Dandruff – The Full Story

is a common disorder, experienced by an estimated 11 million people every year in the UK.

Most cases of dandruff are mild, and are easily treated using medicated shampoos that can be purchased from any supermarket or high-street chemist. However, in severe or particularly stubborn cases, it can require professional treatment within a clinical context.

There are many myths which suggest that dandruff and hair loss are explicitly connected, but this is not the case. However, some people with the condition will notice that a receding hairline develops simultaneously, because both dandruff and hair loss can signify an underlying health issue.

Dandruff the facts

Dandruff is characterized by the formation of dry, white or greyish scales on the scalp. These may eventually flake off, sticking in the hair and sometimes being left on clothing, particularly around the shoulders. Sometimes the dandruff remains stuck to the scalp, forming a thick layer over the scalp surface.

It is often said that dandruff is due to a dry scalp, but the real cause of dandruff is often more complex. Skin cells on the surface of the scalp naturally flake off over time, and are washed away when we clean our hair, being replaced by fresh cells that grow up from beneath.

It normally takes 28 days for a cell to move from the deeper layers of the skin, to the surface where it is shed a process known as epidermal turnover. In people who are experiencing dandruff, however, this process is faster than normal, with cells moving up through the skin in only 12 to 15 days.

This leads to a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi - in turn causing yet more skin to flake away from the scalp, and making the problem even worse. Rather than simply being a case of dry scalp, dandruff is clearly a more complex condition, which requires considered treatment.

Fighting persistent dandruff

Over the counter remedies such as Nizoral and T-Gel can help, but Belgravia offers a more concentrated B4 Shampoo. For more serious dandruff Belgravia's scalp treatments and clinical therapies can also help.

Although Belgravia’s main focus is treating hair loss, dandruff is commonly experienced by our clients and, as such, our experts are familiar with dealing with the condition. The good news is that both symptoms can show significant signs of improvement when properly dealt with by relevant professionals in each area.