Explore the ways to get rid of dandruff this winter season

Winters are an amazing time to have fun with friends and family. Dry sweat-free weather, amazing winter fashion and snow falls in some areas. But when the snow starts falling from your hair, it’s not a great winter anymore. Dry scalp and dandruff are common issues in the winter season. The air is  devoid of humidity which makes the skin drier than usual, this affects the scalp most and people who already have dandruff trouble would require treatment for it in the winters with some form of oils and shampoos.

While most of the time dandruff can be managed with regular washes and oiling, it sometimes comes back on the very day that you wash your hair. When dandruff trouble becomes uncontrollable, it also affects scalp health and can lead to frequent hair loss. Since dandruff is more prevalent in men, its treatment shall be commenced as soon as you see the first winter flakes of dry scalp. Here’s what you need to know to battle it-

What Causes Dandruff?

There are a number of reasons why you could have intense dandruff issues. It could either be that you get dandruff only in the winters or maybe you have a generally dry scalp. In both matters, the only thing that can solve the issues is regular moisturization. This issue in most men is caused by a fungus known as Malassezia. This fungus stays on the scalp and feeds on dead skin cells and oil. So, when there is too much oil secreted from the scalp, dandruff tends to grow. Here are the top most reasons why you have dandruff-

Not Enough Washing

Your hair can become the dirtiest place on your body. Since it is strands of hair that are basically brushing against everything from wind, water, clothing, etc. they are more prone to accumulating dirt and grime. With a lot of dirt, the fungus gets more to feed on. Hence, washing your hair regularly is important if you want to keep the flaky scalp away.

Dry Weather

In dry conditions, the likes of which we see in winters, the skin cells become more fragile and start dying rapidly. It causes the skin to have a flaky appearance. The scalp, which is full of so much hair that requires regular nutrition, tends to become even drier since the hair is constantly trying to pull moisture from it. Which is why even people who don’t see dandruff the whole year seem to be suffering with it during the winters.

Switching too many products

If you’re a shopaholic and like to try different things, it is possible that you might be changing your shampoo twice a month. Many people have the habit of using different products on different days which is not a good idea for hair. Your scalp and hair begin to get used to one product that is suited after a few uses. If you keep changing the consistency and composition of the product, it will directly affect the quality of your scalp and hair. Switching too many shampoos and oils eventually lead to hair loss and unmanageable dandruff.

How to get rid of dandruff?

Getting rid of dandruff is mildly difficult but not impossible, all it needs is controlled treatment. Here are some of the ways in which you can combat dandruff this winter-

1. Wash with a good anti-dandruff shampoo

Washing off dandruff is the best way to remove it from the scalp. Washing not only removes the dandruff but also reduces the accumulation of oil on the scalp. Using a good anti-dandruff shampoo is necessary to completely remove dandruff for at least a week. Make sure you choose shampoos based on natural extracts and have a conditioning effect to prevent your scalp from drying off completely after a wash. Keep using the same shampoo for the season and change it only if you really need to.

2. Wash your hair weekly

You are going out regardless of the winter season, so it is natural that your hair will have a lot of dust and dirt. The same reaches your scalp and provides more food for the fungus. The accumulation of oils and dirt is what causes more dandruff, so make sure you wash your hair with shampoo every week. If you have increased issues of dandruff you can start washing your hair every 3rd day to see better results.

3. Use aloe vera to moisturize your scalp

More than any fungus or oil, it is the dry scalp that causes dandruff in most men and requires treatment beyond the general shampoos and oils. You can use the gel from aloe vera plant to moisturise your skin and scalp. It will soothe your skin and reduce dryness for the whole day. If you have continued issues with dandruff all year round, you can use a tonic for your hair which moisturises and treats your scalp from within. Qraamen’s Hair Tonic has the goodness of aloe vera, apple and milk extracts that makes it a long term dandruff treatment.

4. Avoid certain foods

There are certain foods that aggravate the drying up of skin and create problems for the scalp. Avoiding these foods can have an effect on the dandruff production of your scalp. Most of these foods include- sugary foods and drinks, fried and processed foods, red meat, refined carbs such as maida and white pasta.

5. Try more of Omega-3 fatty acids intake

Along with what you shouldn’t be eating for a healthier scalp, you also need to make sure that your skin and hair is getting good nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the nutrients that support good hair and scalp health. This strengthens the roots and keeps the scalp moisturized. You can find Omega-3 in most fish, walnuts and almonds.

Winters bring cold winds that freeze out the oil and water on your scalp, making it susceptible for dandruff and itchiness. It is pretty embarrassing to have flakes falling on your dress as you run fingers through your hair. Hence, this winter, take care of your hair and scalp with Qraamen’s range of hair products.