Follow these 10 steps to avoid getting dandruff this winter

A dry itchy scalp is the most common cause of dandruff in the winter A number of variables contribute to this including dry chilly air and a high prevalence of the Malassezia fungus If you want to reduce and treat dandruff youll need to utilise the correct hair care products for the job Dandruff is by far the most inconvenient and humiliating hair issueDandruff can be caused by stress a change in climate severe heat or cold an overabundance of fatty foods a change in shampoo excessive sweat and even pollution Dandruff flares up when Malassezia a naturally occurring microorganism on the scalp is worsened by any of these circumstancesDr Amrendra Kumar consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon director of DermaClinix shares 10 tricks to drive away dandruff this winter are as followsAvoid direct heat One of the most common causes of a flaky scalp is excessive heat Wet hair can cause headaches and colds which is why hair dryers are so popular in the winter However direct heat exposure such as from ironing boards and hair dryers dries the scalp Instead toweldry your hair before allowing it to air driesCut down on sugar Sugar is bad for both your skin and your hair It turns out that its also bad for your hair Excessive oily flakes are caused by high blood sugar levels which increase dandruff in the winter Reduce your sugar intake and replace it with honey or jaggeryDrink more water We often forget to drink water during the winter which dehydrates the skin and hair causing more dandruff The average daily water consumption limit is set at 5 litres but if its getting too cold 4 litres will sufficeUse biotin and zinc supplements Biotin is a hair vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods and is also available as a supplement in pharmacies and supermarkets Biotin has been found to be likely effective in the treatment of biotin deficiency and to be safe when used in the recommended amounts Deficiency can lead to dandruff Rule out fungal infection psoriasis if it is not responding to medicinesChange your diet Vitamin B zinc and omega 3 fatty acids are all good for the hair and scalp Fruits and raw salads should be part of your daily diet These nutrients are abundant in eggs fish bananas and spinachBrush your hair often It may aid in scalp stimulation and blood circulation This will aid in the production of oils that keep the hair and scalp healthyUse a cotton towel After youve washed your hair wipe it dry with a cotton towel Towels with a rough texture should be avoided because they can cause more frizzVisit a dermatologist If your dandruff problem becomes out of hand seek the advice of a reputable dermatologist In these situations an expert will be able to provide you with the best solution so dont hesitate to seek adviceUse shampoo containing zinc pyrithione selenium sulphide or 2 per cent ketoconazole Many antidandruff shampoos contains zinc pyrithione shampoo It is antifungal antibacterial and antimicrobial which means it can kill fungus bacteria and micro organisms that cause itchy flaky scalp If youve tried these shampoos and other home remedies and still dont feel better then consult a dermatologist The contact period of shampoo should be a minimum of 5 minutes These shampoos make the hair dry so use conditioner as wellAlways keep your hair and scalp clean When going out in the sun cover your head with a scarf hat or cap Keeping your hair free of pollutants will aid in its growth Sweating is normal but excessive sweat can cause hair buildup After youve exercised or had a particularly sweaty day always dry your hair In females oily scalps and severe dandruff may be signs of hormonal imbalance so rule out that as well Usually dandruff does not happen in children but if it happens rule out lice infection or fungal infectionThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever