Dandruff is a common condition that rids most individuals of their confidence. The skin condition affects the scalp leading to flaking. The flakes are actually old and dead skin cells. These normally shed around once a month to allow new cells to form. But during dandruff, the rate of shedding is much higher. The process of shedding speeds up and an excessive amount of dead skin cells starts to fall. Dandruff or Pityriasis Simplex Capitis can affect anyone – men or women. The truth of the matter – it is more visible in men due to their trimmed haircut.
What causes dandruff?
There are several reasons for dandruff:
Oily skin: This is considered as one of the most frequent causes of dandruff. The scalp skin is irritated, red, greasy and covered with yellow or flaky white scales. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is also known to affect areas prevalent with oil glands such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows, armpits, etc.
Malassezia: A fungus belonging to the yeast family, Malassezia thrives on an adult’s scalp easily. Skin cells start to multiply as the germ irritates the scalp and the extra cells start falling off. These appear in the form of white flakes on your clothes and hair. Sometimes, the irritability of Malassezia can go undetected.
Not enough washing: It is absolutely imperative that you keep the scalp of your scalp clean by shampooing regularly to avoid dandruff.
Sensitivity to chemicals in hair products: Certain shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that are not suitable. The scalp becomes itchy, red and scaly – a condition known as Contact Dermatitis, which leads to dandruff.
Scalp facts – knowing the difference between a man’s scalp and a woman’s scalp:
Fact: Dandruff is blind to gender – it affects 50% of the world’s population including all men and women.
Male scalp: A man’s scalp contains 50% more sebum than a woman’s scalp. It is when the production of sebum gets out of control that it leads to dandruff. Scalp barriers for men are much weaker, leaving it prone to skin conditions. Men lose more moisture from the scalp putting them at a greater risk of dry scalp.
Men’s shampoo:
Female scalp: A woman’s scalp has a greater layer of protection, but their hair strands are more prone to damage and breakage because their hair is longer and is subject to several chemical treatments. There is also a tendency to overuse hair accessories that affect the scalp leading to dryness, itching and eventually dandruff.
