Physicians may also recommend high levels of biotin for patients with certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. But biotin levels higher than the recommended daily allowance may cause interference with lab tests.

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its last safety communication, from 2017, to remind the public, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test developers that biotin, often found in dietary supplements, can significantly interfere with certain lab tests. This can cause incorrect results that may go undetected. Incorrect test results may lead to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis. For example, a falsely low result for troponin, a clinically important biomarker to aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks, may lead to a missed diagnosis and potentially serious implications. The FDA is particularly concerned about biotin interference and troponin. The agency continues to receive reports of adverse events indicating that biotin interference caused falsely low troponin results.

Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking biotin or are considering adding biotin, or a supplement containing biotin, to your diet.

The amount of biotin can vary significantly among products.

Know that biotin is found in multivitamins, including prenatal multivitamins, biotin supplements, and supplements for hair, skin, and nail growth in levels that may interfere with laboratory tests.  However, the amount of biotin can vary significantly among different products. Consider that the daily recommended allowance for biotin is 0.03 mg and that amount does not typically cause interference in lab tests.

Be aware that some supplements, particularly those labeled to benefit hair, skin, and nails, may have high levels of biotin, which may not always be clear from the name of the supplement. FDA is aware of many supplements containing 20mg of biotin, and some containing up to 100mg per pill, with recommendations to take multiple pills per day. Supplements containing high biotin levels may interfere with affected lab tests.

There is not enough information available to know if stopping biotin consumption for any number of hours prior to testing will prevent incorrect test results.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking biotin. If you suspect or experience a problem with a laboratory test while taking biotin, the FDA encourages you to report the problem through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form

I’ve worked with enough people who have hair loss to know that it is often a big blow to their confidence level  Being able to navigate through the issue is the best way to be able to come out the other end with hair, as well as feel good about your appearance.

In a 2016 issue of the journal CME Dermatology, researchers share an article that discusses alopecia (hair loss) in general medicine. They report that the psychological impact of hair loss is often overlooked, yet it causes significant psychological distress. They also report that many sufferers experience feelings of distorted self-image and low self-esteem, and they may also display symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Knowing the truths about hair loss can help give hope to the many people who are experiencing it and the psychological impact that accompanies it. Here are some common myths and truths about hair loss:

• Myth: Women don’t lose their hair.
  Truth: There are many women who experience hair thinning and loss. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (SHRS), there were over 133,000 people who had hair restoration in the U.S. in 2016, and 39% of them were women. The psychological impact of hair loss may be even more alarming for women than it is for men.
• Myth: Thinning hair is an issue only for seniors.
  Truth: While most people associate hair loss and balding with older people, it happens to young ones as well. If there are others in the family who have experienced it, then it may not be such a shock. But for those younger people who haven’t seen other family members experience it, the balding at such a young age can cause a lot of psychological stress.
• Myth: Hats or frequent shampooing make your hair fall out.
  Truth: While hats and shampooing don’t lead to hair loss, it can be a problem if you are wearing hats too tight, or not keeping them clean. Also, some of the things people do to their hair can lead hair to fall out, including pulling the hair too tightly, such as in pigtails, as well as using hot oil treatments, which can lead to the hair follicles becoming inflamed.
• Myth: Stress is what causes hair loss.
  Truth: Hair loss can happen for a number of reasons. According to the National Institutes of Health some of the reasons can be diabetes, lupus, poor nutrition, thyroid problems, medications, and other health conditions. High stress levels can be a contributing factor to hair loss, but the most common reason is genetics.
• Myth: Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker.
  Truth: People often don’t observe the amount of hair well before and after. Shaving doesn’t make the hair grow back thicker. If that worked, everyone losing their hair could simply shave it and wait for it to grow back thicker and fuller.
• Myth: Hair restoration is time-consuming and inconvenient.
  Truth: Hair restoration services are easier and more convenient than ever today. The reality is that the procedure generally takes around an hour, sometimes less. Recent advances including my SmartPRP® can generate results in as little as 30 minutes. Those who need a hair transplant will find it takes up to six hours for the surgery, depending on the extent of the baldness, and does require a longer recovery period.

