Dandruff mainly is a harmless disease of the skin and scalp. This is characterized by the formation of thin mica-like scaling which leads to burning and itching sensation. This condition aggravates if the infected person scratches it. Papules are rough and there is no discharge. In excessive cases, it is irritating as it is related to bacteria. It is generally considered to be infectious and spreads through the use of combs and towels, hairbrushes and soaps. This condition is found more among young people. In this article we would look into causes of Dandruff and solutions.
One comes across two types of dandruff:
- Dry dandruff
- Waxy dandruff
Dry scalp refers to an itchy scalp, and the dandruff lies loose in the hair and is in the form of small types of white scales which are linked with the scalp. Waxy dandruff is indicative of scaliness of the epidermis that is mixed up with sebum and is stuck to the scalp.
Effective Tips for Different Types of Scalp
Dry type scalp
If you are not having a lot of oil stored in your hair, even after washing your hair several days, you can have a dry scalp. In this case, your skin does not generate much oil, or sebum that can lead to dandruff. This can cause an itchy scalp.
- Moisturize your scalp. For moisturizing your scalp you need to use any good quality hair conditioner at least once a week. You also need to wash your hair once on every alternative day.
- Try to avoid using a hair dryer if possible.
- Try to avoid using the excess amounts of deep cleansing shampoo or you can mix it with regular ones. While washing your hair, avoid washing with hot water. Instead, you can use lukewarm water. Hot water actually makes your hair drier.
Oily scalp
If you are feeling that your hair is becoming greasy, then you are having an oily scalp. In this kind of scalp, dandruff is sticky, bigger and yellowish.
- Wash your hair once or twice per day. You need to use deep cleansing shampoo.
- Try to comb your hair with a wide brush.
- You can massage your scalp with water also.
- Try to avoid using conditioner.
- Use organic shampoo.
Sensitive scalp
If you notice that your hair starts falling out easily and the scalp often gets swollen and turns red, your scalp is highly sensitive. In this type of scalp, the roots of the hair can get weaker very easily that makes the hairless elastic and thinner.
- Use organic shampoo.
- You should restrain yourself from steam towel massages and any kind of scalp massages.
- Dry your scalp immediately after washing your hair.
- Always avoid dyeing your hair or getting perms.
- Avoid the sauna therapy.
- Soak tissues with green tea and then dab the scalp with it. It alleviates the inflammation.
Home Remedies for Dandruff Cure
- Use mild medicated shampoo to clean your hairs 2-3 times in a week
- Three parts of lemon juice mixed with one part of sandalwood oil could be applied on the affected part or fast relief
- A mixture of Margosa oil and camphor could be applied on hairs and washed after some time
- Blood purification medicines and itching preventions medicines could also be taken.
- Indian Gooseberry (25 gms dried form) could be soaked in 1 ltr of water overnight. It should be boiled in the morning till half of the water is evaporated. Add 25 gms of Yogurt to it and apply it on the scalp. After an hour, it could be washed with water
- Decoction of Bark of Margosa tree could be applied on scalp
- Hot steam is good for the scalp as well as the scalp. Massage some hot oil and wrap the head in hot damp towel
- Immerse lemon peels in coconut oil for about 8 to 10 days in the sunshine. Now sieve it and apply the content on the hair. Hair will be dandruff free
- Hot oil therapy is very good for getting rid of dandruff. Hot oil should be massaged onto the scalp before going off to sleep. The following morning before having a bath, rub the scalp with cotton wool some lemon juice which is mixed with cosmetic vinegar. Wash the hair well and use some lemon juice mixed in a hot cup of water as the final rinse. Carry on with this treatment once or twice a week for about 3 months
- Mix about 2 tablespoonfuls of cosmetic vinegar and about 6 tablespoonfuls of hot water. Dab the scalp with this mix and let it be overnight. Next morning shampoo the hair
- Mix the juice of beetroot in vinegar and apply it on the scalp. Beetroot juice and ginger juice mixed together can be applied on the scalp as well for good results
- Snake guard juice can also be applied on the scalp
- Mix about 2 tablespoonful of apple juice that is fresh with 2 tablespoonfuls of warm water. Apply the mix on the hair and let it be for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that rinse it off. Do this 2 to 3 times a week
- Soak about 2 tablespoonful fenugreek seeds in some water overnight. Grind these softened seeds in the morning and apply the paste on your scalp. Let it be for about half an hour. Then wash your hair with shikkai or Rhitha solution
- Exposing the head to the sunrays is also very good
- Warm about 300 grams some coconut oil with about 3 grams of black pepper. Once it boils, stop the heat and sieve it with the help of a fine cloth and place it in the bottle. Massage it gently on the head
- Massage your scalp with a mix of almond oil and olive oil. Leave it on for about 5 minutes after one feels the burning sensation. Rinse the hair well
- One can add cider vinegar to one’s final rinsing of the hair after shampooing
- One also make use of teaspoonful of lime juice that is fresh as a final rinse. The hair glows after applying it and the stickiness is also not there
- Mash some beetroot leaves in some paste of henna and apply the mix on the head to get rid of dandruff.
- Massage the head with the curd that has been left open for about 3 days
- Apply some lime juice that has been mixed with amla before sleeping every night
- One can apply processed henna once in 15 days
- Mix some green gram powder in curd and apply it
- Beat about 2 eggs and add about 2 tablespoonfuls of water to it. Wet the hair and then apply the egg mix on the hair. Massage the scalp and leave the mixture on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the hair with lukewarm water
Causes of Dandruff
Causes of Dandruff are not quite clear. However, it is believed that it may be caused due to the production of too much or too little sebaceous glands in the scalp. In some cases, it may also cause due to fungal infection. Dandruff is caused when the skin on the scalp sheds its dead cells faster than in normal circumstances. The problem may become worse for the people with greasy skin. Below are some of the primary causes –
- Deficiency of zinc
- Poor nutrition
- Fungus
- Too much use of soaps and shampoos
- Yeast infections
Symptoms of Dandruff
It could be seen when white scales like substance are shed on the skin. Sometimes Dandruff could take a severe form such as seborrhea dramatis which is characterized by reddened, itchy or greasy scalp with formation of brownish scales in the hairs.