Winter Hair Care: How To Prevent Increasing Dandruff Problems In Cold Weather
Winter Hair Care: How To Prevent Increasing Dandruff Problems In Cold Weather
Not only can it cause scalp irritation, dandruff can also become an extremely embarrassing issue. Here are some ways with which you can prevent it this winter.
Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : November 25, 2024 9:49 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist at Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai
During winter, the dry and cold weather can worsen dandruff, making it more visible, which can cause distress. (Photo: Freepik)
Dandruff and hair care issues in winter: One pesky problem seen in the winter season is that of dandruff, which is common in both men and women. Seen mostly on the scalp and hair strands, dandruff can be incredibly frustrating and embarrassing, especially when it shows up on the shoulders. Winter months usually worsen dandruff problems in people who already suffer from it all year long. It, therefore, becomes important to take proper care of the hair and scalp. Read on to find out about some effective measures on how you can keep your scalp healthy and flake-free this season.
What Is Dandruff?
According to Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist at Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, dandruff is a common scalp condition experienced by millions of people in India and around the world. As mentioned earlier, it often leads to white flakiness on the scalp, making it itchy, which can be discomforting.
"Conditions like dandruff can affect people of all age groups. There may be various factors contributing to it, including dry skin and overgrowth of yeast-like fungus called malassezia. During winter, the dry and cold weather can worsen dandruff, making it more visible, which can cause distress. Over time, dandruff causes a range of scalp issues such as redness, inflammation, boils and even hair loss in many. People are encouraged to take proactive steps to manage this condition to maintain a healthy scalp during the colder months," Dr Chause stated.
Here are four most important things to do, as explained by the doctor:
Use moisturising shampoo: During the winter season, your scalp is most likely to dry out due to breezy air and indoor heating. To prevent this, use a moisturising shampoo with gentle ingredients to hydrate your scalp, while managing dandruff. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole. These can help reduce and remove dandruff-causing fungus from the scalp.
Avoid hot showers: Going for hot showers during the winter season can be tempting. While it can provide you instant relief, extremely-hot showers can dry out the skin and also the scalp, which can aggravate dandruff problems. Opt for lukewarm water while washing your hair.
Limit use of hair products: Using too many products on your scalp can sometimes be an invitation to various problems, including dandruff. Overuse of haircare products like leave-on conditioner, gels, or hairsprays can lead to buildup on the scalp, which can further clog the pores while increasing the risk of dandruff. Make sure that you wash your hair thoroughly to keep your scalp clean.
Protect your scalp from cold weather: The cold and breezy winds can heavily impact your scalp while aggravating your condition. Ensure that you wear a scarf or a cap while going outdoors to protect your scalp.
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