Myths abound when it comes to hair loss and treating it. The best rule of thumb is for those with thinning and balding hair to get a consultation. Then they will have the answers of why they are losing their hair and what options there are to do something about it. I have helped thousands of people to restore their hair, along with their self-esteem.

Dr. John Kahen, who is a world-renowned hair restoration surgeon, is a pioneer and the leading expert in using the Platelet Rich Plasma technique, called SmartPRP®. His hair restoration technique uses the body’s own tissue regeneration mechanism to strengthen small hairs and stimulate growth of new follicles. Smart PRP, a 30-minute procedure, can be performed as a standalone treatment or, in some cases, is combined with transplant surgery, which takes all day. Since Smart PRP® is an injection therapy procedure, patients generally return to work the next day. Hair transplants take longer to heal – generally 10 days — as the redness, swelling and scabbing fade. Cost of treatment varies based on the treatment(s) plan.

Dr. Kahen has performed thousands of hair restoration surgeries and has become one of the most sought-after doctors in the world. He has performed surgeries on business executives, physicians, dignitaries, and celebrities, among others. He has invented some of the most advanced restoration technology, including SmartPRP®. Located only 30 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, BHHR also offers a fly-in program, helping those who may be coming in from other states or countries for the procedure.

Beverly Hills Hair Restoration offers effective options for those with thinning and balding hair. Their services include hair transplants, the Platelet Rich Plasma technique, hairline lowering, facial body hair transplant, eyebrow transplant, female hair loss treatment, textured transplant options, and more. Their award-winning hair transplant services have helped thousands of people achieve life-changing results. For more information, visit their site at: https://www.beverlyhillshr.com.

About Beverly Hills Hair Restoration

Founded by one of the most sought-after hair restoration surgeons in the world, Dr. John Kahen, Beverly Hills Hair Restoration offers effective solutions for those with thinning and balding hair. They have a clientele that includes celebrities, dignitaries, and business executives, all achieving life-changing results. The center offers a superior patent pending technique developed by Dr. Kahen, known as Platelet Rich Plasma Hair Restoration. In addition to the SmartPRP®, BHHR offers hairline lowering, facial body hair transplant, eyebrow transplant, textured transplant options, and more. Their award-winning hair transplant services have helped thousands of people achieve life-changing results. For more information, visit their site at: https://www.beverlyhillshr.com.

We may not be able to turn back the clock, but there are ways to slow down our hair’s aging process, restore its vitality, and make it appear fuller. Here, industry pros share their top anti-aging hair care and styling tips:

Feed your roots

Healthy, younger-looking hair begins with what you feed it. “Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and mackerel—they’re great for promoting shiny hair, and shiny hair looks young and full of life,” says Angelo David ), New York City’s leading celebrity stylist for luxury wigs, extensions, and thinning hair solutions. Walnuts, lean meats, lentils, avocados, and green vegetables also contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that promote healthy strands.

It’s all in the cut

The right cut is key to making your hair look more youthful and full. At your next salon appointment, ask your stylist to give you “a cut that enhances your best features and doesn’t hide your face,” says Elvin Arvelo, co-owner of Oon Arvelo Salon in New York City. Adds Markham: “Medium and shorter lengths are most flattering on women with thinning hair, making it appear fuller and stronger. Avoid longer lengths, which only draw attention to problem and can make ends look scraggly.” Also, stay away from razor cuts or too many layers.

Color yourself fuller

Hair thins as we age, and professional color is one of the easiest ways to make your locks appear thicker and more vivacious. Start by coloring over your grays—that being said, Markham suggests that you “stick to natural colors with highlights and lowlights to create dimension—going too dark with your hair color will contrast with the scalp and further accentuates show-through in thinning areas.”

If you hair took on an ashier tone as you aged, “ask your colorist to add buttery tones to create a fuller, more youthful look,” says Peter Oon, co-owner of Oon Arvelo Salon.

Avoid daily shampoos

It’s okay to skip a hair wash day—in fact, the experts encourage it. “Over-shampooing your strands can disrupt the pH balance of your scalp and wash away natural oils necessary for the wellness of your hair,” explains Julien Farel, founder of Julien Farel Anti-Aging Haircare. “It can also diminish the life of your hair color. If you work out daily, you’re better off rinsing your hair with just water on alternate days.”

