Head for your head. Quick. If oily scalp, dry hair, gray hair, or a light dusting of dandruff snowfall are bothering you, there are easier solutions than you think.
DASH DANDRUFF
If you thought dandruff was caused by dry skin flaking off your scalp, think again. It's usually caused by seborrheic dermatitis, also referred to as seborrhea-a condition that creates oily flakes from the overdose of sebum on your scalp. Many people who have dandruff also have oily hair, which confuses them-because so many people think the flakes are dry scalp skin "flaking off."
"Seborrhea is actually a hereditary problem," says dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D. "And since seborrhea is programmed into you, you should consider it highly controllable instead of curable."
Give yourself a break, because not only is it hereditary, it waxes and wanes depending on a variety of factors. According to Kunin, such things as illness, stress, infections and hormonal imbalances are to blame, and a common trigger is seasonal change-especially the onslaught of winter weather.
If you're really sick of the flaking and don't want to spring for a dermatologist, a combo of shampoos can help. What's causing the flaking could be the natural bacteria on the scalp, and substances like zinc, salicylic acid and antifungal/antibacterial ingredients can help. Products like Nizoral A-D Shampoo can help, especially if used alternately with products like DHS with Zinc Shampoo, Aqua Glycolic Shampoo, and Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo. These each have different ingredients that battle dandruff.
"I have found that seborrhea responds better to a 'cocktail' of sorts of various therapeutic agents," says Dr. Kunin.
Also, they don't make one super shampoo that has all of different ingredients and benefits of these shampoos. In time you might find that one or two works the best and consistently, and might not need all of them.
If the dandruff continues, don't sweat it any longer and head for the dermatologist. While you might think going to a dermatologist means repeated visits forever, usually this is not the case. A single prescription of a dandruff shampoo not sold over the counter (such as Capex Shampoo, which contains steroids).
AX THE OIL
Maybe your scalp doesn't flake but still has a sheen of oil that would make Mobil want your head. If you have very greasy hair, this is probably the case. Many men find it a requirement to wash their hair every day, and sometimes a second time in the evening before going out.
Using hair products such as gel probably will not make your hair greasier if used sparingly-but oily hair will not handle much quantity of any hair product, as it weighs down the hair.
Hair experts say it's better to use hair spray. No, not your mother's can of Aqua Net, but something made more for today's flexible hairstyles. Most major salon brands are of good quality and have either little aroma or a pleasant one. One way to style your hair is to spray it when it's still slightly wet, then lightly comb or brush it. The spray adds dryness to the hair strands, but you don't get that helmet-like hardness.
People with oily hair often have dandruff, but if you don't', you can still try some of the shampoos mentioned earlier. In a pinch, you can use Prell shampoo or even liquid soap for hand washing dishes (not dishwasher soap). However, go light on the latter and don't use it every day.
Whether you have dandruff or oily hair, a tougher case of seborrhea can mean itchy. Resist scratching the scalp. Instead, use a product like Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid Scalp Treatment.
DASH THE DRYNESS
Dry hair and scalp is another problem altogether. These people would be happy to trade for a little scalp oil. But in some ways, dry hair is easier to fix.
First, make sure you're using a shampoo that is designed for dry hair, experts say, and use a conditioner each time you shampoo. You don't necessarily need to buy expensive shampoos, but to some degree price follows quality. One product that many hair stylists recommend is Tricomin Conditioning Shampoo. Many times, guys don't use conditioners because they don't want to fuss with the extra step. Guys with dry hair definitely must take the time. Try not to blow-dry your hair, either.
Also remember that there is no hard-and-fast rule that says you have to wash your hair every day. This advice is from none other than the Bravo TV "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" hair specialist, Kyan Douglas. Sometimes your hair can look better the second or even third day after it has been washed, he says.
Many cases of dry hair are simply lifestyle. Dry hair could be damaged hair. "Many people do not realize that the sun is a very powerful drying agent, and that they can sustain substantial damage from not protecting their scalps from the scorching rays," says Jerome Shupack, M.D., dermatologist with New York University Medical Center.
Look for hair products that contain sunscreen, as they are available. And wear a hat if spending prolonged hours in the sun or if you're outdoors a lot between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when sun damage can be the strongest.
If you're a swimmer, take measures to prevent your hair from drying out due to pool water. Sure, they make special shampoos for swimmers, but that's not enough. "After swimming, immediately rinse chlorine or salt from the hair," says Dr. Shupack. "The longer the chlorine and salt are in contact with the scalp, the more it dries it out."
FIX THE FADE AWAY
Thinning hair is often discussed in magazine articles, with the same solutions often coming to the fore-use a minoxidil solution, such as Extra-Strength Rogaine, and even combine it with Propecia pills prescribed by your doctor. But if you don't want to take a pill, there is an extra supplement you can use to help thicken your hair. It's Follicle Nutrient Serum, which is used once a day. Its combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids supposedly stimulates hair growth. For more information, check the web. Several hair product websites have testimonials from customers on the product. However, keep in mind that it is not approved by the FDA for preventing hair loss. So if you're using a minoxidil product, try them in combination rather than giving up minoxidil altogether.
GRAB THE GRAY
What can we say if you're going gray? Some men like the dash of gray at their temples, some don't. If you have facial hair you likely have used a product like Grecian Formula or Just For Men already. Facial hair tends to turn gray before the hair on your head.
But once you want to get rid of the gray hair on your head, the best solution, experts say, is to go to a salon and have it done right. The strategy is not to make the hair too dark, but rather go to an overall slightly lighter shade to cover the gray. Your stylist can do your beard as well, if you have facial hair, and even mix a little of the brew to do touch-ups.
Chuck Mallory has written for several magazines, including Men's Workout, Exercise & Health, inflight magazines, and many others.
