lifestyle changes so we always suggest starting here first.
Here are some possible causes:
- One cause of dry scalp is simply your skin not being well hydrated, which happens when you’re not getting enough fluids or proper hydration.
- Increase consumption of fluids like water, milk, natural fruit juices, etc.
- Add some foods with high water content to your diet like cucumber, celery, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.
- Mineralize your water for a healthy mineral balance in your body. Add a pinch of sea salt to your water to consume essential trace minerals.
- Dry scalp can be caused by hair products stripping your natural oils
- The hair products you are using may be stripping your scalp of its natural oils. Medicated shampoos are not a solution.
- Switch to non toxic shampoos & conditioners that gently clean your hair without stripping natural oils
- Dry scalp can also occur seasonally in cold, dry climates
- The same suggestions of hydrating & mineralizing properly and using non toxic hair products will prevent excessive seasonal dryness
2. What's causing your dandruff?
If these changes don't drive notable improvement within a few weeks, don't worry. It will just take a little more effort to clear with long term lifestyle changes & ruling out causes.
Dandruff can have many possible causes:
- secretions from sebaceous glands, fungal colonization on the scalp, or yeast
- not shampooing enough, causing skin cells to accumulate and create flakes
- overshampooing, causing overdrying of the scalp
- overbrushing hair, creating too much friction with sensitive skin on the scalp
- personal care products causing contact dermatitis leaving scalp red & itchy
- poor diet, sleep habits, or stress management
3) How can you treat dandruff naturally?
"Conventional" treatments like medicated shampoo or dandruff shampoo typically loosen flakes or target fungal overgrowth, but often have concerning side effects or cause long term health issues due to toxic ingredients.'
Like, seriously, the shampoo you're using to treat your dandruff shouldn't be causing intense rashes or burning your skin....
Here are some better, natural alternatives for treating your dandruff:
- Let your scalp breathe. Limit wearing hats, especially synthetic materials.
- Practice good hygiene. Resist the urge to touch your scalp. Scratching can increase irritation & introduce dirt into the mix that can make dandruff worse.
- Go outside for fresh air. Regular exposure to the outdoors, where the air is more fresh, can reduce oil buildup on the scalp.
- Massage your scalp. This may also help prevent dandruff symptoms by increasing circulation and blood flow, supporting scalp health.
- Find the right shampooing balance for your scalp. Shampoo often enough to keep oils at bay but not so often that you're stripping natural oils.
- Limit self care products. Limit the number of products you're using on and around your head to avoid introducing any more ingredients that can aggravate the scalp.
- Reduce stress. Stress can aggravate or worsen dandruff. Fungus, yeast, and more will thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to your body. Do your scalp a favor and relax with some grounding, meditation, etc.
- Use gentle, quality products to support scalp health. Our Healthy Scalp Bundle (shampoo & conditioner duo) fights dandruff and supports scalp health with natural ingredients that have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Remember, health is wealth! These natural practices & lifestyle changes will support your overall health. The more your body thrives, the less these unpleasant symptoms like dandruff will occur.