Dandruff may appear differently on darker skin tones than it does on lighter skin tones, however it doesn't affect different hair types in different ways.
Incidence varies between different ethnic groups: in a study in the U.S. and China, dandruff prevalence was 81–95% in African Americans, 66–82% in Caucasians, and 30–42% in Chinese [23].
Depending on your ethnicity, your curly or coily hair can have varying densities, porosities, and specific issues associated with hair care. African American hair, for instance, tends to be more prone to dandruff build-up on the scalp.
Shampoo regularly
Alternate between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients for maximum potential of relief if you stop noticing changes. For African or Afro hair types, aim for shampoo once a week with the dandruff shampoo.
Before I scare you or make you freak out (is your scalp itching yet?), let's learn some more about this scalp fungus. According to a Proctor and Gamble Commissioned North America study, 40% of the US population has dandruff, 77% of Black women suffer from it.
What causes dandruff on afro hair types? The primary cause of dandruff, regardless of hair type, is an overgrowth or overreaction to the fungus malassezia. This fungus occurs naturally in several parts of our body, including the scalp. In some cases, it can cause irritation.
Dandruff doesn't mean you have dirty hair, but the way you style your hair or the products you use might cause a flaky scalp. Some hair coloring and styling products can leave a flaky, dry residue or trigger a skin reaction that looks like dandruff.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, others). These products help eliminate scaling. Selenium sulfide shampoos (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others). These contain an antifungal agent.
When you have afro hair, the natural oil your scalp produces can easily get stuck. As the oils are stuck and not moving down your hair, the ends of your afro hair become weak, brittle and dry.
White-yellow or grey, oily flakes and scales of medium to large sizes appear on the hair and scalp while your skin can get very itchy and even sore. You might find those flakes and scales in your bedsheets, too.
Itching generally happens when afro hair becomes too alkaline (it is naturally acidic). This can be done via a process of clarification with apple cider vinegar, peppermint essential oil, baking soda or Aloe Vera.
The frequency of shampooing necessary to control dandruff varies from person to person. Some need to shampoo twice a week, others more frequently, even daily. Many people forget that the scalp as well as the hair needs to be shampooed.
African hair is seen to be much thicker and more dense meaning that the hair follicles are larger. Density represents the amount of hairs that grow from the head, with denser hair resulting from more hairs growing closer together from the scalp. An individual with high-density hair creates a fuller appearance of curls.
Dandruff is not a gender-specific problem; however, research does show men are more susceptible to developing dandruff issues than women.
Dandruff is loaded with DNA – indeed, experts say there is more DNA in dandruff than in bones.
Can dandruff be cured? No, but it can be controlled.
Using cold water improves blood circulation in your scalp and reduces dandruff. Washing hair with hot water removes excess dirt and oil and prevents scalp infection to promote efficient hair and scalp care.
Same with baking soda — it's dandruff's worst enemy.
Plus, it can soothe your irritated scalp skin, helping to calm down irritation caused by cleansing and styling products.
The role of fungus in dandruff
One of the strongest contributing factors, however, is the level of a fungus called Malassezia. Multiple studies have found a link between Malassezia and scalp health, with dandruff scalps consistently showing a marked increase in the abundance of Malassezia.
Here's your anti-dandruff diet
Include fish, flaxseeds and walnuts in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids keep your scalp hydrated.
What medical conditions cause smelly scalp? Medical conditions that may cause your scalp to smell include: Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Fungal infections on your scalp.
Dandruff affects approximately one in two people(1). Although it is totally harmless, it is unattractive and stigmatising. It can sometimes give a false impression of negligence and affect people's relationships with others. It is treated mainly using treatment shampoo, which can get rid of it.