Eek! If that happens to be your first reaction upon seeing a sprinkling of white flakes on your shoulders, and again after a visit to the bathroom mirror, you may be right. You might have a dandruff problem. No one likes dandruff; it can be annoying and embarrassing. So the faster you figure out what is causing your dandruff, the faster you can figure out how to get rid of it.

Why You Might Have Dandruff

Dry skin. Naturally, this is one of the most obvious reasons you may have dandruff. During cold weather or in hot, dry conditions, you may realize your scalp becoming dry and itchy. Flakes of skin will escape from the scalp and end up on your shoulders or entangled in hair. However, usually dry skin means flakes will be thinner and lighter, and changes in conditions could mean the dandruff will go away on its own.

Oily hair. On the other end of the skin extreme, having an excessive amount of oil transferred from your scalp into your hair can entrap flakes or even stick them together. These are usually more noticeable and can be difficult to shake out.

Seborrheic dermatitis. Areas of your skin that produce more oil can be susceptible to this condition. Your scalp may be one of these areas, should your skin be red, very oily, and have flaky scales that are either yellow or white. Double check with your dermatologist to find out if this is what is causing your dandruff.

Psoriasis. Though psoriasis usually affects your elbows, knees, and torso, depending upon the type that you have, it may also affect other various areas. An overproduction of skin cells leads to silvery white flakes that collect in certain areas, and in this case, your scalp.

Contact dermatitis. Frequently dyeing your hair or using certain hair products may actually be leaving your scalp itchy and flaking. This is most likely because your skin is sensitive to whatever product or products are being used, and the reaction is resulting in dandruff.

Ways to Hinder Dandruff

Stress less. Stress is linked to all sorts of problems regarding health and body functions. Excessive stress can increase your chance of getting dandruff, so try to keep your cool so dandruff can be one less thing for you to worry about.

Shampoo more. There are plenty of shampoos out there meant to help manage dandruff. You can opt to buy one of them and follow their directions, or if you are already happy with the shampoo you have, try shampooing daily to help remove excess oil from your hair.

Junk the gunk. Too many hair products can gunk up your hair or irritate your scalp. Find products that combine different uses that your scalp can handle. This way you are not putting so much extra gel and liquid into your hair. These items may also be making your hair oilier, and eliminating them can help allow dry skin to go free instead of collecting atop your head.

Eat healthy. Having a healthy diet can improve your life in many ways, and preventing dandruff is one of the many benefits to eating your fruits and veggies. Zinc, fatty acids, and various B vitamins can be the keys to being flake free.

Enjoy bright, sunshiny days. Research shows that the absorption of vitamin D through sunlight makes people happier. This goes for skin too. Happy skin means healthy skin and that means less or even no dandruff for you! Avoid being overzealous in your sunshine endeavor though; be sure to put on sunscreen before spending any lengthy hours in the sun.

Finding out the correct cause of your dandruff can help you realize the best methods of making it disappear. Always know what is going on with your skin; if you have psoriasis, washing your hair with a dandruff eliminating shampoo is not exactly going to be the greatest option.