Dandruff is a condition in which white scales of dead skin are shed by the scalp. It is associated with itching. When an affected person tries to scratch his head due to itchiness, white flakes will drop off. This is very embarrassing if you have this condition.
You cannot wear dark clothes because the dandruff is often noticeable on them. You cannot get close to people because you are afraid you will be laughed at due to your pestering white flakes. There are actually easy ways to get rid of dandruff.
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Seeing a hair expert is worthwhile because he can do professional methods to treat your condition. However, there is a drawback and that is about money. It costs you sums of dollars to spend on the treatment.
Home remedies for dandruff are the last resort you can do. While they are inexpensive, they can be effective for eliminating white pieces of dead skin on scalp. Before getting to know what the home remedies are, it is crucial to be aware of the causes first.
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is also called as pityriasis simplex capillitii or scurf. Many experts said that this condition is not caused by poor hygiene, as others believe it is. It cannot be treated by simply washing your hair as often as you want.
It is accompanied by other conditions, such as your lifestyle or your diet. They said that if you do not eat foods rich in all sorts of fats, B vitamins, and zinc, you can get dandruff. Other causes are:
· Mental stress. If you are stressed out and have skin problems, you are prone to dandruff.
· Not using shampoo. It depends on how accustomed you are to a specific shampoo. If you are not used to it, even if it is for dandruff, your condition will never be treated. Choose a shampoo that suits your scalp and hair.
· Oily, irritated skin (seborrheic dermatitis). People who have oily and sensitive skin are more prone to scurf. Usually the skin looks greasy and red with white flakes on the surface. Learn how to get rid of greasy or oily hairs.
· Dry skin. People with dry skin can also get dandruff especially in the winter. More often than not, using a heater in a cool atmosphere is the common cause of getting the condition. The white flakes are not oily but dry.
· Yeast. If you are sensitive to yeast, you can have scurf. The condition gets better in warmer season and gets worse in cooler seasons, such as during winter.
· Not combing or brushing hair. Combing or brushing your hair can help in treating dandruff. You will encourage more shedding of the skin as you comb or brush and thus prevent dandruff.
· Adverse reactions to skin care or hair care products. You may not know this but some of your hair or skin care products could contribute to the growth of white flakes.
12 Home Remedies To Get Rid of Dandruff
Now you already know the causes of the dandruff. It is now time for you to know how to get rid of it by following some home remedies, which is inexpensive and easy to do.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is considered a mild exfoliant that can eliminate dead skin cells and ward off excess oil. Excessive oil is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis causing dandruff. Baking soda can absorb excess oil and aid in balancing pH levels on your scalp. What’s more, it reduces the proliferation of fungi.
· Use the product for exfoliation
Prepare a handful of baking soda before taking a bath. Once you wash your hair, use the product as a shampoo. Rub it thoroughly and rinse after few minutes. Do not shampoo hair. Do this regimen twice a week for a month or so until it improves.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an efficacious natural moisturizer. So, if the scurf is caused by dryness, try olive oil to rejuvenate your hair’s natural moisture. It provides moisture on areas that are flaking off. When it hydrates the scaly areas on scalp, they will loosen and spread in a large piece instead of small scales.
· Extra virgin olive oil for an overnight hair massage
Heat an ample amount of olive oil until it gets warm. Let it cool before using and then massage it into your hair for a few minutes. Wrap it with a warm towel and leave it overnight. Wash and shampoo your hair the next morning. Do this few times a week.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has tremendous benefits for all conditions, including dandruff. It cleans clogged hair follicles and pores as well as restores the pH balance of the scalp. It also prevents the growth of yeast.
· Apple Cider Vinegar with tea tree oil for powerful dandruff removal
Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil and Apple Cider Vinegar into a bowl. Add a little amount of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly and then massage it onto your scalp for 30 minutes for better absorption. Afterwards, rinse your hair. Do this regimen thrice a week.
White Vinegar
Aside from Apple Cider Vinegar, you can also use white vinegar (if you do not have ACV at home). The acetic acid in white vinegar helps relieve itching and keeps off the proliferation of fungi on your scalp.
· Create a mixture with white vinegar and use it as a massage oil
Prepare two cups of water and a one-half cup of white vinegar. Mix the two thoroughly. After you shampoo your hair, use the mixture to rinse your hair.
Another way is to prepare three parts of water, two parts of white vinegar, and one part of olive oil. Massage your scalp with the mixture and rinse it after 10 minutes. Then shampoo your hair with a mild product. Follow this procedure twice a week.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antifungal properties, which are effective for eliminating dandruff caused by fungi. It also restores the moisture on your hair and relieves itching.
· Mix coconut oil with lemon juice to fight against fungi on scalp
Get a half amount of lemon juice and coconut oil. Mix them together and massage it onto your scalp for 20 minutes. Wash your hair with plain water (no shampoo). Follow this regimen twice or thrice a week.
Indian Lilac
Indian lilac, also known as neem, contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. With its powerful compounds, it can treat dandruff and other hair/scalp related problems, like hair fall, scalp acne, and itchy scalp.
· Create a decoction with Indian lilac
Boil a fistful of Indian lilac leaves with four cups of water. Let it cool and strain the leaves. Then use this decoction to rinse your hair twice or thrice a week.
