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Away with flakes

An effective hair care discipline during the monsoon months can help tackle dandruff

PHOTO: SANDEEP SAXENA

A GOOD REGIMEN The sudden showers can cause dandruff, but there are ways to tackle it

While the showers bring down temperatures, the resultant high humidity in the air causes problems, both to the skin and the scalp. Hair is exposed to sudden showers and most often not completely dried. As a result, dandruff is rampant during monsoons.

Your hair is as precious as your skin but perhaps more delicate. The monsoon is their worst time: excessive oiliness, dandruff and fungal infections are common. An effective hair care discipline during the monsoon months involves cleansing, toning and conditioning routines. It is important to follow this regimen else hair will lose its natural bounce and vitality.

Good shampoo

During the high humidity of the monsoons, your hair becomes oily, sticky and unmanageable few hours after washing. For this season you need to use a shampoo for oily hair. Opt for a branded anti-dandruff shampoo containing Ketaconazole to keep dandruff at bay.

Ketoconazole is the most advanced and the latest ingredient used in the treatment of dandruff. Studies have proved that the effect of Ketoconazole lasts for 72 hours after the last application. Hence it is advisable to use shampoos with this potent ingredient to be applied only once a week to keep dandruff at bay, while other shampoos can be applied on the rest of the days.

Most importantly, ensure squeaky-clean hair for the season, making sure to rinse the last bit of shampoo from the hair. This ensures removal of excess oil on hair and scalp and clears dandruff. However, after the shower, do not use hair sprays or gels during monsoon as the hair lacquers and gums can stick to scalp causing dandruff.

Dandruff responds very well to treatment, but will commonly recur if treatment is stopped. The aim of any dandruff treatment should be to reduce the level of the dandruff causing fungus on the scalp. Dandruff responds well to the use of medicated, anti-fungal shampoo.

Using the shampoo once or twice on the scalp with a minimum contact period of five minutes will help improve the condition of dandruff.

Remember to get into the habit of washing your hair more often. It's only the start of getting rid of dandruff. In case of any complications always consult a doctor for expert advice.

SUNITHA SHEKAR REDDY

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