How Can I Stop Dandruff and Hair Fall in Winter?

Winter brings along a lot of discomfort to the skin and hair. The dry, cold weather conditions deprive the scalp skin of its natural oils, cause moisture imbalance, and make hair brittle, itchy, and frizzy resulting in dandruff and hair fall. Many people experience dandruff in winter and even more hair shedding. Understanding what causes dandruff and undergoing effective dandruff treatment in Hyderabad by experts can help keep hair healthy and scalp dandruff-free.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common skin condition affecting the scalp and hair. It causes white or grey flakes of skin to form and the scalp to feel dry, tight, and itchy. It leads to excessive hair shedding, especially when hair is combed or washed.

There are different types of dandruff based on their varying causes:

Oily skin dandruff– It is the dandruff resulting from excess oil production. In this condition, the skin flakes are yellowish, oily, and large and the scalp is itchy and red.
Hormonal disturbances and stress can increase natural sebum production. Extremely oily skin is known as seborrheic dermatitis.
Dry skin dandruff– It is the most common kind of dandruff that occurs when the scalp skin is less hydrated. In this condition, the skin flakes are small, white, and powdery. Dry, cold weather; indoor heating; frequent head wash with hot water and harsh shampoos can all lead to dry skin dandruff.
Dandruff caused by fungus– This type of dandruff is due to Malassezia overgrowth. The fungal growth leads to thick flakes and red, itchy, and inflamed scalp skin.
Psoriasis dandruff– Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that can affect the scalp skin and cause scaly, red patches on the scalp which flakes off like dandruff.
Eczema dandruff– Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes scaly skin, rashes, itching, and sores. When it affects the scalp, it causes the shedding of white flakes.

Reasons for Dandruff in Winter

There are several reasons why dandruff occurs during winter, including:

Dry and cold weather– The cold air and low humidity can make hair and scalp dry and flaky.
Taking a hot head bath– Long or frequent hot water showers/baths can make the scalp skin less oily. It is one of the major reasons for dandruff in winter.
Indoor heating– During cold winter months, many people make themselves feel warm by exposing their body to direct heat sources like fireplaces or room heaters. This dries out their scalp skin and hair causing dandruff. Furthermore, dandruff causes hair fall.
Use of heat styling tools– Hair dryers and hair straighteners can make hair and scalp dry.
Less water consumption– In winter, water intake is reduced and even there is less sweating which leads to dandruff.
Poor haircare– The use of aggressive shampoos can irritate the scalp skin. Less frequent hair washing can cause dirt and dandruff causing microbes to build up on the scalp. Covering the head with tight/woollen headwear can irritate the scalp skin and heat the head. Moreover, not using proper hair care products can make the scalp and hair less moisturized. All of this ultimately leads to dandruff and hair fall.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff in Winter?

Mild dandruff can be treated with gentle shampooing. For people having dry scalp and hair, the use of conditioner after shampooing is a must. Dandruff solution also includes medicated and non-medicated hair products including anti-dandruff shampoos that contain ingredients like selen-ium sul-fide, salicylic acid, pyrith-ione zinc, and ketoc-onazole. For dandruff caused by fungus, tar-based shampoos or keto-conazole-based shampoos can help get rid of dandruff.

How to Treat Dandruff Permanently?

There is no permanent treatment for dandruff. But the best dandruff treatment as recommended by a dermatologist can help control dandruff.

The remedies for dandruff include:

Use of anti-dandruff shampoo
Avoiding hot water wash of hair
Practicing stress-relieving techniques to manage stress
Following a proper hair care regime, a healthy diet, and having a good workout regime
Shampooing hair with salicylic acid-based shampoo- It can help get rid of scaly, flaky skin
A scalp massage with coconut oil having aloe vera or lemon juice- It is an effective remedy for dry skin dandruff.

Does Dandruff Cause Hair Fall?

Yes, dandruff causes hair fall. However, it happens indirectly. Here are the potential reasons:

Inflammation– The dandruff leads to skin inflammation which weakens the hair roots and prevents new hair growth
Itchy and scratchy scalp– Severe dandruff makes the scalp extremely itchy and scratching causes damage to hair follicles and slows/stops hair growth
Oily scalp skin– Oil builds up on the scalp and hair clogs the hair roots and this disrupts hair growth
Malassezia overgrowth– If there is fungal overgrowth on the scalp, hair roots get weak and this also leads to hair loss.

How to Prevent and Control Dandruff?

Here are some dermatologist-recommended steps on how to prevent dandruff and how to stop dandruff:

Manage stress
Drink plenty of water
Wash hair with normal or lukewarm water
Use a humidifier to keep indoor air moist
Avoid the use of hair dryers hair straighteners and tight hairstyling
Eat foods rich in protein, vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids
Moisturize the scalp and hair with warm, nourishing oils and conditioner
Frequently wash hair, not every day, with mild shampoo and use conditioner
Protect the scalp and hair from direct sunlight, rainwater, and cold air by wearing soft, breathable headwear.

Get Rid of Flaky Dandruff Today!

Winters are harsh on the scalp skin and hair. Dandruff is very commonly noticed in this season. But, with proper dandruff treatment and healthy scalp tips, one can manage dandruff and hair fall. By following preventive measures and going ahead with dermatologist-recommended dandruff solution, one can keep one’s hair healthy and scalp free of dandruff in this part of the year. For those who are experiencing severe hair fall issues, dermatologists at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic can provide the right treatment.

FAQs on Dandruff Treatment

Which Season Is Bad for Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common occurrence in winter. Cold, dry weather in winter months can make dandruff worse.

What Temperature Is Best for Dandruff?

Standard room temperature and warm water are best to manage dandruff. Too hot or too cold water can strip natural oils from the scalp, irritate the scalp, and potentially worsen dandruff symptoms.

Is Dandruff Affected by Weather?

Yes. High humid weather can cause dandruff causing yeast to thrive while dry, cold weather can impact natural oil imbalances and reduce hydration, thereby worsening dandruff.

Does Rain Increase Dandruff?

Yes. Rain brings high humidity that causes the dandruff-causing fungus to overgrow. Moreover, rainwater gets mixed with air pollutants and settles on the scalp leading to oil build-up and clogged roots, thereby worsening dandruff.