Dandruff is a condition that is not serious most of the time, yet is dreaded nonetheless. The telltale flakes of skin that fall from your scalp, also called seborrheic dermatitis, are often the result of physical irritation or emotional stress, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Washing your hair regularly, eliminating irritants from your head and body, and eating a balanced diet can help you prevent this potentially embarrassing condition.
Step 1
Wash your hair regularly to avoid dandruff. According to the Mayo Clinic, dandruff can be the result of having dry skin or oily skin. Dryness on your scalp can cause itching and shedding of dead skin. An oily pate can cause an abnormal buildup of skin cells as well as irritation.
Use a moisturizing shampoo if you have dry hair and skin to combat the drying conditions. Experimentation will tell you how often you can wash your hair without feeling too dry. If your dandruff is due to greasy hair, shampoo every day to remove oils that have built up on your scalp.
Step 2
Limit your use of styling products. Chemical irritants can be a cause of seborrheic dermatitis. Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents on hats and scarves you wear to reduce the chance of developing an allergic reaction in the form of dandruff.
Step 3
Get some sun. The NIH and Mayo Clinic agree that sunlight exposure can help treat dandruff, and it may help prevent the condition as well. Wear sunscreen on your body and face to avoid sunburn.
Step 4
Eat a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids--an essential nutrient found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed. According to The World's Healthiest Foods, omega-3 deficiency symptoms can include dry, itchy skin and fragile hair, which can put you at risk for dandruff. Omega-3 also reduces inflammation throughout the body; dermatitis is an inflammatory response of the body.
Ask your doctor about taking dietary supplements if you do not get a lot of omega-3 naturally from your diet.
Step 5
Reduce the stress in your life to avoid developing dandruff. Though stress alone does not necessarily create dandruff, emotional pressure can intensify your symptoms if you already have seborrheic dermatitis. Find an activity that provides a release from your day-to-day pressures, such as a sport, listening to music or talking to a trusted adult who can help.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Dietary supplements
