​Some people fill up on trashy reality TV show, others indulge in a pint of ice cream. The guilty pleasure going around at Mane Addicts HQ, on the other hand? Picking split ends. Either through twirling or pulling, any chance to separate the dry, drab-looking dead ends gets us giddy. Our old habits would’ve died hard, but we’re sensible, and decided to seek help from an expert. Ahead, the reason why you shouldn’t pick split ends, according to Lee Rittiner, executive stylist at Alen-M Salon in Los Angeles, who keeps a fresh cut on some of our favorite Instababes, including Sazan Hendrix and Rocky Barnes.

What exactly are split ends? How are they formed? 
A split end is just what it sounds like. The end of a hair strand that’s damaged, resulting in the strand separating into two or more fragments. Split ends are the result of damage to your hair, either from heat, combing, washing, coloring or even wearing a ponytail. When you damage your hair, the outer layer (the cuticle) starts to peel away, leaving hair frizzy looking and more prone to breakage and splitting.

So, how bad is it to pick split ends?
You can damage your hair further. I describe it to clients like a thread on a knitted sweater—once you pull the thread it will keep unraveling and ruin the garment. Pulling a split end works the same way…so hands off!

Will picking your split ends create more split ends?
The damage to your hair will come when you tear away at the split ends. Pulling them apart actually makes the problem much worse. Instead of having small splits, you could end up with long lengths of hair that have been thinned as a result of pulling the split end apart. This thinned out hair shaft is more apt to tangle. It may also break off entirely, leaving you with shorter hair that is more prone to even more split ends. Any type of “break” to the hair is not “clean” or blunt like it would be from a scissor cut. Some people acquire hair so damaged that a single hair shaft has multiple splits on it.

Do you slow hair growth when you pick split ends?
Yes, because it will continue breaking which will not allow the hair to grow longer.

What styling products would make your split ends worse?
Anything with a high alcohol content will amplify dryness since split ends are looking for hydration.

You can find the full article at Mane Addicts

Given that we are housebound amid a global crisis, you may think that a short back and sides would be the last thing on anyone’s mind. But you would be wrong. Physical distancing has not stopped people around the world, from Phillip Schofield to Malala Yousafzai, reaching for the scissors – with varying degrees of success.

Since the temptation to give yourself, or your loved ones and housemates, a quick cut appears matched only by the desire to bake banana bread, here are a few points to consider.

Should you cut your own hair?
Hairdressers advise regular appointments to keep your hair in good condition and your cuts looking fresh, so it is little wonder that so many of us are keen to keep this up. But most stylists have one word of advice: don’t.

“I feel sorry for all the stylists who, after this, will be dealing with a lot of DIY disasters,” says Keri Daniel, the owner of Danique Hairdressing in Leicester. “If you really have to, then it’s worth investing in the right tools – even a professional would struggle to get a good result using the kitchen scissors. You can get cheap hairdressing scissors and cutting combs online – even razors – and they’ll give you a better finish.”

What about fringes?
Being poked in the eye by your own fringe is no fun. Many fringe-wearers will have already experimented with DIY trims, but, if you are new to this, the advice is to cut upwards, not across, using just the tips of the scissors. Daniel goes further: “I’d suggest using a wide-tooth comb, pulling the hair down to the eyebrows and then lifting it slightly [before cutting]. Any lifting of the fringe will give it a slight graduation and make it look softer. This way, even if you do make a mistake, it’s unlikely to look horrific.”

Should you just shave it all off?
With hairdressers and barbers closed, some people – Riz Ahmed and David Beckham among them – have opted to simply lop off the lot. It is quite the lockdown look, but it is not as simple as you might hope.

“You need to make sure that the guard you put on the clipper is secured properly – otherwise you can go from a grade four to a grade zero by accident, and there’s no fading that out,” says the salon owner and celebrity stylist Jamie Stevens. “You may think you can just do grade three all over, but the parietal bridge and the occipital bone [towards the back of the head] protrude slightly, and a few days later it will start to have a weird shape because these areas should be slightly tapered.”

