So I went on a date with a guy I have had my eye on for some time.
Gbenga picked me from home at exactly 7pm. We Went for dinner, then drinks. 3 hours later we were back at his place.
Truth be told I just wanted to go home, not from tiredness, but from the need to take off my wig as my hair was itching so badly. So you can imagine my relief when we got to his place and I made a beeline to his bathroom.
What happened next shocked me more than it could probably shock him.
I totally forgot where I was as I came out of the bathroom without my wig. I still didn’t even get it when Gbenga, had the strangest expression on his face. I honestly thought that was a desire at its peak. This incident made me start taking better care of my hair. Dandruff is a common scalp condition that is marked by constant itching, flaking and in some cases, redness of the skin on the scalp. Dandruff may also cause itchiness in the ears and hair fall. Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead skin cells.
Though there is no established cause of dandruff, it is believed to be as a result of a combination of an over-production of oil from the skin and also irritation from a yeast called Malassezia. Malassezia is a yeast or fungus that is naturally found on the skin and scalp. This fungus has a limited growth but due to excessive oil secretion on the scalp that serves as food for this fungus, it grows immensely. The dead skin that falls off from the scalp mixes with the oil from the hair and scalp and turns to dandruff. However, this does not mean that everyone who has an oily scalp suffers but dandruff but then, dandruff may occur if the excess oils are not washed regularly or properly.
Sadly, dandruff cannot be cured but can be managed.
Other Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff can occur as a result of several other factors. Some of which include:
• Dry skin
People who have naturally dry skin are more vulnerable to dandruff. Cold air combined with rooms that are overheated contributes to itchy, flaking skin.
• Reaction to hair/skin care products
Some people are prone to reactions after making use of certain hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp.
• The weather
Though dandruff cannot be caused by the weather, it can get worse during dry and cold months as it is often believed that the reduction of humidity in the air during cold months can add to the build-up of dry skin that occurs with dandruff.
• Not shampooing enough or too much shampooing
Many experts believe that if you one does not shampoo enough there can be a build-up of oil and dead skin cells on the scalp which can result in dandruff. It is also believed that if one shampoo very frequently, the scalp can over-dried from excess washing. This could get skin may get irritated causing it to produce more oils than required leaving the scalp greasy.
• Diet
Many experts opine that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
Also, some skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, etc. can also trigger dandruff for some people.
HOW CAN DANDRUFF BE DETECTED?
When someone has dandruff, the scalp tends to be itchy, dry, irritated and/or red with visible white (sometimes yellowish) skin flakes. If you can see white flakes around your shoulders, it is most likely a sign of dandruff.
DOES DANDRUFF HAVE ANY EFFECT?
Dandruff flakes the scalp and can block the free flow of air to the roots of the hair, which can lead to the hair becoming weak at the roots which may result in hair breakage. In other words, due to flakes on the scalp, the scalp cannot breathe properly and the hair roots become weak. This may cause hair fall, greying, headaches and even hair loss.
Dandruff can also be very embarrassing if not properly. Imagine going on a date with white flake all over your shoulders or giving somebody a hug and they notice flakes dropping down your sleeves. How embarrassing that could be!
HOW THEN CAN DANDRUFF BE TREATED?
Regular brushing of the hair regularly helps to distribute the oils naturally produced by your skin all over the scalp. It also helps in massaging your skin, which increases blood flow to all area of your scalp and improves circulation. Experts are of the opinion that brushing the hair upside down works best and helps distribute the oils better.
There are so many other things that may help reduce dandruff. They include:
• Eating a balanced diet that includes both acidic and alkaline foods can help elevate a weakened immune system and prevent a build-up of unhealthy acid in the body. It is important for one to eat a balanced diet with healthy foods that can help achieve healthy skin and scalp.
• Regular washing of the hair no more than once a week
• Avoid stress and stressful situations. When we are in stress it can feel as if our body is in meltdown – our heart is permanently racing, it’s difficult to sleep, our head often gets itchy and dandruff develops as you itch.
Natures Gentle Touch has, however, developed a treatment that will enable the control of dandruff. This treatment is based on the essential Tea Tree Oil which is known for its anti-0mivcrobial and therapeutic properties. It has been tested and shown to relieve dandruff, fight itching, eliminate flakes and condition the scalp. The treatment also has a blend of rich natural ingredients and other herbal extracts that act to improve the health of the hair during the treatment.