Ever notice white flakes on your black t-shirt? Or has anyone of your friends pointed it out to you in public? Chances are you suffer from dandruff. Studies show that 70% of all Indians have dandruff. Other hair problems such as hair fall, oily hair, dry hair, split hair, frizzy hair, dandruff, and alopecia are one of the most common and worrying issues among men and women.
Dandruff is caused by dry skin on the scalp. The flakes of dry skin can fall and land on your shoulders or the back of your collar. Although they are very tiny, they are very noticeable when wearing dark-colored clothing. And who doesn’t like wearing black? Most people, including me, have a wardrobe that mostly has black clothes. Therefore, to avoid the embarrassment of someone pointing out your dandruff and it taking away the elegance of your black shirt, we need to eliminate dandruff as early as possible. Dry skin on any place of your body is uncomfortable and unattractive.
We have various options when it comes to eliminating dandruff. There are counter medications, shampoos, oils, etc. Let us get into detail on each of the solutions.
How to Get Dandruff Free Hair :
1) Shampoo more often
When we wash our hair, our scalp is cleaned just as it should be like the rest of the skin on our body. Although the active ingredients in shampoos strip away the natural oils produced by the scalp, letting the natural oils and dead skin cells sit and accumulate for long can add to your dandruff problem. If you are someone who washes their hair only about once or twice a week, you can easily eliminate dandruff by washing your hair every alternative day instead.
2) Use Apple-Cider Vinegar
Among many other skin benefits, apple cider vinegar can also do wonders for your dry scalp. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that lower the levels of yeast production. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your scalp at least once a week. Apply it only on the scalp and not the hair. Shampoo after about 10-15 minutes.
3) Take care of your environment
In this case, taking care of your environment does not mean lowering your carbon footprint levels, but improving the conditions of the things that your scalp comes in contact with. Items such as your pillowcase, hairband, caps, and other hair accessories. Dip them in an antiseptic solution mixed with water and leave them in for 12 hours.
4) Use anti-dandruff shampoos
Switching to anti-dandruff shampoos will help in balancing the pH levels up to 5.5 in your scalp. The active ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos blocks Malassezia globosa, the fungus that breaks down scalp oil, resulting in dandruff. Use this shampoo at least twice a week.
5) Hair products
When it comes to eliminating dandruff, you must ensure that you are not allergic to any of the hair products that you use. For example, hair sprays, waxes, pomades, etc. Also remember to not apply products to your scalp, i.e. only apply it on your hair from middle to top.
6) Use hydrating products
During hot and humid climates, the humidity can pull away the moisture from your scalp causing it to dry. This is why most people experience dandruff in the summer. Think of hydrating products as moisturizers for your skin.
7) Exfoliate
Just like your skin, exfoliating your scalp will massage and improve blood flow in your scalp, ensuring it stays healthy. You can purchase a scalp brush, which will exfoliate your skin and ensure that any product gets absorbed into your scalp.
8) Apply Hair Masks
Coconut oil or Moroccan hair oil masks will deeply moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair. After all, dandruff is caused by dry skin on your scalp. Apply a hair mask once every week and keep it on for at least an hour. Shampoo and condition your scalp after for best results.
9) Use hair oils
Along with making your hair shiny and soft, hair oils provide nourishment and moisture to your scalp. Hair oils such as argan oil, olive oil coconut oil, etc. help in ensuring healthy and strong hair growth.
Besides the tips above, many other things can be done to eliminate dandruff from your life. You have to remain hydrated, so your skin doesn’t get dry. You should also maintain a proper diet that allows you and your skin to remain healthy. A lot of dermatologists believe that foods that prevent acne breakouts also prevent dandruff. These are all things you can do to stay healthy and you can also get rid of the embarrassing flakes on your shoulders.
Everyone must know that there are two types of dandruff. One is the more common, which can be cured through the steps above. But the second kind, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a much more severe form of regular dandruff. It causes scaly patches and red skin mainly on the scalp. It can spread to your ears, the area near your hairline, face, upper chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is much more intense and may return even if the symptoms go away after treatment.
You need to consult your doctor if your dandruff and itchiness do not fade away after trying everything above. Specialists know what is best for you and your skin. They will be able to identify any underlying health issues which might be the root of your problem. Remember that stress plays a huge role in our well-being. Along with our health, it impacts our skin and hair as well. The embarrassment of everyone noticing the flakes on our shoulders might cause us stress and worry. If you are very prone to stress, you need to know that modern science has solutions to a lot of health problems and dandruff can be treated with ease.