How To Take Care of Seasonal Dandruff

Tis the season for increased dryness, itchiness, and flaky scalp! Unfortunately, the “snow” we’re experiencing is none other than...dandruff! During the freezing winter months, it’s common for dandruff to be worsened due to the lack of moisture in the air. The lack of moisture results in the production of oil to compensate for dryness on the scalp. As people spend more time inside in enclosed heated areas, the air becomes too dry for the skin. Since your scalp is made of skin, it’s also affected by the environment!  Essentially, the combination of dry winter hair and heated spaces can amplify the annoying symptoms of dandruff! Fortunately, we’ve come up with some tips to help alleviate its symptoms and get rid of its embarrassing presence! No more will you be hesitant to rock that black turtleneck!

 1) Exfoliation of the scalp is first!

In previous blogs, we’ve stressed the importance of having a shampoo routine that works best for you! Chemical and physical exfoliation guarantees your scalp is healthier than ever before! The whole point of exfoliation is to get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells such as dandruff. To do so, it’s recommended to increase blood circulation by exfoliating. Blood circulation diminishes, build-up and promotes new cell turnover to promote hair growth. With the two types of exfoliation, you’ll be sure to have a healthier scalp!

Chemical exfoliation tends to get rid of debris with the use of acid. It’s akin to melting it all off! Although the debris is “melted off” it’s important to use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp so it rinses properly! Some of the best ingredients for chemical exfoliation include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. 

On the other hand, there’s physical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation creates friction to get rid of dead skin cells, so it requires more manual labor, which pays off! With most physical exfoliants, throw in a nice scalp massage to make the experience even better! Products such as the Rizos Curls Pink Scalp Massage Brush and Luxe Therapy Scalp Soother are great options! They’re both gentle and feel amazing when Wash Day comes around. If you need extra guidance on Wash Day, please refer to our other article, 4 Tips to Conquer the Dreaded "Wash Day"!

 2) Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, and Coconut Oil are your friends! 

If you’re tired of “feeling” your scalp, these ingredients will make it all better! Any products that contain aloe vera, tea tree oil, and coconut oil will help alleviate and get rid of symptoms that are commonly associated with dandruff. When used in moderation, your scalp will no longer produce flakes, but beaming results! Products such as the Original Moxie Scalp Therapy and My Honey Child Honey Nut Scalp Cleanser contain such ingredients! 

3) A humidifier will take you far! 

First and foremost, a humidifier is a necessity in all homes no matter the season nor the reason! They’re especially handy when the air is dry, aka during the Winter months. Humidifiers help with allergies, viruses, congestion, troubled sleeping, and even moisture retention for the hair and scalp. As mentioned earlier, the dry Winter air and heated enclosed spaces worsen the condition of dandruff! It’s best to compensate for the loss of possible collagen by providing moist air!

 4) Water is necessary. Period. Point. Blank. 

This tip may seem corny, but it’s simple. Humans are made up of 60% of water. It’s best to hydrate because it helps restore the barrier between you and the pollutants from the environment. Your cells need to be nourished properly and working from the inside out is always beneficial!

 5) Vitamins make up for our nutritional deficiencies! 

Yes, dandruff and nutritional deficiency are linked! It’s recommended to look for vitamins that contain ingredients such as zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6. They increase cell turnover thus the cells on the scalp are also impacted! As a result, dandruff is discouraged from growing since dandruff is essentially dead skin cells. Mielle Organics Gummy Healthy Hair Adult Vitamins, Soultanicals Growtanicals - Vegan Natural Hair Vitamins, and J'Organic Solutions Growth-Plus Hair Vitamins are great examples of vitamins dedicated to the health of the scalp and hair.  

Dandruff is embarrassing and incredibly annoying! Its presence is a reminder it’s time for wash day or a change in routine! To permanently rid ourselves of dandruff is a myth, but there are ways to temporarily relieve us of its presence! Thankfully we can also diminish its occurrence, texture, and size! Don’t lose hope, it’s a matter of consistency!