Look Young Again!

Helping with Flakiness on Hair

            Flakiness on hair or dandruff is a difficult topic largely because of the fact that there are no specific theories as to what causes the condition. There is also no specific cure that will rid every single person of dandruff. A shampoo or treatment that works for one individual may not work for another individual.
            Studies indicate that over ninety-five percent of the population in the United States will have dandruff at some point in their lives. However, despite this there is no total agreement over the elements of the condition.
            Dandruff can happen at any age but is typically found in people from the age of twelve and above. Another form of dandruff known as cradle cap can occur in newborns and infants.
            Dandruff, also referred to as dry flaky scalp, is an itchy, persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Studies have shown that in the past ten years dandruff issues have become more frequent and severe in the United States.
            Either dandruff results in a dry scalp with itchy white flakes that are waxy or greasy or it will cause an oily greasy scalp with scales. Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an excessive rate. It is a result of the normal growing process of the skin cells on the scalp. A person’s entire body is always shedding dead skin cells. The skin itself sheds every twenty-four days.
            In a normal scalp, however the process of shedding dead cells and making replacements is usually an orderly and complete process. With dandruff, there is mass disorder and the shed cells are often not dead before they leave the scalp. What causes the speedup is not known. However, causes appear to be both internal and external.
            The list of internal causes is extensive but can include hormonal imbalance, poor health, excessive perspiration, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitive, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugars, fats or starches, improper nutrition or heredity pre-disposition.
 External causes include excessive use of hairsprays and gels, improper use of hair coloring products, excessive use of electric hair curlers, cold weather and dry indoor heating, tight fitting hats or scarves, infrequent shampooing, inadequate rinsing, stress, anxiety or tension.
            Since there is no cure for the skin disorders that cause dandruff people in the United States that, have dandruff which is over fifty million find that they get it over and over again.
            Dandruff is also seasonal with most people finding it is the most severe during the winter and the least severe during the summer. Dandruff can occur anywhere on the scalp and on occasion can spread to the neck and shoulders. While dandruff is referred to as, “dry scalp” people with oily scalps have an increased chance of having dandruff.
            The best dandruff treatment is to use shampoos containing coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or sulfur. Daily shampooing is the best treatment until the condition resolves itself. However, since dandruff is a natural body process it cannot be stopped it can only be managed and controlled.
            An alternative treatment is apple cider vinegar, which can be used as a rinse. This is good if the shampoos you have tried cannot balance the pH levels. The rinse should be one part apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water. After the vinegar has a chance to soak into the scalp, use a very mild shampoo.
            There are many types of treatments that can be used to manage and control dandruff. Nutritional supplements, vitamins and herbs are some of the newest options along with the traditional options of anti-dandruff shampoos and ointments. It is best to take the time to understand every treatment option and try each option until you find the solution that work best for you and your body.