Perhaps you’ve had the experience of someone discreetly looking down at your shoulders while you’re talking to them and seen those tiny thin white spots that slipped from your head to your black shirt… There’s dandruff on your hair! Don’t let yourself get too worried. Dandruff is a relatively frequent condition, however, there is a remedy!

Dandruff is a common scalp disease that causes shedding off the skin. It is neither infectious nor deadly however, it can be embarrassing. Dandruff is an extremely prevalent skin problem that almost everyone, irrespective of age or ethnicity, may face at a certain point in their lives. It really can affect the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, beard, and, less usually, the middle (often hair-bearing) area of the chest.

What are the types of Dandruff?

There are two types of Dandruff. 

1. Oily dandruff (Steatoid pityriasis):

It is also known as seborrheic dandruff because it affects areas where there is more sebum (usually on the front of the scalp). It appears as thicker, bigger yellowish scales on the scalp (often covered by a coating of sebum), which are glued to the scalp and difficult to remove. Inflammation, itching, and redness of the scalp are all symptoms of this type of dandruff. Oily dandruff removal must also be done correctly to avoid adding to the problem.

2. Dry dandruff (Pityriasis simplex):

The most prevalent is this dandruff and occurs on the entire surface of the head in this instance, and it looks like fine, dry whitish scales that are readily separated and settle calmly on your shoulders, not attached to your scalp. This type of dandruff causes rough, dull hair. Dry dandruff is not easy to get rid of if it isn’t properly treated (or it can even become oily dandruff).

What are the Symptoms?

The common symptoms of Dandruff include;

• White dead skin flakes on your scalp, hair, shoulders, beard and moustache.
• Scaly scalp
• Itchy scalp

What are the Causes?

• Dry skin
• Irritated and oily skin also known as Seborrheic dermatitis
• Poor Hygiene
• Not shampooing frequently enough, causing dead skin cells to develop, resulting in flakes and itching
•  Having yeast overgrowth (Malassezia is a type of yeast that irritates the scalp and leads to excessive skin cell growth).
• There are certain illnesses like Parkinson’s disease and other nervous system conditions that appear to increase the chance of dandruff. Having HIV or a compromised immune system has the same effect.
• Contact dermatitis (sensitivity to hair care products)
• Emotional or mental stress
• Age: because dandruff is more common between the ages of adolescence and middle age. However, a type of dandruff known as cradle cap is also common with babies.
• Other skin disorders, such as psoriasis and eczema
• Hormonal factors, it is more prevalent in men.

How to get rid of dandruff for good?

Seeing that you know what dandruff is and why it bothers you, now to the point on how to get rid of dandruff for good. Here are some home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff. 

1. Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant that is well-known for its medicinal benefits. Aloe vera has antifungal, antibacterial, and relaxing characteristics, which help to eradicate dandruff and relieve itching and irritation. 

How to use:

Apply aloe vera gel to the scalp and keep it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and shampooing with a mild shampoo.

2. Tea tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful antifungal that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities that may aid to treat dandruff severity and symptoms.

3. Make use of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is frequently used as a natural dandruff treatment. It may aid in scalp hydration, irritation reduction, and fungal growth prevention.

4. Use Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that may stimulate the treatment of dandruff.

5. Make White or Apple Cider Vinegar a Part of Your Daily Routine

White or Apple cider vinegar is also a popular natural dandruff treatment. The vinegar’s acidity is thought to be effective in the shedding of dead skin cells from your scalp. It is also needed to balance the pH of your skin, reducing fungal growth and also treating dandruff. 

6. Use Aspirin

Aspirin is an over-the-counter pain killer that may treat dandruff. Salicylic acid, a popular ingredient in dandruff shampoos, is found in aspirin. Many anti-dandruff shampoos also contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps by loosening flakes and removing scaly skin. 

How to Use :

• Crush two (2) uncoated aspirin tablets into a fine powder.
• Add the powder to your shampoo and mix properly.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and keep it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

7. Addition of Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as an exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and oil from your scalp. Furthermore, it has antifungal effects that may facilitate the fight against the fungus that causes dandruff.

How to Use:

Method 1:

• Add a tablespoon of baking soda to your usual shampoo.
• Mix properly.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and keep it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Method 2:

To make a unique anti-dandruff mask with the following ingredients:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoon water.
• Apply it to your wet hair in gentle circular motions, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

8. Reduce your stress levels.

Stress has a major impact on your physical health. Blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation can all increase. as a result of excessive stress.

Stress can affect your immune system and reduce your body’s ability to inhibit dandruff-causing infections. Seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common types of dandruff, is usually stimulated by episodes of stress. 

Practice stress-reduction strategies like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or aromatherapy to keep your stress levels back to normal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dandruff is a scalp rash that causes itchy, flaky skin. This issue can have a negative impact on your self-esteem as well as your general wellbeing.

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