Beat the heat

We always feel our best on a good hair day—but for most, a gorgeous hairstyle is usually thanks to our trusty blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands. Unfortunately, excessive heat is especially detrimental to aging hair, damaging the cuticle and causing frizz, dullness, and breakage. “Use a thermal protectant before each heat-related styling step,” says Nik Martel, Creative Artist for Farouk Systems. Or even better: skip the hot tools all together and go au natural!

Sun’s out—hats on

And don’t forget about heat protection from the sun! “Sunlight zaps out any moisture from your strands and dulls your color,” says Angelo David. “Wear a hat whenever you can and use products that boast SPF protection.”

Be gentle

Hair becomes more delicate as we age, so it’s extremely important to treat it with extra TLC—similar to how you handle your eye area. “We forget that the everyday hairstyles we create—like buns, braids, and ponytails—can cause wear and tear,” explains Farel. “Avoid tools and hairstyles that pull your hair, like rough brushes and tight ponytails.” And when you want to put your hair up in the summer heat, do so with hairpins or a fabric elastic without a metal clasp to avoid snagging.

Also, 50% of hair breakage occurs when it’s wet; once you hop out of the shower, “use a wide tooth comb or flexible bristle detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting at the ends and working your way up,” says Markham.

Amp up your product arsenal

Arm yourself with these must-own hair products for achieving thicker-looking locks:

• Volumizing mousse or root boost to add instant volume before you blow-dry. (Try: ColorProof LiftIt Mousse Color Protect Root Boost)
• Shine spray, because brilliant, lustrous hair is young-looking hair! (Try: Redken Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist)
• Hair building fibers, which are ideal for concealing bald spots and achieving thickness. (Try: Toppik Hair Building Fibers)
• Detangling spray to prevent breakage when combing wet hair. (Try: Not Your Mother’s Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler)
• Dry shampoo that adds volume and absorbs excess oil on alternate hair-washing days. (Try: Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo)

But remember that less is more—too much product will weigh thinning hair down.

Here are the perfect solutions to the most common summer hair problems.

       Swimming in the ocean

Seawater has a high concentration of salt, which can cause leaching of water out of your hair, thus making it dry and brittle. This can harden the overall texture of the hair, predisposing split ends.  Apply a conditioning treatment prior to entering the ocean. Leaving the conditioner is vital to keeping hair moist and soft. Finally, use a protective hair cream with SPF rating.

       Days at the pool

Chlorine water strips your hair of oils that are essential for keeping hair soft and natural; without the oils hair would eventually look like hay. The application of oil and silicone-based products is best in combating the effects of chlorine water.  Another option is to apply coconut oil, which helps slow down the absorption of chlorine into the hair.

       Sunbathing

Prolonged exposure to the sun will damage the outside cover of the hair strand, called the cuticle. This can cause the hair to discolor, become dry and brittle, and even create split ends, thinning and frizziness. Wearing a hat is the best solution. You can also apply and leave in conditioner and/or a protective SPF hair cream.

       Humid Days

Human hair is extremely sensitive to humidity. Straight hair becomes wavy and curly hair turns frizzy or even curlier. Humidity causes hair to absorb water differently and unevenly, making it difficult to style.  Extra conditioning will help slow down the absorption of excess water. Trimming dried out spilt ends will help minimize frizzing of your hair on humid days. Use a silicone based sealer and limit exposure to the sun’s rays, which can cause drying and damage to your hair.

Dr. Baji Gohil is a board-certified surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, dedicated to hair restoration and hair loss treatment. He opened Robotic Hair Restoration Long of Island (RHRLI) in July of 2015 and continues to transform the lives of his male and female patients.

1.Take Your Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and E can play a vital role when it comes to having beautiful and healthy hair. Adding biotin, zinc, magnesium and niacin can also have significant benefits.

