Richa sharma model I’m blessed with normal skin and started taking extra care of myself after winning the title of Mrs India International last year. I love using the kohl and lip liner from M.A.C as the products do not smudge and are long-lasting. I also use a compact from Elizabeth Arden which merges well with my skin tone. For cleansing, toning and moisturising I prefer Clarins. I also make it a point to go for a hair spa once every 15 days as it helps keep my otherwise frizzy hair manageable and soft.

I am a 17-year-old girl with an acute dandruff and hairfall problem. I shampoo six days in a week and once a week I apply oil. How could I get rid of this problem?

Ritushree

Dandruff occurs when bacteria causes skin cells to clump on the scalp. This is usually white or grey in appearance and flakes off easily. The problem is that this is easily confused with two other conditions. Let’s deal with the easy one first. Dandruff is not greasy — if the scalp and scales are greasy you’ve another problem called seborrhoeic dermatitis, which should be treated with cortisone creams. The other problem is dry scalp, which is harder to distinguish from dandruff. This is normally caused by shampoos that are too harsh, so the best way to find out if it’s dandruff or a dry scalp is to switch to a gentle shampoo and some intensive conditioning. If things don’t get better after three or four washes, it is dandruff and you should treat it with an anti-dandruff shampoo and get proper treatment from a hair specialist.       

TOP TIP

Dandruff can be infectious. Keep your combs and brushes separate to eliminate the chances of infection. After use soak your comb or brush in hot water containing antiseptic solution.