Dandruff is a condition where the skin on our scalp starts to flake. Dandruff can severely irritate the scalp. Dandruff is easily noticeable as it causes skin flakes to appear on our scalp, eyebrow, shoulders, hair, and even mustache. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of reasons.
For instance, sensitivity to hair products can lead to dandruff. Dry skin, oily skin, and a fungus infection can cause dandruff too. Dandruff is not a serious skin condition and can be treated with store-bought shampoo or home remedies. Let’s take a look at several haircare routines which can effectively remove dandruff.
Oil your hair regularly- If your dandruff is caused by dry weather, then you should oil your hair once a week to hydrate and moisturize your scalp. A good nourishing oil will not only hydrate your scalp but will also provide necessary nutrients to your hair follicles, thereby, making your hair strong and smooth. Olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil are great at nourishing the scalp.
Change your hair care products- If you started noticing dandruff on your scalp after switching to a new hair care product, then you are dealing with contact dermatitis. Your dandruff is caused by the new product because it contains certain chemicals or perfumes that you are allergic to. Check any differences in the ingredients in the new product that could have caused this. It is best to stop using the new product and switch to a more suitable option.
Wash your hair more often- Sometimes dandruff is caused by excess sebum, dirt, and sweat building up on the scalp. It is extremely common in people with oily hair and people who vigorously exercise. Washing hair after every workout session or once you start noticing oil build up is a great way to prevent dandruff. Remember shampoo is meant to clean your scalp. Therefore, you must wash your hair even if the lengths of your hair are fine but your scalp is feeling itchy.
Use hair masks- Dandruff caused by dry skin can also be treated by using a hair mask that is made with ingredients that provide adequate nourishment to your hair and scalp. Once your scalp becomes hydrated and healthy, then your dandruff will slowly reduce and your scalp will eventually heal itself.
Dandruff shampoo- Dandruff caused by Malassezia, a fungus that thrives on the oily scalp, can only be treated with a dedicated medicated shampoo. But you can prevent its growth by washing your hair more often to reduce the buildup of oil, sweat, dirt, and sebum.
Stop washing hair with hot water- It is best to wash hair with cold water, however, during winter use only lukewarm water because hot water strips the moisture away from the scalp and leaves it dry and itchy. It also dries the hair.
Rinse scalp with apple cider vinegar- Dandruff caused by fungus and excessive buildup can also be treated by rinsing the scalp with an apple cider vinegar solution. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which completely cleans the scalp.
Hot towel therapy- Dandruff can be treated by wrapping your hair in a hot towel. Submerge a towel in hot water and cover your entire head once you have finished bathing with the towel for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
If all of these tips fail to solve your dandruff issue, then it is time to visit a doctor because your itchy scalp could be a sign of something else which needs to be treated with medicine.
