Test Your Knowledge

There are no known ways to prevent dandruff. However, people can take steps to minimize the outbreaks and their effects. These include:

• Shampooing often. Daily shampooing can remove excess oil from the head and may help prevent dandruff.
  
  
• Avoiding or minimizing the use of hair styling products (e.g., hair sprays, gels, mousses, waxes). These products can build up on the hair and scalp, making them prone to oiliness.
  
  
• Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. A healthy diet will reflect on the hair and skin. In addition, excessive consumption of sugar (e.g., sweets, candies) and yeast (e.g., breads, beer) may encourage the growth of the yeast that triggers dandruff.
  
  
• Learning to manage stress. Stress can affect health in general and may help trigger or worsen dandruff.