Dandruff is a skin condition that produces white flakes on the scalp. It’s pretty difficult to hide and affects about 50% of the adult world population. If you or someone you know suffers from some form of dandruff, it is important to know what causes it, and – most importantly – that it can be controlled.
One of the most common problems with skin on your head is dandruff, for which the symptoms are itchy scalp and flaky skin. It occurs because of the massive clearance of dead skin cells from the scalp, which occurs due to the rapid renewal of the epidermis: instead of the average 28 days in healthy skin, this process – in those who are affected with dandruff – lasts half as long.
Anti-dandruff products slow the cycle of cell regeneration, eliminate dry dandruff, clean the skull and ease the itching. When choosing a shampoo you should look for the one that fits your hair type. After washing your hair, comb it to evenly distribute the natural oils from the skin. Even the increase in stress can increase the amount of dandruff on your hair. If you want to solve dandruff problem naturally, there are various recipes that can help.
Types and causes of dandruff
Dandruff occurs in two forms. Oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis occurs when greasy yellow flakes form on the scalp and are sticking to the head and hair. Dry dandruff occurs when there are dry white flakes forming on the head, and are falling from the scalp and hair onto the shoulders. Other symptoms may include itching, redness and oily or dry scalp. Dandruff is also an aesthetic problem, because it is not pleasant to have your shoulders constantly covered with white flakes.
Dry skin
Dandruff caused by a dry scalp is the most common case. Especially during the winter days when you wash your hair with warm water, this is the biggest reason why your scalp becomes dry.
Greasy hair
The next common cause is the accumulation of oils from your scalp. Improper and irregular shampooing is often the cause of this condition. If your hair and scalp are not clean then the natural oil blends in with the dirt and dead skin cells, and dandruff occurs.
Fungal dandruff
The fungus are found naturally on your scalp. Of course, they have limited growth. But too much oil in the scalp serves them as food and they can grow too much. The fungus produces oleic acid, and it increases the number of dead cells that cause dandruff.
Dandruff due to illness
Severe diseases can create infections related to the skin. For example, psoriasis causes excessive production of skin cells on the skin. Because of it, the skin starts to peel. When they are combined with dirt, dandruff occurs. Eczema also causes unpleasant itching of the skin. Of course, it would be a good idea to visit a specialist, but you can try out some home remedies. They are the healthiest, do not contain any chemicals and you know what you put on your head.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many applications in medicine, primarily it has a positive effects on skin and hair. In combination with water, vinegar gives fantastic results against dandruff. The point is that the normal pH level of hair is slightly acidic, and apple cider vinegar is acidic and as such suits our hair and scalp.
Method:
• You should mix 1 dl of apple cider vinegar with 1 liter of water.
• Then use this liquid to wash out your hair at the end of the showering.
Your hair will become soft and shiny and dandruff will disappear. Also, vinegar prevents the growth of fungus which is believed to cause dandruff.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice, besides all other medicinal properties, is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff. Lemon also prevents your hair from getting greasy. The acid in lemon favors hair acidity, similar to vinegar. Lemon is also an effective tool for cleaning and killing microorganisms that damage the scalp.
Method:
• First step is to mix lemon juice with water.
• Then rub it into the wet hair.
• After rubbing it, wash it off.
• You can also use lemon peel and rub it into the scalp.
Castor oil
Castor oil is an effective tool against fungi and bacteria, it is used for dry and damaged skin. That’s why castor oil has found its application as a natural remedy to combat dandruff. What is important to emphasize, is that a few drops of castor oil should be rubbed into wet scalp before shampooing, and not after, nor when it is dry. The reason for it is that castor oil attracts moisture, so its effect is more effective on wet hair and scalp. Castor oil also contains valuable fatty acids, which help in the fight against dandruff. Also, castor oil contains a substance called ricin, which acts against fungi that cause dandruff, it also prevents irritation of the scalp. Castor oil is a great natural conditioner for your hair. Over time you will notice that dandruff is slowly disappearing, and the hair is becoming softer and brighter.
Method:
• Wash your hair using only water.
• Rub a few drops of castor oil into wet scalp.
• Leave it for 15 minutes.
• Wash your hair normally.
Olive oil
Olive oil also has quite a lot of medicinal properties, and among other things, it is used as a natural remedy for dandruff. Olive oil affects the excess sebum on the scalp by reducing its secretion, and thus prevents the appearance of dandruff. The effect will be stronger if you combine it with the lemon juice.
Method:
• Rub olive oil into the scalp at bedtime.
• Let it sit overnight.
• In the morning wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Baking soda
Baking soda nurtures hair by washing away dirt and oil from the hair and scalp. Baking soda soothes the scalp, it makes it produce less sebum and therefore helps solve the problem of dandruff and greasy hair. Your hair becomes clean, soft and healthy. There was also evidence that baking soda prevents hair loss, which represents a real nightmare for many.
Method:
• Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water.
• Rub it into the scalp.
• Rinse the hair. You can also add a little baking soda to the shampoo that you normally use.
Prevention and tips
If you want to prevent dandruff, you need to prevent skin irritations caused by the hard brush, blow drying with too hot air, or washing the hair with too hot water. If you already have dandruff, you should not expose your head to harmful influences no more. Scalp is harmed the most by chemicals such as gels, varnishes and paints because they are used very often.
Tips to get rid of dandruff:
1. Shampooing your hair regularly can keep your hair and scalp healthy.
2. Spending more time in the sun can have a positive impact on your scalp.
3. Eating foods or drinking juices that contain zinc and B vitamins can prevent fungi that are causing dandruff.
4. Avoid getting stressed because stress can cause the appearing of dandruff.
5. Don’t use hair gels, hair wax or hairspray because they can cause building up of oil on your head, which can lead to development of dandruff.
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