WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flakes of skin to appear. Dandruff is a common condition, which is marked by flaking and itching.

Dry Scalp is not Dandruff. Some people think their dandruff is caused by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the problem. This is a myth.

SOME STATS

It is estimated that about 50% of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff.
Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin.

People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often.

CAUSES

People who do not comb or brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff – this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing or brushing provides.

Excessive flaking may be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection (Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice.

Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp.

Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.

Cradle Cap – dandruff in babies

Cradle Cap may appear when the baby is between 2 weeks and 6 months of age, especially between the ages of 3 to 8 weeks – this usually disappears after a few weeks; in some cases it may take months. Although cradle cap may be alarming to parents, it is not dangerous.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF

· Apple cider vinegar: The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. This helps in reducing dandruff.

· Neem Leaves: Neem leaves (also an Indian herb) make a great all-natural home remedy for your dandruff. Their properties not only relieve itching, they act as an antifungal as well, inhibiting the over-growth of dandruff causing fungus.

· Baking soda: Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Don’t use shampoo. Baking soda reduces fungi that can cause dandruff.

· Listerine: Listerine fights fungus

· Fenugreek Paste: Soak the seeds in 1-2 cups of water overnight. The next morning, grind them into a fine paste and apply to your scalp. Leave it applied for 30-45 minutes, then wash with mild shampoo or water.

· Coconut oil: Massage 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and leave it for a while. Wash off the oil with a mild shampoo.

· Lemon: Massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it after shampooing. Let the lemon water be the last rinse. Lemon’s acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.

· Garlic: Garlic’s anti-fungal properties are perfect for eliminating dandruff-causing bacteria. Massage your scalp with crushed garlic and honey before washing.

· Tea Tree Oil: Pour 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water in a squirt bottle. Shake well. After shampooing, spray the mixture all over your scalp, massage, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Pat the excess moisture out, but don’t wash it out.

· Aloe Vera Gel: Apply Aloe Vera gel to the scalp 15 minutes prior to washing your hair. After 15 minutes, shampoo and wash it as normal.