Should you do it yourself or hand the scissors to someone you live with?
“Think about what’s best for your household, because you have to live with these people,” warns Daniel. Like most professionals, hairdressers have a knack of making their job look easier than it is.

“If you cut your own hair, you’ll need one mirror in front and one behind you,” says Stevens. “I’ve seen people using their phones, but it gets a bit tricky because you need to hold that, the comb, the scissors and the clippers. Get help if you can.”

How do you cut kids’ hair?
“The biggest challenge when cutting children’s hair is that they don’t like to sit still,” says Kelly V, the owner of Pixal-Rose Hair Design, a vegan salon in Swindon, who suggests keeping them occupied with a tablet or a book. For short hair, a simple cut with clippers is advised. For long hair, “brush the hair down, have the head tilted forward and cut the very, very ends off”, she says. “Don’t attempt anything too drastic.”

What about your roots?
This can be the biggest giveaway that you are overdue a trip to the salon, but there are better solutions than home-dyeing.

“A zigzag parting can help disguise that regrowth line and, depending on the colour of your hair, mascara can be a great way to cover up greys,” says Stevens. “Or just have a bit of fun – we put a luminous green feather in one parting. It looked like Billie Eilish’s green roots.”

Kelly V says the biggest problem with DIY dyeing is when those with blond hair switch to brunette to avoid root regrowth. “The trend is to go for ashy, cool, brunette colours, but this will simply leave your blond hair khaki,” she says. Instead, “you’ll need to select a dye that contains a lot of red tones [to get the colour you want]. Also, always do the patch test.”
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Daniel suggests visiting your salon’s website to find out which products they used and investing in those. “You may be able to buy them through the salon, which can be a great way to support them while they are closed,” she adds. “Dyes that you might buy in the supermarket are not professional products, and it can make it a lot harder when it comes to colouring in the future.”

How should you care for afro hair?
“An inch of growth in afro hair doesn’t make as much difference,” says Stevens, whose salon specialises in afro hair. “It’s easier to disguise that it’s overdue a cut. Relaxed hair will have curly roots, but I would never recommend using a home relaxant – you will get snappage. You could go through it with straightening irons, but it would be very time-consuming. I would suggest just wearing your hair up.”

What if you run out of shampoo and conditioner and can’t get to the shops?
Join the “no-poo” movement and break free from the shackles of commercial haircare! Well, it is one option – and the lockdown offers a chance to wait out the initial greasy period in relative privacy. Otherwise, shower gel can substitute for shampoo if you are desperate, according to Stevens, while mayonnaise, avocado or coconut oil can replace conditioner. “If you look at what branded products use in their ingredients, you can get an idea of the kitchen cupboard alternatives,” says Daniel. Of course, you are probably washing your hair far more than you need to anyway.

How often do you need to bother washing your hair when no one can see?
“Realistically, you don’t need to wash your hair more than once a week, unless you are doing a sport or have a job in a kitchen,” says Daniel. For those of us who like to wash our hair daily, this may seem like a big ask. But she assures me it is possible. “On the third day, you could spritz it with some water and blow-dry again to give it a bit of lift. Stay away from the straighteners if you can. On the fourth day, you can start to wear your hair up. Dry shampoo and texture sprays can also give unwashed hair a little bit more life. You’re with your family and loved ones, staying home – it’s the best chance to give your hair a rest.”
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What about body hair – is it time to grow it out?

Removal of body hair – particularly pubic hair – is often best left to the professionals. While shaving your own legs may be straightforward, waxing your bikini line is another matter. So, is it time to go au naturel? “We’ve had lots of inquiries from clients who are midway through laser hair removal courses asking what they should do,” says Dr Chloë Butler, the founder of the Chloë Edit clinic in Worcestershire. “We advise not attempting DIY waxing, as it can be quite tricky unless you have the right equipment and patience.” While trimming or shaving pubic hair may seem straightforward, Butler believes some people would be better off leaving well alone. You may even discover you prefer your new look.

