Dandruff is a condition that makes us more annoying than any other physical ailment. You can easily identify it by having flakes on your pillow or dress as evidence. Another annoying consequence of dandruff is itching. So, with that in mind, we’ll find out how to get rid of persistent dandruff.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Dandruff?
The most common symptom is white flakes in your hair and itching. Sometimes you can see them on your shoulder and it gets worse in fall and winter. It gets worse due to the dryness in these seasons.
Why Does Dandruff Happen?
Pointing out the exact reasons for dandruff is not too easy. However, there are some factors that can be blamed:
- Oily scalp.
- Insufficient hair wash schedule. This causes the accumulation of skin cells, creates flakes, and itching.
- A yeast called malassezia causes dandruff. It aggravates your scalp and increases the growth of cells.
- Contact dermatitis can be caused by different personal care products. It makes your scalp red and itchy.
The issue of dandruff is more common in males than females. People with oily skin or experiencing certain diseases like HIV are at a high risk of it. It might possible that you experience symptoms around puberty. But there is no specific age group when it comes to dandruff.
How To Treat Dandruff?
If we say that dandruff is harmful then it is not true. But still, it is important to get rid of persistent dandruff. Because dandruff on your shoulder will decrease your self-esteem.
Even though dandruff is not a direct cause of hair loss, but itching is. Nobody wants to have dandruff in their hair. Everyone almost asks each other or searches about the remedies of dandruff.
Because it has now become a global issue, it is critical to discuss potential solutions. There are medicated, lifestyle, home, and natural remedies for dandruff.
Natural Treatment Options For Dandruff?
Coconut Oil:
It is very famous for its various benefits and it is also an effective remedy for dandruff. It improves the hydration level of the dry scalp. A dry scalp can make dandruff issues worse.
A study of 34 people showed that coconut is as effective in improving skin hydration as mineral oil. The application of coconut for eight weeks reduces symptoms of dandruff by 68%. But minerals oil reduces symptoms by only 38%.
The coconut oil and its compounds proved to have microbial properties during some test-tube studies. It is not yet tested on the stains of fungus which cause dandruff.
To get an idea of what essential oil works where, see a beginner’s guide to essential oils.
Tea Tree Oil:
It has been demonstrated that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in the elimination of dandruff. According to one study, tea tree oil is very effective against the fungus strains that cause dandruff.
A four-week study is conducted on 126 people to study the effects of tree oil on dandruff. A shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil is used in this research. As a result, tea tree oil decreased the severity of the symptoms by 41%.
Aloe Vera:
It is considered beneficial in the treatment of dandruff. On the market, it is commonly available in the form of a gel. Some people also keep plants of aloe vera at home.
A test-tube study conducted shows that aloe vera is effective again some anti-fungal species. So, it may help in treating fungal infections of the scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
The use of apple cider vinegar has been linked to several health benefits. One of the health benefits is that it is effective at removing dandruff. The acidity of the vinegar aids in the removal of dead skin cells from the scalp. This is also useful in managing the pH of the skin. By managing pH, the risk of dandruff can be reduced.
But there are no specific proof which we can use to prove it effective against dandruff. There is just a test tube study that shows that apple cider vinegar is capable of preventing a certain type of fungus. If you want to test the effectiveness of vinegar add one spoon to your shampoo. You can also mix it with other oils or spray it directly on your hair.
Home Remedies For Dandruff:
Use of Aspirin:
Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is an anti-fungal element. A study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid is as effective as medication for dermatitis and dandruff.
Baking Soda:
It is the most convenient and widely available dandruff treatment. Baking soda known as a gentle exfoliation agent. It removes dead skin cells, reduced scaling, and itching.
A test-tube study is conducted to see the effect of baking soda on a common strain of fungus. The strains of fungus cause skin infection. The baking soda showed impressive results. It inhibits the fungal growth in 79% of specimens after 7 days. Here’s a simple way to apply baking soda:
- Directly apply baking soda to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes. Then shampoo your hair as usual.
Brush Your Hair
It is a quick way to get rid of dandruff and itching. Brushing removes dead cells of the scalp. It also takes white flakes off the scalp. It stimulates the scalp and brings more circulation to the area. There is no doubt that it has the potential to change your life in a matter of minutes.
Lifestyle Remedies For Dandruff:
Reduce Your Stress Level:
There is no doubt that stress can damage your health in many ways. It can induce chronic health conditions to worse mental health. So, how can you expect it won’t affect your hair. Stress is not the main cause of a fungal infection. It can stimulate symptoms like itching and dryness a prolonged period of high stress can impair immune system activity.
Your weak immune system gets failed in fighting against the fungus infection which causes dandruff. A study of 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, a common cause of dandruff, was conducted. The results revealed that the majority of episodes of dermatitis were due to a stressful life. So, it is very important to keep the stress level under control.
Try some stress-reducing technique not just for dandruff. Your mental well-being and health are also important. The stress reduction techniques can be meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and aromatherapy.
Healthy Diet:
Sometimes your unhealthy diet can be a cause of dandruff. So, develop a habit of taking healthy food instead of fatty food. Eat a diet having zinc, vitamin b, and certain fats which prevent dandruff.
Exposure to a Little Sun:
Sunlight can be a good source of preventing dandruff. Exposure to sunlight doesn’t mean sunbath. Excessive sun exposure can damage your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Spend a little time outdoors with open hair. Make sure to use sunscreen on your face and body.
A Routine of Shampoo:
For an oily scalp, daily shampoo can prevent dandruff. To remove flakes, gently massage your scalp. You might want to avoid cocamidopropyl betaine among other ingredients to avoid in a shampoo.
Use Less Hair Styling And Hair Dye Products:
Hairstyling products can cover your hair and scalp. This makes your scalp oily. Hair dye also plays a part in disrupting your hair’s natural oils. Worst case scenario, hair dye can cause hair loss.
Medical Remedies Of Dandruff:
Let’s now have a look at some medicated solution of getting rid of dandruff.
Shampoos Having Pyrithione Zinc:
This element is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This proves it an effective remedy against persistent dandruff.
Shampoos Having Tar:
Coal tar slows down the drying process of the skin cells and removes flakes. This shampoo may cause discoloration if you have light-colored hair.
Shampoo Having Selenium Sulfide:
These kinds of shampoos contain anti-fungal agents. Use this shampoo as directed by your physician. After usage rinses it thoroughly. This shampoo may cause hair and scalp discoloration.
Shampoos Having Ketoconazole:
This shampoo kills the fungus that causes dandruff. You can access it from any medical store on your own or by prescription.
Healthy and shiny hair is always a dream of both men and women. The common enemy of this dream is dandruff. Now that we know about the remedies it is possible to live this dream again.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, it is one of the most aggravating problems. People all over the world are tired of it. There are plenty of remedies discussed above that can reduce symptoms. Next time whenever you spot white flakes, give a try to any of those remedies. Research has proven the effectiveness of some remedies.
