Indian winters are not always as extreme as in the snowy countries, but in India, when combined with other harsh conditions, hair problems are very different. The mornings are chilly, the nights are drier, and the majority of us use hot water for bathing without giving it a thought. On top of this woolen caps, scarves, helmets, pollution, long office hours, and irregular hair wash routines, the scalp slowly starts to show signs of stress. It is then that dandruff quietly makes its entry in the rear.For a lot of people, winter dandruff feels more like an embarrassment than pain. Those little white flakes appear on dark clothes. Itching only adds to the discomfort, and scratching results in more flakes. Some people go into a panic mode and start washing their hair daily, while others totally cut off oiling, considering oil is the reason for dandruff. Both these strategies most often aggravate the problem.The fact is very clear. Dandruff does not mean hair is dirty, and it does not require rough treatment. Winter dandruff needs equilibrium. Your scalp needs to be gently cleansed to remove the flakes and build-up of products, and at the same time, it needs to be nourished to combat the dryness and irritation that are caused by the cold weather. This article simplifies winter dandruff and helps you select the correct shampoos and oils so that you can create a routine that really works in Indian winters.A lot of people still stick to their summer hair care routine during the winter, and at the same time, they do not know the reason behind the dandruff staying on their scalp. The winter season needs very delicate treatments.The scalp barrier is weakened during the cold months. The use of strong shampoos and washing hair daily without sometimes doing scalp oiling makes it drier and harsher. On the contrary, using very heavy oils without cleansing the scalp properly, you can do the opposite and lead to dandruff forming faster. A winter hair routine prescribes the proper way of handling both sides. Mild cleansing with the following steps:Choosing the right shampoo can either slowly heal the winter dandruff issue or, on the contrary, aggravate it. A lot of people with dandruff tend to use strong anti-dandruff shampoos, which they have been using during summer, throughout the winter months. They think that heavy-duty cleaning of their scalp is necessary. This practice is usually incorrect in the case of winter. The scalp is already dry, sensitive, and irritated to some extent because of the cold, hot showers, and low humidity. A strong shampoo will entirely remove the natural oils, which leads to a tight and itchy scalp, and more flakes.The key aspect of a winter dandruff shampoo is that it should be mild on the scalp, and it should take cleansing rather than instant results as its main focus. What you require is a shampoo that will not only wash away the visible flakes and product build-up but at the same time will leave the scalp comfortable after the wash. If, during the process of washing and right after it, you feel your scalp is overly clean or experiencing itchiness, then the product is too harsh for winter use.Winter in Indian cities sees mild anti-dandruff shampoos as the preferred products for working professionals, students, and daily commuters. The shampoo slowly eliminates dandruff without irritating the scalp. It is suitable for those who shampoo their hair every 2-3 days and who lean towards an unhurried, subtle, steady improvement rather than a quick miracle.At least, these kinds of products offer a gentler foaming action, and rather than making the hair rough and dry, they give it a silky finish. If your dandruff is evident but not so much as to be accompanied by itching or redness, then these shampoos are just right for you. The scalp will slowly regain its balance in about two weeks; therefore, flakes will be less visible.Best Picks! During winter, you and I both can notice that the flaking of scalp skin which they had during the last season is now developing into bigger and itchier flakes, particularly at the hairline and crown. The use of medicated shampoo may provide significant support in taking care of the problem or the reason behind the dandruff. These shampoos are those that fight the fungal infection for dandruff, as well as those that have a calming effect on the scalp by reducing redness and irritability. The way you use your medicated shampoo depends on your doctor’s consultation. But if you want to try it out, you can use these once or twice a week. If you use it more often, your hair will become more brittle. The ideal solution for such a situation is to use them on rotation, followed by a mild moisturising shampoo, so that your scalp remains calm and hydrated. Best Picks! Dandruff is produced due to excessive moisture and fungal growth, but surprisingly, it is not the only reason. Dryness is also a very big reason. Especially in winter, we use hot water for bathing, which causes extreme dryness. What you can do in this situation is use a very soothing and fragrance-free shampoo for your sensitive and dry scalp. The unique feature of such shampoos is that they preserve natural moisture from your scalp and reduce flakiness. Such shampoos are perfect for those who have done a lot of treatment on their hair or someone with naturally dry