“Make the right choice based on the type of skin and hair you have, not on whatever style is ‘trending’,” says Butler. “If you have a thicker hair follicle, you may be more prone to ingrown hairs or a shaving rash. If you’ve got oily skin, you may get blocked pores and irritation. Dry skin tends to be thinner and more likely to tear.” Ouch.

Is now a good time to experiment with hairstyles?
Rather than shaving your head, Stevens suggests men try growing their hair long or cultivating a beard. If you are tempted by a complete restyle, he suggests ordering a wig online: “Walk around the house and see how you feel. What kind of reaction do you get when you’re FaceTiming friends and family?”

Daniel believes that, aside from the buzzcut, other hair trends are likely to emerge after the lockdown. “It’s exciting from a hairdressing point of view. People who wanted to grow out their grey hair, or go from being very blond to a more natural colour, have an opportunity to do that.”

“Ultimately, chill out,” says Stevens. “Embrace your new hair and, if you’re really that bothered, put a hat or a scarf on.”

Shave it or Save it brought to you from The Guardian

Every day is a good hair day when you can turn limp, greasy strands into a clean coif in seconds. But there are some catches. Here’s what you need to know.
 
1) Dry shampoo is not new
 
Dry shampoo is having a moment—one beauty editor famously wrote that by week’s end, her hair is 90 percent dry shampoo—but it’s actually been around in some form or another for centuries. (There’s some evidence that people in Asia were using clay in their hair thousands of years ago.) Even the dry shampoo we know today got its start sometime in the 1940s, when it was primarily known as Minipoo. These days there are over 50 varieties of dry shampoo on store shelves, and many do more than just salvage a blowout or disguise a missed shower. For example, if you’re looking for cool-girl body and texture, there’s Kérastase Couture Styling Powder Bluff. For fine strands, there’s Alterna’s Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo, a lightweight spray that won’t weigh hair down even on the fourth day after your blowout. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Natural Tint has a formula made for brown hair to ease the process of blending out any residual white powder. If you’re looking to get out the grime rather than just mask it, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day has little molecular sponges that soak up oil, sweat, and odor, so you can whisk them away when you brush.
 
2) Dry shampoo is not actually shampoo
 
Despite its name, dry shampoo is not a hair cleanser. Unlike regular shampoo, which is formulated with water and cleansing agents that rinse away oils and impurities, dry shampoos are mostly made up of alcohol, starch, or clay (spray versions) or clay, talc, and starch without the alcohol (powder versions), according to Hien Nguyen, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Function of Beauty, a start-up that offers customized shampoos and conditioners. With either type of dry shampoo, the porous ingredients work by soaking up excess oil, which is what breathes new life into yesterday’s blowout or your sweaty strands after hitting the gym. (For super-sweaty post-workout hair, we like Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Dry Shampoo—it has micro powder enriched with natural rice starch to absorb oils while adding a mist of its most addictive scent. Check out the things your hair is desperately trying to tell you.
 
3) With dry shampoo, you can have too much of a good thing
 
Dry shampoo is a godsend between real washings or as a touch-up after your workout, but it’s not meant to replace a good old-fashioned shampoo and conditioner. And spraying it on every day will actually make your hair worse, because it will lead to a build-up of product that can dull your color and irritate your scalp, according to Butterfly Studio Salon stylist Danielle Allyson. (Check out the other hair mistakes top stylists commonly see.) Like your face, your scalp needs regular cleansing and exfoliating to get rid of bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and stay healthy. Allyson’s recommendation: Use dry shampoo no more than three times a week to give your hair some time to breathe between uses, and follow it up with a clarifying shampoo the next time you wash your hair. Try Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo, an apple and pear-scented, silicone-free cleanser for removing product build-up.

