DANDRUFF
Dandruff is a harmless, chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes dry or greasy and produces white flakes of dead skin that appear in the hair or on the shoulders. Thou it is harmless, it tends to be frustrating and embarrassing.
Usually, it starts between the ages of 10 and 20 and affects up to 40% of people over the age of 30.
Causes
Skin cells are formed continuously on the scalp, so the shedding of dead skin cells is a normal process. Sometimes with dandruff, however, skin cells shed at a faster rate than normal. Oil from the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together and appear as white flakes. Some of the causes are
- Dry skin: Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. “If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it’s easier to tell as other places of your body are most likely dry as well. And during cold months, skin becomes drier which is why people tend to notice more dandruff.
The remedy: moisturize your hair and keep it hydrated.
- You aren’t shampooing enough. While it sounds unhygienic, not shampooing enough could be the cause of your dandruff. “When you don’t shampoo enough, oil accumulates and builds up on the skin and can cause dandruff,”
The remedy: While the fix could be as simple as shampooing more frequently, you might need to take it one step further. Using a medicated over-the-counter shampoo a few times a week can help prevent any build-ups.
- You are allergic. From grass to peanuts, people are allergic to a wide variety of substances. Could an allergy to your hair care products be to blame for your flakes? It definitely can. If you notice any sort of scalp irritation such as itchiness or soreness after using a certain product, it could be because of a sensitivity you have.
The remedy: First, stop using the suspected product. Aren’t sure what exactly it could be? Try using a process of elimination method to determine the culprit.
- You have yeast overgrowth. Malassezia is a fungus that lives on the scalp and skin of all people. For some, a sensitivity develops which can result in dandruff. Like seborrheic dermatitis, other skin conditions aggravated by Malassezia include psoriasis and other types of dermatitis.
The remedy: This is another condition that doctor-prescribed medication can help treat. Other over-the-counter shampoos and following a good skincare routine are also beneficial.
Home Treatments for Dandruff
Dandruff can often be a chronic condition, but it can be controlled with the proper treatment. First, try shampooing with a non-medicated shampoo, massaging the scalp firmly, and then rinsing well. Frequent shampooing removes flakes, reduces oiliness, and prevents dead skin cell build-ups.
Aside from dandruff shampoos, a few other things may help control it. For example, managing your stress could help with flaking, or you might try some of these natural treatments. They’re either moisturizing or they might be helpful against bacteria or fungi:
- Coconut Oil Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair.
- Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair.
- Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
- Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out.
- Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
- Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp.
- Rub several drops of olive oil into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, then sleep on it. In the morning, shampoo your hair.
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