If you avoid wearing dark colors when you go out to parties for fear of dandruff, then maybe it’s time for you to deal with this problem rather than find alternatives to hide it. In this article, we are going to inform you about the causes, symptoms and home remedies to treat dandruff.
Now, let’s quickly get down to business and show the way to a dandruff-free scalp!
What is dandruff?
First, let’s get your basics straight on Dandruff! It is a scalp condition characterized by the appearance of skin scales. You might also feel itchy.
Almost everyone has dandruff at some point in their life, but it’s most common from teens through their 40s.
Speaking of causes, they can be many. From seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reactions, psoriasis and eczema. Several other factors increase the risk of developing dandruff, including your age, weather conditions, stress levels, medical conditions, and even your choice of hair products.
You might be surprised to know that poor hygiene isn’t a factor, but the flakes might be more noticeable if a person doesn’t wash or brush their hair often. People often feel self-conscious about dandruff, but help is available.
How does dandruff form and is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff often begins in adolescence when your hormones begin to change causing you to produce more scalp oils. causing dandruff Malassezia sprout to thrive. But it can also happen at other times when your hormones are changing, such as in old age or during a time when you’re under any kind of stress.
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes the skin to peel. It is neither contagious nor dangerous. However, it can be humiliating and difficult to deal with. Light dandruff can be treated with gentle washing regularly.
Some factors that can directly affect dandruff on your hair are mentioned below.
1) Age –
Dandruff usually begins in early adolescence and continues into middle age.
2) To be a man –
Some experts believe that male hormones may be one of the main causes of dandruff because more men have dandruff.
3) Certain diseases –
Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system could also be one of the many causes of dandruff. Your weakened immune system could also make you more susceptible to dandruff.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
There are different ways to identify hair dandruff. One of the most common ways to detect dandruff in your hair is to look for the symptoms. You can read on to find out some common symptoms of dandruff.-
1. Flakes:
Visible flakes are the most common symptom of dandruff. These are excessive scalp skin cells that shed from your scalp due to your sensitivity to oleic acid. Dead skin cells accumulate in clumps to create visible white and reddish flakes of dandruff.
2. Itching:
Whenever you see someone scratching their head, it can only mean two things. Either they are deep in thought or they are simply suffering from the problem of dandruff. In most cases, the latter is true. All the buildup on your scalp creates discomfort and itchiness.
3. Drought:
Just like the skin on any other part of your body, the skin on your scalp can also be dry. Dandruff often breaks down the essential moisture-holding barrier which causes the skin to dry out too quickly and the scalp’s natural oils to leak and dry out.
4. Redness:
Sheer irritation of your skin and possibly regular scratching of the skin can cause redness and irritation on your scalp. It is also a sign that confirms that you are having a dandruff problem.
Can dandruff cause hair loss?
Many people wonder if dandruff can cause hair loss. Well, dermatologists consider the problem of seborrheic dermatitis as the usual cause of dandruff. This condition is an inflammatory skin condition usually caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia.
This skin disorder can erupt with tension, changes in environment, and medical issues. Over time, inflammation can damage your hair follicles, causing hair to transition prematurely from the growth phase to the telogen phase, the phase when the hair follicles rest and your hair falls out.
Prompt treatment for dandruff can be a big help. If this treatment does not work, it may be because something else is causing the hair loss problem in you.
How to get rid of dandruff at home?
We have mentioned some amazing methods by which you can get rid of dandruff at home!
Wash your hair with vinegar
Vinegar is very effective against dandruff. If you want to get rid of existing dandruff, you can simply mix an equal amount of vinegar with water to wash your hair. However, this will not fix your problem permanently unless you work on the steps given below.
Use neem leaves
In Asian countries, neem leaves are commonly used to treat scalp disorders such as itching, lice, and dandruff. These leaves are known for their antiseptic qualities and can moisturize your hair and scalp.
Once you have these leaves, you can mash them together in a bowl to create a paste, then add water to make the paste slightly runny. Apply this paste to your hair and scalp before rinsing with lukewarm water.
You should repeat this process at least four times a week for best results.
An alternative is to place neem leaves in boiling water for about half an hour and then strain all the water to wash your hair with.