4) Dry shampoo needs time to set

When you first use dry shampoo, you might be surprised to see a powdery white residue on your hair. But don’t panic—it’s completely normal. Just wait two minutes for your hair to absorb the dry shampoo, then work it through with a comb, a brush, or your fingers, and the white-powder look will vanish. If you’re worried about it, try a formula that’s expressly designed to disappear: Style Edit’s Invisible Dry Shampoo, with a blend of oil-absorbers and neutralizers that cleans hair without dulling its natural shine. (Related: Check out these hair myths we need to stop believing.)

5) Dry shampoo does not play well with others

“I see a lot of people apply dry shampoo and then add oil for shine, and that is a big no-no,” Allyson says. A good-quality dry shampoo will add shine to your hair, so using hair oil after dry shampoo defeats the purpose of using dry shampoo in the first place. If glossy, salon-worthy locks are your ultimate goal, go for a spray dry shampoo over a powder version. Two of Allyson’s favorites are Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo and Shu Uemera Color Luster Dry Cleaner. Both are safe for color-treated hair and, unlike other dry shampoos, contain translucent micro-fine powders that absorb oil without leaving behind any residue. (Eat these hair-healthy foods—or rub them on your head—for a gorgeous mane.)

6) Dry shampoo needs a light touch

You don’t actually want to blast your roots at close range. Instead, spray individual sections of hair, making sure to hold the canister 8 to 10 inches away from your scalp, according to Allyson. Any closer will leave your hair looking dull and wet-looking, and overly saturated with product, making it harder to comb through. If you’re using a powder version? Tap it sparingly only onto the roots of your hair. Our favorite powder formula is Mineral Fusion Dry Shampoo, a tinted mineral powder that uses Kaolin clay to lift oil from hair.

7) Dry shampoo is not one-size-fits-all

It might take some trial and error to find the right dry shampoo formula for your hair color or texture. Allyson says she’s noticed that most blondes prefer powder dry shampoo because it brightens their locks. Brunettes, on the other hand, might find that powder versions leave a dingy, gray-looking layer of residue, preferring sprays. For women with natural hair, Nguyen recommends the environmentally-friendly Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo. It includes rahua oil, which seeps deep into your hair’s cortex to bond and repair it while smoothing the cuticle for shiny, healthy, soft hair. Ultimately, everyone’s haircare needs are different, so ask your stylist to recommend the best products for your hair. Don’t miss the secrets your hairstylist won’t tell you.

8) Dry shampoo is not for everyone

Most healthy heads of hair can take dry shampoo. The exceptions are people who are prone to severely dry skin, because excess dry shampoo can throw your skin out of balance and dry out your scalp, according to Nguyen, and people with thinning hair, since it can inflame and clog your hair follicles, disrupting your scalp’s natural and growing shedding cycles. Check out these natural masks, treatments, and tricks for your shiniest, healthiest hair ever.

9) Dry shampoo doesn’t last forever

Most hair products last between two and three years once opened, but if you notice that your dry shampoo smells funny or seems off in any way, it’s probably best to toss it. Allyson recommends updating your products every few years anyway. “Your hair type and needs change constantly, so toss old products you haven’t used and always keep your product stash up to date,” she says. Make sure you know about these other non-food items that can also have an expiration date.
 
This article was published in Reader's Digest

What are the benefits of deep conditioning?

Yes, regular conditioners work to soften hair, minimize frizz and smooth cuticles. But deep conditioning takes it a step further by helping to restore your strands’ natural oils. It also works to prevent split ends and breakage, improve texture and promote elasticity. If you use a deep conditioner consistently, it can lead to shinier, softer and stronger hair. All hair types can be deep conditioned but damaged, brittle and color-treated hair will benefit the most.

OK, and how exactly do I deep condition? 

Step 1: Identify your needs. Is your hair super dry? Is it lacking definition? If you’re looking to hydrate your hair, make sure the products you choose have ingredients like coconut oil, amino acids and certain silicones. If you want to bring your strands back to life, find products packed with protein. And if you’re looking for a bit of both, try alternating between hydrating and protein-filled deep conditioners.

