What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes flakes of the skin to appear on the scalp. It can be embarrassing and is accompanied by itching. Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene although it may be more obvious if you don't wash your hair regularly.
Causes of Dandruff
Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus normally present on the scalp, can cause irritation and lead to a large number of dead skin cells clumping together with oil on the hair and scalp, appearing as white flakes we know as dandruff.
Other factors that may cause dandruff include:
• Increased oil production
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Stress; illness or suppressed immune system
• Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
• Infrequent shampooing
Symptoms of Dandruff.
Dandruff is one of the most common health problems of the scalp which is faced by almost half of the world. Anyone regardless of their age, gender and ethnic background can develop dandruff;
in fact it can even begin from as young as ten.
White flakes
The first and most common symptom of dandruff is the presence of white flakes, usually visible in the hair or on shoulders and clothing. Flakes appear as the skin on the scalp increases its rate of cell renewal, causing cells to excessively appear and shed from the scalp.
These flakes are simply harmless dead skin cells, when the cause is an oily or greasy scalp they will appear more yellow in colour. Dandruff can even appear in facial hair including the eyebrows and eyelashes, in these cases it may be more embarrassing for the individual and require immediate attention.
Itchy scalp
People with dandruff may feel they have an itchy scalp especially around the hairline and sideburns; this can be because of dry skin and inflammation.
Usually itching is the first symptom that appears with dandruff and can be thought of as a warning sign before flakes begin to appear.
Itchiness is a result of inflammation and sensitivity to the microbe Malassezia Globosa; in more severe cases, the inflammation can even cause the scalp and the hairline to turn red just as any other part of the skin would when it is inflamed.
Dry scalp
Often the scalp will also feel dry and over-stretched, this is because dandruff can damage the natural moisture barrier of the skin and allow essential moisture to leak out.
This makes the scalp feel dry.
Natural remedies for Dandruff
Baking Soda
The noble and straightforward baking soda can act as an effective remedy to combat Dandruff. All you need to do is dampen your hair and sprinkle a handful of baking soda on your scalp and massage. Post the exercise, go for a quick rinse, but avoid shampooing. Initially, after a few sessions, you feel your hair dry. But eventually, your scalp will start producing natural oils thereby making your hair look softer and devoid of dry flakes.
Lemon
This is by far the easiest of them all! Squeeze a full lemon and massage the juice into your scalp. Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse off with a regular shampoo. You can also add lemon juice to a mug of water and use it as the last rinse post your hair wash session. Regularly repeat it till dandruff disappears. The acidic character of the Lemon helps to balance the pH of your hair.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil reduces inflammation, itchiness and greasiness. It thus proves to be effective in decreasing dandruff. It is both antifungal and antimicrobial. Add around 5 to 10 drops of this oil to your regular bottle of shampoo and shake well. Rinse your hair well after shampooing.
Salt
The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff flakes before With acidic properties that lower excess oil in hair, orange peels can condition your scalp and help control dandruff.
What you have to do is blend 3-4 dry orange peels with 5-6 tablespoon of lime juice in a mixer to form a smooth paste. Now apply this paste on your scalp, and rinse off with your regular shampoo half-an-hour later you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You’ll find you’ve worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo. Pair one of our other dandruff remedies with your shampoo for the full treatment.
Garlic
Garlic’s antimicrobial properties are perfect for eliminating dandruff-causing bacteria. Crush garlic and rub it into your scalp. To smell, crush garlic with honey and massaging into the scalp before washing as usual.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is efficient for treating dandruff . It has anti-itching properties that relieve scalp irritation, and its anti-fungal properties can reduce the flakes on your scalp. It also contains enzymes that help reduce burning or inflammation. Aloe vera gel can be applied alone or with combinations of other solutions such as lemon juice or coconut oil to fight dandruff.
Coconut oil
Coconut Oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that will help remove dandruff. It has both antifungal and antibacterial properties that will moisturize dry hair. We recommend that you use pure oil, as the purer the oil is, the more effective the treatment will likely be. It can also treat eczema, which is sometimes caused by dandruff. Coconut oil can be bought at your local health store.
Bay leaves
Another herbal anti-dandruff rinse is made with bay leaves. Add a handful of crushed bay leaves to one litre of very hot (just boiled) water. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain, allow to cool, and apply. Rinse off and shampoo after 30 minutes.
Orange peel
With acidic properties that lower excess oil in hair, orange peels can condition your scalp and help control dandruff.
What you have to do is blend 3-4 dry orange peels with 5-6 tablespoon of lime juice in a mixer to form a smooth paste. Now apply this paste on your scalp, and rinse off with your regular shampoo half-an-hour later.
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