hair, which becomes even more brittle and flaky in the winter season. Best Picks! Winter also shows no mercy on dandruff caused by an oily scalp. The oil production might even increase in winter. The cleansing dandruff shampoos for oily scalps not only remove the grease but also inhibit the growth of the flakes. What is paramount is not to wash excessively; daily washing could be a signal for the scalp to release more oil.Best Picks! For many people, dandruff is a sign to stop using oil completely on their hair. The fear is that oil would make the flakes stick more tightly or even worsen the situation. However, in most cases, not applying oil makes the winter dandruff even harder to deal with. The dry scalp and flaking are the results of the cold winter weather and the hot showers that draw the moisture out of the scalp, together with the dry air. Heat from the scalp and the friction of hair washing gradually take away the moisture from the scalp, so that the scalp gets dry and irritated and thus flakes even more. Oiling or grease will help by removing the tightness feeling from the scalp, so that the flakes become easier to wash away. Moderation is the key here. Winter oiling does not refer to soaking the scalp or leaving oil on overnight every time. It is all about choosing the right oil, applying a very small amount, and washing it off thoroughly. When the oil is soft and well-balanced, it is then that it promotes the health of the scalp instead of blocking it.Coconut oil is amongst the top oils for hair and the most preferred choice in Indian families. The light property of coconut oil makes it perfect for people suffering from winter dandruff and students with normal to slightly dry scalps. The peculiar property of coconut oil allows it to cool the scalp without giving a heavy, greasy feel, which is very important, especially in the winter.People who have mild itchiness along with light flaking can use coconut oil-based products as a solution. These products will soften the dry scalp and will make it easier for the dandruff to leave the scalp during washing with shampoo. One more plus point is that coconut oil dissolves easily, so the chance of residue being left behind is minimised.During the winter season, coconut oil is most effective with the application being done shortly. A 30- to 60-minute oil massage of the scalp and hair before washing is enough. Overnight application of oil may feel too heavy during the winter and can lead to clogging of pores, which is undesirable if you have flaking-prone skin already.Best Picks! If your leading winter dandruff issue is irritation and not dryness, tea tree and neem oils will be very beneficial. These oils have characteristics of both cleansing and calming. They eliminate the microbes that are mostly responsible for dandruff, and at the same time, they do so by calming the area and reducing redness.Moreover, tea tree and neem oils are also cooling on the head, and thus, instant itch relief is provided. Thus, they are good for people who always feel like scratching themselves, especially at the top and near the hairline.On the other hand, these oils are very potent. Always safe to use in low quantities. Use it once a week to prevent itching and, at the same time, not to dry out the scalp.Best Picks! During the cold season, some individuals tend to have very dry scalps, which might be characterised by tightness, flakes, and discomfort. If ordinary light oils can't help, then it is time to resort to the more nourishing oils of almond and argan, in that order.These oils are extracted from nuts and seeds, thereby retaining their rich and moisturising nature, making them ideal for winter treatment. Besides repairing the scalp barrier, they also help in reducing the occurrence of flakes caused by dryness, and the length of hair can experience increased softness. Curly, coloured or permed hair is usually drier in winter; hence, such people may particularly benefit from these oils.Nighttime is the best time for using almond and argan oils on the scalp since it is the time when it requires additional nourishment. A light massage followed by washing the next morning makes the scalp feel calm and comfortable without heaviness.Best Picks! Ayurvedic Oils for Traditional Winter CareAyurveda is a recipe that has been a favourite among Indians for a very long time. In the same way, Ayurvedic oils have been used for generations. It has these unsung hero herbs that are known to support scalp health, improve blood circulation, and reduce dryness and flakiness. Gentle head massages work well with them, which enhances relaxation and nutrition of the scalp. Ayurvedic oils are recommended to be used not more than two times a week and rinsed out with a gentle shampoo to prevent build-up. When applied regularly, they control winter dandruff in a natural and balanced way.Best Picks! In wintertime, a straightforward routine is most effective. People tend to abandon difficult procedures quickly. Never wash daily, and avoid removing flakes by scratching. Consistency is more vital than experimenting with numerous products. Here’s a dedicated routine for winter for you to follow religiously:Other Related Stories:The Keratin Edit: Shampoos That Make Your Hair Look Professionally DoneThe Ultimate Hair Growth Routine: From Oils to Serums & More