Most of us have experienced dandruff at some point in our lives. The itchy scalp, the flaky whites and the embarrassment it entails can be troublesome in many ways. It becomes an added nuisance during the summers with all the heat. If you’re looking for ways to curb your scalp woes and find a long-term solution, it might be wise to go with natural remedies. Rather than trying over the counter medicines or using excessively harmful hair products, let nature handle your worries. Here are top 5 things that your scalp wants you to know:
1. It’s More Common Than You Think
Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects a number of people. Despite being so common, many of us don’t know what dandruff really looks like. Did you ever notice greasy skin flakes that are visible on dark clothing or on your scalp? It may also be accompanied by inflammation or redness on your scalp. That’s dandruff! And hey don’t you worry, dandruff is treatable!
2. It’s Caused by Multiple Factors
Dandruff affects people irrespective of their age, gender or race. Though the exact cause of dandruff is unknown, the following factors are speculated to cause dandruff:
- Not brushing your hair enough
- Dry skin or irritated and oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Eczema, psoriasis or other skin disorders
- Shampooing too often or using the wrong hair products
- Excessive mental stress
- Lack of zinc, B vitamins and some types of fats in your diet
3. Its Consequences Can Be Alarming
The effects of dandruff may not be limited to your scalp. Dandruff can also spread to your face. Hence you may notice some reddish, greasy or dry skin between your eyebrows and the corner of your nose. Some people also experience scaly, greasy and inflamed skin on their chest and back. Dandruff can also cause hair fall, acne, itching and asthma. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? And since most of us are conscious about our appearances, we find it challenging to handle the undesirable social effects of dandruff as well. You know the times when people maintain an arm’s distance from you?
4. It’s Important to Maintain Good Hygiene & Relax!
We know it’s hard but try to resist the urge to scratch your scalp and shampoo regularly but not too often. It helps to get rid of the excess oils and keep dandruff symptoms at bay. Also, don’t use too many hair products that may damage your scalp. And most importantly, relax! Stress can be a trigger for your dandruff problems. Get that smile back on, go exercising, eat healthy food, sleep well and stay happy.
5. It Can Be Treated with Natural Remedies
Don’t get overwhelmed with your dandruff worries. The good news is it can be treated without harsh chemicals or medicines. Some of the best natural remedies include:
Yogurt
Leverage the yogurt benefits! Apply a cup of plain yogurt on your hair after shampoo, keep it on for 15 minutes and rinse. Do it twice or thrice a week for a month and you’ll notice a visible difference, yay!
Eggs
You can make a DIY egg mask and apply it on your hair, let it sit for an hour and wash with lemon water. This will also make your hair healthier; so, it’s a win-win situation!
Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil
Combined together, this potent mixture can restore the pH balance of your scalp and strengthen your roots. Granny was right, coconut oil works wonders!
Garlic
Mix two or three garlic cloves with water and use it on your scalp for quick results. Worried about its pungent smell? Add honey and ginger to make it bearable!
Aloe Vera
This cooling plant can provide relief from inflammation and calm down your irritated scalp. It’s a real boon for your skin and hair!
You can also try a homeopathic treatment to get rid of dandruff and enjoy shiny hair with a clear scalp. Say goodbye to dandruff and hello to healthy and clean hair!
Word of Caution – Usage of home remedies is not generalised! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.