Trichologist Links Dandruff to Sugar Intake and Shampoo Choice

Dandruff is probably the most common problem related to hair and scalp. That«s why marketers push it so hard: almost every shampoo is advertised as the world»s best dandruff fighter that will rid you of the problem once and for all. However, the issue is much deeper, as Natalya Bruenok, a top-category trichologist from Tyumen, told 72.RU.

So, according to the doctor, the simplest cause is indeed an incorrectly chosen shampoo. But not only that.

«If it doesn»t suit you, it will overdry the scalp, and it will flake. This is dry seborrhea — commonly known as dandruff. But there are deeper causes that come from within. The skin is a mirror of your internal organs. [If dandruff appears], it can indicate a disruption in the gastrointestinal tract. It«s quite possible that you consume a lot of sugar, and this can provoke flaking on the scalp and various dermatitis,» says Natalya Bruenok.

Dandruff is also affected by the quality of water in the city. The doctor shared a case where a patient couldn«t be cured of seborrhea for a long time, but the condition went away very quickly when the girl moved to another district of the city with better plumbing.

In any case, instead of endlessly trying methods from the internet, it«s worth getting examined by a doctor — they will help determine the cause of seborrhea.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo?

«First of all, we look at the hair type, whether it»s colored or not. Second, of course, is the composition — it should have at least 15 beneficial components. Including sulfates, by the way. Sometimes people come to me and say they only use sulfate-free shampoo. But I am against such compositions because sulfates are also needed; they wash hair effectively,« emphasizes the doctor.

If you«re afraid that such a composition will overdry the skin and hair, use shampoos that also have moisturizing components in their formula — oils, vitamins, plant-based ingredients. And, of course, use a good balm or hair mask after shampooing. At the same time, it»s not necessary to use shampoo and mask or conditioner from the same brand.

This material is part of a large interview with the doctor, where we also discussed gray hair, ways to combat baldness, and many other issues. To read the full text, follow this link.