The Root of it: Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis
One of the reasons I got into hair care and not just doing hair it because over a period of time after I ventured into the natural hair world again, I realize one of the biggest issue in St. Kitts and Nevis is the scalp. Many person had an excessive build on dandruff which would occur sometimes the same day after they shampooed their hair and it baffled me.
Fast forward to today, in researching and documenting my clients over the last 2 years, I have come to realize Seborrheic Dermatitis or Severe Dandruff is practically a scalp pandemic in or nation.
Recently I purchase a book called "Getting to the Root" by Dr Yolanda M Lenzy M.D., M.P.H. She is a board certified Dermatology and licensed Cosmetologist. I have been following her for quite sometime now even before I ventured into my studies to be a Trichologist and do hope to take her Dermatology course some day soon(taking donations lol).
In her book she defines that:
"Seborrheic Dermatitis(SD) is a common condition that affects the scalp and skin, where symptoms may range from dry flakes(aka dandruff) to yellow, greasy scales with background skin redness on the skin."
"It occurs in people of all races, but is frequently seen in African Americans possibly due to variations in shampooing frequency."
I did my own little research as I am here in the Caribbean, completely different weather to the US all year round. It is just about always hummid or dry. So this is what I found....
95% of the clients I work with were using lots of heavy oils daily for years, the main two being castor oil and coconut oil, then their is the grease. These items clog the pores, no moisture getting in, scalp cannot produce it's natural oil/sebum because it's covered in a heavy substance constantly.
Shampooing their hair properly(Quality shampoo, conditioner and styler(s)) was not happening. Many would shampoo once a month and that did not include a conditioner many times which adds to the dryness of the scalp.
I am seeing this problem in at least 2% of the persons younger than 30years. In Dr. Lenzy's book, she indicated it occurs mostly between the ages of 30-60 years old. This tells me persons a creating this scalp issue from poor hair care choices from an early age.
SD can be kept under control as it is not preventable or curable. I have been working with clients with this issue and having them follow a proper wash routine that includes a medicated shampoo and topical treatments on a regular, they have seen a vast improvement. We completely eliminate the use of any oils, used more well formulated products and they go weeks without dandruff flare ups when they stay on course.
Many persons pass it off as normal because it has been their as long as they know themselves but it's not normal, Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) or severe dandruff can be controlled.
If interested in getting a proper scalp analysis, feel free to reach out on our website www.msdessnatural.com for a consulation, if it's beyond what we can do, I can refer you to a dermatologist for further assistance.
Having a healthy scalp promotes proper hair growth, minimize hair loss chances and of course gives you better styling options :)