Dandruff Is a Product of Our Habits. An Expert Explains Why
Jose Musa / Pexels
Those flakes can be managed, but your scalp needs consistent care.
Dandruff is easy to ignore until it isn’t anymore. The white specks falling on your shoulder can easily be wiped off in two swipes, but not if they keep falling over and over again. And apparently, it is not a one-time infection you can treat overnight.
Vogue Philippines speaks with licensed dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan-Benavidez to better understand how to treat our scalp and avoid dandruff.
Misconceptions about dandruff
According to Dr. Chan-Benavidez, the biggest misconception most people have about these white flakes is that dandruff is made up of fungal elements or byproducts of what we use. In reality, dandruff is made up of dead skin cells; increased scalp oil, Malassezia overgrowth, and inflammation accelerate scalp skin turnover, causing abnormal skin cells to clump together to form visible white flakes.
She also clarifies that dandruff is not contagious. “It [might be] a bit confusing because it does have a fungal etiology. But unlike pediculosis capitis, or kuto, which can be transferred by sharing hair brushes or towels, this cannot,” she says.
Habits to avoid
Four common habits may sound harmless but can endanger your scalp: taking showers with hot water, which can dry the scalp and trigger it to produce more oil; using multiple hair products; sleeping with wet hair; and wearing caps and helmets without enough breathing time.
How often should you wash your hair?
Dr. Chan-Benavidez advises that with the hot and humid weather in the country, especially if you commute under the sun, washing daily to avoid dirt, sweat, and oil buildup is necessary for the scalp. “Washing too often can only be detrimental if you use extremely hot water; otherwise, personally, I feel that washing too little might be more of an imminent problem,” she says.
Hair products to look for
Anti-dandruff shampoos are effective, but they take time and need consistency. To make sure they work, look for antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients: piroctone olamine to bind your hair’s keratin, selenium sulfide to regulate the scalp skin turnover rate, and salicylic acid to dissolve oil buildup.
These shampoos, though, are not formulated to cure dandruff in a single wash, according to Dr. Chan-Benavidez. “Realistically speaking, it would take at least a month of consistent use to regulate the scalp turnover to control dandruff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Bea Chan-Benavidez is a Philippine board-certified dermatologist and skincare expert. She is also the founder of The Skin B clinic in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.
Anti-dandruff shampoos are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Look for formulas with antifungal or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Generally, anti-dandruff shampoos can be used across different hair types, but some formulas may work better for certain scalp and hair needs. Follow the product’s instructions and consult your dermatologist.
For hot and humid weather, Dr. Chan-Benavidez recommends washing daily, especially if you commute under the sun, to prevent dirt, sweat, and oil buildup.
Dandruff does not usually clear up after one wash. According to Dr. Chan-Benavidez, it can take at least a month of consistent use of the right products to help regulate scalp turnover and manage dandruff.