2. Eat Up: Eating the right foods can provide essential nutrients for your scalp and hair follicles. Foods high in protein and iron are extremely important, as well as enriched foods containing omega-3. It’s also important to be careful of those crash diets that can void your body of these vitamin-enriched foods and proteins.
3. Take Care: External hair care is vital if you want healthy hair. Weekly deep conditioning is crucial for maintenance and limiting the use of heat (curling irons/hair dryers/flat irons) will minimize damage to your hair. Finally, applying essential oils two to three times a week and limiting hair washing to every two to three days can also be beneficial.
4. Give Yourself A Massage: Massaging the scalp as often as possible is also very helpful in promoting healthy hair. This increases the blood flow to the follicles, helping to provide important nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
5. Get Therapy: If someone is suffering from hair loss, there are three FDA-cleared and approved therapies that can help to slow down and possibly stabilize that process in both men and some women, depending on the underlying cause. Low level laser therapy, finasteride (Propecia/men only), and topical minoxidil (Rogaine-5% for men and 2% for women) may all be helpful depending on your situation.

Over 30 million women in the U.S. are suffering from hair loss or thinning, and while hair loss is often falsely thought of as merely a cosmetic problem, surveys and studies have found that hair loss can have wide-ranging effects on those afflicted, including loss of confidence and self-esteem, and in some cases, depression, anxiety and other emotional issues. The psychological effects of hair loss can be especially damaging to women.

A study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that women suffered more emotionally and mentally, and were more likely to develop a negative body image due to hair loss when compared to men who were dealing with the same issue. Why is hair loss so emotionally and psychologically devastating to women? In nearly every culture, hair is associated with youth, beauty, and good health, which explains why we try so hard to hold onto it.

There are many misconceptions about female hair loss, most notably how common it is. Roughly half of all women over the age of 40 suffer from some form of hair loss. That’s right – half. While most people tend to think of hair loss as a man’s problem, the reality is that women are almost just as likely as men to lose their hair. They do however lose their hair differently, the main difference being that female hair loss occurs more diffusely over the affected areas of scalp, leaving some follicles unscathed while severely miniaturizing others.

Genetics and other factors determine the time of onset, speed and severity of loss over time. Female hair loss can be mild or severe, and there are a variety of factors at work that determine how a woman’s hair will change over time. Hair loss can start at any age – teens, twenties, thirties, forties, and a woman’s risk skyrockets after menopause. But despite its prevalence, there is an undeniable societal stigma associated with female hair loss. When men experience hair loss, they have the option to simply shave it off and forget about it, where unfortunately for women, there isn’t a similar socially acceptable option. This is where the higher risk of depression, anxiety and embarrassment comes into play for women.

Luckily, today, there are is a wide-range of treatments for women that can help combat hair loss and thinning at all stages. From FDA-approved minoxidil to special marine-derived supplements, low-level laser therapy, prostaglandin analogs, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and NeoGraft and ARTAS robotic-assisted FUE hair transplants, there are several highly effective medical treatment options available for female hair loss patients. There are also genetic tests available that can predict a woman’s hair loss risk later in life and a scientific measuring tool called HairCheck that can help professionals accurately measure, analyze and track the amount of hair in various areas of scalp over time. This can help monitor hair loss or hair regrowth from treatments over time.

Whether the hair loss is the result of aging, natural hormonal changes, and/or other underlying causes, in most cases, hair loss is a treatable condition and not something you have to live with or hide. Preventing further hair loss and improving hair growth can help restore a feeling of vitality, youth and confidence for women.

If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning, contact a board-certified hair restoration physician who can work with you to determine the most effective treatment regimen for your specific needs and scientifically track your progress. Patients should look for doctor who is a full-time medical hair loss specialist who is certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Only a qualified and experienced hair restoration physician can perform natural-looking hair transplants and prescribe the most effective multi-therapy treatment options, including the latest available products.

Alan J. Bauman, M.D. is a full-time hair transplant surgeon who has treated over 17,000 patients and performed over 7,000 surgical procedures since starting his medical hair loss practice, Bauman Medical Group, in 1997. Currently located in Boca Raton, Florida, Dr. Bauman received his M.D. degree from New York Medical College and surgical residency training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Please visit https://baumanmedical.com/

The release notes that the permanent hair dye ingredient p-phenylenediamine (PPD) has been associated, although rarely, with allergic reactions including facial swelling and rashes. Coloring hair with natural melanin would be an intuitive alternative to PPD. But previous research has found that the pigment molecules clump together, forming rods and spheres too large to penetrate into the hair shaft to create lasting color. Jong-Rok Jeon and colleagues wanted to build on the idea of using melanin but with a molecule that mimics the real thing.

