Characterized not only by those white flakes visible among the hair but also by an itchy scalp, dandruff is a common problem that affects many people. Since it occurs frequently, regardless of age or gender, it's normal for a series of myths to emerge on this topic. But what are the true facts about dandruff?
Myth #1. Dandruff occurs due to a lack of scalp hygiene
In reality, this condition is caused by a microscopic fungus called Malassezia, which typically lives on the scalp. The spread of the fungus over the entire surface of the head's skin is due to high stress levels, environmental factors, as well as the impairment of the scalp's protective barrier, thus causing abnormal shedding of skin cells.
Contrary to appearances, the Malassezia fungus lives on a healthy scalp and the presence of dandruff indicates the scalp's sensitivity to numerous external factors.
Among the main factors that promote the spread of the fungus are: excessive sweating, abundant sebum secretions, hormonal fluctuations, irregular and improper washing practices, drastic diets, or environmental pollutants.
Myth #2. Washing your hair frequently eliminates dandruff
On the contrary, excessive hair washing can irritate and further dry the skin of the scalp, leading to the appearance of dandruff.
Moreover, to improve this condition, it is more advisable for the washing process to rely on professional anti-dandruff products, dedicated exclusively to men, as the scalp of women is different from that of men.
An anti-dandruff shampoo for men includes a blend of nourishing ingredients that cater to the specific needs of hair, but also to the scalp skin and serves to strengthen the natural protective barrier of the scalp.
Myth #3. Dandruff only appears in men
It is perfectly true that males are more prone to developing this problem compared to females. Why? Well, men's scalps are 20% thicker and are characterized by a fairly high content of collagen and elastin. Additionally, compared to women, they also have much more active sebaceous glands, leading to abundant sebum secretions.
However, both women and men can be affected by dandruff.
What should we do to get rid of dandruff? Firstly, it would be advisable to seek the help of a specialist doctor, and then focus on those habits that each of us can easily control. We recommend adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, physical activity, and plenty of rest.
Furthermore, the hair care products we use should be of high quality, like those used in beauty or barber salons. For instance, Fresh Heads hair tonic, available in our online store, is one of the professional products preferred by hairdressers to remove dandruff.
Finally, don't forget to reduce stressful activities, which affect not only the onset of dandruff but also overall health!