What is Dandruff? Winter is here, and dark colors emerge from the wardrobe. Along with those favorite turtlenecks, scarves and sweaters, the winter season also brings forth the inevitable dandruff season.

It is estimated that almost 50% of the population suffers from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Seasonal extremities such as cold temperatures, wind chills and dry indoor heating can rob the scalp and skin of essential moisture, leading to the year's most severe dandruff season. These unsightly flakes can show up on dark jackets and sweaters at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, dandruff can be controlled and effectively treated without any damage to your hair.

Dandruff is a chronic condition in which the scalp's natural process of shedding skin cells is greatly accelerated. Characterized by scaling or flaking, it can occur when an overabundance of Pityrosporum ovale exists in the scalp. Often referred to as P. Ovale, this tiny fungus consists of yeast-like organisms that naturally exist in the body.

• A very common scalp condition, dandruff appears mostly in people 12 years of age and older. While it can be managed and controlled, it cannot be eliminated. It is also seasonal - mildest in the summer and most severe in the winter, due to cold weather and dry indoor heating that leave the scalp much drier than normal

• Dandruff can be triggered by both internal and external conditions. Internal causes include: emotional stress, lack of rest, hereditary pre-disposition, improper nutrition or hygiene, poor health and hormonal imbalances. External elements such as cold weather, dry indoor heating, excessive use of hair styling products, tight-fitting hats and infrequent shampooing can also create dandruff.

• The most common ingredients to treat dandruff include toxic coal-tar, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide and sulfur.

• Dandruff can surface anywhere on the scalp, eyebrows, beard and even on the forehead, neck and ears
• While dandruff is most often associated with "dry scalp," people with oily scalps tend to suffer most, as this condition supports the growth of P. Ovale
• Although it is commonly thought of as the same thing, dandruff is not dry scalp. Dandruff is caused when the normal production of flakes (which usually takes up to 28 days) speeds up to a cycle of 7-21 days instead. Dry scalp occurs when there is a lack of natural oils in the scalp and it generally produces smaller sized flakes
• Alternating hot and cold water on the head in a shower can help increase scalp circulation. This prevents oil glands from becoming plugged and helps normalize sebum production
• Shampooing twice is a great way to control dandruff symptoms. The first wash removes dirt and oil from the scalp and hair, so the second wash can more effectively reach the flakes to lift them off the scalp
• It is important to avoid hair styling products with alcohol as these can be drying to the scalp
• The most effective way to apply a dandruff shampoo is to gently massage it into the scalp and to leave it on as recommended in the product directions. This helps to break up the flakes from the scalp for maximum dandruff control

There are many natural treatments for dandruff. Willow leaf extract eliminates dandruff as cypress oil tones the scalp. Melaleuca purifies the scalp and gently eliminates dandruff. Mint has been renowned for centuries for its astringent and softening properties. Green clay and lava mud possess cleansing, calming, and neutralizing properties that are highly suitable for use in hair treatments. It's time to wear those black turtlenecks with confidence - there's no need to fear that little black dress anymore!