Dry scalp, more commonly known as dandruff, is fairly common. Dandruff is basically dead skin that is falling off your scalp and getting caught in your hair. All the skin on your body dries up and peels off regularly. In fact, scientists estimate that your entire exterior skin is replaced every month. What’s unnatural is when the skin on your scalp dries up to form flecks and then gets stuck to your hair.

How Does Dandruff Occur?

There are many reasons for dandruff. Rough shampoos, conditioners and gels can cause dryness, oiliness or an excess of acidity in the hair and scalp, which can result in excess dryness.

Diet can also play a large part. If you are regularly dehydrated, then your scalp will also be dryer. If you take in too much sodium, this could also diminish the amount of moisture going to your skin.

Dandruff can also sometimes be caused by weather. Some people find that they only have dandruff in dry and hot weather, while others are most susceptible in cold weather.

Finally, it’s also important to take natural tendencies into account. Some people just have a predisposition to a very dry or oily scalp.

The Intermittent Issue

Some people find that dandruff sometimes appears and sometimes completely disappears. They may find themselves with dandruff for months or years, only to have it disappear almost entirely. While scientists have spent a significant amount of time examining dandruff and its causes, there are so many possible contributing factors that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint one or another as the exact cause.

A change in shampoos, hairstyles, diet, lifestyle, emotional health, and any number of other things could cause dandruff to disappear or reappear again. What is important is for people who have a tendency for dandruff to be aware of it, along with any specific behaviors that can trigger dandruff or reduce dandruff symptoms for them.

Although dandruff can be quite a hassle, fortunately enough is known about the condition that a number of cures are available.