Step 2: When choosing a product, be cognizant of your hair type. If you have fine hair, select a light formula that won’t weigh down your locks. For thicker hair, look for something that fights frizz. Make sure the ingredients target the concerns you identified.

Step 3: Once you find the right product, decide if you want to use it pre-poo (before shampooing) or clean your hair before applying the deep conditioner. Not sure? The pre-poo method helps jump-start the detangling process and works the treatment into dry hair; washing your hair first opens up the cuticles for better absorption. 

Step 4: After you’ve figured out which method to use, apply the deep conditioner from roots to tips. It’s important to focus on the ends, which are usually the driest. A wide-tooth comb is a great tool that can help you distribute the product evenly throughout your hair and get those pesky knots out quicker.

Step 5: Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and wait 20 to 40 minutes (time will vary depending on the thickness and length of your hair). To enhance the benefits of the deep conditioner, warm your hair with a blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting to open up the cuticles.

Step 6: Finally, rinse with cold water to retain moisture and close the cuticles. Then wash your hair as usual. It’s suggested to deep condition hair regularly at least once or twice a week.

Here are five deep-conditioning hair mask recipes to make at home, because what’s more fun than playing scientist in your own kitchen?

1. Honey and Olive Oil
We already love using olive oil to bring moisture back to dry, brittle hair, and adding honey is a hydrating bonus. Combine ¼ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil and whisk until smooth. (You can add more olive oil if you prefer a less sticky substance.)

After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave it for 20 to 40 minutes. 

When time’s up, rinse and finish your hair washing routine. Use this deep conditioner once or twice a week, depending on your level of dryness.

2. Egg Yolk and Coconut Oil
If your hair needs some strength training, look no further than this combo. Dry, damaged and curly hair can use this mask to reduce protein loss, increase moisture and prevent breakage. 

Combine 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and whisk until smooth. (Add more of each ingredient depending on the length and thickness of your hair.) After shampooing, applying to damp hair, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

3. Avocado and Mayo 
The antioxidant vitamins C and E in this mixture work to keep hair shiny, soft and hydrated. Combine half an avocado with ¼ cup mayo and stir until smooth. You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell of the mayo.

Massage the treatment onto dry hair and cover with a shower cap. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off and starting your wash routine. Use this deep conditioner once a week for softer hair.

4. Banana and Honey 
Banana’s potassium, vitamin C and biotin elements combined with honey (which promotes hair growth, volume and shine) make for a useful deep conditioner. Whether you want to prevent dandruff, moisturize your scalp, improve shine or all of the above, this mixture can help make hair soft, strong and thick.

Mash a ripe banana in a bowl, then stir in 1 tablespoon honey. (You may want to add more honey depending on your hair’s length, dryness or thickness.) Apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, then cover for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse out and wash hair as usual.

5. Greek Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
No one likes frizz, and this combo puts flyaways to rest. While the apple cider vinegar works to stimulate hair growth, detangle hair and make it shiny, the Greek yogurt provides the protein your hair is craving.

Combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. (You can also add an essential oil to make the mask smell nice.) Apply to damp hair, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Anything else I should know?

You can store a DIY mixture in the fridge for two or three days. Longer than that, you risk bacteria growth. And if you have a store-bought deep conditioner you love, why not enhance it with some of the ingredients mentioned above?

Whatever you decide, deep conditioning can lead to much healthier locks (and way more effective self-care days).
 
Get the full article at PureWow

Can it cause hair loss and how?

Although seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp does not tend to cause hair loss, the American Hair Loss Association note that it can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs as a result of a particular yeast on the skin. The sebaceous glands produce a type of oil called sebum, which the yeast thrives on.

Several factors may give rise to an overgrowth of this yeast, such as excess sebum on the scalp. The result is inflammation, which manifests as flaking, itching, and some redness on the skin.

Hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If it does occur, it is likely from scratching and rubbing the scalp, as it can be very itchy.