Tea Tree Oil
Here, you will use tea tree oil alone. This essential oil contains antifungal properties that fight dandruff induced by fungi. It is also effective for treating any sorts of hair and scalp related issues.
· Adding drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo
You can add a few drops of the essential oil to your regular shampoo. You should add a drop of it per ounce of shampoo. Make sure you use it every day for better results.
You can also mix the oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil. Then apply it onto your scalp and leave it for about 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight. Wash your hair the next day. Follow this procedure once or twice a week.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can get rid of dandruff naturally. It has citric acid that eliminates dandruff from the root of your hair follicles. It also helps balance the pH level of your scalp, keeping white flakes at bay.
· Mix yogurt with the lemon juice
Squeeze the juice of a half lemon and add it to a one-quarter cup of yogurt, preferably plain. Apply it to your scalp and hair then leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse your hair and then use a mild shampoo. Then rinse it off again.
You can also use lemon juice without the yogurt. Simply massage your hair with few teaspoons of the juice mixed with a little amount of water. Leave it for about 5 minutes. Then rinse your hair thoroughly.
Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain nicotinic and protein that enhance hair growth. Dandruff can cause hair fall so it is imperative to prevent it at once. The lecithin in the seeds can also keep the scalp healthy and the hair well-nourished. All these prevent the occurrence of dry hair and scurf.
· Make a paste using fenugreek seeds and yogurt
Soak three tablespoons of the seeds in water overnight. Grind them to create a paste and add a little amount of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your head and leave it on for few hours. Rinse it thoroughly and shampoo your hair with mild product. Do this regimen twice a week.
Aspirin
Aspirin has salicylic acid that is known to treat white flakes on scalp. In fact, most hair products formulated for dandruff contain salicylic mixed with other ingredients. If you want to try pure salicylic, you can create your own with aspirin.
· Homemade dandruff treatment with aspirin
Get two aspirins and crush them to create a powder and mix it with a blot of shampoo. Shampoo your hair with the mixture and massage your scalp at the same time. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse it off thoroughly to get rid of the powder residue.
Also, you can crush three tablets and dissolve the powder into a tablespoon of any vinegar. Massage your scalp with it and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice or gel contains antimicrobial properties and plenty of nutrients that will kill fungi on scalp causing dandruff. It has the power to heal and nourish the scalp providing relief. It also moisturizes hair and treats itchiness. Inflammation brought about by scratching can also be treated with it.
· Squeeze aloe vera to get the juice for treating dandruff
It is more preferable if you use all-natural aloe vera plant. Make a juice by squeezing it and massage it onto your scalp before shampooing your hair. The smell is not pleasant but bearable. The cooling effects can relieve the itch.
Garlic
Containing microbial properties, garlic is perfect for decimating dandruff-causing bacteria. It is a natural antibiotic that can eliminate bacteria on scalp. The substance called “allicin” is responsible for killing fungi, candida (yeast), and all harmful microorganisms that cause dandruff infection.
· Crush garlic and massage it into scalp
Crush garlic cloves and massage it into your scalp for a few minutes so it will kill all bacteria. Rinse it thoroughly. Since it has an unpleasant smell, you can mix it with honey. Do this before taking a bath or washing your hair.
Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo For Men and Women
While there are varieties of shampoos on the market, it is important you will pick the one that has salicylic acid. However, not all anti-dandruff shampoos with the salicylic acid are effective for restoring the natural appearance of your hair.
In fact, the products can even cause dry hair because they are formulated with harsh chemicals, not only salicylic acid but also other ingredients.
Speaking of ingredients, there are active ones that you need to consider when choosing the best anti-dandruff shampoo. Make sure it has coal tar, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and tea tree oil.
These active ingredients mainly prevent dandruff from occurring and damaging your scalp.
But if you do not want to buy an anti-dandruff shampoo with harmful chemicals, you can choose the organic one. Organic shampoos often use pure tea tree oil mixed with extracts and other essential oils.
Despite all information stated, choosing the best anti-dandruff shampoo depends on what’s causing the pestering white flakes, the type of hair you have, and the ingredient that perfectly suits your condition.
Know what causes the dandruff first before treating it with any product. Do not use any product if you do not know what causes the scalp disorder to avoid worsening it.
Conclusion
Nearly all anti-dandruff shampoos contain harsh chemicals that will dry and damage your hair even more. Still, it depends on how suited your hair and scalp are to the product you use. Some shampoos suit the condition of your hair and others don’t. If it gets worse, stop using it and try the organic one.
If you want to be on a safer side, you can follow the 12 home remedies to get rid of dandruff. They are all-natural and easy to do. They may take a little while to take effect but they can do wonders for your scalp.
When you take a shower, ensure that you wash your hair very well so there will be no residue. Any residue left will cause more irritation and dandruff. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water every day to avoid getting scurf.
Did you know that anxiety and depression are linked to pityriasis simplex capillitii? If you think you are always depressed, stressed, or anxious, it might be the cause of the problem. Try to meditate, exercise, and take supplements to help you become enlivened and healthy. A healthy person will never experience scalp disorder.
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