Winter Care Tips: During the winter, dandruff and dry skin appear owing to an imbalance in scalp oil production. Greasy dandruff (seborrhea) is caused by an overabundance of sebum, which promotes the growth of Malassezia fungus, whereas dry dandruff appears as small white flakes. It is frequently confused with scalp psoriasis, which requires medical attention. Medicated antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide are effective, but they must be applied to the scalp for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
Oiling is commonly misunderstood in dandruff management. Applying oil straight to a dandruff-prone scalp might exacerbate the problem by promoting fungal development. Instead, oil should be applied to hair strands rather than the scalp. Coconut oil is the most helpful natural oil since it is pH-compatible with the scalp and has a low allergic potential. Olive oil is also an excellent choice, however, mustard oil should be avoided because it is hard on the scalp. Shampooing every other day is essential to keep your scalp healthy.