Dandruff Problems

[drew]

I couldn't help but share this!

I'm originally from Alaska, a cold dry place that my skin did not love. Not in all of my time there did I ever get dandruff, even when my skin was cracked and dry. In the past year, I have noticed a steady increase in white flakes in my hair, and sickeningly enough at least one rather large one that made my stomach turn.  I mentioned it to my hairdresser and he gave me a ultra moisturizing conditioner that he told me to leave in as long as possible. I did. He told me to completely stop heat drying my hair. I did. He told me to use argan oil generously at my ends and a little near my scalp. I did. - This didn't work.

I started checking into sulfate free shampoo and conditioners, it eased up a little but the problem wasn't gone. I finally caved and switched to Head & Shoulders thinking that I had failed in my search for an alternative (H&S just does not agree with my hair, and holy static)! Even the H&S didn't work! I was absolutely baffled!

Finally, one day, I got "picked up" by a hair stylist while in line for my coffee insisting that I let him do my hair. I did. I mentioned my problem and after outlining my regiment trial and errors, he flat out told me my scalp was overproducing oils (or something). He told me to switch to a Neutrogena shampoo that would remove residue from my hair, and to not over moisturize. I followed his instruction and holy smokes if he wasn't right! I have not seen a flake since!

My hairdresser had mentioned to me that there was some sort of name for what I was experiencing, but I can't remember it now. Would appreciate if anyone could jog my memory and perhaps explain why this worked??

Regardless of why, I am so so happy that it did! I hope this might help others who are having this flaky problem /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[divadoll]

maybe Psoriasis.  This also causes flakey scalp. 

 

[zadidoll]

How do you wash your hair and scalp? Do you wash your scalp? Surprisingly people tend to forget their scalp when washing their hair. If it's dandruff then most of the time it's an easy fix by changing how you wash your hair and scalp. I was taught "the correct way" to wash hair is to apply shampoo to your hands, lather it up then with your fingertips apply the lathered up shampoo to your scalp and massage your scalp with your fingertips and palms of your hands working your way onto your hair roots then down to the tips. The benefit of the massage on the scalp is that it also relaxes you. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Rinse and repeat if necessary then apply conditioner and do the same thing.

 

[larrybrown06]

Thanks for sharing all these tips.

Really i wan't to know about all these things.

Thanks to all.....

 

[Firefox7275]

There are many different causes of a flaky scalp and different topical products treat different forms. Atopic eczema AKA dry dandruff can be treated by cutting out sulphate surfactants and other irritants, keeping the scalp hydrated whilst being careful not to allow any occlusives (silicones or oils) to build up on the hair or scalp. However overwashing is the worst thing you can do.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis AKA greasy dandruff is generally caused by an overgrowth of a yeast on the scalp which causes irritation, the irritation causes increased oil production which the yeast feeds on .... This is best treated with a pharmacy anti-fungal shampoo such as Nizoral, but a mild case *may* respond to a commercial zinc shampoo such as Head & Shoulders. However these often include irritant ingredients so can worsen dandruff in those who have sensitive skin. SD needs to be washed regularly (two to three times a week).

Psoriasis is rare and complex to treat, only a doctor should diagnose this preferably a dermatologist. Whilst some hairdressers are absolutely excellent, it's worth remembering they are not medically qualified, it would be better to have a nurse or pharmacist examine you. In all cases improving your diet can be beneficial - cutting out sugar, white carbs, caffeine and alcohol which are all highly inflammatory, increasing intake of fruit and veg plus essential fatty acids which are all anti-inflammatory.

 

[DreamWarrior]

I had to go to a dermatologist for my dandruff and he prescribed me a spray... it works... but once I stop the treatment, the dandruff returns...

Its been a living nightmare... my scalp looks like cradle cap and I rarely wear a ponytail anymore. *sigh*

 

[Firefox7275]

Cradle cap is just infant seborrhoeic dermatitis. Unfortunately in adults SD often needs ongoing treatment but with many anti-fungals you can reduce to once a week once the condition is under control. Several forms of dermatitis respond well to diet and lifestyle modification alongside gentler skincare and haircare products - studies have implicated sulphate surfactants in both SD and atopic eczema.
 

Originally Posted by DreamWarrior

I had to go to a dermatologist for my dandruff and he prescribed me a spray... it works... but once I stop the treatment, the dandruff returns...

