Dandruff is more common than you think – and men can get it on their beard as well as their scalp. Whilst it can be annoying, it’s really easy to get rid of it. If you’re wondering why you have dandruff, look no further: here’s what every man needs to know about dandruff and scalp care to stay flake-free.
According to research, more than half of us – men and women - will suffer from dandruff in our lives.
Despite being one of the most common grooming issues, dandruff is often ignored or overlooked in the hope that it will go away on its own. But avoiding dealing with dandruff in its early stages can actually make the problem worse.
Luckily, it’s easy to get rid of dandruff if you follow our tips.
Don’t ignore an itchy scalp
Itchy scalp is often an early warning sign for dandruff, especially if you notice your urges to scratch are on the increase.
As soon as you notice the itch, it’s time for a targeted dandruff product, whether or not that itchiness is accompanied by flakes in your hair (yet).
Being scalp savvy like this can prevent visible dandruff before it shows.
Don’t overload with styling products
Wax, gel, clay and other styling products don’t actually cause dandruff – that’s the fault of a microbe, Malassezia globosa, that lives on all of our scalps – but product build-up can aggravate it.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo every time you wash and avoid using loads of products or allowing them to build up on your scalp.
Know what helps and what hinders
There are quite a few common habits that can increase your chances of experiencing dandruff.
- Washing too much or not enough can worsen the issue as both excess oil and a dry scalp can lead to you noticing more flakes.
- Additionally, shampooing too often with non-moisturising shampoos like clarifying shampoos can be drying to the scalp. A good way to find a middle ground is to use a deep cleansing shampoo about once a week alongside your normal shampoo to get all the benefits without drying out your scalp.
- Over-styling with heat is not good for the scalp either. Too much heat can dry out your scalp while tugging your hair in a brush or straightening irons can aggravate your skin.
Knowing that these habits increase your risk of seeing dandruff flakes might just help you balance your routine so your hair stays looking great without any flakes messing up your style.
You may need the help of a friend
Most of us assume we’d know if we have dandruff – but it’s not uncommon to have more flakes around the back of your head, making them easy to miss.
Rope in a friend, partner or, if that’s a little too personal for you, your barber to get an honest opinion on the state of your scalp.
Use products that work
It’s tempting to opt for flash new grooming products that promise the earth, but the best thing you can do for your scalp is rely on something you can trust.
Head & Shoulders leads the way in scalp care, and their new DERMA&PURE range takes dandruff prevention one step further with antioxidants that help prevent early signs of dandruff such as itch, dryness, irritation and oiliness.
Watch grooming expert Matt Hambly discuss what you need to know about dandruff here.