How to Protect Your Hair From Dandruff

Do you suffer from dandruff? Research shows that as many as one in five people regularly experience this skin condition. Dandruff, of course, is defined as the flaking of skin on your scalp. When left unchecked, these skin flakes will accumulate in your hair while subsequently drying it out. While you can't always prevent dandruff from occurring, there are a few things you can do to protect your hair from this common skin condition.

Lower Your Stress

It may sound unusual, but stress may affect your susceptibility to dandruff. Many cases of dandruff are associated with a weakened immune system. If your immune system is weak, it may fail to prevent bacterial and fungus on your scalp from spreading, thereby leading to dandruff. For a healthy immune system, you need to manage your stress levels. With low stress levels, your immune system will have an easier time controlling fungus and bacteria that could otherwise contribute to dandruff.

Avoid DIY Coloring Products

If you're looking to dye your hair a different color, avoid using do-it-yourself (DIY) coloring products. Instead, get your hair professionally colored at a salon. While inexpensive, DIY hair coloring products often contain irritating chemicals. They may change the color of your hair, but they'll irritate your scalp in the process. With an irritated scalp, you'll be more susceptible to dandruff. Professional hair coloring services use gentler ingredients that won't irritate your scalp.

Hydrate Your Hair

You can protect your hair from dandruff by keeping it hydrated. Dandruff is more common among people with dry hair. At the same time, dry hair can intensity the effects of dandruff. To protect your hair from dandruff, you need to hydrate it. You can hydrate your hair by washing it with a hydrating shampoo. There are also serums available that are designed to hydrate and protect hair from dryness.

Add Omega-3s to Your Diet

Another way to protect your hair from dandruff is to add omega-3s to your diet. Omega-3s are fatty acids. Unlike omega-6 fatty acids, though, they have an anti-inflammatory effect. More importantly perhaps, omega-3 fatty acids regulate the production of skin oils. When you consume omega-3 fatty acids, your scalp -- as well as other parts of your skin -- will produce less oil.

Dandruff is frustrating, but you can protect your hair from this skin condition in several ways. Lowering your stress levels, avoiding DIY coloring products, hydrating your hair and adding omega-3s to your diet will give you the upper-hand on dandruff.