- There are a variety of natural remedies that can help you solve your dandruff problems, some of which you might even find in your closet. These simple home remedies include sodium bicarbonate, lemon, garlic and salt, among others
- Getting rid of this skin condition can be very frustrating and embarrassing, but these are some tips to address your scalp problems and keep your shoulders scale-free in a natural way
Almost all of us have suffered from dandruff at some time in our lives. If you have ever had this problem, then you may know the shame that comes with it. There is nothing more unsightly than the capillary scales that fall on your shoulders after giving in to the uncontrollable urge to scratch your irritated scalp.
If you want to know how to get rid of dandruff, then I suggest you try holistic remedies instead of spending your money on the anti-dandruff shampoos that are on the shelves of supermarkets.
Head and Shoulders, Shampoo, Anti Dandruff, Clinical Strength, 13.5 fl oz, Twin Pack
There are a variety of natural remedies that can help you solve your scalp problems, some of which you might even find in your closet. These simple home remedies include sodium bicarbonate, lemon, garlic and salt, among others. But before going into details about the treatment of dandruff, let's first analyze what this irritating and embarrassing scalp disorder is.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a very common skin condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or race. Despite its prevalence, there are still a number of people who do not know what it looks like.
In general, dandruff manifests as greasy scales of skin 1 that become more visible on dark clothing. In the scalp, it could also occur in the form of scaly patches on the skin that are sometimes accompanied by redness or swelling. two
Some people often confuse the dryness of the scalp with dandruff, thinking that both conditions of the skin are the same. Keep in mind that these scalp disorders are not synonymous even though they have the same symptoms of scaling and itching on the skin. 3 These are the subtle but significant differences between dandruff and scalp dryness:
- Dandruff can develop due to excessive production of fat, while dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture in the skin.
- The scales that come from the dry scalp are whiter compared to those of dandruff, which generally have yellowish or grayish colors.
- Because dry scales are smaller compared to dandruff, they are much easier to remove from the scalp.
How to distinguish lice from dandruff
Apart from the dryness in the scalp, another common problem that is often confused with dandruff are lice . These parasitic insects are found on the hair or scalp. They are also characterized by being white spots that are observed in the hair. However, unlike dandruff, these particles are not scales of the hair skin.
The white particles produced by the lice are actually empty eggs, which are commonly known as nits. In addition, as lice feed on human blood through the scalp, their saliva irritates the skin and causes itching.
Since the symptoms of lice and dandruff are virtually identical, it is easy to see why some people confuse one condition with another. However, the similarities between lice and dandruff end with scaling and itching on the scalp.
It is crucial to know the difference between these two conditions, since they require different methods of treatment. Here are some details to help you differentiate lice from dandruff: 9
- Nits are usually around 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the scalp, while dandruff is scattered throughout the hair
- Unlike dandruff, which is detached from the tufts of hair with some shaking, nits are more difficult to remove because they adhere to the hair strand using a sticky substance produced by female lice.
- Nits have a regular oval shape since they are real eggs, which makes them more proportional compared to dandruff scales.
- In addition to itching, lice can also cause tingling in the scalp. Dandruff does not cause any tingling sensation.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff has been linked to a variety of possible causes, including lack of hygiene, stress and inadequate nutrition.
While it is true that there are different factors that could trigger this condition of the scalp, it is important to keep in mind that the real cause of dandruff is actually a fungus similar to yeast called malassezia globosa. This fungus lives on the scalp and feeds on skin oils. 10
Since the fungus Malassezia globosa metabolizes the oils it consumes using an enzyme called lipase, it produces a byproduct called oleic acid, which penetrates the scalp and causes dandruff.
In fact it is normal that there is a small amount of desquamation as the skin cells die to allow the formation of new skin. eleven
However, there are some cases in which a person experiences an abnormally large amount of scaling of the scalp due to one or more underlying problems that can increase the growth of the fungus that is similar to the yeast on the scalp.
Some of the possible underlying problems that can trigger dandruff include:
- Skin conditions
- Certain conditions of the skin, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, increase the risk of developing dandruff.
- Neurological diseases
- People with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's are more susceptible to dandruff.
