How to Prevent Dandruff in African-American Hair

Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, is a flaking scalp condition that affects nearly 15 to 20 percent of the world's population, says Samuel Selden, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dandruff studies published in Baran and Maibach's Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology report that dandruff disproportionately affects African-Americans. Though dandruff statistics show that African-American women are most likely to be affected by the condition, dandruff rates among African-American males still exceed that of the other races polled in the study. And dandruff affects African-American male teens more readily than older African-American men.

Causes and Symptoms

Dandruff is caused by an over-production of skin sebum and irritation from a fungus called malassezia. Symptoms can be mild to severe, with dandruff flakes appearing on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids and even behind the ears. In addition to the physical flake symptoms, other symptoms include dryness, tightness, redness and itchiness of the scalp.

How to Prevent Dandruff in African-American Hair

Dandruff symptoms present in a similar fashion across races and ethnicities. Because dandruff is believed to be caused by a fungus, dandruff prevention is relatively simple. Keeping fungal levels on the scalp low by shampooing with an anti-dandruff shampoo should discourage dandruff from forming. Dr. Jim Mitterando, medical columnist for the Massachusetts' Patriot Ledger, suggests alternating typical dandruff-fighting shampoos with regular moisturizing shampoos once a week for those who happen to be especially prone to dandruff flare-ups.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Increasing your water intake and eating a well-balanced diet improves the condition of the scalp, enhances scalp circulation and nutrition, and relieves dandruff flare-ups. To prevent dandruff, Jan Modric of Healthhype.com advises against eating foods high in saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty oils. Siegfried Gursche's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing associates high carbohydrate intake with dandruff problems and recommends stepping up B-vitamin intake as a preventative measure against dandruff. Sources of B-vitamins include meat, fish, poultry and beans. Modric suggests avoiding simple sugars like glucose and fructose, since they lower vitamin B6 levels.

Thoroughly Rinse Conditioners

Be sure to thoroughly rinse all traces of your hair conditioner from your hair after shampooing. This may prove especially difficult for men with longer or thicker hair. Leftover conditioner residue can mimic the appearance of dandruff on the scalp. It can also trigger itching and lead to scalp conditions that are favorable to dandruff formation.

Avoid Heavy Oils and Pomades

Avoid heavily oiling the scalp to fight dandruff. The American Academy of Dermatology states that applying heavy hair oils and pomades to the scalp tends to aggravate and encourage dandruff flare-ups in African-American people.

See a Dermatologist

If your dandruff condition worsens or does not improve after home treatment, consult your doctor, as this may be an indication of an underlying medical issue.

References:

Selden, S. Seborrheic Dermatitis. Emedicine.
Baran, R. & Maibach, H. Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Rendon, M. Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton. Interview.
Modric, J. Itchy Scalp - Pictures, Causes and Treatment. Healthyhype.com.
American Academy of Dermatology. Skin of Color. AAD.org.
Mitterando, J. ASK THE DOCTOR: Itching for an answer to dandruff. The Patriot Ledger- Healthcare South.
Gursche, S. Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Book.