A stylish hat is an undeniable fashion statement. But it may be hiding something less than pleasant. Let’s talk about dandruff and hats.
Let’s face it: a good-looking hat is cool. But there might be more to worry about with your new trilby or fedora than whether it is fashionable.
While wearing a hat won’t cause dandruff, it can make the problem worse. To find out why, let’s talk about where dandruff comes from.
What causes dandruff?
Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that lives on all of our scalps. It survives by consuming the natural oils produced by our scalps. And for most of us, that’s the end of the story.
Unfortunately, about 1 in 2 people are sensitive to one of the main by-products of malassezia: oleic acid. These people can expect symptoms that include:
- Itchiness
- White flakes in the hair
- Red and irritated scalp
This is dandruff. On the plus side, the solution is simple – a good dandruff shampoo will help tackle the symptoms of dandruff.
Hats, unfortunately, complicate things.
Under the hat
Your scalp’s health is subject to a delicate balance. As good as a hat can look, it can be equally good at disrupting this balance.
When you wear a hat, your head and scalp are warmed, and any moisture from your scalp such as sweat that builds up, becomes trapped.
This humid environment is the ideal place for microbes like malassezia to thrive, which is why wearing hats too often can lead to a dandruff flare-up.
The good news is, it’s not too hard to avoid this situation:
- Give your scalp a rest by leaving your hat at home
- Make sure you’re using a dandruff shampoo to prevent and control flare-ups
- Wash frequently to remove build-up of scalp oils
By following these simple steps, you can avoid dandruff, and look good too.
By following these simple steps, you can help avoid dandruff, and look good too.