Winter Dandruff: Why It Gets Worse in Cold Weather and How to Stop It

It starts around November. You remove your woolen cap at the office and find white powder on your shoulders. Your head starts to itch by noon, and your favorite black kurta has become a nuisance. Dandruff is a common problem in winter, affecting both men and women.

Answer: Cold and dry air, heat from the heater, hot baths, and a reduced number of hair washing sessions cause your scalp to become irritated, and an organism known as Malassezia, which is present on the majority of scalps, becomes active. Wash with warm water. Wash regularly. Use medicated shampoos to treat it.

In this blog post, we will discuss why dandruff is likely to be aggravated during the cold weather, distinguishing dandruff from dry scalp, a basic washing regimen that you can implement right away, and when you should visit a dermatologist.

Winter Dandruff: Why Is it More Severe During Winter?

Dandruff is not dirt.Dandruff is caused by the interaction of oil present on the scalp, the fungus Malassezia, and the sensitivity of the skin to the same. When the balance between these factors gets disrupted, dandruff occurs.

Winter tips the balance in several ways. Cold air outside and a heater or blower inside both dry the skin. Dry air outside, as well as dry heat inside, has an effect of making the skin dry. Hot baths taken in the geyser cause removal of natural oils of the skin. It is a practice that people don't usually wash their hair in winter, and as such, there is accumulation of oil on the scalp.

Darunaka is the Ayurvedic name for dandruff and itchiness of the scalp. This is an example of traditional knowledge, and hence, can be used for background information only.

Dry scalp needs a milder approach with regard to cleansing and moisturizing. Dandruff is treated with a more yeast-oriented approach. Where there are tough scales, itching or even drainage, it would be advisable not to attempt to make guesses as this could be eczema, psoriasis, or even a fungal infection.

Ways to Cleanse Your Hair During Winter to Avoid Dandruff

Most winter dandruff improves when the wash routine gets fixed.

1. Use warm water to wet your hair. Water that causes your skin to redden means that the water is too hot.
2. Use a little bit of the shampoo and apply it to your scalp only. Massage gently using your fingertips for one to two minutes. Never use your nails.
3. Rinse completely. Residual shampoo causes itching. If your water is hard, rinse a little longer.
4. Put conditioner on the lengths only, away from the scalp.
5. Pat dry. If you use a dryer, keep it on a cool or warm setting.

Wash two to three times a week. If your scalp turns oily fast, wash every other day. Don’t go beyond four days in winter.

Veda Harvest Anti Hair Fall Shampoo with Tulsi, Amla & Brahmi is the shampoo that comes in a 400 ml bottle priced at ₹319 for mild cleansing. The instructions mentioned on the shampoo are that you should apply it after washing your hair with water. Be clear on what it is. The brand’s page says it is meant to help dandruff-prone scalps as part of a routine, and it is not a guaranteed treatment. It is a mild everyday shampoo, not a medicated one. Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo With Tulsi, Amla And Brahmi - 400ml | Veda Harvest +2

Medicated Shampoo: Know What To Look for & Use Right

Should the flakes not go away even after two weeks of good washing, then it is high time to consider an active ingredient.

1. These can come from ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or coal tar.
2. Follow the pack directions. Many say to lather, leave it on the scalp for about five minutes, then rinse.
3. Start with two to three washes a week. However, on the other days, use a mild shampoo to prevent the scalp from drying up.
4. Give it about four weeks.
5. If it works, do it less often to maintain the result.In case this fails, use another active ingredient.

If you see any redness, sore spots, thick areas, hair loss, or no improvement within four weeks, visit a dermatologist.

Winter Dandruff Treatment Tips to Try at Home

They are harmless and inexpensive, but proof of their effectiveness is minimal. Consider them as an aid, not a treatment.

Neem rinse. Heat a bunch of neem leaves with 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain it when cooled down. Use it as your final rinse after using the shampoo. Neem is known to be used in India for hair treatment.

Aloe vera gel. Put aloe vera gel on your scalp for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. It is cool and calming and easy to rinse.

Light oiling. Use a few drops of coconut oil on the scalp, one hour before washing. Skip overnight oiling. Oil can make flakes worse for some people, since the fungus thrives on oil. If your scalp is itchier, discontinue.

Ways Mistakes Lead to Winter Dandruff

• Hot water washing. Removes oil and irritates the scalp.
• Nail scratching. Causes skin breakage and infection.
• Skipping washes for a week. Flakes and oil pile up.
• Heavy overnight oiling. It will nourish the yeast as well as block the scalp.
• Using lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda on your head. This burns and dehydrates the skin.
• Alternating between different shampoos for each use. Allow one brand three to four weeks.
• Not washing your caps, mufflers, and pillowcases. Wash these things once a week.

Simple Routine to Start Tonight

Weekly plan:

• Monday: medicated shampoo
• Thursday: gentle shampoo
• Sunday: medicated shampoo

Daily cleansing routine: Lukewarm water, apply shampoo on scalp, massage with fingertips, rinse thoroughly, condition the hair.

Washing routine: Caps, scarves, pillowcases, and comb must be washed once a week.

Should you be looking for a mild shampoo for your Thursday wash, there is Veda Harvest Anti Hair Fall Shampoo. Tonight, examine your scalp with bright light to know whether your flakes are small and dry or big and oily, and select a medicated shampoo for next Monday.

FAQs

Why does dandruff get worse in winter?
Cold, dry air, heaters, hot showers and fewer hair washes dry the scalp and let oil and flakes build up. The yeast that lives on your scalp also reacts when skin is irritated. Washing on a schedule with lukewarm water helps keep it under control.

How often should I wash my hair in winter if I have dandruff?
Two to three times a week works for most people, and every other day if your scalp gets oily. Going more than four days lets flakes build up. Use a medicated shampoo as directed, and keep the water lukewarm.

Is dandruff the same as dry scalp?
No. Dry scalp gives small, fine, white flakes and tight skin. Dandruff gives larger, sometimes oily or yellowish flakes, with itch. They need different care: moisture for a dry scalp, and a medicated shampoo for dandruff.

Does coconut oil help or worsen dandruff?
It can do either. Some people feel their scalp is soothed, while others see more flakes because the yeast feeds on oils. Evidence is limited. Try a few drops an hour before washing, and stop if itching or flaking increases.

When should I see a doctor for dandruff?
See a dermatologist if flakes don’t improve after about four weeks of medicated shampoo, or if your scalp is red, painful or oozing, or you see thick scales or hair loss. These can point to eczema, psoriasis or an infection that needs proper treatment.