DOES YOUR CHILD STRUGGLE WITH DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is a frustratingly common scalp condition that affects not only adults but also children too. As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to know how to manage dandruff in children and to provide them with the right care for a healthy, thriving scalp.

Essential tips to manage dandruff in children

Regular shampooing 

Regularly cleansing the scalp is essential when managing dandruff. This is because a dirty scalp is more likely to cause irritation and flakes. Therefore develop a regular cleansing schedule for your child and stick to it. I usually recommend weekly for type 3 or 4 hair and daily for type 1 or 2 hair. You can use an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders and make sure to follow the instructions such as how much to use and how long to leave it on

Protect the skin barrier

When shampooing or when removing dandruff from the scalp, be careful not to break the skin because this could allow bacteria to get in and cause an infection. Avoid using your finger nails to 'scrub' the skin and instead use something gentle like Afoyo's scalp massager - it has soft bristles which very gently exfoliate the scalp without breaking it and causing damage. A great tip is to use the scalp massager before shampooing since this loosens dead skin flakes.

Apple cider vinegar Rinse 

Another way of combating dandruff in adults and children is to do an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse on the hair after shampooing. This works by restoring the scalp's natural PH balance and it also gently exfoliates the dandruff flakes away. 

For the rinse, you could follow these directions. However always do a patch test first and do not use if irritation occurs

(i) Mix 1 part ACV with 4 parts water in a spray bottle

(ii) Spray the solution to the scalp after shampooing

(iii) Let it sit for 10 -15 minutes then rinse out with cool water

(iv) Follow up with a deep conditioner to add moisture to the hair.

If dandruff persists after trying all these solutions for a few months then consult a pediatrician for more specialised solutions.

Interesting fact: Dandruff is commonly caused by a yeast that lives on the skin. It can also be caused by cold weather, toxic hair products and diet.