<Things you should know> The correct knowledge about dandruff (2) Explanation of how to prevent and treat dandruff How to prevent dandruff How to deal with dandruff Self-care methods you can do at home! Dandruff-related concerns (Q&A) If dandruff isn't caused by an underlying illness, reviewing your lifestyle habits, such as diet, sleep, and daily routine, can help prevent an increase in dandruff. Additionally, incorrect hair washing techniques and hair care can potentially lead to further dandruff, so caution is necessary. This article, supervised by a dermatologist, explains general methods for preventing and treating dandruff. How to prevent dandruff To prevent dandruff, it's essential to address the root cause. Depending on your condition, consider the following measures: Basic prevention methods Wash your hair the correct way. Washing your scalp and hair too much, or leaving residue or not rinsing properly, can both lead to an increase in dandruff. When you have dry dandruff, avoid using shampoos with strong cleansing power and be careful not to over-wash. On the other hand, when oily dandruff is noticeable, it is important to wash your hair frequently and gently rinse away excess sebum. Be careful of the heat from the hair dryer. Applying hot air too close to the scalp for extended periods can damage it, leading to problems such as dandruff, dryness, and inflammation. Before using a hairdryer, thoroughly towel-dry your hair and hold it about 20cm away from your scalp. To prevent the hot air from hitting the same spot for too long, move the hand holding the hairdryer from side to side to distribute the heat while drying your hair.If you tie your hair up with a hair tie or go to sleep with wet hair, your scalp can become damp and prone to bacterial growth, so be careful. Keep anything that comes into contact with your scalp clean. Towels, pillowcases, and other items that come into contact with your scalp should be washed frequently to keep them clean. Live a regular life Disruptions to your sleep schedule can affect your hormone balance, leading to disruptions in scalp cell turnover. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. To cultivate a healthy scalp and avoid skin problems, it's important to eat a balanced diet regularly three times a day. In addition, limit your intake of fats, carbohydrates, and alcohol. Get enough quality sleep. Lack of sleep, or consistently getting unrested sleep, can negatively impact scalp health. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try to regulate your sleep rhythm by waking up at a consistent time each morning, which will lead to better quality sleep. Don't let stress build up. When you accumulate stress, your resistance weakens, making you more susceptible to scalp problems. It's difficult to completely avoid stress, but try to incorporate measures that will help you relax, such as taking time to change your mood or immersing yourself in a hobby. How to deal with dandruff If you have noticeable dandruff, try the following remedies. If the dandruff persists or if you experience other concerning symptoms in addition to dandruff, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Basic countermeasures If you try to rub dandruff off your scalp with your fingernails, you'll not only cause more dandruff to come off, but you'll also damage your scalp, so be careful. Dry dandruff is a sign that your scalp is dry. Choose a shampoo that is gentle on the scalp, and after washing your hair, be sure to moisturize your scalp thoroughly with a scalp lotion or cream. Furthermore, a dry scalp has a weakened barrier function, making it more susceptible to external irritants. Protect your scalp from irritation by wearing a breathable hat to avoid UV rays and wiping away sweat frequently. If you have oily dandruff, it's a sign that your skin is producing too much sebum. Wash your hair frequently, and make sure you're getting enough B vitamins in your diet, as these help control sebum production. If your dandruff gets worse, see a dermatologist. If dandruff persists despite preventative measures and treatments, continues to increase, or if you experience other concerning symptoms such as itching or redness of the scalp, it's possible that another illness is the cause. See a dermatologist as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment. Self-care methods you can do at home! Here are some self-care tips you can incorporate at home, including tips for washing your hair and head massage. Hair washing tips Before you start washing your hair, lightly brush it and then rinse it with lukewarm water. This will remove any dirt or dust from the surface and help the shampoo lather better. It's important to thoroughly rinse not only your hair but also your scalp with lukewarm water before shampooing. To minimize irritation to the scalp, avoid applying shampoo directly to the scalp. Instead, take an appropriate amount in your palm, lather it well, and then use it. When washing, avoid using your fingernails; instead, gently massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers. Pay particular attention to washing the oily areas of the forehead and crown. When rinsing, don't just rinse off the foam from the surface of your hair; make sure the water reaches your scalp thoroughly. Apply conditioner or treatment mainly to the ends of your hair, not your scalp. Head massage Incorporating head massage into your routine improves blood circulation and helps maintain a healthy scalp. Be sure to use a comfortable amount of pressure to avoid damaging your scalp. Using the pads of your fingers, massage from your jawline to the top of your head. Using the fingers of both hands, lightly press and grasp the scalp, then quickly release, repeating this motion from the nape of the neck towards the crown of the head. Gently press on both temples. Dandruff-related concerns (Q&A) We'll answer your questions about dandruff. Is it okay to leave dandruff untreated? Everyone gets dandruff, and if it's not bothersome, there's usually no problem. However, if the amount of dandruff increases significantly, or if you experience itching or redness, self-care alone may not be enough. You should consult a dermatologist. How do I get rid of dandruff? Scratching your head vigorously or brushing it too hard because you have dandruff is counterproductive. If dandruff is stuck to the roots of your hair, gently grasp it and remove it by moving it down to the ends. If you are concerned about small, dry flakes of dandruff, moisturize your scalp with a scalp lotion. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association, a director of the Japanese Society for Medical Hair Removal, and an advisor to the A-Care Association. She is a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Anti-Aging Medicine, among others. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.