Feeling insecure and low on yourself because little flakes keep falling on your black dress? Dandruff, however, can affect how you behave in public. Seborrhea, also known as dandruff in medicine, primarily weakens your scalp due to poor hair brushing, stress, and dry skin. So the question is now, What are the Causes Of Dandruff and how do you stop it?
Now that you know what causes dandruff, let’s talk about how to get rid of it. If the case of dandruff is not severe, home remedies can be effective. It is advised that you seek medical attention if your dandruff is severe to resolve this issue. You may need medical care to treat this condition if the shampoos you use occasionally are ineffective.
Dandruff: What is it?
Malassezia fungus is the cause of dandruff. This fungus flourishes in a humid atmosphere, so dandruff becomes more of an issue during the summer and monsoon seasons when people sweat a lot. Some people have dandruff, especially in winter, because the chilly wind deprives your hair and scalp of moisture, leaving it dry and flaking. This causes dryness and itching on the scalp, resulting in dead skin cells gathering and finally falling off your hair.
Types of Dandruff
1. Wet dandruff
Excessive sebum production causes oily scales on the scalp, causing wet dandruff. If the scalp is humid, it draws additional dirt, and it isn’t properly washed, dandruff worsens. Wet dandruff is caused by the accumulated extra oil and sebum on the scalp.
2. Oily dandruff
When you don’t shampoo your hair frequently enough, skin cells build up and flake, causing oily dandruff, also known as greasy dandruff. Less frequent hair washing results in greasy hair and an oily scalp, which can lead to dandruff.
3. Dry dandruff
A fungal or scalp infection that results in an itchy, flaky scalp is the cause of dandruff. Dry dandruff thrives on a scalp devoid of moisture.
Males are more likely than females to have thick dandruff. Additionally, dandruff becomes more noticeable during puberty. Before it worsens, dandruff can be controlled by identifying its early stages of development.
How Dandruff Develops
Let us explain the steps that contribute to the development of hair dandruff.
- When a fungus is overactive, it feeds on sebum, a vital natural scalp oil, depleting hair of its natural oils and hydration.
- This sebum degrades into a few acidic byproducts that are bad for the condition of the scalp.
- When the unsettling by-product is present, the scalp becomes itchy and red.
- Dead skin cells are evident as white flakes fall off the scalp due to the body signaling the brain to shed skin more quickly to eliminate the undesired byproduct.
- At this point, you just keep shrugging your shoulders and waiting for the snowflakes to stop.
- Dandruff can be fairly divided into three groups based on the trigger. Let’s quickly review the wide dandruff varieties.
Causes of Dandruff:-
Before starting the techniques of how to get rid of dandruff, first, we have to know the causes of dandruff. Dandruff is a common ailment that causes the scalp to become irritated and unpleasant. This can result in white flakes scattered on the hair. Although dandruff is not a significant medical condition, it can be unsightly. This scalp ailment affects one in every five people.
Understanding the origins of dandruff is an essential step in treating it. You can treat dandruff considerably more quickly if you’ve determined what aggravates your scalp enough to trigger it. Here are some of the most prevalent causes of dandruff and what you can do about them.
- Dandruff is caused by the growth of a fungus called Malassezia on your scalp. However, this causes scalp damage and extreme dryness.
- Dry skin is a typical cause of dandruff.
- Not frequently shampooing is sufficient, which might also cause skin cells to build and produce flakes and irritation, or over-shampooing and over-drying the scalp.
- Malassezia is a fungus that resides on everyone’s scalp and skin. This is another cause of dandruff. Some people acquire sensitivity, which can lead to dandruff.
- Another cause of dandruff is your sebaceous glands’ secretions.
- Fungal proliferation on the skin’s surface.
- Irregular hair brushing and washing is the cause of dandruff.
- Overbrushing the hair on the head produces far too much friction with the skin types on the scalp.
- Not using shampoo all the time is also the cause of dandruff.
- Stress and mental disorders of any type
- Too much exposure to sunshine.
- Hats put too much pressure on the scalp.
- Dust or dirt exposure also causes dandruff.
Symptoms of dandruff
The following are examples of dandruff’s early warning signs:
1. Dryness and Tightness
The natural moisture barrier of your skin is destroyed by excessive dandruff, enabling moisture to escape and leaving the scalp dry and tight. The hair appears to lose its luster and become unruly even after thorough brushing.
2. Inflammation and scratchiness
The most typical dandruff symptom is having an itchy scalp from dead skin cells and a flaky scalp. Redness results from irritation that is brought on by an itchy scalp.
3. Hairloss
Hair loss is common, but if you are losing hair at a faster rate, it could be a sign of dandruff. One loses 25 to 30 hair strands on average each day.
4. Acne
Although unrelated, the severity of dandruff promotes a sudden increase in facial pimples. Acne is handled by treating dandruff at its source. Do not get dandruff on your face because it causes acne.
How to get rid of Dandruff:
After knowing the cause of dandruff, we must go for the remedies of how to get rid of dandruff. There are numerous solutions that you can apply daily to permanently eliminate dandruff. However, to complete all of this, you must first prepare specific components and mix them properly.
Once this is achieved, there is a specific method that you must follow to get rid of those unpleasant flakes that lower your confidence levels. Here is a list of remedies that will help you to know how to get rid of dandruff.
