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Dandruff is a condition that occurs due to excess sebum on the scalp. Sebum is the oily substance that is secreted from the skin and is most visible on the face when it gets too oily. When there is excess production of sebum from the hair, for reasons like heat and hormonal changes, the accumulated sebum can cause a yeast-like fungus to grow and this causes the visible flaking that occurs. Normally, this happens in all people but since the normal amount of sebum secreted is low, the flaking is not visible.
In your case, this mechanism is clearly visible as well because after you wash your hair, the pores open up and oil flows to your hair. If you have not oiled your hair then the only way that oil can come to your hair is from the scalp. However, this excess oil production might also be a problem for you so the first thing you need to do is to start getting away from any hot places that are making your head perspire. If necessary, cut your hair short so that any heat that does strike your head is not trapped in the hair causing a heat trap. Evaporation and allowing your scalp to breathe is the key as well as staying away from direct sunlight. The next step is to arrest the constant dandruff by using a formulation shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulphide. These are the most popular active ingredients used in anti-dandruff shampoos and work by attacking the fungi in the scalp.
From a dietary perspective, you also might want to make the following changes. Cut back on oils and fats. These tend to be the usual culprit for excessively active sebaceous glands. Add more vitamin E and protein into your diet as this will condition your hair from within and also allow for new growth. Cosmetically, you need to start using conditioners as well. Since rough hair seems to be the problem, you need to start using a moisturizing conditioner. These have special chemicals called humectants and this is what you need to look out for in a conditioner. Once the dandruff problem goes away then, you should shift to a more oil-based conditioner. These contain essential fatty acids that are a natural substitute for sebum from the skin. This restores the natural hair health and balance.
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