Gustav Fouche

While dandruff and dry scalp are very common issues, as it affects more than half of the British population. Dealing with these everyday issues can be embarrassing and daunting. But just knowing and understanding what you’re dealing with can make the solution for this common issue much easier!

Dandruff is flaking of the scalp, these are dead cells often accompanied by a slight itch. The overproduction of oil highlights the clumps of dead cells and makes the flaking more visible. 

Seborrheic dermatitis is the more severe case of dandruff, which is inflammatory, a lot more itchy and a redness on the scalp is clearly visible. This condition can affect the rest of the body especially the face and chest. Seeking advice from a dermatologist is strongly advised.

Dandruff is a white/yellow greasy flake, noticeable on darker clothing. Dandruff  does have a distinct smell in more serious cases, the flakes are normally larger in size and have a somewhat greasiness to them. As for dry scalp, the flakes are smaller, more white in colour, the latter is caused by a lack of moisture where dandruff is accompanied by increased levels of oil. Dry scalp is more common during the winter months when the shin appears dryer and more dehydrated. Common causes for dandruff are stress, hormones, nutritional deficiencies, seasonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle and also certain drugs (anti-cancer drugs).

How do you treat dandruff and dry scalp? For dry scalp, try and reduce shampooing your hair too often, applying a light conditioner to the hair and scalp will add moisture to the dry scalp. When it comes to dandruff a more medicated shampoo is required, this product will need some time to work, gently massage the shampoo into the scalp, leave for a few minutes before rinsing, this process can be repeated in more severe cases. Make extra sure all the product is rinse from the hair and no residue is left behind. If you have thick dense hair, dry the hair properly to avoid added moisture to the already inflamed scalp, remember dandruff is a fungus, and fungus grows in moist, damp conditions. Dandruff shampoos will have a soothing anti inflammatory and antifungal effects. The keratolytic compounds will break down the outer layer of the skin (flakes). In more severe cases the dermatologist might prescribe oral medication for this condition, but this is a worse case scenario and being diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis.

Adjusting your normal diet to a healthier one is beneficial in many ways, one being it will reduce inflammation, which should improve your dandruff as well as just giving you an all round healthy body.

Some recommend over the counter (from your stylist) products to control and treat dry scalp and dandruff are: 

Leonor Greyl, Bain Traitant Á La Propolis. A gentle dandruff treatment shampoo for everyday use, to purify, soothe irritations and removes flakes from the scalp.

 Leonor Greyl, Régénérecsence Naturelle, is a scalp stimulating oil, to purify and fortify the scalp. This oil will remove dead cells and dandruff, regenerate the scalp tissue and promote hair growth.