If you have ever suffered from a flaky or itchy scalp, you will understand the trauma those who suffer from dandruff go through.

The problem though is that sometimes you may think you have dandruff – but you actually don’t – you may have eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis , and if you use traditional treatments – you are going to make the problem worse.

So how do I know if my flaky scalp is dandruff or not?

Let’s first look at what causes scalp issues.

The worst offender in the scalp issue department is shampoo – no I am not recommending you go shampoo free and join the NO POO campaign (this will make things worse) – I am recommending you swap to a sulphate free shampoo – something such as Davroe – salon quality shampoo, or Bondi Boost which is aimed at problem scalps and again is natural and sulphate free.

The reason is – one of the main offenders in the problem scalp department are the sulphates in shampoo – I would even recommend using a natural hair soap and apple cider vinegar over using normal shampoo and conditioner – it makes my head itch just thinking about using normal shampoo!!

Once you have swapped your shampoo and conditioner for a more natural and gentle yet effective approach using quality products – the next step you need to know is how to actually clean your hair properly – I know – you think you don’t have to read the next bit – but DO!!!!

First of all – if you have scalp issues – wash your hair every 2 – 3 days – not every 3 weeks wash it every 3 days. Definitely don’t wash less. Leaving your hair dirty – just means more bacteria, and dead skin build-up – meaning more dry white flakes. If you wash it daily – you could end up stripping your scalp of all of its natural oils and giving yourself dandruff.

If you exercise every day – and you sweat ( I do) wash every second day – don’t use dry hair shampoo on the days in-between – because that will cause issues as it dries your scalp and makes it itchy – plus many of them have irritating ingredients.

I love Davroe’s range called Remedy or Bondi Boosts dandruff – both work to soothe and calm the scalp instead of stripping, disinfecting and traumatising the scalp more.

If your facial skin is oily and prone to breakouts – go with Bondi Boost – if your skin is more normal and prone to dryness go Davroe’s Remedy range.

Avoid at all costs products with medicinal ingredients as they contain sulphites and will strip your scalp.

If you use a lot of styling product in your hair – you may need to look at doing a deep cleanse first before starting treatment – the reason is – all of the product in your hair could be the reason you have scalp issues. Start with Davroes clarifying deep cleansing shampoo.

Before shampooing – brush your hair well – this stimulates the blood flow and makes it easier to remove the build-up of product from your scalp. (Wash your brush in the shower when you shampoo)

Always double cleanse your scalp – not your hair – your scalp.

Scrub your scalp with your fingertips massaging the product in, then drawing the rest of the product through your hair to the ends.

What I mean by double cleansing is shampoo once, rinse and repeat.

Only condition the ends of your hair – from ½ way down – if you apply it to your roots – you will end up with greasy oily hair.

Once you are cleansing properly – and using the correct products – you can assess if you actually have dandruff or a problem scalp.

A problem scalp is skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis – the later – should cease once you stop using chemicals on your head.

You could have eczema if you are having a reaction to your hair colour, product or it could be that you are eating something which is causing the inflammation – or not eating what you should.

If you still have a ‘dirty’ flaky looking scalp – you could have dandruff and although the products will improve your scalp – you will have to also tackle dandruff from inside out.

Firstly- you need to know what actually is dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition in which the scalp starts to itch and flake, leaving you with white bits in your hair and an inflamed scalp. We have discussed what mild dandruff could be but on the more severe end, your dandruff may actually be caused by seborrheic dermatitis which could be caused due to hair care products but could also be driven by yeast and hormone imbalances.

Some people are sensitive to that yeast—called Malassezia furfur—that naturally exists on the scalp.

For most people, this yeast is harmless, and feeds on the oil on your skin – but it can overgrow due to internal problems and it causes the skin to build up and then the skin cells will automatically flake off.

A few beliefs surrounding dandruff are;

#1That it comes from having a dry or oily scalp.

The truth is –  yeast is not affected by dry or oily skin.

#2 Another belief is that rubbing oil into the scalp can help with dandruff.

Generally, this doesn’t help – although in so saying – I have seen a warm avocado oil treatment do miracles. The reason Avocado oil works is because it, not only hydrates, it exfoliates and lifts off the dead skin cells. It is full of wonderful nourishing vitamins and omegas – so the skin gets a boost of goodness and it is able to heave a sigh of relief and get on with functioning properly.

#3 Another belief is you should brush the hair hard to remove the flakes – this is opening your skin up to infection – if you feel you need to dislodge the dead skin cells – use a special exfoliator such as Bondi Boost’s salt exfoliator – but only use this INFREQUENTLY – if used too often you will worsen the condition, especially if you don’t have dandruff but severe psoriasis or eczema.

Diet plays a major role in the cause of dandruff.

Remember – it is a fungus – so just like any other fungal infections (think girl parts) or toes………. Sugar, dairy and refined carbs along with all of the other nasty numbers in processed foods are highly likely to be the culprits.

Ideally, if you are serious about getting rid of it – start on a clean diet of 2 – 3 litres of purified water per day, no processed foods – just made from scratch foods which you know what the ingredients are.

Premade shop-bought sauces and shop-bought premade foods are out only because most of them contain sugar and numbers. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, and fresh bread with no numbers on it.

Yoghurt is ok – the plain stuff such as Greek yoghurt – nothing flavoured as it contains sugar.

No sugar (if you are baking for yourself, use wholemeal flour, or almond flour, vegan butter and coconut sugar instead of the standard white flour, butter and sugar options).

Within 6 weeks you should have fantastic results – if not book me for a glowing skin consultation so I can go through the diet with you – I cover more than just glowing skin as a nutritionist  J

Thank you for reading my blog!

Hi! I am Yvette van Schie, I am a beauty therapist, makeup artist and nutritionist studying natural therapies. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice – with a whack of reality.

For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator and product formulator –  and I still do, so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you, because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions, and to feel they are fully in control of their beauty and wellbeing.