Plagued by dandruff Cheesed off by those dry white flakes that just keep dropping off your head providing you with your own mini snowfall in the midst of a sultry Indian summer You are not alone. In fact, research suggests that more people have dandruff than those who do not. Here's what you can do to keep dandruff at bay so that you too can dare to wear black without having to furtively dust your shoulders every now and then. First, let us find out what causes this condition: Causes There are many theories regarding the cause of dandruff. Dead skin One theory suggests that dandruff is a natural process, and is caused by the flaking of the scalp. Just as the body sheds dead skin, so does the scalp. When this skin is shed at an excessive rate, it leads to dandruff. Oily skin It is a widely held belief that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp. However, this is not always the case, and dandruff is just as often caused by an oily scalp. The excessive oil forms a layer on the scalp, which dries, thickens and flakes off in the form of dandruff. Perspiration If you exercise regularly, you perspire more, which could also lead to dandruff, especially if you do not shampoo as often as you should. Fungus Certain forms of dandruff are also believed to be caused by a fungus on the scalp. It is believed that this fungus cannot be removed completely. Thus, dandruff too cannot be completely eradicated, only controlled. Other factors include: Cold weather Use of hair sprays and gels Certain conditioners Improper shampoo rinsing Infrequent hair washes Diet Stress Hormones Don't ignore the dandruff, because ignoring it only leads to more build-up. This causes itchiness, which leads to you scratching your hair. Vigorous scratching can cause wounds to the scalp, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Treatment If you have mild dandruff, you could try increasing the frequency of your hair washes. The rule of thumb is the more frequently you shampoo, the less dandruff you will have. If necessary, shampoo daily with a mild shampoo, to keep dandruff in check. If your hair is dry but your scalp is oily, you may be hesitant to shampoo more often. Try this: wet your entire hair, but apply shampoo essentially to your scalp. Let the shampoo lightly run over your entire hair when you are rinsing it off your scalp, giving your locks a gentle wash. If mild shampoos don't work, and if your dandruff is severe, use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo which contains selenium sulfide to wash your hair. Use it sparingly, as anti-dandruff shampoos tend to be strong. After applying it, leave it on for at least five minutes before washing it off, to give the formula time to work. After applying shampoo, massage your scalp lightly with your fingertips to loosen the scales. The shampoo could be used on its own, or mixed with your regular shampoo. You could also alternate an anti-dandruff shampoo with your regular shampoo. Once the dandruff has gone, switch to your regular shampoo. Help from your kitchen shelf White vinegar is an excellent remedy for dandruff. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water, and pour this over your scalp after your hair wash, as a final rinse.