How to banish your ‘winter scalp’ according to a trichologist – ditch ready meals to say goodbye to dandruff for a start

IF you want your hair to look fabulous despite the winter chill, you’ve come to the right place. 

Unfortunately, winter can be seriously harsh on our hair as colder temperatures, dry air, and blustery winds, combined with central heating, mean our scalps are more prone to dehydration and dryness. 

But if you’ve noticed dandruff creep up in your locks, fear not.

Thankfully, with the help of top trichologist for Nizoral, Stephanie Sey, here’s how you can banish ‘winter scalp’ and keep your locks looking gorgeous this season. 

According to Stephanie: “In cold weather, the scalp produces more oil to lubricate and protect the scalp which, in turn, interacts with a fungus called Malassezia. 

“This causes dandruff but not to worry, you can reduce flare ups with some simple lifestyle changes.”

It turns out that your diet could be contributing to your scalp flakes. 

As we head into winter and start enjoying comfort food and sweet treats, these indulgences can wreak havoc on our scalp. 

Many do not realise but a change in diet, along with fewer daylight hours and more time spent indoors, can mean our bodies aren’t absorbing the correct vitamins that they need.

As a result, Stephanie added: “Trying not to overindulge is generally good for the health of the body and the hair. 

“Similarly, we can all start to feel sluggish and unmotivated at this time of year, so try not to let your hair washing routine slip as your scalp will soon tell you about it.

“The food we eat can have an impact on the health of our hair and scalp. That’s because the nutrients and supplements that we get from food provide the building blocks for the condition of our hair. 

“Eating the correct foods will encourage the number of healthy cells being produced by the body.”

So if you want to stop the stop-start cycle of dandruff flare ups and irritated scalps this winter, Stephanie has shared everything you need to know.

Wash this

She advised: “The fungus Malassezia exists on everyone’s scalp, however, some people can have a sensitivity to it which causes dandruff. 

“It’s important to use a treatment with the active ingredient ketoconazole in it. Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that stops the growth of the yeast Malassezia.

“Malassezia is a contributing factor to dandruff, so using ketoconazole helps control and effectively treat the cause, as well as the symptoms.

“Most regular shampoos and hair care products don’t treat the root cause of dandruff.

“You can then use a daily anti-dandruff shampoo such as the new Nizoral Daily Prevent Shampoo, for those prone to persistent dandruff.”

Ditch ready meals

But if you can’t afford to buy any new products, don’t worry, as ditching ready meals and fast food could do the trick.

Stepahnie shared: “The change in seasons typically brings a change in food habits and many people will turn to comfort eating. 

“Processed foods like ready meals and fast food are typically high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as well as chemical additives. 

Eating a diet that is rich in fresh vegetables, meat and fruit supports healthy growth for thick, full hair.

Stephanie Sey

“These foods have very little in the way of the nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

“The hair is the very last system in your body to receive nutrients (as it is one of the least essential) so, if your body is not receiving adequate nutrients, your hair will likely be affected.

“This winter, make sure you are eating a balanced diet comprising of carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. 

“Eating a diet that is rich in fresh vegetables, meat and fruit supports healthy growth for thick, full hair.”

Snap up supplements

If you want to take supplements to boost your scalp health, Stephanie advised: “Supplements are only required when you do not get the necessary nutrients from your diet, or you have a specific deficiency such as an iron or vitamin D.

“Shorter days and more time spent indoors means that many of us are exposed to very little sunlight and, as a result, can suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. 

“Vitamin D supports the immune health of the scalp, whilst also retaining hydration and helping the skin fend off yeast or bacterial organisms. 

“It’s a good idea to get this vitamin through food sources such as eggs, oily fish, and red meat.

“B1, B7, and B2 are also great vitamins to incorporate into your diet, as they will help with the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. 

“The B vitamins can be found in foods such as oats, bananas, and avocado.”

Stephanie’s top tips

In addition to this, Stephanie revealed her top tips for maintaining a healthy scalp this winter.

She stressed the importance of pumping up your protein, by consuming more meat, fish, beans, and eggs.

She also advised people to add more minerals into their diet through nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

Not only this, but staying hydrated and drinking less alcohol is key too, as she concluded: “Just like our skin, our scalp can become dehydrated in the winter.

“Drinking excessive alcohol can put the body under excessive stress and that will not help in trying to keep dandruff under control.”