WHAT FLAKES?
5 Hairstyles That Hide Dandruff Flakes
BY WENDY SY
October 24, 2017
Now that the temps are dropping, it’s time to switch up the same old hair-care routine. While it may vary from one person to another, changes in the season often cause the scalp to become dry, leading to that dreaded — and very common — condition that no one wants to bring up: dandruff.
Weather, of course, is just one of the possible factors that contribute to those small, white flakes of skin collecting in hair. Other causes may include over- or under-shampooing, allergies, and bacteria. Luckily, there are ways to help conceal the visibility of dandruff. Here, we’ve consulted with experts to share five hairstyles to do the trick.
1. Textured Lob
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For shorter hair, a textured style with volume, light teasing, and a soft wave is a great way to hide dandruff, according to Davide Marinelli, Oribe educator and owner of Davide Hair Studio in New York City. Add a pump of Oribe Swept Up Volume Powder Spray into your roots to absorb any moisture and keep the scalp looking matte.
2. Crown Braids
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“If you have longer or thicker hair, I would recommend big, sexy crown braids with waves. It helps hide the scalp and is still modern and fun,” says Marinelli. “Be sure to loosen the braid by gently pulling it apart with your fingers so your scalp is not fully exposed, potentially highlighting the dandruff.”
3. Beach Waves
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This look will give you all-over texture and volume to help camouflage flakes. Leo Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care, suggests using the Beach Club Texture Spray from the brand to achieve that surf-and-sand kind of hair. “Twist small sections of your hair with your fingers, spray each section and release,” says Izquierdo. “Continue around your head until you have sectioned, twisted and sprayed all of your hair.” Finally, shake it out, finish with an extra spritz and you’re all set.
4. Messy Pony
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“A textured ponytail will hide your part, where dandruff is most visible, and won’t disturb your scalp so there will be less flaking and falling,” says Izquierdo. First off, use IGK Beach Club Texture Spray all over hair to build volume. Leaving roots messy, gather the hair at the back of the head and secure with an elastic. To give your hair piecey texture and grit, use IGK Down & Out Dirty Spray through the lengths of the pony.
5. Sleek and Brushed Back
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Another way to help to minimize the exposure of the scalp is to go part-less with a sleek, brushed back, wet look. Oribe's Sculpting Cream or Superfine Strong Hair Spray helps keep everything pulled together.
If you want to take it a step further and keep dandruff at bay, make sure to cleanse the scalp regularly and keep it hydrated. “Exfoliating the scalp helps reduce buildup from products, dirt, oil, and flaking and provides a deeper cleanse than a traditional shampoo,” says Izquierdo, who advises to do so once or twice a week. Try the IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub — it uses walnut shell powder and sugar (instead of drying salt) to clear buildup. “Plus, it is infused with apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil. I like to use it right before bed, when your skin and scalp restore and repair.”
When it comes to hydration, try a deep conditioner or the IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask. The best part of this product? It works in under a minute. Use it in the shower one to two times a week. Izquierdo notes, “If dandruff is a persistent problem, it’s best to see your doctor for a prescription.”
To help maintain healthy hair in the long run, have your hairdresser put you on a regimen based on the season and environment where you live. “Hair should be treated like your skin,” says Marinelli. “Therefore, you can’t use the same products all year round.” With proper care — and hairstyles that help conceal — yes, dandruff can be less noticeable.
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