Got dandruff in your hair? You have been struggling for a long time and you have lost all hope. There are so many ways to combat this enemy of hair.
Dandruff in your hair is by no means a pretty image, neither of your hair, nor of yourself.
Of course, it's not your fault, so don't despair. Dandruff in the hair is, in recent times, more and more successfully removed.
A shampoo that contains substances such as salicylic acid, zinc pyorithin, tea tree oil, lavender, and many others will be your ally in the fight against these white scales.
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Likewise, homemade ingredients like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda will rid your hair of white menace.
What is dandruff in hair?
Dandruff (Pityriasis simplex capillitii) is peeling of the skin and shedding of aged surface cells from the epidermis of the capillitium.
Dandruff is a common problem that manifests itself in the form of flaking of the scalp, accompanied by itching and redness. It usually occurs in two forms depending on the condition of the scalp and the reason for its appearance.
If your scalp is dry and itchy, there is a high probability that you will have so-called white or dry dandruff.
It is most often recognized by the smaller white flakes that you will most likely notice first on your clothes and hair.
Unlike white dandruff, yellow dandruff occurs when the scalp is excessively oily in the form of yellow, sticky flakes that are difficult to remove from the scalp.
In both cases, it is important to know that the appearance of dandruff is not final and does not necessarily mean that you will have it forever.
With effective preparations and ingredients, you will quickly forget about dandruff in your hair.
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What are the symptoms of dandruff?
Apart from the white scales, which are visible on the hair and shoulders, especially when wearing darker clothes, which is certainly not an enviable picture, here are some other symptoms:
Itchy scalp
Often dry and scaly skin on the face and around the ears
Dry scalp (white dandruff)
Oily scalp
Rash in the area above the eyebrows
Redness of the scalp
Breast rash, accompanied by dry scales and red spots
Most often, the first symptoms of dandruff are a bunch of white flakes on the hair and shoulders, followed by irritating itching. In some people, the initial symptom is dry facial skin that does not respond to creams.
It is most often caused by the presence of flakes on the scalp, which further causes problems on the face.
Dandruff can be found on other parts of the body, but it is most often present on the scalp, ears, face and middle of the chest, wherever follicles are present.
How to cure dandruff in hair?
If the presence of scales increases, that is, the condition of the skin worsens (if it spreads, causes hair loss, increases redness, if the scalp hurts, or is infected), despite proper skin care and hair hygiene, it is best to visit a dermatologist.
What are the tests to diagnose hair dandruff?
Dandruff is generally easy to diagnose. In rare cases, it is necessary to do more tests, including microscopic analysis and a skin biopsy, to determine whether the condition is caused by fungi. Analysis is necessary to exclude other causes, such as psoriasis, lupus, and other skin diseases.
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Other possible diseases that may have similar symptoms are: psoriasis, rosacea, tinea capitis (fungal infection of the scalp and hair), contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, etc.
If the doctor has determined that you have dandruff, the main treatment, in addition to maintaining hair hygiene with sulfate-free shampoos already listed, will be anti-inflammatory creams, ointments and lotions.
Skin inflammation can be treated with topical application of a mild cream. It is recommended to apply to the inflamed scalp for 1 to 2 weeks, one to two times a day. In the case of cortisones, they must not be used "by heart", without the supervision of a doctor.
Considering that all corticosteroids, which are used for a long period of time, leave long-term negative consequences, they should be used only with the advice of a doctor, in moderation, in small doses, and on parts of the skin that are inflamed, never around.
In addition to medical-dermatological treatments, you can also include home treatments.
If you have a really large amount of dandruff, which is deep in the hairs on the scalp, you can use the softest, ultra soft toothbrush, dip it in warm olive oil, and gently massage the scalp.
Be careful not to rub the irritated scalp with strong movements. Since dandruff in the hair is usually chronic, do not expect a cure overnight, because the fight can take a very long time, and require your complete patience and dedication.
The best anti-dandruff shampoos
Mild, sulfate-free shampoos are considered the best anti-dandruff shampoos. They act on the scalp, by reducing the secretion of fat, and thus the death of cells. On the other hand, as far as those already dead cells are concerned, help in order for them to be discarded and not remain in the hair in the form of white flakes. Also, they successfully prevent fungi from uncontrollably feeding on fats.
We recommend shampoos that contain rich active ingredients, such as cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, which reduce inflammation on the scalp, and allantoin, which improves circulation.
Witch hazel has the same properties, then lavender, which, in addition to its wonderful smell, also has exceptional antibacterial properties, chamomile and mint, which reduce irritating itching and nourish the skin, shea tree oil, which balances sebum secretion, softens the hair and strengthens the coat.
