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Dry Dandruff: How to Identify and What to Do About It

If you've noticed tiny white flakes on your hair, know that you're not alone. Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems. There's no need to panic, but hoping it will go away on its own is also not advisable. To restore your hair to its best condition, you need to find the root cause of the problem and adjust your hair care routine.

Signs and Differences of Dry Dandruff from Other Types

You can determine the type of seborrhea you are dealing with by its external signs. Pay attention to the color and size of the flakes. Dry dandruff looks like flour: small white particles easily fall from the hair and are very noticeable on dark clothing. Other symptoms may include itching and tightness of the scalp. With oily seborrhea, the flakes are larger, have a yellowish tint, and hardly fall off. In mixed types, there are areas with both dry and oily dandruff, but this is rare. If in doubt, a trichologist can help clarify the situation. They will examine your scalp with a special optical device to determine the type of seborrhea.

Causes of Dry Dandruff

Like the rest of your body, the skin on your scalp is constantly renewing itself. This process takes about 30 days and typically goes unnoticed. When cell renewal accelerates, dandruff begins. The main cause in most cases is the fungus Malassezia, which lives on the scalp permanently but can become activated and cause flaking due to external and internal irritants. The irritants include:
  • Lack of moisture: A lack of liquid often affects the condition of the scalp, making it drier and more sensitive. To test this theory, observe if other skin areas (elbows, feet) also suffer from flaking; an extra glass of water might be necessary.
  • Incorrect care: Aggressive scrubs or shampoos with acids for a dry scalp can disrupt the natural protective barrier, causing dandruff. White flakes, irritation, and tightness after washing are signals that the product is not suitable for you.
  • Hot styling: Constant use of a hairdryer can dry out the scalp, especially if you hold it too close to the surface or use the maximum setting.
  • Climate change: Dry, cold air and hard water with excess impurities can cause seborrhea. In such cases, your hair looks fine at home, but in a business trip or vacation, flaking appears.
  • Deficiency of beneficial substances: The health of hair and scalp is influenced by levels of sulfur, zinc, vitamins A, D, B3, B5, B6, B7, and E. Their deficiency can lead to various conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis. If you suspect deficiencies, take a blood test and consult a physician for interpretation.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Hormones regulate the production of sebum, which moisturizes the scalp and protects it from the environment. A lack of sebum can lead to dandruff. In this case, a consultation with a specialist, including a blood test, is necessary.

Ways to Fight Dry Dandruff

You probably already understand that dandruff is not an independent problem but rather a sign of internal issues. Balancing work and rest, paying attention to your health, and maintaining good habits will help keep your hair looking attractive. So, what to do if you have dry dandruff:

Maintain Hydration

An adult needs about 25–30 ml of liquid per kilogram of body weight for normal bodily functions. A nutritionist can calculate the exact amount. To meet these recommendations, set up a smartphone app to remind you to drink regularly or carry a bottle of clean, non-carbonated water with you.

Eat a Varied Diet

Try to organize each meal according to the plate rule, including proteins, complex carbohydrates, fats, and definitely vegetables and fruits. Pay special attention to foods high in fatty acids (avocado, fish, walnuts, flax seeds, broccoli, sesame).

Protect Your Scalp from Cold and Sun

Low temperatures, ultraviolet rays, and wind are not ideal for your hairstyle. With the arrival of autumn, a hat should become an essential part of your look. In the summer, don’t forget a light hat or a panama, or at least apply SPF products to your partings.

Provide Proper Hair and Scalp Care

Wash your hair as it gets dirty, do not shorten the intervals between washes to avoid disrupting the natural lipid balance. Choose an appropriate shampoo for dry dandruff. The water should be lukewarm; very hot water can have a drying effect. Use peels and scrubs for the scalp no more than once a week, and thoroughly rinse the product after use. Temporarily avoid using a hairdryer in favor of natural drying or use the cool setting. A special shampoo can help manage noticeable flaking and restore your hair’s beauty and attractiveness.
If you're struggling with dry dandruff or any other hair concerns, consider booking a consultation with an expert at iLuvMe Hair Salon, conveniently located in the Business Bay area of Dubai. The skilled professionals at iLuvMe are dedicated to providing personalized hair care solutions tailored to your unique needs. With their extensive experience and state-of-the-art treatments, they can help you achieve healthy, beautiful hair. Don't let dandruff or scalp issues hold you back—visit iLuvMe Hair Salon and discover the difference expert care can make.
2024-10-06 17:36