Can manifest as a dry, flaky scalp, or itchy, waxy scales which stick to the hair and cause severe irritation. Dry dandruff usually indicates insufficient brushing (which usually removes the flakes), poor circulation of the scalp, or the use of alkaline products which irritate the scalp. Waxy dandruff may result from overactivity of the sebaceous, oil producing glands, or from dietary deficiencies. It may also be a symptom of a fungal infection. Severe dandruff could be due to psoriasis.

Treatment - Practical Advice

Brush your hair well every day with a natural bristle brush.

Avoid harsh dyes, and scented hair products.

Dietary

Dandruff may result from food allergies. Increase intake of vitamin A, found in liver, kidney, egg yolk, butter, whole milk and cream, cod liver oil. Take a vitamin B complex supplement: 50 mg twice daily. Cut down on sugar. Some naturopaths believe that excess consumption of citrus fruits and juices (oranges, lemon, grapefruit) contributes to dandruff. Limit intake of these fruits; instead eat plenty of bananas, avocados, and raw and cooked vegetables. Increase intake of zinc, found in lean meat, poultry, fish and organ meats. Massage vitamin E oil directly into the scalp at night for 2-3 weeks. Take a supplement of evening primrose oil, 500 mg, 6 times daily.

Aromatherapy

For greasy dandruff, apply the following mixture to the scalp and leave on overnight: 4 drops of essential oil of cedarwood mixed with 2 drops of juniper or lemon in 10 ml carrier oil. Shampoo thoroughly in the morning and rinse. Repeat this procedure 3 times a week until symptoms are relieved.

Herbal

Infuse 30 g each of fresh or dried rosemary and sage in half a litre of water for 24 hours, use as a hair rinse daily.

Massage

With the tips of your fingers, rub firmly in circular movements all over the scalp, as if washing the hair. Try to move the loose skin of the scalp back and forth. Pick up clumps of hair and tug a little. This will improve circulation of the scalp.

Orthodox

Your doctor will probably recommend a medicated shampoo, containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulphide, for flaky dandruff. Shampoos containing coal tar or selenium sulphide are better for waxy dandruff. Ensure the shampoo is allowed to soak into the scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing.