Dandruff is a common problem resulting in the flaking of the skin on your scalp. Dandruff can be caused by having a dry scalp or due to various skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or a yeast-like fungus known as malassezia.
Common drugstore cures include shampoos containing antifungal zinc pyrithione, ketaconazole, or coal tar and selenium sulfide which slow down the growth and expiration cycle of skin cells on the scalp
What Causes a Dry Scalp?
There are many itchy, dry scalp causes, from dehydration to cold weather, product build-up, and allergies and other skin conditions. It’s good to start by trying to work out what might be causing your dry scalp.
If you are sure that your flakes aren’t caused by dandruff (see the section below to understand the difference!), then your dry scalp could be caused by a lack of moisture, product build-up, an allergy or a medical skin condition. One of the most common and easily solvable reasons is when your scalp loses too much moisture.
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp
A dry scalp doesn’t necessarily mean dandruff. Both can cause the dreaded flakes, but dandruff is actually an oily skin condition. It can be caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, or an individual's sensitivity to the yeast and an excess of oil. Dandruff can be triggered by hormones and genetics too.
If you are suffering from a dry scalp condition it can feel like having dry skin, your scalp will feel tight and possibly itchy, and your hair may feel dry and brittle too. Dry scalp and dandruff are two different hair concerns that require separate treatment. If you think it’s dandruff, it’s a good idea to select a good anti-dandruff shampoo. If in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional trichologist for advice.
Tea tree oil
Tea oil plays a significant role in reducing Dandruff Research shows that just 5 percent of tea oil in shampoos improves the severity of dandruff to a great extent. You can even add a little tea oil to your regular shampoo.
Baking soda
Another interesting and convenient home remedy for dandruff is baking soda. While showering, apply some baking soda to your wet scalp and then rinse immediately afterward. There is no need for shampoo. Baking soda has properties that reduce the dandruff-causing fungi in the scalp. Once the scalp starts producing its natural oils, the hair becomes soft, healthy, and free of flakes.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has very acidic properties that make it harder for yeast to grow on your scalp by changing pH levels. Apply a spritz of apple cider vinegar mixed with water to your hair. Then, cover your head and let it sit for up for an hour before washing it off.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a traditional remedy for dandruff. Apply a few tablespoons of coconut oil and let it sit for up to an hour. You can have a regular shampoo bath after that.
Lemon
Lemon also provides relief from dandruff due to its acidity that helps in maintaining the pH levels of your scalp and reducing dandruff. Rinse your hair with a mixture of lemon juice and water before taking a shower. This will contribute towards lowering your dandruff.
Salt
Salt is great for scrubbing the dandruff flakes out of your scalp before shampooing. The dry, flaky skin is removed and the shampoo can reach down into your scalp.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has a cooling effect that helps reduce dandruff induced irritation and itching.
Garlic
Garlic is useful for killing the dandruff-causing bacteria. Mix crushed garlic with honey and apply it to your scalp before a shower.
Olive oil
Olive oil should be applied overnight onto the scalp, after which you can follow a regular shampoo in the morning. There are also some shampoos that contain olive oil, and these can be quite useful.
Dandruff is not contagious or dangerous. However, it can be an embarrassing and persistent condition if not treated properly. Luckily, as you can see, remedies for dandruff are not too difficult to come by and are in fact available in your own home. Try them and note the difference in your scalp.
Ingredients to look out for in your shampoo
Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
Ketoconazole: An effective anti-fungal. Shampoos containing this ingredient can be used at any age.
Selenium sulfide: This reduces the production of natural oils by glands in the scalp. It is effective at treating dandruff.
Zinc pyrithione: This slows down the growth of yeast.
Coal tar: This has a natural anti-fungal agent. Dyed or treated hair may become stained by long-term usage. Tar soaps may also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when outside. Coal tar can also becarcinogenic in high doses.
Salicylic acids: These help the scalp get rid of skin cells. They do not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many “scalp scrubs” contain salicylic acids. Treatment can sometimes leave the scalp dry and make skin flaking worse.
Tea-tree oil: Derived from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), many shampoos now include this ingredient. It has long been used as an anti-fungal, an antibiotic, and an antiseptic. Some people are allergic to it.
The best strategy is to select a shampoo containing one of these ingredients and shampoo the hair every day until the dandruff is under control. After this, they can be used less frequently Alternating dandruff shampoo with regular shampoo may help. A specific shampoo may stop being as effective after some time. At this point, it may be a good idea to switch to one with another ingredient.
Some shampoos should be left on the scalp for around 5 minutes, as rinsing too quickly will not give the ingredient time to work. Others should be rinsed at once. Users should follow the instructions on the container.
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