The researchers turned to polydopamine, a black substance that is structurally similar to melanin and has been explored for use in a variety of biomedical applications. Polydopamine with iron ions transformed gray hairs into black and lasted through three wash cycles. Lighter shades could also be achieved with polydopamine by pairing it with copper and aluminum ions. And toxicity tests showed that mice treated with the colorant didn’t have noticeable side effects, while those that received a PPD-based dye developed bald spots.

1. Most women these days use multiple hair products and don’t wash their hair every day.  Is this causing more problems to scalp health? 

We are seeing more women use styling mouse, anti-frizz polish, root lifting sprays, and other hair products while skipping shampooing all together in lieu of “dry shampoo.” Dry shampoo, is a spray that absorbs excess oils on hair and is used when you don’t have time or want to wash your hair. This may not be a problem for most but for those who suffer from dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or have a greasy scalp; not washing their hair and scalp every day can definitely worsen or even cause problems. If someone has sensitive skin or an allergy to ingredients in hair products; they can develop a reaction.

2. Is it important to treat hair health and scalp issues from the inside out?  

The appearance of scalp and hair can be one of the first indicators of overall well-being and stress. When we are vitamin deficient, have hormonal imbalances, or are emotionally stressed it can manifest in the appearance of our scalp and hair. For example, hypothyroidism can present as dry brittle hair and hair thinning with a flaking scalp. Iron deficiency can also present with thinning hair. It is important to supplement your nutrition to provide the support for your hair and scalp to improve. Vitamins such as Viviscal and Biotin are very important supplements that work very well.

3. What if you had a healthy scalp and all of a sudden start to get scalp breakouts? Is this from product build-up? What causes this and what are things you can do to help with breakouts? 

Product build up can definitely cause blockage of follicles on the scalp and lead to scalp folliculitis or even seborrheic dermatitis, which appear to be red bumps that can be tender and filled with pus and light pink flaking patches respectively. Washing your scalp daily can help, and alternating shampoos is another good tip to help prevent product build up. Alternating several times per week with an anti-dandruff shampoo can also help control scalp flares. If this does not help, visit with the Dermatologist for prescription shampoo or topical medicines for better control.

4. What about itchy scalp? What can you do to help with this problem?

Scalp itch can signify several points: this could just be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), could be an allergy to hair dye/shampoo/other hair product, or could even be a sign of a metabolic condition or deficiency. I once had a patient that had a very itchy scalp, and did not respond to any medicated shampoos or cortisone solutions to help stop the itching after weeks of trying, but once she restarted her iron supplementation for iron deficiency her scalp itch resolved within 1 day. Depending on the cause of itch the answer can vary greatly as seen with this woman, who had Iron deficiency. If a simple over the counter shampoo is not helping your itchy scalp, seek out a dermatology consultation for further investigation and the best recommendations.

5. Does the scalp need to be exfoliated to maintain health?

Some women may never have any need to exfoliate their scalp, and do not develop buildup or dull appearance to their hair. For those that tend to have more oily hair, and have product residue using a clarifying shampoo such as Neutrogena’s can be very helpful 1-2 times per week. Neutrogena also makes a shampoo called T-Sal, with the active ingredient salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a mild exfoliator that works well on oily pores and follicles to break up residue and dead compact skin cells to help reduce build up. For women looking to exfoliate their scalp, I would recommend lathering with T-Sal shampoo, letting this sit for 5 minutes and then rinsing thoroughly, repeat 2-3 times per week as needed. For women being treated for seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis this can help the medications topically penetrate better into the scalp.

6. Lastly, any tips on ways one can help maintain a healthy scalp? Products they should incorporate in their weekly/daily routine? Ingredients to look for?

I would definitely recommend washing hair either daily or at least every other day, and with the more products being used daily washing is recommended.  Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to help reduce build up. Alternate shampoos, this will reduce build up in hair and on scalp and prevent a dull limp look. For hair that is more dry or brittle use shampoos that contain argan oil or Moroccan oil, if your ends are still very dry apply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends. For itchy scalp try an anti-dandruff shampoo, such as clear scalp, and try a menthol shampoo to help cool the itch, such as Head & Shoulders Refresh Menthol. For dandruff shampoo a tea tree oil shampoo may be also used on alternate days.