In very rare cases, inflammation may also affect the hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss. In these situations, the hair loss is not permanent and will eventually grow back if the person takes steps to control the inflammation.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Researchers are still unsure as to the full underlying cause of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as why some people tend it have it while others do not. Some experts believe that it may be due to changes in hormone levels.

Researchers have also identified a potential link between seborrheic dermatitis and health conditions including Parkinson's disease and HIV.

Certain factors can trigger a flare-up. These include:

• sun
• heat
• aggressive topical therapy

Seborrheic dermatitis is not infectious, so people cannot catch it from another person.

Is hair loss permanent?
Any hair loss that occurs as a result of seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible.

Typically, the hair will grow back once a person has received treatment for the inflammation that triggered the hair loss and stopped scratching or rubbing the scalp.

When there is significant or scarring hair loss, it may not be due to the seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can co-exist with other scalp conditions, many of which — such as androgenic alopecia — can cause hair loss.

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself without treatment. In adults, it tends to be a chronic condition. This means that people may have flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis throughout their life.

However, there are certain treatments that can help reduce symptoms during a flare-up. The sections below discuss the treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment

Although treatment will not completely cure seborrheic dermatitis, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms.

People may be able to treat mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis using natural home remedies, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil. However, these options should not replace conventional treatments, many of which are over available over the counter.

A person who experiences frequent or severe flare-ups may require prescription treatments from their doctor.

Natural treatments

One older study from 1999 used a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of aloe vera on seborrheic dermatitis.

Over the course of 4–6 weeks, 44 adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied one of two treatments to their scalp twice per day. One group applied an aloe vera ointment, while the other applied a placebo.

Those applying the aloe vera ointment reported a 62% improvement in symptoms, whereas those in the placebo group reported a 25% improvement. The researchers concluded that aloe vera extract is successful in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

The following natural treatments may also help alleviate dandruff and other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis:

• tea tree oil
• folate
• vitamin B-6

Over-the-counter treatments

The following over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups as well as keep the condition under control. Some of the treatments outlined below are suitable for infants, while others are suitable for adolescents and adults.

For infants

People can buy baby shampoos formulated to treat scalp conditions in infants. These may contain mineral oil.

To treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants, the American Academy of Dermatology suggest:

• using baby shampoo on the scalp daily
• gently brushing away scaly skin as it becomes softer
• applying OTC seborrheic dermatitis medication to the scalp

For adolescents and adults

Certain shampoos contain specific formulas to help treat seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. These include shampoos for treating dandruff, as well as shampoos containing the following ingredients:

• selenium sulfide
• pyrithione zinc
• salicylic acid
• sulfur
• coal tar

People can also buy OTC shampoos containing a class of antifungal drug called azoles. One example of this is ketoconazole (Nizoral). A person should ask their pharmacist for advice on how and when to use the shampoo.

In some cases, a pharmacist may advise a person to alternate between the treatment shampoo and their regular shampoo. People may eventually be able to reduce their use of the treatment shampoo to once or twice per week.

Prescription medications

Some people may experience severe or frequent flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis that do not respond to OTC treatments.

In such cases, a person should see their doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend a corticosteroid solution to help reduce scalp inflammation or a stronger, prescription-strength shampoo.
 
Recovery time

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself by the time they are 6–12 months old. In some cases, the condition may return in puberty. This may be due to hormonal changes.

Some adults may also find that their seborrheic dermatitis clears up without treatment. However, most adults with the condition will experience flare-ups for many years. Using preventive treatments such as antidandruff shampoos can help prevent and treat flare-ups.

Summary

In very rare and severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis may result in some hair loss. This tends to be reversible.

However, hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If there is significant hair loss, it may be due to another cause that might require medical treatment.

There are many effective treatment options that can relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and treat the inflammation it causes.

Using OTC antidandruff or medicated shampoos can help treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. People with severe or persistent seborrheic dermatitis should see their doctor to discuss other treatment options.
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