Often once people have found a solution that works for their scalp and hair they try to go back to everyday products and are disappointed when the dandruff and itching returns. The thought being that you can 'cure' dandruff with treatment and then start using cheap and nasty products on your scalp and hair like the everyone else.
However, this is the wrong way to look at dandruff treatments. Dandruff is entirely normal, many people have skin sensitivity on their scalps and getting the right balance of high quality shampoos, washing frequency, diet and care will eventually cure dandruff. You may need to change your routine as the humidity or climate changes - or as you go through hormonal changes or changes to your stress levels. But, once you have found the right balance, stick to it!
There is nothing wrong with using Anti-Dandruff products for the rest of your life. They generally have better quality ingredients, leave your hair looking nourished and strong, and you can still use Anti-Dandruff conditioners and light treatments.
Hairetic is aiming to normalise dandruff, and help people to find products that are less 'medicated' and more suitable to every day use. This, in itself can be the solution to never having to worry about flakes, and still have your hair looking great with a brand that cares about what it is doing.
When Dandruff is better, can I go back to normal products?
If you start eating a healthy diet, then feel better and lose weight do you think that if you go back to eating crap again you will stay the same? No. And the same is true of your skin, scalp and hair. It needs to be looked after, with high quality products that match your skin type and give your scalp the right balance. Once you have found this balance, do not go back to crap products!
Often, people feel like they are missing out on something - the latest 'thickening' shampoo, or 'shine enhancement' or whatever marketing/trends are out there. But generally most of this is just marketing - the money is spent on making products appear spectacular but mainly just filling them with colours, additives and cheap chemicals. If you have a healthy scalp, then your hair health will follow. Shine and nourished hair come from care and patience, not from adding more and more chemicals into your hair washing routine.
Hairetic products aim to deliver great Dandruff protection, but also gentle nourishment to the skin on the scalp. A healthy scalp helps create the right environment for stronger, thicker, healthier hair so you never need to use anything else.
Why has my Dandruff come back?
If you are using the same products, keeping to the same routine, but then your find dandruff is returning then consider the following:
- Have you changed your diet? A common cause of dandruff is oil (sebum) in the scalp, and this is wildly effected by diet. Eating too much fatty foods - especially things like chocolate, or products fried in solid fats, can make your skin much more greasy. Think about how your diet has changed, and try swapping to healthier foods (vegetables, high quality protein etc). to see if this has an impact.
- Has the weather changed? Humidity, hot or cold temperatures play havoc on your skin condition. Increasing oil production in hot weather may mean you need to increase how frequently you wash your hair - try experimenting with washing before bed (rather than in the morning), washing your hair less if you scalp is dry - or using less or more conditioner.
- Stress and Hormones causing dandruff? Lots of people develop dandruff in their teens, as their bodies go through massive hormonal changes. This can leave skin oily, or more sensitive, and the skin is going through a lot of change. Hormones can fluctuate throughout your life, and this will have an effect on your skin including your scalp. The key is to recognise the changes and adjust your hair washing routine. Stress can cause additional physical changes as the body attempts to protect itself. Make sure you are looking after yourself, and keep your hair routine clean and simple.
- Do styling products cause dandruff? Yes. Not all of them, but many styling products are heavily fragranced, packed full of chemicals and oils and are perfect for clogging pores, leaving hair greasy and irritating your scalp. Avoid dry shampoo, especially on the scalp. Avoid getting clays or waxes near the roots of your hair and try to stay away from anything with too many oils and 'butters'. Your hair will look its best when it is healthy but many styling products attempt to trick us into healthy looking hair.
Now my Dandruff is cured, can I use other products?
Dandruff is normal, everyone should be using good quality products to look after their scalp, but so many people settle for rubbish - especially if it doesn't seem to be causing any harm. But using a shampoo that prevents dandruff also means you have a healthier scalp, with better conditions for healthier hair. Healthy hair means better looking hair that lasts longer and grows thicker. Don't compromise on your scalp health, even if your dandruff has gone.
How to get rid of dandruff and soothe your scalp, according to experts