Dr. Kaleroy Papantoniou is a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She specializes in Injectables, Lasers, Body Contouring, Surgical and Medical Dermatology. Dr. Papantoniou is also a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Health Center in New York City. She applies expert techniques and the newest technologies to treat her patients. Dr. Papantoniou focuses on providing her patients with the highest level of care, with special interests in natural and healthy alternatives to treatments and disease prevention. Connect with Dr. Papantoniou  via twitter @DrPapantoniou or her website www.DrPapantoniou.com

A release from the university quotes Chuong, who is a professor of pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, as saying, "It is a good example of how basic research can lead to a work with potential translational value. The work leads to potential new targets for treating alopecia, a form of hair loss."

The release notes that the study began a couple of years ago when first author and visiting scholar Chih-Chiang Chen arrived at USC from National Yang-Ming University and Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. As a dermatologist, Chen knew that hair follicle injury affects its adjacent environment, and the Chuong lab had already established that this environment in turn can influence hair regeneration. Based on this combined knowledge, they reasoned that they might be able to use the environment to activate more follicles.

To test this concept, Chen devised an elegant strategy to pluck 200 hair follicles, one by one, in different configurations on the back of a mouse. When plucking the hairs in a low-density pattern from an area exceeding six millimeters in diameter, no hairs regenerated. However, higher-density plucking from circular areas with diameters between three and five millimeters triggered the regeneration of between 450 and 1,300 hairs, including ones outside of the plucked region.

Working with Arthur D. Lander from the University of California, Irvine, the team showed that this regenerative process relies on the principle of "quorum sensing," which defines how a system responds to stimuli that affect some, but not all members. In this case, quorum sensing underlies how the hair follicle system responds to the plucking of some, but not all hairs.

Through molecular analyses, the team showed that these plucked follicles signal distress by releasing inflammatory proteins, which recruit immune cells to rush to the site of the injury. These immune cells then secrete signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which, at a certain concentration, communicate to both plucked and unplucked follicles that it's time to grow hair.

"The implication of the work is that parallel processes may also exist in the physiological or pathogenic processes of other organs, although they are not as easily observed as hair regeneration," said Chuong.

In addition to these latest findings, Science recently selected Chuong's work on how the regulation of feather follicle stem cells contributed to the evolution of feathered dinosaurs into modern birds as one of the top 10 breakthroughs of 2014. Chuong was also inducted as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in February 2015. 

“Many people believe dandruff is caused by poor hygiene, but this simply isn’t true,” said board-certified dermatologist Adam J. Friedman, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Rather than try to remedy dandruff by over-shampooing or over-brushing your hair, which can both be damaging to the hair, use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments instead.”

To get the best results from using dandruff shampoo, Dr. Friedman recommends the following tips:

1. Follow the instructions on the dandruff shampoo bottle. There are many different dandruff shampoos, and each contains different active ingredients for controlling symptoms. To get the best results, always follow the instructions on the bottle. For example, some dandruff shampoos require that you lather the shampoo into the hair and onto the scalp and leave on for about five minutes before rinsing; others should not be left on the scalp.
2. If you are Caucasian or Asian, shampoo daily and use dandruff shampoo twice a week. If using one dandruff shampoo does not bring relief, try alternating between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients.
3. If you are African-American, only shampoo once a week using a dandruff shampoo. See a board-certified dermatologist for the best product recommendation for your hair type.
4. Be careful when using a dandruff shampoo that contains coal tar. Tar shampoo can discolor blonde, grey or white hair, so if you have light-colored hair, you may want to choose a different dandruff shampoo. In addition, tar shampoo has the potential to make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight. If you use this type of dandruff shampoo, it’s important to protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat when outdoors and seeking shade whenever possible.

“For most people, dandruff does not require medical attention,” said Dr. Friedman. “However, sometimes the flaking and itching that appears like dandruff is actually a medical condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections of the scalp, or eczema. If you continue to have symptoms after using a dandruff shampoo, consult a board-certified dermatologist.”

The “Dandruff: How to Treat” video is posted to the Academy website and the Academy’s YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the Academy’s website and YouTube channel each month.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).