Its been a living nightmare... my scalp looks like cradle cap and I rarely wear a ponytail anymore. *sigh*

 

[divadoll]

7.5 milliion Americans have Psoriasis in 1 form or another. Whether it be that or any other dermatitis, you should consult at least your regular physician if you thing it is starting to break skin.  There are medicated dandruff shampoos for psoriasis and other dematitis.

 

[satojoko]

If I wash my hair too often - when I used to wash it - I get very dry and itchy. And yes, dandruff. I also notice that ANYTHING with silicones in it, be it shampoo, conditioner, leave in treatment, hairspray, hair masque, I mean anything, makes my scalp flake and itch like crazy. Warm castor oil packs help a great deal, as does sleeping with it overnight in the hair. I also no longer actually wash my hair with shampoo. I cleanse it with silicone free conditioner and have not had any problems since. My hair is also in much much better condition. It's got weight to it and is shiny, rather than being dry and weightless. Kinda spongey. My hair and scalp have never been in better condition, even though I color my hair regularly.

 

[drew]

Thank you all so much for the input. The residue removing shampoo and light conditioners worked while the weather was still warm, but ever since it got cold my dandruff has come back in full force and my hair is falling out in larger quantities - I'm thinking this is mostly due to my waiting 2 or 3 days between hair washings but I could be and probably am wrong. Anyways, it sounds like the general consensus is to ask my doctor. The only thing with that is that I DO NOT want a strong, medicine smelling prescription shampoo or something - I hate that smell! 

I was looking up some dandruff shampoos and saw that there was a Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. I have a bottle of Tea Tree Therapy Pure Tea Tree Oil, do you think I could put some of that on my scalp? Would it do anything you think? Very intrigued now...I don't see what it could hurt!!

Thanks again for the input all!

 

[SarahNerd]

A little bit of Tea Tree oil mixed with shampoo helps but nothing works like what you can get from a Doctor. 

 

[addiemartin]

This conditioner is really good because it's all natural and contains aloe vera /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />http://www.thebeautyplace.com/tigi-love-peace-planet/140250.html

 

[melissakecken]

I get the occasional dry scalp where I get these little crusty bump things on my scalp and I found out that these help me:

1. crush 30 asprin up finely and put them into a bottle of any kind of shampoo. Jennifer Aniston does this!!

2. Take apple cider vinegar and put in a spray bottle and spray scalp well, leave on as long as you can and then rinse it out and shampoo normally.

3. After shampooing take a spray bottle fill with listerine and spray all over scalp and leave it in.

4. Plain Yogurt as a leave in mask for your hair, and then shampoo out, leave on as long as  you like.

I hope that these help you.

 

[Rocket]

Its best that you see a dermatologist.

I have products that could probably help you, but they work for my hair texture (African American). I don't want to suggest anything that could possibly make matters worst.

 

[sara145wilson]

I usually wash hair with shampoo...Can you tell which kind of shampoo should i use to get free from dandruff problems.

 

[katana]

Originally Posted by sara145wilson /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I usually wash hair with shampoo...Can you tell which kind of shampoo should i use to get free from dandruff problems.

The best shampoo (for dandruff) I have ever used is head and shoulders. It only takes once or twice of using it and it solves any dandruff issues I may have. Its gentle enough to use everyday though.

 

[drew]

you guys are so awesome, thank you for all the advice! I have been experimenting a bit with how I treat my hair. In the first run, I washed my hair every other day with a TresEmme Naturals shampoo I have (not sure which formula now) and a Desert Essence Tea Tree Replenishing Shampoo with Peppermint and Yucca that makes my scalp tingle - can't tell if that's a bad or good thing for my situation. I've been massaging the main area of flaking with Moroccan Argan Oil which seems to help. This wasn't working through so I did the unthinkable and went 5 days between washing my hair and that REALLY didn't help. My hair has become increasingly thin and my scalp consistently flakey. I've even switched back to Head & Shoulders to no avail. The essential fatty acids things I have heard before though and KNOW that I am not getting enough omega 3 in my diet because I abstain from fish and have for years. I think I need to look into some of the supplements they have (through the link I posted). If any of you have any experience with any of them please speak up! That and any of these multivitamins I've been looking at incorporating into my diet. They say that wellness begins with a healthy diet, so I think I'm going to start there first and limit the topical applications as much as possible. Hopefully increasing essential fatty acids, making sure I get all my vitamins in a day, and LOTS of water will do the trick. Here we go!

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