1.Exfoliate your scalp:-
This is a real thing to get rid of dandruff. Exfoliating your scalp, like exfoliating your skin, gently lifts the top layer of dry skin. Scalp exfoliators often use small doses of salicylic acid or grains that dissolve to exfoliate dead skin.
2.Make Use of a Special Shampoo
All of the specialists consulted for this article agree that the most effective and quickest way to cure dandruff is to use a specialized dandruff shampoo. They are available with or without a prescription and contain zinc or sulfur, which can suppress yeast populations.
3.Don’t Scratch
The main thing to get rid of dandruff is to not scratch your head. It’s the white bear dilemma, but try not to scratch yourself. It is quite itchy, yet scratching can aggravate inflammation and discomfort. Scratching can produce open scalp wounds, which can lead to infections, especially if you have long, sharp nails.
4.Maintain proper hygiene:
Try to resist scratching your scalp, especially if it’s itching. Scratching can aggravate irritation and create a vicious circle. When you touch and scrape, you can introduce dirt into the mix, which can aggravate dandruff.
5.Determine the best shampooing solution for your scalp:
Shampoo your hair frequently enough to keep oils away, but don’t overdo it with products since this might irritate the scalp and get rid of dandruff.
6.Attempt a moisturizing hair mask:
Hair masks may help eradicate dandruff while moisturizing and nourishing your hair. They treat the underlying cause of flaking, irritation, inflammation, and dandruff on your scalp.
7.Massage the scalp:
This may also aid to get rid of dandruff problems. So, massaging your scalp with light oil is necessary.
8.Brush your hair daily:-
Brush your hair at least twice a day when it’s damp.
9.Reduce friction:
Avoid wearing hats and scarves, especially those made of synthetic materials.
10.Reduce your stress :
For some people, stress can exacerbate or even worsen dandruff. While stress does not cause Malassezia to grow on your scalp, this can flourish if your immune response is impaired, which is precisely what stress causes to your body. Relax for the sake of your scalp. Try going for a relaxing walk or doing yoga.
11.Do not share combs and brushes:
We all forget our hair care tools from time to time and have to ask a friend for theirs — and while this is acceptable, desist from sharing your combs and brushes frequently, as this might harm the quality of your locks. How? When you comb your hair, the teeth of your comb may pick up dirt and oils from another person’s mane. This transfer can result in problems and illnesses, one of which is dandruff!
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Apart from dandruff shampoos, a few other items, like home remedies for dandruff, might assist. Managing your stress, for example, could assist with flaking, or you could try one of these natural therapies. They are either moisturizing or may be beneficial against bacteria or fungi:
1.Coconut oil
Begin by massaging 3–5 teaspoons into your scalp, then wait an hour before shampooing your hair.
2.Aloe Vera
Just before shampooing, massage a small amount into your scalp.
3.Egg Yolk:
The best home remedy for dandruff is the use of egg yolk. Biotin, a significant nutrient that heals dandruff, is found in egg yolk. Egg yolks can be used to condition your hair and make it healthier.
4.Green Tea:
Applying green tea is the best way to get rid of dandruff. Green tea has antifungal effects and is an antioxidant that can help your scalp’s health. All you need to do to cure dandruff is apply some cooled green tea to your scalp, and you will notice a change.
5.ACV (apple cider vinegar):
This is the best home remedy for dandruff. Pour a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and a quarter cup of water over your scalp. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing your scalp.
6.Apply Mehndi:
Mehndi can be used to treat dandruff. This is the best home remedy for dandruff. Mehndi softens and softens your hair.
7.Aspirin:
Crush two aspirins and combine them with your shampoo before washing your hair. Allow it to sit for 2 minutes before rinsing.
Wet your hair, then apply baking soda to your scalp. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
8.Curd:
Using a home treatment to treat dandruff can be difficult, especially since curd is messy. This is the best home remedy for dandruff. When the curd is put into your hair, it is particularly beneficial in treating dandruff.
9.Lemon juice:
2 teaspoons lemon juice rubbed into your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse. After that, combine another teaspoon of lemon juice with one cup of water and apply it to your scalp.
10.Fenugreek Seeds:
Fenugreek seeds are used to prevent dandruff. This method, also known as methi seeds, must be carried out correctly.
11.Neem Juice:
Neem is a very effective home remedy for dandruff. And is one of the primary ingredients in most shampoos. Applying neem juice to your hair does not make it messy like curd.
12.Olive oil:
Apply a few drops of olive oil to your scalp, then cover your hair with a shower cap and sleep on it. Shampoo your hair in the morning.
13.Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil, a byproduct of the Australian tea tree, has been found in specific tests to aid with dandruff, but more research is needed. This is the best home remedy for dandruff. It may irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction in some situations.
14.Vinegar:
Vinegar contains pharmaceutical properties that can eliminate harmful fungi, making it an easy solution to get rid of dandruff. This also aids in the treatment of skin issues such as acne and scalp itching.
When should you see a doctor?
The dandruff home treatments and preventions listed above should provide relief from the condition. However, dandruff isn’t the only cause of an itchy scalp. If your dandruff is very tenacious or bothersome, you may have psoriasis, eczema, or an actual fungal infection. Your doctor can assist.
However, if dandruff persists or worsens, it’s time to see a dermatologist. If your scalp is continuously itchy, inflamed, or red, forgo these at-home treatments and see a dermatologist as soon as possible!
