There’s nothing as embarrassing as scratching an itchy scalp with falling white scales on your outfit in public. It’s enough that you have to deal with curly weaves, and greasy or straight hair. Dealing with flakiness and irritated scalp is a hair issue no one wants to experience. Dandruff affects over 50% of the total population and if you’re looking to get rid of dandruff, you’ll find this guide helpful.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common hair condition that causes flakiness, itchy scalp and dryness. Some underlying causes of dandruff include seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, fungal infection, sensitivity to hair products, etc. Dandruff may occur at the first three months of life, puberty and adulthood. Babies develop dandruff, also called cradle cap, at infancy. The severity of dandruff vary from one person to another. While some cases are less severe and easy to treat, others may require specialized dandruff treatments.
What are the signs of dandruff?
An itchy scalp is a major indication that you have dandruff. Your scalp can also get irritated or dry. You may see some red or greasy patches on your skin as well. In rare cases, dandruff can lead to a swollen or inflamed scalp. If this happens, consult a medical practitioner.
How to manage dandruff
Below are some tips and home remedies that prove effective against dandruff.
1) Change your diet
Based on studies, there are claims that poor nutrition can lead to dandruff. It’s believed that foods that cause acne can worsen dandruff. If you’re dandruff-prone, you should avoid consuming sugary foods. Omega-3 fatty acids play a huge role in scalp health. Fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids; thus, incorporate these foods into your diet. A deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids can make your hair and skin dry. It can also result in dandruff.
2) Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar offers various health benefits, from regulating blood sugar to supporting weight management. Furthermore, it is used as a base for many products and a natural remedy for dandruff. Vinegar helps shed dead skin cells on the scalp while regulating the pH of the skin and preventing dandruff. Add apple cider vinegar ( half cup) to one and a half cups of water. After shampooing, add the mixture to the hair and rinse out.
3) Try tea tree oil
Here’s another remedy for flaking, tea tree oil. Besides its use for acne and psoriasis, tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which prove effective against dandruff. The oil fights fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. A study shows that tea tree oil reduces itchiness and greasiness. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to use the oil with caution as it can cause irritation. Thus, dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before using it.
4) Use the right shampoo
Many experts recommend using the right shampoo as the most effective and quick means to get rid of dandruff. You might want to opt for a product with zinc or sulphur as they’re active ingredients that work for an itchy scalp. Consider shampooing often to reduce oil on your scalp. Apply shampoo on the hair and massage it into the scalp for deep penetration. Let it stay for about 5 minutes or as directed. Ensure you rinse thoroughly, so there’s no shampoo left on your hair.
5) Minimize stress
Stress has a debilitating effect on overall health and well-being. It can affect every part of the body if it’s not checked. Though stress may not directly cause dandruff, it can exacerbate dryness and itching. Increased stress levels can influence immune response, reducing immunity and the capacity to combat fungal agents responsible for dandruff. Adopt stress management techniques like yoga, deep breathing and medication.
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6) Use baking soda
A kitchen staple, baking soda is an easy, quick, and popular remedy for dandruff. The compound acts as an exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells while reducing scaling and itches. Baking soda has antifungal qualities; hence it controls the growth of fungus. You can add baking soda to your shampoo for great results. Moisten your hair, apply baking soda and massage deeply. Allow it to stay for a minute or two before shampooing.
7) Consume more probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. These bacteria are proven to control flakiness and itching. They also control yeast growth and treat dandruff. Other benefits of probiotics include improved immunity, low cholesterol levels, increased weight loss, etc.
8) Use coconut oil
The all-inclusive skincare product resolves dry skin conditions like eczema and dandruff. You can use products that contain coconut oil for skin hydration. Apply coconut oil directly to the scalp and massage every area so the oil is evenly spread across the hair. Leave it on for some minutes before washing it off to prevent oil or grease buildup in the hair. Starting from the base, comb out your hair to remove flakes.
9) Apply aloe vera
From soothing burns to wound healing and relieving inflammation, aloe vera does wonders to the body. Whether in its raw form, gel, or ointment, aloe vera prevents dryness and adds moisture to the hair. You can use aloe vera juice or a product containing aloe vera.
10) Add garlic to your hair care routine
While garlic has a pungent smell, we can’t overlook its medicinal benefits. For its triple action effects, garlic works as an antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial product. For dandruff, crushed garlic is a better option. Grind about 2 garlic cloves, mix with water and apply to the scalp for immediate results. If the smell repels you, consider adding little drops of honey to garlic.
11) Use salicylic acid
Salicylic acid, a major ingredient in aspirin, has anti-inflammatory properties for soothing aches and inflammation. The acid tackles scaly skin and reduces the bond between flakes for quick removal. Besides aspirin, anti-dandruff shampoos contain salicylic acid as well. Pound two tablets of aspirin and add to your shampoo.
While dandruff is quite worrisome, there are natural remedies that work to alleviate symptoms. Are you spotting flakes on your scalp? Consider the above-listed ways to combat dandruff.
