Dandruff in Summer: All That You Need to Know

The dandruff causes differ from person to person. While for some it can be a ‘flaky’ outburst because of oily skin, for others their dry skin may be the reason. But hair dandruff affects almost half of the world’s population with almost no studies classifying it as a summer or winter phenomenon. However, the condition is typically topical and may be effectively treated through simple home remedies, supplements, and medical intervention. Read through to know the causes of dandruff in hair and easy ways to prevent dandruff in summers.

Common Dandruff Causes

The outbreak of dandruff in summer is usually a combination of many factors. The most common dandruff causes are:

1. Fungal infection or yeast growth of the skin which thrives in hot sweaty weather conditions. 
2. Inadequate hygiene or not shampooing enough. This may cause the dirt, sweat and dead skin cells to accumulate and cause flaking and itching.
3. Overuse of shampoo or harsh chemicals on the hair leads to excessive dryness.
4. Too much brushing or combing of hair strands causes friction between the hair and scalp.
5. Tightly tied hair bun which does not allow the scalp to breathe. This is the most common hairstyling practice we adopt in summers because of excessive sweating on the neck and back. 
6. Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to overdrying of the hair. In some people, it causes excessive sweating. The sweat clubbed with the dirt and pollution blocks the scalp skin.

Daily Habits to Prevent Dandruff in Summer

By adopting some common routine practices one can prevent dandruff. These include:

1. Good hair hygiene – Wash your hair at least three times a week. This is particularly important during the hot summer months when the oil secretion from the scalp is high. This oil traps the dirt and sweat, making dandruff worse. 
2. Do Not Touch Your Scalp – Although dandruff makes the scalp itchy, the practice of scratching the scalp can introduce more infection and dirt to the scalp, making dandruff worse.
3. Do Not Overuse Hair Styling Products – Using too many different hair styling products can make the scalp dry, leading to dandruff.  
4. Use the Right Shampoo – The role of the shampoo is to remove the oil and dirt from the scalp. It must not irritate the scalp skin.
5. Keep Stress Levels Low – Although stress does not cause dandruff, it compromises the immune system which leads to the worsening of dandruff. So, adopt practices that reduce stress. 
6. Avoid Overhead Sun Rays – Avoid venturing out when the sun’s rays are overhead. Also, prefer going out in fresh air as it helps reduce the oil buildup on the scalp.
7. Enjoy a Periodic Scalp Massage – A gentle scalp massage will stimulate the scalp cells and make them breathe. This may help prevent dandruff symptoms.

Home Remedies for Hair Dandruff

A mild outbreak of hair dandruff can best be treated through natural home remedies. These include:

1. Gently rub baking soda on your scalp in the shower. Let it stay for a few minutes. Rinse off with fresh water.
2. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of water. Gently apply this mix to your wet washed hair and leave for about half an hour. Rinse it off thereafter. Do this about three times a week.
3. Henna or mehndi is an effective way to treat dandruff. It is also the best treatment for dandruff in summer because of its cooling effect. Mix henna with curd and lemon juice to form a thick paste. Let the mixture rest overnight. Apply it to your hair in the morning. Keep it for about 2 hours before washing it.
4. Take 3–5 teaspoons of warm coconut oil and add lemon juice to it. Apply this to your scalp and leave for 1 hour. Then shampoo, as usual, to wash out the oil.
5. Curd is a soothing ingredient to treat dandruff in summer. Apply curd into your hair and let it dry for an hour. Wash it away in the water.
6. Apply aloe vera juice or gel to your scalp. Let it stay for some time before you wash your hair.
7. Massage olive oil in your hair and let it stay overnight. Wash your hair in the morning.
8. Orange peel works well for treating dandruff at home. To make an orange peel paste, put the peels of 1-2 fresh oranges in a mixer. Add the juice of one lemon and grind it into a smooth paste. Apply this to your hair and scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Wash away as usual.

Medicated Shampoos for Hair Dandruff

Moderate and severe cases of dandruff will require medical intervention. Thankfully, easily available over-the-counter anti-dandruff medicated shampoos are the best treatment for hair dandruff. An effective anti-dandruff shampoo will contain one or more of the following active ingredients:

1. Selenium Sulfide – The ingredient is anti-fungal and works by slowing the growth of yeast and fungus that cause the infection. It also reduces flaking, itching, skin irritation, and redness of the scalp.
2. Pyrithione Zinc – This has a combination of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties and works by inhibiting the growth of yeast.
3. Salicylic Acid – The best ingredient to treat dandruff in summer, it works by softening  the skin and removing the dry skin flakes. It also promotes healthier scalp skin.
4. Ketoconazole – Shampoos with Ketoconazole are generally touted as the best anti-dandruff shampoos. It helps control itching, scaling, and flaking of the skin. 
5. Coal Tar – The coal tar range of shampoos help treat dandruff by removing the dead cell layer and slowing down the growth of skin cells. 

Nutritional Supplements

It is believed that nutrient deficiency can affect overall health and compromise the immune system. This leads to an increased outbreak of dandruff. The following nutritional supplements play a crucial role in thwarting dandruff. These are:

1. Vitamin B complex supplements help moisturise the skin which reduces skin dryness.
2. Zinc inhibits the growth of yeast on the scalp. It also helps reduce the scalp buildup, thereby de-clogging the hair follicles. 
3. Supplements of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help regulate the skin’s oil production.  

Conclusion

Hair dandruff is typically harmless. But it can be annoying and embarrassing and therefore calls for active treatment. Depending upon the severity of the condition, one can go in for home remedies to prevent dandruff or use medicated products to treat dandruff causes. Nutritional supplements also go a long way in fighting dandruff in summer. But if the dandruff problem fails to settle or resurfaces time and again, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist to check if your hair dandruff indicates a more serious health issue.