Nearly 40% of the population do suffer from dandruff and this number demonstrates that dandruff is very common indeed amongst people. For a lot of people having dandruff can be very embarrassing and despite their steps they just cannot get rid of the condition.

The condition of dandruff is caused no more than yeast which does develop naturally on each persons scalp. Normally when you wash or brush your hair, dead skin cells are gone. But with dandruff, it is a little different in that the skin increases and this starts to irritate the scalp.

As a result more skin cells are created more quickly and they also die more quickly too. It is this rapid regeneration that is the problem and this causes lumps of excess skin to be formed. Because of this the skin of the scalp begins to itch and the excess skin then begins to fall and what we then see is dandruff.

Why the yeast multiples is not really known but suggestions include age and other changes within the body such as hormones.

Some other possible reasons that can lead to dandruff include:

So how do you treat dandruff?

Dandruff can be found in just about any person from the age of 12 years right up to the age of 80 and beyond. There really is no specific age restriction. Babies can also be affected by dandruff and this is commonly referred to as Cradle Cap

The symptoms of the dandruff is very easy to identify and this is noted by the constant itching of the scalp and when flakes of skin fall or are seen under the finger nails, then you know you have dandruff. Given that the flakes that do fall are white or greyish colour, such flakes are easy to notice on dark clothing and this can be an embarrassment to many people.

Luckily however there are numerous products and treatments that are available for treating dandruff effectively. You may associate your dandruff as a result of having oily hair, but having dry hair can also be a problem.

There are range of shampoos that are available to help treat dandruff and many are from the leading brand household name companies. But this does not mean that they are effective, as they will be chemical based which can further cause irritation to the scalp. You should be trying to use hair products that use natural ingredients as this will be much kinder to the scalp than compared to chemical based products.

As mentioned dandruff can really affect anyone and at stage and at any age. There is no real way to prevent dandruff, but by using products that are natural you will have a better success rate of treating and healing your dandruff.

You should also try to use a hair conditioner as this will further help to keep the hair strong and will further moisturise the scalp, as this too needs to be fed with moisture just like the rest of the skin and body.