Try Lemon Treatments
Lemon seems to be a kind of natural cleanser, which removes dandruff, excess oil and dirt from your scalp. You can simply take two lemons and then squeeze them to extract the juice. Now you can add two parts water to one part lemon juice and apply it on your scalp.
You must wash your scalp with your shampoo after about 5 minutes to see a clean, dandruff-free scalp.
A mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice can also work wonders for your hair and scalp. You should mix 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 4 tbsp of coconut oil in a bowl and then apply this mixture on your hair using your fingers.
After applying the mixture all over your head, you should wait about 30 minutes before rinsing it off with shampoo and lukewarm water.
You can also create a honey and lemon shampoo at home to get rid of dandruff. You will need to take 5 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of lemon juice in a bowl and mix them well before using the mixture to thoroughly wash your scalp and hair.
Mixture of egg whites and plain yogurt
Egg and plain yogurt contain essential nutrients needed for healthy scalp and hair. Since you may be lacking these nutrients in your diet, you can create a mixture of egg white and plain yogurt to make up for them.
You can mix one egg white with 2 cups of yogurt and carefully apply the paste to your hair and scalp. Now, you should keep it on for at least 15 minutes before washing your hair with cold water, and then you will notice the difference.
Aloe Vera Gel
Several of the natural properties of Aloe Vera could benefit your hair and scalp. Aloe vera gel not only soothes your skin but also has important antibacterial properties to fight fungal infections. Simply apply Aloe Vera gel to your hands, rub them together, then massage your scalp and hair. Now you should let it sit for about half an hour before washing it off for the best results.
Apple juice and honey
Just like honey and lemon, apple juice and honey is also a good combination and remedy for dandruff. A paste can be made by combining two teaspoons of apple juice with five tablespoons of honey. Rub the paste into your hair and scalp and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing it off.
How to use an anti-dandruff shampoo
You might hear people tell you that dandruff shampoos are mere marketing stunts, but that’s not always the case. Several shampoos are known to reduce dandruff and hair loss.
You should generally wash your hair twice a week with lukewarm water and a dandruff shampoo. After some time, you should dry your hair before brushing it lightly to remove the remains of flakes. We highly recommend the best dandruff shampoo in India which is available online by GHC in the online market.
If you follow this routine, your hair should stay dandruff-free for at least 2 days.
How to prevent hair loss?
Here is some home remedies for hair loss:
1) Oil your scalp regularly:
Our elders swear by oil to keep our hair healthy and shiny, choose a hair oil that suits your scalp and won’t puff up hair loss further. Oiling seems like an easy task, but trust us, you need to deeply nourish your scalp with a good massage which will eventually help blood circulation.
2) Use of Aloe Vera on the head:
Aloe vera is a beautiful holy grail that is equally effective for our hair. Aloe vera contains antioxidants which are helpful if you have dandruff. Aloe vera has soothing properties and is good for cleaning oil from our scalp.
3) Onion juice for hair:
One of the most effective and powerful things you can use during extreme hair is onion juice. All you have to do is mix and extract the juice from the onions and apply it on your scalp in a circular motion, leave it on for about 20-25 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo soft.
4) Fenugreek:
You can soak the fenugreek overnight then eat them in the morning on an empty stomach or you can boil the fenugreek in a cup of water and drink it, if you don’t want to eat or drink you can soak them overnight and make it into a paste and apply it on your scalp for an hour or more. Fenugreek is a magic herb that promotes hair growth and helps repair damaged and weak hair follicles.
Carry
All the tips we mentioned above in the article are effective for most people if used correctly and regularly, if your case of dandruff is severe and does not improve even after using these methods to get rid of it, we suggest you consult a dermatologist.
If you want to buy dermatologist-recommended products like minoxidil, phi-nasteride, biotin and more, you can visit our Mars by GHC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can dandruff last?
Dandruff lasts for several weeks.
2. Should I wash my hair daily if I have dandruff?
Yes, wash your hair daily and alternate anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week.
3. Does hot water cause dandruff?
Yes, regularly washing your hair with hot water can also cause dry skin and dandruff.
References:
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Stephanie S. Gardner, MD, July 26 – WebMD, Dandruff: learn the basics
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dandruff remedies – WebMD
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Javad Nematian, Mehrdad Ravaghi, Ali Gholamrezanezhad, Edwin Nematian, 2006
Increased hair loss may be associated with the presence of Pityrosporum ovale