- Irritation by hair products
- The hair products you buy in the supermarket contain a series of chemicals that could irritate your scalp and cause inflammation, itching and peeling.
- Bad eating habits
- Consuming insufficient amounts of foods rich in zinc and B vitamins could lead to the development of dandruff.
- Age
- Although anyone can suffer from dandruff at any age, this skin condition is more common in young adults and middle-aged people.
- Weather
- Cold weather during the winter season could promote the growth of the fungus similar to the yeast that causes dandruff.
- Hormones
- Hormonal changes could affect the natural production of sebum in the scalp. People who suffer a hormonal imbalance are more likely to develop dandruff.
Dandruff symptoms that you should keep in mind
There are some telltale signs that can help you determine if you have dandruff or not, and they are usually easy to detect. These symptoms include:
- Dead skin flakes : one of the first signs of dandruff you might notice are dead skin flakes on your hair and clothing. These scales vary in size, and can be white, yellow or gray.
- Itchy scalp : Another common symptom of dandruff is itching of the scalp, which is often hard to ignore.
- Inflammed scalp : It is common for some people to have to deal with redness or swelling of the scalp when they suffer from dandruff. fifteen
- Eruptions on other parts of the face : Dandruff can also cause rashes on other parts of the face, including eyebrows, nose and ears.
How to get rid of dandruff quickly: Do medicinal shampoos work?
People who want to get rid of dandruff as quickly as possible often resort to medicated shampoos. But are medicinal shampoos really the cure for your scalp problems? First, medicated shampoos are only effective while giving them continuous use-they do not cure dandruff.
This means that you would have to use such a shampoo several times a week in order to see the results, and you are likely to deal with dandruff once you stop using it.
In addition, most of these dandruff shampoos contain antifungal ingredients, such as zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole. Although these substances can be effective in controlling dandruff, they can irritate your scalp with continuous use and cause your hair to become curly and dry.
Other shampoos against dandruff also contain coal tar, which controls dandruff by slowing the regeneration process of skin cells. However, coal tar is a known carcinogen, so it is best to stay away from shampoos that contain this ingredient.
One of the surest ways to quickly get rid of dandruff without using any harmful chemicals is to use salt to exfoliate the scalloped skin of your scalp. Gently massage the salt on your dry scalp before taking a bath to make it easier to remove when rinsing your hair. 17 Always keep in mind that your skin absorbs everything that applies to it, so using natural remedies, such as the following, is always your best option.
Natural treatments against dandruff with proven efficacy
Most people often resort to the use of antidandruff shampoos and conditioners in order to treat this condition, but as mentioned before, these can cause more harm than good. If you want to help eliminate dandruff safely and naturally, here are some tried-and-tested home treatment methods that could work for you:
• Apple Cider Vinegar : To prepare a solution of apple cider vinegar for the treatment of dandruff, dilute a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar in a quarter cup of water.
Place this solution in an atomizer and spray it over your hair and scalp before wrapping your head with a towel. Wait 15 minutes to an hour before rinsing your hair. Using this treatment twice a week helps control dandruff by reducing the excess growth of yeast on the scalp.
• Tea tree oil : Using tea tree oil to treat dandruff is a quick and easy method. Just apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the scalp to reduce itching and excessive oil production. 19 You can also mix a few drops of this oil in your shampoo.
• Coconut oil : Thoroughly massage your scalp with 3 or 5 tablespoons of coconut oil one hour before bathing. 20 This treatment not only helps you to be free of dandruff, but also to make your hair smell good. You could also mix coconut oil with lemon or camphor to achieve better results. twenty-one
Other essential oils you can use to help eliminate dandruff include peppermint oil, eucalyptus, lavender, patchouli, lemongrass, among others. Most of these essential oils are rich in anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce scalp inflammation and fungus. 22
Other natural remedies against dandruff that you should try
Vinegar, coconut oil and essential oils are not the only natural options for curing dandruff. Here are some other home remedies you can try:
• Garlic
Garlic is known as a natural antifungal remedy. You can stop dandruff effectively by just getting rid of the fungus similar to the yeast that causes it. Shred a clove of garlic and rub it gently on the scalp. You can also mix it with honey if you want to decrease the pungent odor it leaves on your hair.
• Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is a cheap and effective remedy for dandruff that you can find in your kitchen. Not only does it reduce the scalp fungus, it also makes the hair softer. Moisten your hair before massaging your scalp with a handful of baking soda, and then rinse your head thoroughly with water.
• Aloe vera
Gently rubbing aloe vera fresh on the scalp can help reduce irritation as it has a cooling effect that can soothe the itching caused by dandruff.
• Lemon
The acidity of the lemon helps to balance the pH level of your scalp, which hinders the development of the fungus similar to yeast. Apply two tablespoons of pure lemon juice to the scalp before rinsing. For best results, wash the hair again with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a cup of water.
Preparing your own treatment for dandruff with natural ingredients can seem meticulous and complicated compared to the simple use of an anti-dandruff shampoo, but it is definitely worth the time and effort. If you still want to use an anti-dandruff shampoo, you can choose to make your own.
How to prepare your own anti-dandruff shampoo
The most important element you need to create a homemade shampoo effective against dandruff is aspirin. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in most medicinal shampoos. Salicylic acid reduces flaking and releases dead skin to facilitate scalp removal.
Making a homemade shampoo against dandruff is quick and easy. Just crush two aspirin tablets until they turn into a fine powder and then add it to the usual amount of organic shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Massage this mixture on your hair and let it act for a minute before rinsing it well and wash again only with organic shampoo.
Changes in your diet and lifestyle that can also help prevent dandruff
In addition to learning how to get rid of dandruff, it is also very important to know how to prevent this skin condition to prevent all your treatment efforts from being a waste of time.
Dandruff is usually related to poor nutrition, so you must first begin to correct your eating habits. Be sure to consume foods rich in zinc and vitamin B6, as they help regulate the production of fat on the scalp and keep the skin in good condition. You should also reduce your consumption of sugar and grains since they are known to promote the overgrowth of yeast or fungi.
Going out in the sun more often is another way to prevent dandruff as sunlight prevents fungi from thriving on the scalp. In addition, it increases your vitamin D levels, which helps improve skin conditions.
Stress is one of the most common triggers of dandruff, so it is also important that you learn to manage stress properly . Consider practicing new hobbies and staying away from stressors as much as possible. Finally, take good personal hygiene and avoid using too many hair products to avoid irritation. 2. 3
Patience and natural methods is all that is needed to be free of dandruff
We all know that dandruff is a shameful skin condition, but you should not settle for just using hair chemicals in order to treat this problem as soon as possible.
Getting rid of dandruff requires time, effort and patience to achieve lasting results. The natural remedies that I recommended have proven to be effective, but they may not give you any miraculous results overnight. Most should be used regularly until you notice an improvement.
By employing these holistic treatments with religious perseverance and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy a life free of dandruff without endangering substances harmful to your body or the environment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about dandruff
Q: Is dandruff contagious?
A: No. Dandruff is not a contagious skin disease because the fungus similar to yeast that causes it is not transmissible. 24
Q: Why do I have dandruff?
A: There are a variety of possible factors that can trigger dandruff, such as chronic skin conditions, sensitivity to chemicals in hair products, neurological diseases, poor diet, age, and poor hygiene habits.
Q: How does dandruff stop or reduce?
A: You can stop or reduce the appearance of dandruff by using natural remedies that contain antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some of the best remedies include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and coconut oil.
Q: How can I tell the difference between dandruff and lice?
A: The easiest way to differentiate lice from dandruff is to check if the white spots on the strands of hair fall easily or not. If those white particles fall when blowing on them or when combing, then it is very likely that they have dandruff. However, if the white spots are stuck to the hair shaft, they could be nits or empty eggs that leave the lice. 25
Q: How to know if you have dandruff?
A: The most common way to know if you have dandruff is to check your hair, scalp and shoulders for the presence of dead skin flakes. Itching and redness of the scalp are another common symptom of this skin condition.
P: Is dandruff curable?
A: There is no permanent cure for dandruff, 26 but the good news is that you can keep it under control with the help of organic anti-dandruff treatments and a homemade dandruff shampoo.
P: Could dandruff cause hair loss?
A: Dandruff itself does not directly cause hair loss. However, scratching the scalp with itching due to dandruff could cause the strands of hair to detach over time. 27