50% of adults have scalp issues—isn’t that crazy?! Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn't contagious or serious but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. So let’s figure this out.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff may have several causes. Let’s take a closer look at these and how we might treat dandruff below.

Our Genetics and how they can cause dandruff:

Dandruff is, perhaps surprisingly, mainly caused by a fungus which most of us have living naturally on our skin, but which causes problems in about half of us. The fungus that causes this is known as Malassezia globosa, and it feeds off the oils on our skin and hair. When it does so, it produces oleic acid, which can irritate our skin. In some people, this sets off an immune response which can lead to a rapid turnover of skin cells known as dandruff.

Some hair coloring and styling products can leave a flaky, dry residue or trigger a skin reaction that looks like dandruff. If you already have dandruff, not washing your hair enough can make your dandruff look worse because dead skin cells build-up.

Our lifestyle and how it can cause dandruff:

Lifestyle factors (like stress and diet) have a strong correlation with scalp flare-ups. Stress causes the body to release chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response - aggravating a pre-existing scalp condition further.  This reaction makes it easier for moisture in the body to escape and as a result, you get a dry scalp and itchy skin. While Malassezia globosa is not introduced to your scalp by stress, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to your body.

Similarly, foods that are high in saturated fats can cause more oil production on the scalp that causes dandruff. Likewise, a deficiency in certain vitamins, like vitamin B, can cause dandruff also. For instance, low blood levels of zinc, niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may each play a role.

How the climate can cause dandruff:

Cold, winter weather, as well as dry climates, can dry out the skin on the scalp, causing it to become tight, itchy, and flaky. It is also common for us to have the heating on high during the colder months, but overheating your home can dry out the scalp further and cause dandruff.

How dandruff grows:

The science bit: It’s important to keep in mind this fungus feeds on the sebum your scalp produces, which irritates the scalp. This leads to a quicker cell turnover, resulting in large, visible flakes of skin sloughing off at once. Yummy.

But we can shrink this dandruff source to almost nothing, and here's how:

Dandruff treatments:

To best treat both dandruff and the causes of dandruff, these treatments are proven to work:

•    Keep your scalp clean, moisturized, and balanced at all times.

•    Incorporate oil-based detox into your hair-care routine

•    Eat well and manage your stress levels

•    Control the impacts of climate

Keep your scalp clean, moisturized, and balanced at all times:

Our Scalp Renew is a perfect example of a product that will help balance your scalp. The Scalp Renew gently removes build-up around the hair follicle to exfoliate the scalp. It also stimulates blood flow and provides immediate relief from dry, itchy scalps. This spa-like treatment will leave your scalp feeling clean, fresh, and moisturized. This will help minimize the sebum production on your scalp, preventing the fungus from feeding on it, and avoiding the flakes we don’t want. Always use products free of harsh ingredients like silicones, sulfates, and parabens. Make sure to wash your hair frequently to rid your scalp of oil and keep it clean of dirt and other impurities.

+ Salicylic acid: gently exfoliates and cleanses the scalp, preventing oil buildup and helping to unclog your hair follicles. Salicylic acid is a proven ingredient for fighting dandruff

+ Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is great for your hair and scalp. It helps with dryness or itching. It helps with dandruff because it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Incorporate an oil-based detox into your hair-care routine:

This is of help by balancing your scalps moisture levels and helping to remove any significant buildup of dead skin. This will also help to regulate your oil production, and prevent the overproduction that leads to dandruff. Our Scalp Detox helps to remove the build-up of products and pollution, delivering nutrients to the hair follicle. It aids in stimulating and balancing the scalp, leaving it feeling nourished and moisturized.

+ Moringa oil: healing properties and the minerals found in moringa oil has proven to minimize dandruff and split ends by cleaning and moisturizing the hair.

+ Vetiver: Our cooling vetiver helps to cure scalp infections which cause dandruff. Having a high specific gravity and potent anti-microbial properties, the aromatic oil seeps deep inside the hair follicles, moisturizes the scalp, relieves dryness, and prevents itching.

Eat well and manage your stress levels:

We all know that poor lifestyle decisions can have a negative impact on our skin. Your scalp is an extension of your face, and it can be affected by your lifestyle more than most people think. Reduce bad fats in your diet, particularly chocolate and dairy foods that can cause more oil production, exacerbating dandruff. And add in foods with vitamin B (a deficiency can cause dandruff), as well as foods containing good oils, such as green vegetables, protein, and grains. In terms of stress, you will find that exercising, meditating, and getting sufficient sleep will all help with stress levels. Something as simple as introducing the Scalp Renew to your hair wellness routine can give you that relaxation time to destress. This spa-like treatment will not only improve scalp health but will also have you feeling more relaxed with every use.

Control the impacts of climate:

There are several steps you can take to combat the impacts of a dry or cold climate.

Avoid direct heat: Heat is one of the most common causes of a flaky scalp. Hairdryers are so commonly used in the winter but direct contact with heat, such as ironing sticks and hairdryers, make the scalp dry. Instead, towel-dry your hair and then let it dry naturally.

Apply scalp nourishing products: Using a Scalp Detox or Scalp Renew can help moisturize the scalp and balance the microbiome, both of which reduce the chance of dandruff occurring.

Stimulate the scalp:

Stimulating the scalp increases blood circulation thus increasing the secretion of oils that keep hair and scalp healthy. The Gua Sha comb works to gently stimulate and massage the scalp. When combined with the Scalp Detox, they deliver key nutrients into the deeper layers of the skin. A well-nourished scalp implies one that is free of flakes.

Understanding Your Dandruff Cause:

It is important to understand what is causing you to experience dandruff. This helps us to identify how best to tackle the problem. While we can adjust every habit like diet, exercise, and relaxation, it is important to keep our scalp nourished to prevent our scalp from drying out and being susceptible to dandruff. Give your scalp the nutrients it requires through using a Scalp Detox that includes essential ingredients such as moringa oil and vetiver. Furthermore, incorporate a Scalp Renew that will fight dandruff and inflammation with ingredients such as salicylic acid and peppermint oil. Finally, stimulate your scalp with the use of a Gua Sha comb. This stimulation will help to keep the scalp and your hair healthy.