vrushangshah93@gmail.com Dandruff is a common skin condition of the scalp where dead skin cells shed faster than normal, showing up as white or yellow flakes on your scalp, hair, or shoulders characterized by mild itchiness, flaking and sometimes redness.
It’s not dangerous or contagious but a very common scalp issue which can be solved with simple home remedies.
In this blog we will discuss the root cause of dandruff and a few simple though effective home remedies that can help to reduce dandruff, itchiness and redness in the scalp.
Causes of dandruff:
These are a few common causes of occurring dandruff in the scalp.
Dry Scalp
Dry scalp is one of the reasons for dandruff and itchy scalp. When your scalp is too dry, skin flakes off easily forming small white flakes.
Dandruff is a common problem in cold weather where cold dry air dries out the scalp that stops the scalp from producing natural oil which makes the scalp dry and itchy.
Sometimes taking hot showers frequently can be one of the reasons for dry scalp which leads to dandruff.
Fungal Infection
Malassezia fungus is a natural fungus on the scalp, its overgrowth is the reason for dandruff and itchy scalp. Its overgrowth leads to itching, inflammation and large yellowish flakes.
Poor Hair Hygiene
Hygiene plays a vital role. As we know we should wash our hair atleast twice in a week. Infrequent washing leads to occurrence of oil, sweat and dirt in the scalp and causing dandruff.
Stress
A fasted lifestyle invites stress which is a common cause of dandruff. Stress makes our immune system weak, which increases inflammation. Existing dandruff spreads more and more in the scalp and makes it worse.
Hair Products
Shampoos, conditioners, dyes, and hair styling products are a few of the reasons for causing dandruff. If shampoos or conditioners are not washed out properly can irritate the scalp and lead to dandruff and itchy scalp.
Oily scalp
In the summers our scalp becomes too oily which leads to excess oil and sebum which feeds yeast called malassezia. The yeast makes the scalp itchy and irritating causing dandruff.
Diet and Lifestyle
Lack of essential vitamins and nutrients like zinc, vitamin B, omega 3 are reasons for dandruff. Dehydration is also a major cause of dry scalp. Improper sleep pattern causes distress in the body leading to scalp issues. Chemical base hair products also cause dandruff.
Home Remedies to Cure Dandruff:
1. Lemon juice with coconut oil
Lemon juice with coconut oil works best to cure dandruff and itchy scalp. Lemon juice is an antiseptic, natural exfoliant and acidic in nature which helps reduce fungus and fight dandruff.
It also helps remove excess oil and flakes from the scalp. Coconut oil has mild antifungal properties and it also moisturizes dry scalp. Both these combinations work best as lemon alone can dry or irritate the itchy scalp.
-How to use:
Do not use it on a broken or irritated scalp.
- Slightly warm one to two tablespoons of coconut oil
- Add ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Massage gently into the scalp
- Keep it for 15-20 minutes
- Wash off hair with mild shampoo
- Use it once a week
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera helps fight dandruff and itchy scalp as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It soothes itchy and dry scalp and provides moisture to the scalp. It also supports healthier scalp by maintaining pH balance and hydration into your scalp.
-How to use:
- Take fresh aloe vera gel (best if taken from the plant)
- Apply into your scalp and massage gently
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse with mild shampoo
3. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are best to fight dandruff and itchy scalp. It has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties which helps reduce dryness and calm irritated and itchy scalp.
-How to use:
- Take 2 table spoon fenugreek seeds (soak it overnight)
- Grind it adding water to a smooth paste
- Apply to scalp
- Leave it 30-40 minutes
- Rinse with mild shampoo
- Apply it once a week
You can also apply fenugreek paste mixed with curd. It will help your scalp to get moisturized and helps reduce dandruff and itchy scalp.
4. Curd
Curd can help with dandruff issues as it contains probiotics and lactic acid which helps moisturizing and exfoliating dry and itchy scalp. Simply apply curd on your scalp, leave it for 20-30 minutes and rinse off it with lukewarm water and mild shampoo. You can apply for it once a week.
So these were few of the best and useful home remedies you can use and can get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.
Useful tips to follow:
– Maintain a balanced diet by including essential and vital vitamins and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B etc.
– Follow a healthy lifestyle by doing yoga and exercises. Take the proper amount of sleep and try to improve your sleep pattern.
– Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
– Use the right hair products which are not harsh and free from any chemicals and avoid using heating tools or any hair styling agents.
– Manage your stress by doing meditation, yoga, walking in nature or any relaxing techniques.
– maintain hair hygiene properly by washing it twice or thrice in a week.
– Always use moisturizing shampoo to prevent drying of hair.
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