How Dandruff

Please consult your doctor before trying anything below

Sometimes it is good to be little “flaky”. You know, a little offbeat. A little creative. It gives you a character. Makes you unique – memorable. But if all that people remember about you is your flaking dandruff, you flakiness is off in the wrong direction.

And you are not alone. Some hairdressers say dandruff is the single most common scalp complaints their patrons have. And dermatologists agree that virtually everyone has the problem t some degree. So if you are just itching to get to the root of this head – scratching problem, listen to the experts.

Do not ignore it Whatever you do
Do not ignore your dandruff or fall into a scratch and itch cycle. Ignoring the condition lets the scaling build up on your scalp. That in turn can cause itching, which can lead to scratching. Scratching too vigorously can wound the scalp and leave it open to infection.

Shampoo often:
The experts are unanimous on this point. Wash your hair often every day if necessary. Generally, the more frequently you shampoo, the easier it is to control the dandruff.

Start mild:
Often a mild, nonmedicated shampoo is enough to control the problem. Dandruff is frequently cuased by an overly oily scalp. Shampooing daily with a mild brand diluted with an equal amount of distilled water can control the oil without aggravating your scalp.

Then get tough.
If regular shampoos are not doing the job, switch to an antidandruff formula. Dandruff shampoos are classified by their active ingredients, which work different ways. Those with selenium sulfide or zinc phyrithione work fastest, retarding the rate at which scalp cells multiply. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen flakes so they can be washed away easily. Those with antibacterial agents cut down bacteris on the scalp and reduce the chance of infection. Those with tar retard cell growth.

Beat the tar out of it.
For every stubborn cases, use tar-based formulas. Lather with the tar shampoo and then leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes so the tar has a chance to work. Most people rinse dandruff shampoos off too quickly. If you have avoided tar shampoos because you remember them ad having unpleasant smells, be aware that many newer formulas are much more pleasant.

Do not be too harsh.
If tar-based shampoos – or any other dandruff preparations – are too harsh for everyday use, alternate them with your regular shampoo.

Do not mix black with blond.
If you have blond or silver hair, you might want to think twice about tar-based shampoos. They can give light hair a brownish stain

Lather twice. Always lather twice with a dandruff shampoo.
Work up the first lather as soon as you step into the shower so the shampoo has sufficient time to work. Leave it on until your just about finished with your shower. Then rinse your hair very thoroughly. Follow that with a quick second lather and rinse. The second rinse will leave just a bit of the medication on your scalp so it can work until your next shampoo.