It is recommended to wash the ears, face and chest with these shampoos, if those areas are also affected. Avoid strong shampoos, preparations with strong chemical substances, as well as hair gels and varnishes.
Natural treatments to fight dandruff
Let's see how nature can help you with your dandruff problem.
Tea tree oil
For decades, tea tree oil has been very successful in the treatment of various skin diseases, including psoriasis.
It has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve dandruff symptoms. Various studies have proven that tea tree oil is effective in fighting the fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
One study examined the effect that tea tree oil has on dandruff. 126 people participated in the study, during a period of four weeks.
The study "followed" two types of shampoos - the first based on 5% tea tree oil, the second based on a placebo. The result of the study showed that tea tree oil reduced dandruff by 40%, by reducing the increased secretion of oil from the scalp, as well as the formation of fungus.
Caution! Tea tree oil, as healing as it is, can cause irritation in people with very sensitive skin, so it is advised to dilute it by adding a few drops of coconut oil.
You can mix tea tree oil with a mild shampoo, and preferably rub it into your hair, half an hour before washing your head.
Sea salt
In order to get rid of dandruff in your hair as easily as possible and the dead skin cells that caused it to appear, you need to give your hair a hair scrub at least once a week or every two weeks.
It will thoroughly clean the scalp and thus give creams, shampoos and other preparations a better chance to work.
Anti-dandruff sea salt is great for cleaning the scalp in this way.
Mix two tablespoons of sea salt with half a cup of lukewarm water and apply the scrub to your scalp. With a gentle head massage for about ten minutes, you will be able to remove all accumulations and dead skin cells.
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Your scalp will finally be able to breathe, which is very important if you're trying to get rid of dandruff.
Coconut oil
It is well known that coconut oil is alpha and omega in hair and skin care, because it promotes hydration, and thus, logically, prevents drying and flaking of the skin.
Research has shown that coconut oil can help treat eczema and various skin inflammations. One study compared the effect of coconut and mineral oil on so-called atopic dermatitis - a type of eczema, accompanied by severe itching.
Applying coconut oil to the skin over a two-month period reduced symptoms by 68%, compared to just 38% after treatment with mineral oil. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair, moisturizes the strands, thus preventing accelerated cell death and flaking of the skin.
Rub a tablespoon - two of coconut oil into your hair, starting from the crown, then cover your head with a swimming cap or a bag, and wait 30 minutes.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it great for fighting fungal infections. Research has shown that, precisely because of this, it is excellent both in the prevention of dandruff and in the treatment itself, as it reduces inflammation and flaking of the skin.
Apply aloe vera gel to the scalp, gently massage it into the hair, and leave it on for at least half an hour.
Aloe vera gel for seborrhea has an excellent effect. It softens the scalp, restores the natural balance of oil on the scalp and reduces irritation.
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Apply aloe vera gel to the scalp, gently massage it into the hair, and leave it on for at least half an hour.
Aspirin
As we mentioned, salicylic acid is one of the elements necessary in the fight against these tiny scales. It is one of the primary substances that make up aspirin, so it is exactly what gives it its anti-inflammatory properties.
Crush two tablets of aspirin for hair, then add the powder to the shampoo.
Soda
The cheapest possible ingredient, which each of us has at home, is baking soda. It joins other ingredients, such as the aforementioned tea tree oil, aloe vera and salicylic acid, for its anti-fungal properties.
It is excellent for removing dead skin cells, reduces irritation and itching, so it is often used as a face scrub, after which the skin remains taut and smooth.
One study looked at the antifungal effect of baking soda on some of the fungi that most commonly cause skin infections. After just one week, the growth of fungi decreased in as many as 79% of the subjects.
Rub baking soda directly onto damp hair, rubbing it into the scalp. Wait before washing your hair.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is generally recommended in hair care. It balances the pH value of the skin, which results in a decrease in the formation of fungi and thus dandruff on the hair.
Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your shampoo. Also, combine vinegar with some essential oil and spray this healing mixture on your hair.
Bay leaf
Bay leaf has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it an ideal ingredient for fighting dandruff.
Effectively cleans the scalp, hydrates and nourishes it. It reduces the unpleasant symptoms of dandruff, such as itching and irritation.
It is enough to boil a handful of bay leaves in two cups of water. Wait for the bay leaf tea to cool, strain it and use it as a hair rinse.
After washing your hair with a good quality mild shampoo, apply bay leaf water and rinse your hair with it. After that, simply dry your hair as usual.
Use the solution after every hair wash.
