I’m a hair expert – the Christmas indulgences to avoid if you don’t want dandruff… and the bits to enjoy instead
IT’S the most wonderful time of the year.
And one which usually marks a period of indulgence for many.
However, if you’re someone who struggles with dandruff, there are a couple of things you steer clear of at Christmas parties.
According to a hair expert, you should avoid chowing down on anything cheesy – and swap the bubbles for something else too.
“Dandruff is commonly worsened by full fat dairy products, such as cream and gooey cheese, as well as champagne and sugary foods,” Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley, said.
But you don’t need to stop yourself from enjoying a festive treat or two.
Just opt for a lighter cheese, and team it with red wine too.
Dairy as a whole can make dandruff worse, as it often contains components that trigger inflammation and therefore exacerbate scalp issues.
So if you are someone who struggles to control a flaky scalp, why not try swapping dairy for an alternative – such as almond or oat.
Unfortunately, sugar can also increase dandruff, which isn’t ideal over Christmas.
But you can help counteract that by increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet, as well as steering clear of refined sugar, processed food and high-fat items as much as possible.
“Diets high in sugar, processed food, and ‘bad’ fats lead to insulin spikes, which in turn lead to stimulation of hormone surges that can trigger the output of oil,” Alicia Zalka, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, explained.
“Overall restriction of fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugar, processed food, and gluten may lead to a reduction in flaking.”
If you are struggling to manage your flaky scalp, you could try the award-winning Flaky/Itchy Shampoo from Philip Kingsley.
As well as being gentle enough for everyday use, the shampoo clears flaking and oil buildup, and also provides “anti-microbial protection against dandruff”.
“My hairdressers recommended this shampoo many years ago as I had been getting breakouts on my scalp due to allergies and stress,” one person said of the shampoo.
“It really helped my problem and I have been using it ever since!”
While another said: “Actually works and has help with hair growth because dandruff isn’t clogging my hair follicles!”
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That’s seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it’s like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they’re so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that’s rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens – they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.
As a third commented: “Recommended by my Trichologist.
“Does what it says!
“Resolved my dandruff leaving my scalp much more comfortable and promotes hair growth because now my scalp is healthy.”