Dandruff

Dandruff can be caused by too strong hair shampoos, styling products, stress, poor diet, too dry scalp or, for example, inflammation of the scalp, i.e. seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff on a dry scalp is often fine and dusty white flakes, while dandruff on an oily scalp is larger and more yellowish flakes.

Dandruff is often caused by the wrong or too strong hair products, such as shampoos containing strong sulfates or styling products that are too harsh. Sulfates (SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) are cheap foaming cleansers that are very strong, good at stripping away grease.

Chemically, sulfate is a long-chain alcohol and a drying agent that leaves the scalp damaged and more susceptible to scalp infections. So those pesky little white flakes on your shirt are most likely caused by the wrong kind of shampoo.

Most often, flaky scalp can be treated at home by switching to a shampoo that does not contain sulfates. Saarinen Taia's selection includes a selection of sulfate-free and gentle shampoos for challenging scalps.