Hair Essentia

Dandruff is flaking of the skin on the scalp. Dandruff is treatable and non contagious; but it can be very embarrassing.

Stress, product build-up and environmental factors cause the scalp to flake. Alongside, multiplication of the Malassezia globosa is the chief culprit. It is present on everyone’s scalp, but when it proliferates out of control, it breaks down the sebum, and releases an acid as a by-product, which triggers dandruff.

Dandruff is characterized by an itchy scalp and white flakes which build-up in the hair or fall to the shoulders. Some people may develop red patches on the scalp which may radiate to the face. Change in weather causes exacerbations.

Sugary and spicy foods are known to trigger dandruff. The chief cause for dandruff proliferation of the Malassezia; and sugary and spicy foods encourage the overgrowth of the Malassezia. Thus, cutting back or eliminating these from your diet will yield good results.

Omega 3 is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It works beautifully on the scalp and helps regulate oil manufacture in the scalp. A deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids aggravates dandruff. You should incorporate plenty of walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and fish, for a healthy dandruff-free scalp.

Dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, infection and a sensitive scalp look fairly similar; but they have different causes and need different fixes. Dandruff doesn’t really require medical attention, however, you need to be absolutely sure that what you are dealing with is in fact dandruff and not a medical condition. Thus, talking to a trichologist will help.

Zinc pyrithione is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial – it kills microbes which cause a flaky, itchy scalp. Zinc pyrithione kills the multiplying Malassezia and alleviates the inflammation that is causing the dandruff.

ZPTO is excellent for those suffering from dandruff, especially when associated with a greasy scalp. Talk to a trichologist and understand the precise cause of the irritated scalp and flaking before embarking on zinc pyrithione treatment.

For the first 2 weeks, your doctor will ask you to use ZPTO shampoo about 5 times per week. Post 2 weeks, taper the usage to two times per week, until the dandruff has vanished. Use a ZPTO shampoo alternating with a non medicated shampoo. Always discuss with your trichologist; he will give you a bespoke hair care plan that will suit your needs.

ZPTO is safe for all hair types – it is most suited for those who are suffering from stubborn dandruff, dermatitis, or an overgrowth of fungus. In case you have dry hair, you need to opt for a product that has ZPTO plus hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. If you do not have dandruff, it would be advisable to skip ZPTO products.

ZPTO shampoos work wonders when you have obstinate dandruff. You need to wet your hair and massage the shampoo into the scalp. Leave for about a minute or two and then rinse it out. Talk to your trichologist, using ZPTO shampoos depends on the degree of dandruff, inflammation of the scalp and the sensitivity and state of your scalp. Zinc pyrithione containing shampoos can be used everyday for a week, thereafter, switch to twice a week. The medicated shampoo will get rid of build-up of grease, dirt, dead skin, and accumulation of products – all of which contribute to flaking. Use a ZPTO shampoo for a few days a week and alternate it with a non-medicated shampoo.

Yes, washing your hair very often is known to trigger dandruff. When you wash your hair often, especially with harsh shampoos, the scalp is stripped off its natural oils, and it makes the scalp extremely dry and flaky. Hence, don’t wash too little, don’t wash too often. It all comes down to having the perfect balance!

Conditioners that contain zinc pyrithione battle dandruff and flaking and alongside, restore scalp balance and proffer adequate hydration too. Shampoo the hair and massage the conditioner into the hair and scalp and leave on for 5 minutes; then wash Discuss with your doctor and follow the instructions on the label for optimal results.

If you have been suffering from stubborn dandruff that is refusing to budge; and have an angry scalp, you need to confer with a trichologist and understand whether you could have a likely scalp condition. Talking to your dermatologist is of the utmost importance. Psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis cause flaking of the scalp and leads to dandruff. You must consult your trichologist immediately.

Malassezia is a fungus which sources it’s nourishment from the oil on the scalp and the multiplying Malassezia is the chief cause for dandruff.

Malassezia lives on all healthy scalps, without causing dandruff. However, when you have a very oily scalp compounded with a compromised immune mechanism, it triggers proliferation of the fungus, and development of dandruff.

An oily scalp makes the Malassezia flourish. The overgrowth of the fungus affects normal skin cell renewal and the by-products of the fungus cause flaking and itching.

When the scalp is oily, dirt and grime collect and microbes flourish, causing infection and dandruff. Hence, if you want to treat or prevent dandruff, you must wash your scalp and hair often with a mild shampoo. Good scalp hygiene is very crucial.

Using ZPTO 5 times a week for about 2 to 3 weeks is okay. Thereafter, you need to reduce to twice a week until your dandruff has disappeared. Always discuss with your doctor; he will give you a curated hair care plan.

Within the first 3 to 4 washes, you will see marginal improvement in itching and flaking. Within 2 weeks of consistent use, you will see significant improvement. In case you do not see any improvement after 4 weeks, you must talk to your doctor.