The Problem:
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems affecting many of us. It is just a cosmetic malaise which does no harm apart from putting one to embarassment at having to scratch their head in public. Of course, the shampoo advertisments exaggerate the amount of uneasiness people feel.

The cause:
Dandruff in simple terms is ’’drying of the scalp (the skin on our head holding our hair together)’’. When the scalp dries, it produces flakes. These flakes collectively are called ’’dandruff’’. Dandruff by itself is not that harmful. A certain kind of fungus called ’’Pityrosporum ovale’’ unfortunately happens to eat dandruff and they are attracted by so much of it on our head.

This fungus freely roams in the atmosphere. So, the moment it senses P.ovale on a head, it attacks! The dandruff provides a good place for the fungus to raise itself and its colonies (children) :). This fungus irritates your skin and that is where the itching comes from. Dandruff by itself does not cause itching.

This fungus especially likes oil and cold climate. So, in winter and with oily hair, your
dandruff will only get worse.

The other bad thing about catching this fungus is that it does not stop at the head alone. The dandruff from your head falls on to your face and the fungus merrily slide down along with it. They make themselves very comfortable in the pores of your face and cause infection. The other part to be similarly affected is your back.

The cure:
There are lots of remedies starting from what your grandmother has to say. Shikakai, tea tree oil, lemon, methi seeds (fenugreek) have all been championed as the fighters of this infection. Unfortunately, no statistical evidence exists as to their usefulness.

The shampoos in the market target this fungus, P.ovale. The most common chemicals used are ’’Ketoconazole’’ and Zync Pyrithione (ZPTO). These chemicals attack the fungus and prevent them from spreading. They cannot prevent the drying of your scalp. The chemicals kill the fungus and the shampoo cleans your hair. So, if you do not use the shampoo regularly, the dandruff will be back and along with that, the fungus.

Different shampoos in the market suit different people. But, of all that I have used, the one which has suited me and continues to give me satisfaction is ’’HEAD AND SHOULDERS’’ from Procter and Gamble. I wash my head once in every three days with this shampoo and my dandruff has all but disappeared. My hair too feels very good. After washing my hair, I use shampoos containing mineral oil (liquid paraffin). I just brush a few drops over my hair to set them.

Tips for people who have dandruff:
1. Do not apply too much oil to your hair
2. Wash your hair regularly at least once in three days with a shampoo that suits you best
3. It is a myth that shampoos lead to falling of hair. Bad shampoos do. If you have problems with shampoos, consult your dermatologist.

Why would you trust me? It is because I have done my masters in studying different kinds of shampoos. I have also worked for a company which manufactures supposedly 100% herbal shampoos. Only very few know how much herbal the whole shampoo is. Next time you buy a shampoo which says 100% herbal, let me assure you that you are being taken for a jolly ride.

After taking my advice, I hope you will say ’’Baal Baal Bach gaye’’