Dear Heloise: Forty years ago, when I was doing Weight Watchers, I had terrible dandruff until a new hairdresser told me, “It is caused by eating too much protein.” So, I cut back, and lo and behold, I haven’t had any more dandruff since then. — P.M., in St. Louis

P.M., dandruff isn’t directly caused by protein. It comes primarily from a fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on sebum. A diet with protein helps the scalp maintain a healthy balance. On the other hand, a diet that is heavy in refined sugars, dairy and processed foods seems to worsen the problem.

The term “protein overload” (hair, not diet) applies to using far too many protein-heavy hair products. Inflammation and yeast growth are sometimes caused by sugary foods, carbohydrates and alcohol — all of which can lead to dandruff. — Heloise

FAVORITE CHORES

Dear Heloise: I absolutely hate dusting! Living in the desert, it’s impossible to be dust-free for more than a day or so. I do like to iron, though! I’m retired, so I don’t have work clothes to iron anymore. But ironing napkins and pillowcases is so relaxing to me. — Paula M., in Tucson, Arizona

Paula, when it comes to ironing, I’m with you. Ironing relaxes me, and it’s so nice to see a finished product. — Heloise

VENT-HOOD TRICK

Dear Heloise: I read your column daily and have seen many hints on how to chop onions tear-free. I have never seen the one that I constantly use, so I thought I would send it along: I place a chopping block on my stovetop under the vent hood and turn it on high. Chop away without tears! — Elisa, in California

LARGER DUVET NEEDED

Dear Heloise: We love sleeping with a duvet and a cover on our split king adjustable bed. However, king duvets do not seem to go beyond the top of the bed, and if one of us turns and takes the duvet with them, the other is not covered. I need a wider duvet. Any advice will be helpful! — Jan H., via email

Jan, this is a fairly common problem. You might want to try a California king duvet or look online for an extra-wide comforter and duvet. — Heloise

CLOTH NAPKIN HINT

Dear Heloise: Along with Cathie D., I, too, use cloth napkins for company — and on a daily basis for my husband and me. I use fingertip towels in various colors (nothing too light) and have never seen stains on them. They get washed like bath towels do and never need to be ironed. — Karen, in Hastings, Michigan

MEDICAL-ALERT WATCH

Dear Heloise: My 85-year-old neighbor refused to wear a medical-alert watch. He was found alive days later but didn’t recover. I asked my husband, who suffered from dementia, what he would do if he came in a room and found me on the floor. He said, “I don’t know.”

I immediately ordered a medical-alert watch that notifies four people as well as 911. Someone speaks from the watch and asks if I am OK. I can just cancel the call if I accidentally press the button. Now that my husband has passed away, I’m glad I have it. It can be placed in the shower, too. — Mary F., via email

STAPLE REMOVER USE

Dear Heloise: I use a staple remover (the kind that is similar to a screwdriver but wider) to pry open the lids of refrigerator storage containers. — Margaret, in La Mirada, California

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com